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Asia Nepal Kathmandu Do & See Durbar Square

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Durbar Square

The guide was updated: 2024-05-02

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Private Full-Day Tour of Kathmandu Valley's UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Kathmandu's central square is a breathtaking sight, packed with palaces, temples, shrines, and pagodas. The colours, sounds and smells are intoxicating as what seems like the whole city passes through on any given day. It is the centre of spiritual and cultural life in Kathmandu and cannot be missed. Kathmandu Durbar Square in front of the old royal palace is one of three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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Address: Durbar Square, Kathmandu

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Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Amitabha Monastery Hike

Amitabha Monastery Hike

From Swayambhu to the Amitabha Monastery (in Nepali 'Seto Gumba' you will master an approximately 15 kilometre (9.3 miles) long, 4-5-hour hike, with beautiful panoramic views over the Kathmandu Valley and the chance to admire a breathtaking sunset or sunrise, if you time your journey right. For inexperienced hikers, it is recommendable to join a group or to hire a guide for the trek.

Hike to Kakani

Hike to Kakani

From Kathmandu to the small village Kakani — this hiking path leads you through the sub-alpine forests of Nepal. The trek itself is graded easy with only a slight incline. Keep in mind that the walk might take up to 5-6 hours, though. It is recommended to hire a local agency for secured transport and experienced guides along the way.

Hanuman Dhoka

Hanuman Dhoka

Dedicated to the Hindu monkey god, Hanuman, this impressive palace complex was constructed between the 4th and 8th centuries and then expanded considerably in the 17th. Spread over 5 acres, it contains the Royal Palace and many beautiful temples and courtyards. Unfortunately, the complex was severely damaged during the 2015 earthquake and reconstruction is still underway.

Durbar Square

Durbar Square

Kathmandu's central square is a breathtaking sight, packed with palaces, temples, shrines, and pagodas. The colours, sounds and smells are intoxicating as what seems like the whole city passes through on any given day. It is the centre of spiritual and cultural life in Kathmandu and cannot be missed. Kathmandu Durbar Square in front of the old royal palace is one of three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (The Golden Temple)

Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (The Golden Temple)

Dating back as far as the 12th century, this unique Buddhist monastery gets its name from the many decorative gold plates covering much of the facade. It is located in Patan, to the south of the city, and the doorways and courtyards hold shrines dedicated to Buddhist gods and elaborate statues of the temple's mythical guardians.

Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa

This temple, located northeast of central Kathmandu, is the largest stupa in the country and the most important Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. After the Chinese occupation of Tibet, thousands of Tibetan refugees fled to Nepal and settled in the area around this temple, making it an important haven for Tibetan culture.

Swayambhunath Temple

Swayambhunath Temple

West of the city of Kathmandu lies this cluster of temples, shrines and other religious structures, one of the oldest and holiest places in the whole country, revered by Buddhists and Hindus alike. Also known as Monkey Temple, because of its many resident monkeys, devotees and visitors flock here, often preferring to tackle the 365 step ascent, rather than driving up.

Garden of Dreams

Garden of Dreams

The ideal place to escape the hectic rhythm and constant bustle of the city, the Garden of Dreams provides a refuge for nature lovers. This small garden with its beautifully decorated gates, fountains and pavilions is a great place for a picnic and a spot of people watching, as young local couples often come for a romantic day out.

Kumari Ghar

Kumari Ghar

This red-brick building is the home of the Kumari — a young girl chosen as the city's 'living goddess', a charge she occupies until reaching puberty. Inside is a wonderful courtyard (considered by some to be the most beautiful in all of Nepal) where the Kumari herself may be seen from 9 am to 11 am, though photographing her is forbidden.

National Museum of Nepal

National Museum of Nepal

Nepal's National Museum houses wonderful treasures, ranging from Buddhist art (statues, paintings and gigantic manuscripts) to stone, metal and terracotta statues. The highlight is the statue of Sukhavara Samvara, with 34 intricate arms and 10 faces. Another favourite is the collection of weapons belonging to national heroes such as Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founder of Nepal. The National Museum has three exhibition buildings — the Historical building, the Juddha Jatiya art gallery, and the Buddhist art gallery.

Panoramic Everest Flight

Panoramic Everest Flight

Of course, not every trip to Nepal must include the arduous and dangerous hike to the world's tallest mountain. However, you can embark on a mountain flight from Tribhuvan Airport for a panoramic encounter with the highest peaks on earth. Witness majestic views of Mt. Everest, as well as Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kantega, Lhotse and Nuptse. A short but memorable flight over the clouds. Mark the occasion with a glass of sparkling wine.

Peace Gallery

Peace Gallery

The Nepalese civil war tore the country apart for ten years at the turn of the 21st century. The powerful photo exhibition at the Peace Gallery displays images of children affected by the violence and some of the brave people who endured. The photos are moving and extremely thought-provoking.

Kopan Monastery

Kopan Monastery

Just outside Kathmandu, in the village of Kapan, lies this Buddhist monastery. It is the perfect destination for a day-trip, or even a few nights in one of the guest rooms. The monastery is famed for its beautiful setting and peaceful, relaxing surroundings. Many visitors come here to attend courses in search of a spiritual experience.

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