Kathmandu Valley Tour – 1 Day
Duration
Max Altitude
Difficulty
Group Size
Meals
Accommodation
- Hotel
Activities
- Tpur

- 1 personUS$ 140
- 2 - 4 personUS$ 110
- 5 - 10 personUS$ 90
- 11 over 9999 US$ 75
Total Cost:
US$ 140

Introduction of Kathmandu Valley Tour – 1 Day
The 1-day Kathmandu Valley tour is an exhilarating trip that showcases Nepal’s rich culture, history, and religious heritage. Kathmandu is Nepal’s capital city and largest urban center, sitting at an altitude of 1324 meters above sea level.
It is also regarded as the gateway to the Himalayas, as many trekkers pass through this city to head to major trekking destination regions like Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Helambu, and so on.
This Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour is ideal for those who have limited time to enjoy the best moments of their lives in a single day. You will travel pleasantly in a private vehicle to key tourist destinations. You will have the opportunity to experience what it is like to live in a bustling city where numerous cultures cohabitate.
Due to its abundance of temples, shrines, and other religious structures, the Kathmandu Valley is referred to as the “City of Temples.” One of the holiest places on earth for Buddhists and Hindus, this valley is home to towns like Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, and Patan and has a rich history.
This journey will bring you to five out of the seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley, which are the historical and cultural wealth of Nepal. The places that you will visit in one day are the following UNESCO sites: Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.
On this Kathmandu City Sightseeing, you will explore not only the rich heritage of Kathmandu Valley but also the local people’s social norms and values. Kathmandu Valley is originally home to the Newar community, but at present, people from different ethnic groups are living here.
You will have deep insights into the Newar people’s culture and customs, who are known for preserving the past art, architecture, culture, and festivals still prevalent today.
If you visit Kathmandu Valley on its special occasions, such as Indra Jatra, Gai Jatra, Bisket Jatra, Dashain, Tihar, etc., you will get to be part of the vibrant community to witness the god and goddess masked dances, traditional music, and celebrations that you have never seen before.
Another benefit of visiting Kathmandu is that you will have the opportunity to enjoy unique Newari dishes like Samay Baji (Newari Feast), Juju Dhau (Curd), Yomari (sweet dumplings), Bara, and many more, making your Kathmandu Valley 1-day tour more insightful and unforgettable.
Kathmandu is a city where history blends with modernity, providing unique vibes and experiences to every visitor. Similarly, Kathmandu is also regarded as one of the safest cities of Nepal for solo travel. So, you don’t have to worry about safety when traveling to Kathmandu City of Nepal.
In conclusion, if you are looking to travel quickly and return to your home country, Kathmandu is the perfect option for you to create countless memories and enjoy the rich culture and religious heritage without wasting a single second of your precious time. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us for a customized Kathmandu sightseeing tour at an affordable cost.
Trip Highlights
- Experiencing Kathmandu Valley’s rich culture, history, and religious legacy in one day
- Visit five UNESCO World Heritage sites: Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple
- Enjoying pleasant transport in a private vehicle to major destinations
- Kathmandu City serves as a beginning point for trekkers heading to Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Helambu, and other regions for trekking adventure
- The Valley is famously known as the “City of Temples” due to its abundance of temples and significant religious sites
- Immersing in local traditions and social customs, especially of the Newar community
- Enjoying the taste of unique Newari dishes such as Samay Baji, Juju Dhau, Bara, and Yomari in the city
- If lucky, witnessing unique celebrations like Indra Jatra, Gai Jatra, Dashain, and Tihar, featuring masked dances and traditional music
Detail Itinerary of Kathmandu Valley Tour – 1 Day
Day 01: Kathmandu Sightseeing
Drive from the Hotel to Swayambhunath
On this 1-day tour in Kathmandu, you will wake up early to make the most of the day without wasting a second of your time. You can finish eating your breakfast before we arrive to receive you in your hotel lobby. You should recheck all the required items you will bring along on the trip, like a camera, battery, mobile, medications (if you are using them), and so on.
At eight in the morning, our car will be waiting to pick you up in the lobby of your hotel. Your knowledgeable guide will provide you with information about the places we will be visiting today as part of our Kathmandu City Sightseeing tour. We’re going to the Swoyambhunath Temple first. We would cross about 3 kilometers in 20 to 25 minutes to go to the temple because there would be less traffic in the morning.
Swoyambhunath Temple is situated on a hillock at 1400 meters above sea level in the western direction of Kathmandu City. Swayambhunath Mahachaitya, also called the Monkey Temple, is one of the oldest temples, dating back over 2500 years. The surrounding area is filled with small shrines and temples representing various Buddhist traditions.
There are two entrances to this temple. One is a long, steep staircase with 365 steps, and the other is easily accessible by road. You can witness Buddha’s large, painted, beautiful eyes in all four directions, which signify awareness and wisdom. This site was listed in 1979 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This temple is a significant site for Buddhists and Hindus. Additionally, you can see the absolutely stunning vistas of Kathmandu Valley in a 360-degree view, along with breathtaking surrounding landscapes. After exploring this temple, our next destination on this Kathmandu Valley 1-day tour will be Boudhanath Stupa.
Drive from Swayambhunath to Boudhanath
The next stop on our Kathmandu Valley 1-day tour is the Boudhanath Stupa. The distance between the Stupa and Swayambhunath Temple is 5–6 kilometers. Depending on the level of traffic in Kathmandu City, it will take us 20 to 30 minutes to get to our destination. As soon as you enter the premises of Boudhanath Stupa, you will feel the peaceful setting.
The Boudhanath Stupa is 36 meters high, one of the largest in Nepal and South Asia. King Mandev first built it in the 6th century, and several renovations were undertaken over the centuries. This stupa is designed in the shape of a mandala, which represents the spiritual symbol of the universe.
This stupa, like the Swoyambhunath Temple, features four eyes that gaze in all directions, representing awareness, protection, and wisdom. Several pilgrims from all over the world come here, especially during significant Buddhist holidays such as Buddha Purnima (Lord Buddha’s birthday) and Lhosar (the Tibetan New Year).
Similarly, this stupa is surrounded by mani wheels (prayer wheels), monasteries, and smaller stupas. You should circle the stupa, walking clockwise and spinning prayer wheels. It is believed that doing this will purify negative karma and promote spiritual growth. You will feel a sense of deep peace in your heart while circling the stupa.
After praying at the stupa, spend a half-hour browsing the stores selling souvenirs, prayer flags, Buddhist handicrafts, jewelry, and other goods. Similarly, you can enjoy Kima noodles and Laphing at Boudhnath’s popular cafes and eateries. On this Kathmandu Valley 1-day tour, we will then proceed to Pashupatinath Temple.
Drive from Boudhanath to Pashupatinath
After exploring Boudhanath Stupa on this Kathmandu Valley 1-day tour, our private vehicle will take us to Pashupatinath Temple, heading east towards the Bagmati Khola River. It will take us 20 to 30 minutes to travel via places like Chabil and Gaushala, depending on traffic. The temple is just 5 to 6 kilometers away from the stupa.
The Pashupatinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (Mahadev), was built in the 5th century after a Shiva Lingam was found at the site. It is located on both sides of the sacred Bagmati Khola River. There are about 518 temples and monuments in the temple honoring different Hindu deities.
With a gold-plated dome, fine woodwork carvings, and silver-coated entrances on all four sides, the main temple is built in the pagoda style. A massive bronze statue of Nandi, Shiva’s holy bull, confronts the temple’s main gate. This temple ranks as one of Asia’s four most revered Shiva temples.
In addition, the opposite bank of the Bagmati River can be very interesting, especially for a visit to the Ghuheswori Temple, which is reserved for the Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva. Pilgrims typically take the opportunity to come to this temple and get the blessings before worshipping Pashupatinath, as this temple is closely linked with Lord Shiva.
Another highlight of the Pashupatinath Temple is the chance to see cremation procedures on the banks of the Bagmati River. Here, Hindu funerals are held, and the bereaved are typically burned with wood. After exploring this temple, our next stop on this 1-day tour in Kathmandu would be Patan.
Drive from Pashupatinath to Patan
Starting from Pashupatinath Temple, our next objective will be to go southwest to Patan Durbar Square. The highway connects approximately 5 kilometers or 3 miles, taking 15 to 20 minutes on this Kathmandu Valley 1-day tour itinerary. Patan Durbar Square is situated in Patan, a district divided from Kathmandu district by the Bagmati Khola River.
After arriving in Patan, we will go to a restaurant or eatery for lunch to refuel for the remainder of our Kathmandu Valley Tour. Then we’ll visit Patan Durbar Square, one of the most famous places in Kathmandu Valley. It is the heart and soul of Patan City, as well as one of the valley’s three royal squares, with a rich architectural and cultural heritage.
Patan Durbar Square displays the beautiful artistry of the Newari people. It will make you homesick for the medieval ages in Kathmandu Valley. The square has three central courtyards: Mul Chowk, Keshav Narayan Chowk, and Sundari Chowk, which are loaded with ancient architecture.
The primary attractions of Patan Durbar Square include Krishna Mandir, Taleju Bhawani, Keshav Narayan Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Kumbheshwor Temple, Bhimsen Temple, Jagat Narayan Temple, and Patan Museum. You can take your time exploring these temples and clicking amazing photographs.
You can also travel in the narrow alleys and see traditional Newari homes, artisan workshops, cafes, local markets, etc. Moreover, you can try Newari cuisine like Yomari, Bara, and Samaj Baji, giving you insight into Newari culture. Then, our last stop of the Kathmandu Valley 1-day tour will be Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Drive from Patan to Kathmandu Durbar Square
The final UNESCO-listed World Heritage site we explore on this one-day Kathmandu City Sightseeing trip is Kathmandu Durbar Square. To get there, it will take us 25 to 35 minutes to drive 5 to 6 kilometers in normal traffic. You’ll notice the lively environment when you get there, which will make your tour much more exciting.
Kathmandu Durbar Square, also known as Hanuman Dhoka and Basantapur Durbar Square, is located in the heart of Kathmandu. Hanuman Dhoka was named after King Pratap Malla’s Hanuman statue, which was put at the royal palace’s doorway in 1672 A.D.
This square is home to many historic monuments and landmarks, which present Nepal’s rich medieval architecture, culture, and history. The main key attractions here are Kumari Ghar (home to the Living Goddess, Kumari), Kasthamandap, Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Kal Bhairav, Nautale Durbar (Basantapur Palace), Jagannath Temple, Big Bell, and Big Drum.
If you visit Kathmandu Durbar Square in September of Bhadra (Nepali calendar) on a Kathmandu sightseeing tour, you will be able to see the Indra Jatra event. This celebration features a stunning parade of the living goddess Kumari in a chariot pulled by residents through the streets of Kathmandu.
Aside from that, this square is surrounded by bustling handicraft stores, restaurants, cafes, and small local companies that offer clothing, shoes, bags, and other items. You can also walk to the Asan Market or visit eateries to eat numerous scrumptious dishes. In the evening, we will conclude our Kathmandu Valley 1-day tour.
Drive back to the Hotel
It’s finally time to return to your hotel after a fabulous day on this Kathmandu Valley 1-day tour itinerary. We will drop you off at your hotel in Kathmandu Durbar Square, concluding the trip. To make the most of this day, you can enjoy the nightlife of Thamel. Thamel is recognized as the nightlife hotspot, with clubs, pubs, live music venues, and more.
Thamel Street offers a variety of activities that will leave you with amazing experiences. If you have more time in Nepal, you can extend your Kathmandu Valley Tour to see destinations such as Nagarkot, Changu Narayan, Shivapuri National Park, Sundarijal, and others.
Max. Altitude: 1,324m/4,344ft. Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
Trip Route Map
Includes & Excludes
What are included with package?
Transportation
- Transport during the sightseeing.
- A personally guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley by private vehicle
Guide and Staff
- Experienced, , government licensed, English speaking, and locally recruited Expert Tour Guide
- Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance and medications for all staff
Permits
- Entrance fees to World Heritage Sites
Benefits and Takeaways
- Tour completion certificate
Administrative & Taxes
- All administrative expenses and government taxes
What are not included with package?
Price Excludes
- Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu)
- Any beverages including bottled and boiled water
- Tips to tour staff and driver
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Cost raised by cancelation and events beyond our control, e.g., landsides necessitating trail diversions, weather delays, political unrest, illness, et cetera.
- Any expenses other than the Price Include section
- Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, boiled bottle water, hot (Tea/ Coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge fee, extra porters, etc
- Personal clothing and gear
Note:
If you have a private group and prefer a personalized experience, we can organize a custom trip tailored to your requirements and group size, running it any day you choose.
Detail Information about Kathmandu Valley Tour – 1 Day
Best Time for Kathmandu Valley Tours
The Kathmandu Valley 1-day tour can be visited at any month of the year in Nepal. Unlike trekking in Nepal, which needs an ideal season to travel, this trip doesn’t need a perfect season if you wish to travel around Kathmandu City during your holiday time in your country.
Kathmandu lies at an altitude of 1324 meters, so you don’t have to face any harsh weather conditions due to the climate. Below are the four different seasons explained for the Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour:
Spring (March-May): Spring has always been the best time to visit anywhere in Nepal. Similarly, it is an excellent time for the Kathmandu Valley 1-day tour, offering warm weather with temperatures between 25 and 29 degrees Celsius. Clear skies and lush greenery surround you in the spring, and you can see some views of the mountains from a distance.
The environment of the temples and stupas will also be enjoyable during this season. The occasional rain will cool the environment and freshen you while you walk around UNESCO heritage sites. Similarly, you can celebrate Bisket Jatra and Holi, which occur this season, providing you with insights into distinctive Nepalese culture.
Autumn or Fall (Mid-September-November): The Kathmandu Valley 1-day tour is perfect during the fall or autumn due to the ideal weather. The weather is very mild and clear, with temperatures during the day of 20 degrees Celsius and 14 degrees Celsius at nighttime.
Another big benefit of visiting Nepal for Kathmandu City Sightseeing this season is the possibility to participate in vivid festivities such as Deepawali (Tihar) and Vijaya Dashami (Dashain). The city will be less crowded as many people return to their various home districts in Nepal, resulting in more serene travel in Kathmandu Valley with less traffic.
Winter (November-February): Winter can also be a good season for the Kathmandu Valley 1-day tour because the daytime temperature is mild and cool, from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius. This enables you to sightsee around the city without suffering from extreme heat. There is a balance of coolness and warmth simultaneously, making your tour enjoyable.
However, temperatures can drop to 2 degrees Celsius at night, making you feel chilly. However, if you wear warm clothes, it won’t matter so much. Apart from this, accommodation will be more affordable than during peak seasons due to increased visitors to the trekking journey in the mountains of Nepal.
Summer or Monsoon (June–Mid-September): Due to the intense rains in the city, summer is cited as the least popular season for the Kathmandu Valley 1-day tour. The day can be scorching with temperatures as high as 30 degrees Celsius. Even on clear days, it will be hot and humid while you explore Kathmandu, causing you to perspire.
However, if you love rain, you can come prepared to travel around Kathmandu City by wearing raincoats, umbrellas, and boots. The UNESCO heritage sites will also be serene due to the few crowds roaming around the temples. So, each season has unique traits you can visit according to your time and preference.
Who can join this Kathmandu Valley Tour?
Anyone looking for the perfect one-day getaway can simply join this Kathmandu Valley 1-day tour. You don’t have to be in the best physical shape to embark on this trip. A sound, healthy body is enough for the Kathmandu Valley Tour, as you will be traveling in our private vehicle without any physical demands.
This one-day short trip allows you to enjoy the vibrant city of Kathmandu, Nepal, with your kids, family members, or peers. Even if you are a solo traveler, you will learn different life perspectives here, distinct from the world. Many culture and history enthusiasts visit Kathmandu yearly to learn about ancient temples, architecture, and UNESCO-listed heritage sites.
In Nepal’s special months, many pilgrims and spiritual seekers come from different parts of the world to visit holy temples and monasteries. For example, many Hindu pilgrims and Lord Mahadev devotees visit Pashupatinath Temple in Shivaratri. The point is that anyone who loves to explore its rich heritage and culture can visit Kathmandu in a single day or over an extended period at their own pace.
Preparation and fitness
If you are wondering whether you need to be physically fit for the Kathmandu Valley 1-day tour, then you are wrong. You don’t need to be in shape. However, essential fitness and sound health are enough to travel around the city on foot. Despite this, the crucial part of traveling to any part of Nepal is good preparation.
You should check the weather forecast for Kathmandu City and adjust your attire accordingly. When visiting the various UNESCO-listed heritage sites, you will need to walk, so dress comfortably. Remembering to pack dependable sunscreen is another essential step in getting ready for a 1-day tour in Kathmandu.
Whether it is autumn, spring, winter, or summer, you should put sunscreen on your body parts during sunny days, especially in summer. You can also wear a cap or a hat to protect your beautiful face from the sunlight. If you are traveling in the rainy season, you should always have an umbrella, even if it’s not raining, as the weather is still unpredictable.
You should also come prepared, carrying extra money in your wallet while traveling to UNESCO heritage sites and other temples. These sites can charge entrance fees, which are not included in the Kathmandu Valley one-day tour package. Aside from this, another critical thing to remember while sightseeing in Kathmandu is to stay hydrated to avoid dehydration while walking.
Entrance Fees
You must pay entrance fees while visiting this 1-day Kathmandu Valley tour, which includes visiting major UNESCO-listed heritage sites in the valley to support infrastructure development, cultural and religious protection, Local Community Support, cleanliness, preservation, maintenance, and so on.
The fees can vary at different heritage sites depending on which nation you are from. Following are the entrance fees of 5 UNESCO-listed sites of Kathmandu Valley, which you will visit on this Kathmandu Valley 1-day tour that are listed below:
Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): The entrance fees are Nepalese Rupees 200 for foreign citizens and Nepalese Rupees 50 for SAARC nationals.
Boudhanath Stupa: Foreign citizens pay around Nepalese Rupees 200, while SAARC citizens pay around Nepalese Rupees 100.
Pashupatinath Temple: If you are from India, you don’t need to pay the entrance fees, while other nationals from different countries must pay Nepalese Rupees 1000.
Patan Durbar Square (including Patan Museum): In Patan, foreign nationals’ entrance fees cost Nepalese Rupees 1000, while the entrance fees for SAARC nationals are Nepalese Rupees 250.
Kathmandu Durbar Square (including Tribhuvan Museum): Foreign citizens must pay Nepalese Rupees 1000, while Nepalese Rupees 500 for SAARC citizens.
Note: The Nepal Tourism Board has the authority to alter the aforementioned costs. For accurate entry costs to these historical locations, you can also visit the official website.
How to get around Kathmandu City?
If you are traveling with us or any travel company for the Kathmandu Valley 1-day tour, you will have an expert guide in the company’s private transportation. However, if you want to plan alone or with friends without a guide, the best way to explore the heart of Kathmandu is by walking, as many key spots are close to each other.
Another perfect means of transportation for sightseeing in Kathmandu City for short distances is to use cycle rickshaws to navigate the vibrant streets. Taxis are the most used transportation in the city, and they are available everywhere. However, they can be expensive, so you can buy a local SIM after you arrive in Nepal and download the Pathao or Indrive online apps to reserve a taxi at an affordable cost.
Finally, buses are a much cheaper option for traveling in Kathmandu. But if you plan a one-day tour of the Kathmandu Valley, this option may be the worst because buses are driven very slowly, picking up passengers along the way and stopping at each stop, which can waste your time instantly.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance isn’t required for the Kathmandu Valley 1-day tour, but it can be useful. During the visit, you may encounter unforeseen events such as minor injuries, a lost bag, or flight cancellations. It is possible that the streets of Kathmandu will be crowded and that even heritage sites will not be exempt from the many rough and uneven paths.
If a short hike or cycling is included in your tour, it is advisable to choose the one that covers medical emergencies and accidents. Nonetheless, a vast majority of travelers visiting the city will opt not to use the service in this case. Make sure to ask your service provider about the plan’s coverage and choose the method that best suits your comfort level and the things you plan to do.
But if you listen to us, for your peace of mind, purchase a basic travel insurance plan that covers the risks of theft, minor injuries, extended stays in Nepal due to flight cancellations or delays, lost items, and so on. This will safeguard you as your backup plan to cover unforeseen expenses, enhancing your Kathmandu Valley 1-day tour in Nepal.
What to expect from this Kathmandu Valley Tour?
Anticipate a day of enthralling activities as you traverse Kathmandu Valley’s full cultural and historical heritage. You will travel by personal vehicle to five UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. Exploring old temples, fancy palaces, and carved sacred temples makes these visits such a unique experience.
While on the Kathmandu Valley 1-day Tour, you will get an insider perspective of the Newari locals’ lives. The distinction between the two is quite obvious, while you’re moving around crowded streets looking at peaceful relics. You will also be able to delight in unique Newari dishes such as Samay Baji and Yomari, both of which are authentic local cuisines providing a taste of the place’s culture.
The Kathmandu Valley tour is ideal for travelers who want to see every nook and crevice of the valley in a short amount of time and in pleasure. The excursions are guided by professional local guides, and you will enjoy a safe travel environment as you explore Kathmandu’s interesting history and culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Kathmandu Valley Tour a popular destination for visitors?
Many rich cultural heritages display unique architecture, wood carvings, and the history of the medieval period, attracting thousands of visitors. Kathmandu Valley has a rich Hindu and Buddhist culture blend, with unique monasteries, sacred temples, and UNESCO heritage treasures, making it a popular destination for visitors.
What is the duration of the Kathmandu Valley 1-day tour?
The Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour lasts about 7 to 8 hours, kicking off at 8:00 AM, depending on the city’s traffic and the time spent exploring each UNESCO-listed World Heritage site.
How many key spots are included in this Kathmandu Valley 1-day tour?
You will visit 5 UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites in this 1-day tour in Kathmandu.
Should I carry cash on the Kathmandu City Sightseeing Tour?
Of course, you should bring a case if you decide to buy souvenirs and snacks on the way. Even though there are many ATMs and credit services available, it would be wise to bring cash to avoid any hassle while doing transactions.
Is the Kathmandu Valley 1-day tour safe?
Yes, it’s safe. You don’t need to be concerned about anything, as your guide will be there with you all the time. But you should be cautious with your belongings.
What are some well-known dishes in Kathmandu that you should try?
There are a lot of dishes that you can try, like Newari dishes (Yomari, Bara, and Samay Baji), the Thakali Khana Set, traditional Nepali dishes (Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari), momos, lassi, noodles, and many more.
Reviews on Kathmandu Valley Tour – 1 Day

- 1 personUS$ 140
- 2 - 4 personUS$ 110
- 5 - 10 personUS$ 90
- 11 over 9999 US$ 75
Total Cost:
US$ 140

