Kathmandu , Nepal

Kathmandu City Tour in Sharing Bus

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(2 reviews)

6h - 7h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Visit Kathmandu places of interest being a local in sharing mini bus.
Best tour option to visit many places of Kathmandu in a day with reasonable cost.

Available options

Kathmandu City Tour in Sharing Bus

What's included

Seat in sharing mini bus

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site holds immense religious, cultural, and historical significance, drawing Hindu pilgrims and tourists from around the world.
The temple complex, sprawling over a considerable area, consists of numerous shrines, ashrams, and temples spread across both banks of the Bagmati River.
Visitors are allowed to explore the temple complex, but certain areas may be restricted to Hindus only. Pashupatinath Temple stands as a testament to Nepal's rich cultural, religious, and architectural heritage, attracting visitors who seek spiritual solace, cultural insights, or a glimpse into ancient Hindu traditions.

Swayambhunath Stupa or the Monkey Temple, is an ancient and revered religious complex located atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site holds immense cultural, historical, and spiritual significance.
The main structure of Swayambhunath is a stupa, a dome-shaped monument representing Buddhist architecture. The stupa is adorned with the iconic pair of eyes painted on each of its four sides, symbolizing the omnipresence of the Buddha and wisdom. Above the eyes is a golden spire with a pinnacle.
One unique aspect of Swayambhunath is the presence of numerous monkeys, giving rise to its popular nickname, the Monkey Temple. Visitors can often see these monkeys wandering around the premises, adding to the charm of the place.
Devotees and tourists climb a long staircase to reach the hilltop, passing through various colorful prayer flags and smaller shrines along the way.

The main attraction of Boudhanath is its massive stupa, which stands as a focal point within the area. The stupa is a symbol of enlightenment and is adorned with vibrant prayer flags, intricate designs, and the watchful eyes of Buddha known as the "Buddha eyes" or "Wisdom eyes" painted on all four sides of the stupa. These eyes symbolize the all-seeing nature of Buddha and his teachings.

Surrounding the stupa, there are monasteries, temples, shops, and restaurants that cater to both tourists and Buddhist practitioners. The area around Boudhanath has become a hub for Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal, and it is home to a significant population of Tibetan refugees. As a result, the site exudes a unique blend of Tibetan culture and spirituality.

Budhanilkantha, also known as the "Sleeping Vishnu" or "Budhanilkantha Temple," is a significant religious site located at the northern outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal. The temple is renowned for its large stone statue of Lord Vishnu lying in a reclining position on a coiled serpent called Shesha or Ananta.

The statue of Budhanilkantha is carved out of a single black stone, which depicts Lord Vishnu, a major deity in Hinduism, resting peacefully on the cosmic serpent Shesha in the middle of a small pond. Lord Vishnu is considered the preserver of the universe in Hindu mythology, and this particular representation symbolizes him in his cosmic sleep, signifying the universe's existence.

What's not included

Entrance fees and personal expenses (around $30 for foreigners and 2500 for SAARC citizens in total)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.5

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Opposite of Hotel Malla main gate in the Main Street. Stand there for few minutes, we will pickup you right from there.

About Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a vibrant blend of ancient history, rich culture, and stunning Himalayan scenery. Known as the 'City of Temples,' it's home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple. The city offers a unique mix of traditional Newari architecture, bustling markets, and modern urban life.

Top Attractions

Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)

One of the most iconic landmarks in Kathmandu, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a Buddhist stupa perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. It's also home to many monkeys, hence the nickname.

Religious/Historical 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Pashupatinath Temple

One of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located on the banks of the Bagmati River, it's a major pilgrimage site with a lively atmosphere, especially during festivals.

Religious 2-3 hours Free for Hindus, NPR 1000 (USD 8) for non-Hindus

Boudhanath Stupa

One of the largest stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Boudhanath is a major center for Tibetan Buddhism. The surrounding area is filled with monasteries, shops, and cafes, creating a vibrant cultural hub.

Religious/Historical 2-3 hours Free (donations welcome)

Kathmandu Durbar Square

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic square is the heart of the old city and features ancient palaces, temples, and courtyards. It's a living museum showcasing the city's rich history and Newari architecture.

Historical/Architectural 1-2 hours NPR 1000 (USD 8) for foreigners

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Located in the ancient city of Bhaktapur, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a well-preserved example of Newari architecture. It features beautiful temples, palaces, and courtyards, offering a glimpse into Nepal's royal history.

Historical/Architectural Half-day trip NPR 1500 (USD 12) for foreigners

Must-Try Local Dishes

Dal Bhat

A staple meal consisting of lentil soup (dal), rice (bhat), and vegetable curry (tarkari). Often served with pickles, salad, and sometimes meat.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian (can be made vegan by omitting ghee)

Momo

Steamed or fried dumplings filled with meat (buffalo, chicken, or pork) or vegetables, served with a spicy tomato-based sauce.

Snack/Appetizer Vegetarian options available, can be made vegan

Sel Roti

A sweet, ring-shaped fried bread made from rice flour, sugar, and water, often served during festivals and celebrations.

Snack/Dessert Vegetarian (may contain eggs in some recipes)

Gundruk

A fermented leafy green vegetable, often cooked with spices and served as a side dish or added to soups and stews.

Side Dish Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free

Popular Activities

Trekking Mountain biking Paragliding Rafting Yoga and meditation retreats Spa treatments Café hopping Gardening

Best Time to Visit

October to November and March to April

These months offer pleasant weather, clear skies, and excellent visibility for trekking and sightseeing. The city is lively with festivals and cultural events.

20-30°C (68-86°F) 68-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Nepali
Widely spoken: English, Hindi, Newari, Maithili, Bhojpuri
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Nepalese Rupee (NPR)

Time Zone

Nepal Standard Time (NPT, UTC+5:45)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Kathmandu is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime, scams, and pickpocketing can occur, especially in tourist areas and crowded markets. Be cautious of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and trekking agencies
• Insist on using the meter when taking taxis
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Tribhuvan International Airport • 5 km (3 miles) from city center

By bus

Galkopul, Kalanki

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport, but they can be crowded and slow. Microbuses are smaller and more frequent.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Pathao, InDriver

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Thamel Boudha Patan (Lalitpur) Bhaktapur

Day trips

Nagarkot

32 km (20 miles) from Kathmandu • Half-day to full-day trip

A picturesque hill station known for its stunning views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest on clear days. Nagarkot is also famous for its sunrise and sunset views.

Dhulikhel

30 km (19 miles) from Kathmandu • Half-day to full-day trip

A charming Newari town offering beautiful views of the Himalayas and historic temples. Dhulikhel is less touristy than Nagarkot but equally scenic.

Changunarayan

18 km (11 miles) from Kathmandu • Half-day trip

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Changunarayan is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the Kathmandu Valley and is known for its intricate stone and wood carvings.

Festivals

Dashain • September/October (dates vary each year) Tihar • October/November (dates vary each year) Indra Jatra • September (dates vary each year)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Nepali phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
Hire a local guide or join a group tour for a more immersive and informative experience, especially when visiting temples and historical sites
Carry small denominations of Nepalese Rupees for small purchases and tips, as change may be limited
Be prepared for power outages and slow internet, especially during peak hours and in rural areas
Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, as the high altitude and intense sunlight can cause dehydration and sunburn