Kathmandu Full Day Sightseeing by Hiace Van

At. 09:00 AM: You will be picked up from the spot you specified for your sightseeing. You will spend the entire day touring the Kathmandu Valley, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu, which include Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swaymabhunath Stupa, and the Patan Durbar Square or Kathmandu Durbar Square (You can choose one between the Durbar Squares). 

At. 09:30 AM: Firstly, you will start with Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site. You will wander through the maze of the temple, surrounded by small shrines, each with its own religious significance. 

At. 11:00 AM: Then, stop by Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world and the centre of Tibetan Buddhism, located just 2 km away from the Pashupatinath temple. As you witness the people circumambulating the stupa, you can feel its significance and serenity. There are various cosy cafes and restaurants around the area of Boudhanath that serve different continental cuisines. 

Note: An hour will be given for your lunch, you can have it according to your timing and location preferences. 

At. 01:00 PM: Later in the afternoon, your next exploration will be at Patan Durbar Square or Kathmandu Durbar Square, two of the three Durbar squares, where you will travel through the historical lane. 

At. 03:00 PM: After that, you will visit Swayambhunath Stupa, famously known as the Monkey Temple, a religious site with Hindu and Buddhist harmony. You must climb certain steps to reach the top of the hill, where the stupa is located.

At 05:00 PM: Once you finish your sightseeing, you will be dropped back at the location mentioned.

Note: 10-15 minutes of early arrival or delay in your itinerary can be considered and managed accordingly.

Pashupatinath Temple is the largest and holiest shrine for Hindus, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple, situated on the bank of the Bagmati River, was built in the 5th century. It is represented by a four faced shiva-lingam housed in the main temple. There are around 492 temples, 15 Shivalayas (shrines of Lord Shiva), and 12 Jyotirlingas (phallic shrines) to explore. Although only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed on the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river. A centre for Hindu pilgrimage, this temple hosts different major festivals such as Maha Shivaratri and pujas such as Rudra Abhishek and evening Aarti. Additionally, no entrance fee is charged for Indian nationals to enter the temple. 

Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world, attracting visitors for its religious and spiritual significance. Around the base of the stupa, you’ll find 108 small niches housing statues of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabha, representing the different stages of enlightenment. It is a sacred place for both Tibetan Buddhists and locals.

Patan Durbar Square, one of the three durbar squares in Kathmandu Valley, is 6 km southeast of Kathmandu. The square is an important example of Newari architecture, surrounded by prominent temples, palaces, courtyards, and statues. The Keshav Narayan Temple, which was built in the 17th century and dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, is a masterpiece of pagoda architecture. The temple is known for its nine roofed pagodas and its richly decorated interior. Other notable key attractions on the square are the Krishna Temple, the Taleju Temple, the Bhimsen Temple, and the Patan Museum. Wandering through the narrow alleys lined with traditional Newari houses, bustling markets selling handicrafts and souvenirs, and local shops showcasing local artisans' work is an interesting sight to see. 

Kathmandu Durbar Square, the ancient site that was once the royal palace of the Malla kings, showcases the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. It is surrounded by palaces, temples, courtyards, and statues, with the centerpiece, Hanuman Dhoka, displaying Newari architecture and craftsmanship. Besides that, other heritage sites such as Kumari Ghar (Living Goddess), Kasthamandap, Jagannath Temple, and Taleju Temple make the square attractive. It is also the centre for different festivals celebrated throughout the year, such as Indra Jatra, Ghode Jatra, and Dashain.

Believed to be the oldest Buddhist shrine in Nepal, the history of the Swayambhunath Stupa dates back 2500 years. Also known as a monkey temple, it is a hilltop pilgrimage site surrounded by smaller temples, stupas, and monasteries. This site shows the perfect harmony of Hindu and Buddhist religions with the combination of Buddhist stupas and Hindu shrines.