Kathmandu Half-Day Tour (Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa)

To understand the people of the Kathmandu Valley as well as Nepal requires a look at the religious backgrounds of the people of Nepal. Two of the most important religious sites are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Pashupati and Boudhanath.

The tour begins with a private car coming to the hotel in Kathmandu. The drive to Pashupati is quick and relaxing in the private car. The first stop is Pashupatinath, which is the holiest place in Nepal and one of the holiest places in all of Hinduism.

The place is located on the bank of the Bagmati River where numerous cremation ghats send the dead's ashes onto the next world. There are many temples on both sides of the river, along with colorful Sandhu priests who serve the needs of the faithful. A private guide takes visitors on a tour to explain the significance of the temples and religious symbolism of this holy place.

Prepare for a profound cultural and spiritual immersion at Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal's national deity and a sprawling UNESCO World Heritage Site. As one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world, this complex, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a "must-see" on any Kathmandu tour.

Your guide will lead you through the vast temple grounds, a vibrant center of faith. While entry into the main gilded pagoda temple is reserved exclusively for Hindu and Indian devotees, all visitors can fully explore the fascinating surrounding areas.

From a viewing terrace, you will witness the ancient, open-air Hindu cremation rituals on the stone ghats lining the sacred Bagmati River. You can also explore hundreds of smaller shrines, encounter saffron-robed Sadhus (holy men), and soak in the powerful atmosphere of devotion that defines this holy place.

This is one of the most profound and unforgettable cultural experiences in all of Nepal. This guided visit takes you to the sacred cremation ghats (steps) on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, located directly within the Pashupatinath UNESCO World Heritage complex.

Your guide will provide sensitive, quiet explanations of the traditions and their deep significance. This is not just an "interesting part" of the tour; it is a deep, authentic insight into the most sacred spiritual practices of Kathmandu.

From a respectful viewing terrace, you will be able to observe the ancient, public Hindu cremation ceremonies here. This open-air ritual is a powerful, moving, and central part of the Hindu faith, symbolizing the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

Discover the enchanting, tranquil forest on the upper banks of the Pashupatinath complex. This is Mrigasthali, the legendary "Deer Park," and it's far more than just an animal enclosure—it's a place steeped in Hindu mythology.

According to sacred texts, this is the very forest where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati once roamed disguised as golden deer, giving the park its name and sacred status. It is the mythical birthplace of Pashupatinath, the "Lord of the Animals."

Your guide will lead you through this peaceful, wooded sanctuary, a "must-see" for nature lovers and spiritual seekers alike. Here, you will have the chance to observe herds of spotted and barking deer living within the sacred grove. As you walk, you'll also discover hidden shrines, see playful monkeys, and enjoy a serene escape from the crowds.

From Pashupati, it is a quick trip to Boudhanath. This is the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal and the third-largest in the world. It is hard to appreciate the immense size of the Boudhanath Stupa until it is seen in person.

Boudhanath is home to the largest Tibetan community outside of Tibet. The stupa is surrounded by numerous Buddhist monasteries.

While you visit Bouddhanath Stupa, you can visit Bouddha Stupa Thanka center if you like to see how the Thanka is painting. It is an amazing art of Buddhist literature.