Swayambhu and Kathmandu Durbar Square Half Day Tour

4.8 (4 reviews) 4 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

4 reviews

4.8

Kathmandu Durbar — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Monkey Temple — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

The Kathmandu Valley is awash in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A total of seven, these places represent the unique spirituality and historical significance here in the heart of the Himalayas. Two of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites are Swayambhu and Kathmandu Durbar Square. These famous places can be toured in just a half-day adventure.

Swayambhu is the oldest of the sacred Buddhist holy places in the Kathmandu Valley. Dating back over 2000 years, their lofty height overlooks the beautiful Kathmandu Valley below. Here are many sacred places to both Buddhists as well as Hindus, signifying the unique blend of and Buddhism as only found in Nepal.

Kathmandu’s Durbar Square is home for the Kumari, the living goddess who can be seen at different times during the day. The old royal palace is here as well as so many ancient and beautiful places.

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At a glance

Duration: 4 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–14
Guide: English
Operated by: Himalayan Advisor Pvt. Ltd.

Ages: Children (3–10 years) · Adults (11–65 years)

What is included

Included

Included: All Entrance fees
Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off
Included: Professional guide
Included: Transport by private vehicle

Not included

Not included: Food and drinks
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Swaymbhunath

45 min Admission included

Also known as Monkey Temple, Swayambhu is situated on a high hill overlooking the city of Kathmandu and the valley beyond. It gets its unique nickname of Monkey Temple because of the large numbers of rhesus monkeys that inhabit the place. The monkeys are popular with visitors because of their zany antics.

Swayambhu is actually a collection of Buddhist and Hindu temples. While a Buddhist site, the blending of the two major religions is unique to the Kathmandu Valley. The main stupa is the focal point of the site as Buddhist pilgrims circumambulate the stupa as they celebrate a prayerful devotion to the teaching of Lord Buddha. There are monasteries, reflecting pools and temples on and around Swayambhu.

Swayambhu dates back over 2000 years and is a major Buddhist pilgrimage site. Every day you will see Buddhist pilgrims from all across the world coming here to worship as they pay homage to Lord Buddha.
Amideva Buddha Park

15 min Admission included

What an interesting part to visit this small place which you visit inside the Monkey temple. There is a big statue of 3 symbols and Buddha and rare tourists to visit this place and its an opportunity to visit you with our guide.
Kathmandu Durbar Square

30 min Admission included

For well over 1000 years, Kathmandu’s Durbar Square has been home to the various royal dynasties that ruled the Kathmandu Valley until 2008. Here the kings were crowned, lived, and reigned. And it was here that the various ancient temples of Hinduism were erected to provide spiritual guidance to the ruling monarchs.

Kathmandu’s Durbar Square is home to nearly 60 unique Hindu temples. Built over the course of many centuries, these are a collection of unique spiritual buildings reflecting a style of architecture as exhibited by the various royal dynasties.

Kathmandu’s Durbar Square is also home to the Royal Kumari, known as the living goddess. Every few years, a young girl is chosen who the embodiment of a certain Hindu goddess becomes. This tradition dates back hundreds of years; its origins obscured by time. She holds this deified position until puberty when she is then replaced by another young girl.

The Kumari lives in her own temple/palace and appears to visitors at certain times of each day. The Swayambhu/Durbar Square Adventure will try to accommodate those times when she will appear from her balcony to bless devotees below.

The old royal palace is also at Kathmandu’s Durbar Square. Be sure to see the unique erotic carvings of the Kama Sutra that adorn some of the temples, using the teachings of the ancient Hindu religion to instruct devotees on the proper techniques of love in marriage.

All of this can be done easily within a half-day. Your private car will pick you up around 9 am or 2 pm at your hotel and you’ll be back in around four hours.
Kumari Chowk

15 min Admission included

Kumari Chowk is one of the popular places inside the Durbar Square. You may have a great chance to see live Goddess Kumari and the finest peacock window and finest carving.
Indra Chowk

Passing by

The busiest local shopping market in Kathmandu. It is on the way to Kathmandu Durbar square and enjoys watching local shopping around here.
Hanuman Dhoka

15 min Admission included

Hanuman Dhoka is a popular place that is inside the Durbar square. Enjoy visiting the local life, learn about the people and their culture. It is a quite an interesting place to see.
Basantapur Tower

15 min Admission included

This is an open area around the durbar square. A quite busy and freak street place which you can buy some handicraft and enter the durbar square area.
Akash Bhairav Temple

15 min Admission included

This is a small place but one of the busiest places in town. You can enjoy the small Temple of Akash Bhairav temple and you can have delicious lassi here.