Best Day Tour in Nepal- Exploring Kathmandu Valley
Published on Feb 21, 2024Best Day Tour in Nepal represents the tour in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, which is a magical and enchanting city with many breathtaking sights to see. With centuries of rich cultural legacy delicately woven into its fabric and the majestic Himalayas providing a stunning backdrop, a day trip to Kathmandu is an extravagant feast for the senses.
The vibrant, diverse city charms tourists of all ages with its aura. The crowded metropolis is heavily influenced by Buddhism and Hinduism, as evidenced by the numerous ornate temples and monasteries. Discover the many elements of the beautiful Trex Mount Kathmandu City Tour, including the temples, customs, food, and culture of the city.
Our One-Day Kathmandu Tour includes a full day of touring four of the valley’s World Heritage Sites (WHS) that have been inducted by UNESCO.
These include the tallest spherical stupa in Nepal, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath, a historic Buddhist pilgrimage site, and Kathmandu Durbar Square, the old royal palace that originally housed the medieval Kathmandu monarchy.
An engaging trip through the history, spirituality, and culture of this dynamic city may be had with a day-long sightseeing tour in Kathmandu. Experience the rich legacy of Kathmandu by reserving our in-demand Kathmandu Day Tour package. To provide further insight into our fascinating sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, this guide includes comprehensive information on four UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites.
Highlights of the Best Day Tour in Nepal
- Discover Kathmandu’s native customs and culture.
- Visit the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites.
- Admire the Kathmandu Valley vista from Monkey Temple.
- See Pashupati, the historical site, and the Bouddha Monkey Temple. Durbar Square, Kathmandu’s Hanuman Dhoka.
- Kathmandu’s artwork and architectural design Kumari, the living goddess.
Package list of Best Day Tour in Nepal
1. Kathmandu Durbar Square
The royal palace known as Kathmandu Durbar is a historically and culturally significant location, tucked away in the center of the city’s business district.
The square, which is a relic of the Newar Kingdom, has numerous temples from the sixteenth century, palace complexes, open courts, and other structures. Within the valley during the Middle Ages, there were three Newar Kingdoms: Kathmandu Durbar (also known as Basantapur Durbar or Hanumandhoka Durbar).
After the country transitions to democracy, the Hanumandhoka Durbar—once a royal retreat—no longer accommodates monarchy. However, it still exudes the same charm and attractiveness that still attracts travelers.
Kasthamandap, Maju Dega, Gaddhi Baithak, Bishnu Temple, Sweta Vairab, life-stone image of Kaal Bhairava, Degu Taleju Temple, Hanuman idol, Nautale Durbar, and Kumari Bahal (the abode of Kumari, a young girl worshipped as a living Goddess) are among the principal buildings inside Kathmandu Durbar Square.
2. Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)
Swayambhu is a well-known Buddhist complex that includes a gallery, a Tibetan monastery, several shrines, temples, and the stupa known as Swayambhunath. It is, a mound-like building decorated with Buddha’s eyes and overlooking a serene valley, is the complex’s focal point.
Swayambhu, which translates to “self-sprung” in Nepali, has a mythical past. According to legend, Bipaswi Buddha planted a lotus in a meadow that was once home to a massive lake during the Satya Yug.
When Bodhisatwo Manjushree drained the lake’s water and prepared the valley for human habitation, the lotus flower—which once contained an endless, self-existent flame—was changed into a hill. The stupa is very important to Buddhists and is thought to have been constructed over the eternal flame.
Perched on a hill, Swayambhu provides a 270-degree panorama of the Kathmandu valley, framed by mountains to the north. Swayambhu is not only an esteemed holy place but also a valuable resource for botanists and avian enthusiasts.
3. Boudhanath Stupa
The largest spherical stupa in Nepal, Boudhanath, is located 7.5 kilometers east of Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square. Considered to contain the relics of Kashyap, also known as the Primordial Buddha, the Stupa is a jewel that grants wishes. Standing at 43.03 meters today, Stupa occupies 7631.06 square meters of ground. PanchTatva, or the five physical elements that comprise the foundation of cosmic creation, is symbolized by the five distinct portions of the Boudha Stupa.
Earth is represented by the score angular (Vimshatiskona) plinth, while the 100-foot-diameter dome represents water. In the same vein, fire, air, and sky are represented by the thirteen gliding conical steps, the parasol, and the pinion, respectively. Guru Lhakhang Monastery, Samteling Monastery, Jhamchen Lhakhang, and Dilyak Yevam/1000 Buddha Monastery are the four traditional monasteries that surround the stupa. The Bouddhanath celebrates several festivals, including Temal Jatra, Buddha Jayanti, Ropai Jatra, Mamla Jatra, and Chechya Puja.
4. Pashupatinath Temple
The vast Shiva temple complex known as Pashupatinath is situated on 246 hectares of land. The earliest Hindu temple in Kathmandu is the main temple, dedicated to Pashupati, a manifestation of Shiva, and thought to have been constructed in the second or first century BC.
Although the actual era of Pashupati Temple’s construction is unknown, 5th-century archeological evidence has been discovered. The current temple was built in the Nepali pagoda architectural style, and it is 23 m 7 cm high (from base to pinnacle). The temple’s features include four silver doors, a gold pinnacle, and two copper roofs covered in gold.
The primary idol of the temple, a stone Mukhalinga with a silver yoni base, is housed in the inner sanctum, while the outside sanctuary is an open area that resembles a corridor. The Pashupati Area is a vast collection of 518 small temples, ashrams, pictures, and inscriptions from the Malla and Lichhavi eras.
Pashupati Mandir Parisar, Kotilingeshwor Parisar, Aryaghat Parisar, Gaurighat Parisar, Bankali Parisar, Panchadewal Parisar, Guheswori Parisar, Bisworup Mandir Parisar, and other Parisians are among those who reside there.
Best Food to Explore in Kathmandu
Due to the numerous communities that have settled in Kathmandu over time, the city also has a diverse and distinctive culinary culture. One wouldn’t want to miss the several delectable traditional Nepali delicacies that can be found in Kathmandu’s alleyways.
Taste these regional cuisines that are kept concealed from hungry tourists’ inquisitive gaze.
Momos
In the capital, momos are the most widely consumed and delicious cuisine available. They are similar to dumplings and can be steamed, deep-fried, or added to a hot soup. They are filled with minced meat or vegetables, herbs, and spices.
You just must try this dish before leaving Kathmandu, or else you will be losing out on some of the best, most simple food this city has to offer.
Laphing
Laphing is a meal from the cool summer months that has a burst of flavor with every bite thanks to the spices. Cooking starches—either from potatoes or flour—for an entire night prepares it. Once the extract settles, shape them into noodles, then dip them in a sauce consisting of vinegar and dried chilies.
You won’t find anything like this chilly meal anywhere else, so prepare to have your taste receptors completely overwhelmed.
Sel Roti
Sel Roti resembles a deep-fried doughnut, having a crunchy texture and a reddish brown tint. This dish is created with sugar and rice flour, just enough sweetness to balance it out.
This dish is typically found at roadside snack stands and traditional sweet shops. It is also prepared at home for special occasions like Dashain, Tihar, and Maghe Sankranti.
Dal Bhat
The most popular and staple meal in Nepal is dal bhat, which is also referred to as the country’s national dish. A Dal Bhat Tarkari set typically consists of lentil soup (dal), rice (bhat), and curried vegetables (Tarkari). Although it is typically served vegetarian, poultry or meat can also be added.
Achar (pickle) is served with rice, broth, and veggies to enhance the flavor.
Chatamari
It is a staple meal of the Newars of Kathmandu and is well-known as the Newari pizza. Typically, chefs fold fillings inside out into this kind of rice crepe, serving it with fresh tomato pickles and a variety of delicious toppings like chopped onions, minced pork, eggs, chiles, and fresh coriander.
Yomari
Yomari Punhi, a Newar celebration, marks the rice harvest’s end with the traditional steamed sweet bun, Yomari. The rice flour dough used to make the fish-shaped dumplings is steamed to give it a translucent white appearance. It is a delectable dish that is filled with coconut or a sweet molasses mixture that is not to be missed.
Sekuwa
Sekuwa, sometimes called Nepali BBQ meat, is a traditional food that is cooked over a natural wood fire. It is prepared by adding a special blend of herbs and spices to marinated meat, which is then grilled over a wood fire.
Various varieties of sekuwas, including mutton, chicken, and buffalo sekuwas, are available at various stalls lining Kathmandu’s alleyways.
Thukpa
This delectable and substantial noodle soup, which has vegetarian and animal options, originated in Tibet. It is made up of hand-pulled, cooked noodles with a strong garam masala and chili added.
This dish, which is comfort food, is available in the neighborhood huts on the streets of Kathmandu.
Pani Puri
A popular street dish in the Kathmandu Valley, pani puri is served on practically every street in Nepal. It’s a crispy, fried bubble that’s been filled with soft potatoes, chile, coriander, and flavor-infused water along with chickpeas.
One can also sample the delectable Dahi Puris in Kathmandu. In this variation of pani puri, curd is used in place of water in the puri.
Samay Baji
Traditional Newari cuisine, samay baji, offers a customizable platter featuring baji (beaten rice), bhuti (boiled beans with spices), bara (black lentil pancakes), khen (boiled egg), achar (pickle), and aaila thon (local wine). It’s typically served during celebrations and family gatherings, with ingredients adjusted based on customer preferences and seasonal availability.
Offering various foods to the holy God is thought to symbolize prosperity, longevity, health, and well-being. When visiting Kathmandu, this meal is worth trying.
Some of the popular tourist places in and around Nepal’s Capital City
Kathmandu, the capital metropolis of Nepal, is rich in records, lifestyle, and natural beauty. While Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, and Pashupatinath Temple are popular attractions, there are also lesser-known gems worth exploring. Here are a few best day tour places in Nepal:
Patan Museum: This museum is placed inside the heart of Patan Durbar Square and homes a super collection of conventional Nepali artwork. The museum itself is housed in a superbly restored palace and gives insights into the rich cultural history of Nepal.
Garden of Dreams: Tucked away amid Kathmandu, the Garden of Dreams is an oasis of tranquility. It gives lush gardens, pavilions, and fountains, supplying a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the town.
Chobhar Gorge: A short distance from Kathmandu, Chobhar Gorge offers picturesque views of hills and the Bagmati River, with a carved temple. The gorge is likewise home to a small but wonderful temple devoted to Adinath, which is carved out of a single rock.
Kirtipur: This ancient town is placed on a hill southwest of Kathmandu and offers a glimpse into the conventional Newari lifestyle. The metropolis is known for its narrow lanes, antique temples, and historical structure.
Phulchoki Hill: For nature enthusiasts and hikers, Phulchoki Hill offers a profitable trek with panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. The hill is included in dense forests and is home to a massive style of flora and fauna.
Bungamati: Another captivating Newari city close to Kathmandu, Bungamati is famous for its conventional architecture and woodcarving. The metropolis remains surprisingly untouched through the use of modern-day improvement and offers a glimpse into rural Nepali life.
Kopan Monastery: Located on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Kopan Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery recognized for its nonviolent surroundings and adorable views of the city below. Visitors can attend meditation lessons and find out about Tibetan Buddhism.
These are just a few examples of the lesser-mentioned places to visit in Kathmandu. Exploring those hidden gemstones can offer a deeper know-how of the cultural and natural heritage of Nepal’s capital town.