Kathmandu Half Day Tour - 3 hours Sightseeing

Trip Overview
  • Duration 3 Hours
  • Difficulty Level Easy or Grade A (*)
  • DestinationNepal
  • Meals & AccommodationNo Meal
  • Trip Start & EndKathmandu-Kathmandu
  • Trip TypeDay Tour
  • Major AttractionKathmandu Darbar square, Monkey Temple.
  • Maximum Altitude1,345 Meters
  • Best TimeAll Year around

Highlights

  • Visit Nepal's UNESCO Heritage sites- Kathmandu durbar square and Swayambhunath
  • Closely experience the local- lifestyle of Nepal's Capital
  • Get to know about the full history of this place
  • Try out Nepali cuisines around the place you will visit
  • Enjoy a Marvellous view of the valley from the hilltop of Swayambhunath

Join our half day of 3 hours sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley, the capital of Nepal. With our private half-day tour, witness the medieval culture, famous places, and UNESCO heritage sites, like Swayambhunath and KTM durbar square, accompanied by our expert English-speaking guide and comfortable transportation.

Speaking about the Kathmandu Valley, the city is traditionally known as the "Nepal Mandala" in the local Newari language. Similarly, it is the capital state of Modern Nepal. 

Situated in the Central region, it has an average elevation of 1,400 meters (4,600 ft). The valley comprises three ancient royal cities: Kathmandu, also known as "Yen Desh"; Patan, also known as "Yala Desh"; and Bhaktapur, referred to as "Khwopa Desh," each holding their significance and myths. Before the unification of modern Nepal, these three districts had their own kings and royal authority.

Kathmandu, renowned as the "Living Museum of the World," boasts a vibrant culture, ancient attire, rich heritage, architectural marvels, age-old traditions, and a captivating lifestyle. Among the city's prominent attractions are its seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, which include the Buddhist Stupa of Boudhanath (Jyarung Khashor), the Swoyambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple), the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and its Cremation Ghats, the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, the exquisite Patan Durbar Square,the charming Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and the revered Changu Narayan Temple.

This Half-day Kathmandu sightseeing tour includes visiting 2 UNESCO Heritage sites – Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath.

These Mall heritages and stupa (entomb the remains of Kassapa Buddhaare) are an open museum of sorts. Besides that, experience the fascinating "Newar" settlements surrounding Durbar Square and savor the exotic local cuisine, featuring delicious meat dishes and fermented alcohol. 

This half-day sightseeing in Kathmandu immerses you in the area's lifestyle, traditions, and artistic ambiance. You can take a beautiful walking tour to absorb the city's culture. Therefore Discover these captivating landmarks in a short time and at a reasonable cost. A detailed itinerary of the Kathmandu half-day tour is provided below for your convenience.

We offer flexible Kathmandu tour options to suit your needs. Whether you're planning a tour for two or a larger group of 10 or more, our extensive network of experienced guides, friendly drivers, and partner hotels allows us to create custom itineraries that perfectly match your preferences and budget. 

This means you can customize your 3-hour half-day Kathmandu sightseeing tour per your interest and preferences and expand your tour up to a full one-day private tour too. Our tour generally comprises visiting two sites, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Shambhunath. But you can expand the exploring hours more and make it up to a full day too. 

Leave the details to us, and we'll take care of everything.

Our Kathmandu Half-Day tour suits travellers of every kind, whether a solo adventurer, part of a group or prefer a private trekking experience; we've got you covered. We've already opened bookings for 2023 and 2024, so don't miss the chance to secure your spot. If you're a female traveller seeking a departure date in any of our trekking categories, we're here to assist you with group options or a private trekking group tailored just for you.

Our 3-hour Kathmandu Half-Day Tour Covers 2 Main Attractions 

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu's Durbar Square, historically the site of coronations and rule by the city's kings (durbar meaning palace), stands today as the traditional heart of the old town and represents Kathmandu's most awe-inspiring display of traditional architecture. The devastating earthquake of 2015 took its toll on the square, causing the collapse of numerous temples and several towers within the Hanuman Dhoka palace complex. Despite this, the complex remains remarkable, and ongoing reconstruction efforts will span several years.

While most of the square's structures were built in the 17th and 18th centuries (though some were even older), extensive rebuilding took place after the destructive earthquake of 1934. Recognizing its cultural significance, the entire square earned the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site title in 1979.

History

The origins of Durbar Square are traced back to the Licchavi era, approximately during the 3rd century. However, it was during the reign of the Malla kings, spanning from the 13th to the 18th centuries, that the prominent temples, buildings, and monuments were predominantly constructed.

Festivals Celebrated around Kathmandu Durbar Square

Two main festivals take place in the Kathmandu Durbar Square area, i.e., Indra Jatra and Kumari Jatra. 

Indra Jatra, the greatest religious street festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, is significant. Known as Yenyā in Nepal Bhasa, the festival's name combines "Ye," meaning "Kathmandu," and "Ya," signifying "celebration," together translating to "Celebration inside Kathmandu." Indra Jatra primarily consists of two major events: vibrant masked dances portraying deities and demons and impressive displays of sacred images and tableaus dedicated to the deity Indra, the king of heaven. Additionally, Kumari Jatra features a splendid chariot procession showcasing the living goddess Kumari.

The festivities extend over eight days, commencing from the 12th day of the bright fortnight to the 4th day of the dark fortnight of Yala, the eleventh month in the lunar Nepal Era calendar. Although celebrated throughout Kathmandu, the main venue for this extravagant event is Kathmandu Durbar Square.

The origins of Indra Jatra trace back to the 10th century, initiated by King Gunamkamadev to commemorate the founding of Kathmandu city. Kumari Jatra, another integral part of the festival, became established during the mid-18th century, around 1756 AD, during the reign of Jaya Prakash Malla, as per historical records.

Swayambhunath

The Swayambhunath Stupa, a magnificent example of Kathmandu Valley architecture, symbolizes great pride. Its exquisite design features a whitewashed dome that gracefully ascends to a gilded spire. At each cardinal direction, the stupa presents four iconic faces of the Buddha, casting a serene gaze across the valley. Although the 2015 earthquake shook the site severely, the main stupa remarkably endured only minor damage.

Deeply imbued with symbolism, the entire structure conveys profound meanings. The white dome represents the earth, while the 13-tiered tower atop signifies the 13 stages to reach nirvana. Below the penetrating eyes of the Buddha lies a nose-like squiggle, which is the Nepali number "ek" (one), symbolizing unity. Above, a third eye represents the all-seeing insight of the Buddha.

History

Emperor Ashoka's daughter constructed this stupa in the 14th century. Since its establishment, the stupa has remained the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage destination for millennia, drawing countless global visitors and pilgrims.

The stupa was recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1979; this stupa, along with Swayambhunath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple, ranks among Kathmandu's essential attractions.

Festivals Celebrated in Swayambhunath 

Generally, three festivals are celebrated in the Swayambhunath temple: Gunla, Buddha Jayanti, and Lhosar. 

In Swayambhu, Gunla stands out as a significant festival, celebrated annually in Newar Buddhism to mark the end of the monsoon retreat. During this auspicious occasion, devotees gather daily to recite scriptures and enjoy traditional Newar music. The festivities typically take place in August.

Moreover, the Buddha Jayanti, also known as Buddha Purnima, is another vital Buddhist festival commemorating the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. This joyous occasion honors his birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana (death). Buddha Jayanti usually falls between April and May.

Swayambhu's most important festival, Losar, joyfully celebrates the Buddhist New Year. The term 'Lo' means 'new,' and 'Sar' means 'year' in the context of this festival. Losar typically occurs in February.

Our Success Trips

We summited the summit and traveled to Nepal with thousands of people. Still, our true victory is to get your destination that brings us to the top with our complete service of trekking, mountaineering, and adventure tours.

Know before you book

Itinerary

We, for now offer Two shifts for the rest of the days- Start time 9 am-1 pm and Ending time Start time 12 am- 4 pm

Day to Day Info

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As indicated by our itinerary, our staff from Mountain Rock Treks will pick you up from your respective hotels in Thamel or any other place in Kathmandu as per your selected timings at 9 am or 1 pm. There are many incredible sightseeing places in Kathmandu, and today, we will be visiting two destinations- and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Our Kathamndus sightseeing itinerary only comprises these two destinations for now, but you can also customize the destination as per your interest and preferences. 

  • No Accomodation
  • No Meal
  • 3 Hours
  • 1345 Meters

We will not go on a  half-day sightseeing tour, i.e., visit Swayambhunath and  Kathmandu durbar square, respectively. Starting your tour early at 9 am or 1 pm is a good time. With less crowded roads during this hour, you'll breeze through to Swayambhunath without facing significant traffic jams. 

Embrace the captivating outdoor vistas as you reach the monkey temple, perched atop a hill on Kathmandu's west side. This sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site, also known as Swayambhunath, boasts an ancient complex adorned with a stupa and various small shrines dating back to the Licchavi period. The stupa features Buddha's eyes, nose, and eyebrows intricately painted in all four cardinal directions.

To reach the stupa, you can climb the long staircase on the east side or take the roadways around the south of the hill. Typically, Swayambhunath experiences heavy footfall during the early morning and evening hours, with many locals taking strolls. However, during this time, you can relish the peaceful ambiance and uninterrupted views without any disturbances.

No, you will drive toward the last destination, Kathmandu durbar square. It normally takes around 30 to 1 driving hour to reach Kathmandu Durbar Square. There may be a little possibility of traffic jams during our road trip, so you can expect to arrive at the destination a little later than expected. 

Kathmandu Durbar Square is the same as Basantapur Durbar Square in popularity. This heritage site was one of the residents of the Shah kings and Malla kings. This place, referred to as the royal palace, is surrounded by only marvelous architecture, representing the Newari people's skills here. 

Moreover, there are many other small temples near the square which you can explore during your visit. One of the most famous ones is Kumari temple, which is famous as the home of the living goddess. Another prominent piece of architecture is Kasthamandap, which is said to be made from a single tree.

  • No Accomodation
  • No Meal
  • 3 Hours
  • 1345 Meters

Your day (3-hour) adventure in Kathmandu ends after a delightful time. As you return to the hotel from Durbar Square, we trust that you've had a firsthand experience of the rich culture and traditions. Exploring the historical aspects of Kathmandu must have been insightful too. We genuinely hope that this day tour met your expectations and that you thoroughly enjoyed every moment.

  • No Accomodation
  • No Meal
  • 3 Hours
  • 1345 Meters

We are pleased to offer the flexibility of tailoring your journey to your desired duration and places, whether extended or shortened, as our proficient team of locals-cum-guides, porters, and accompanying staff have an in-depth understanding of every location traveled.

customize my trip

Cost Details

Includes

  • Professional tour guide.
  • Salary to guide and driver.
  • Cars with hotels pick up and drop off.

Excludes

  • Personal expenses.
  • Lunch and drink.
  • Tip to guide and driver.

Dates & Price

Essential Info

What do you Expect on Kathmandu (Private) Half-Day Tour - 3 hours

Typically one half-day Kathmandu sightseeing tour is not enough for travelers. But still, it's better to see some parts of the Kathmandu Valley than to not see them at all. 

To explain in short, our half-day private Kathmandu Valley tour proves an excellent opportunity for those travelers who are very short on time. Likewise, it's great for travelers who want to explore the palaces, stupas, and centuries-old temples/ heritages dating back over 1000 years. Unfortunately, you will not explore the whole of Kathmandu Valley in a single day, but you will still explore two prominent heritages like Swayambhunath in Kathmandu durbar square.

But the good news is that you can customize your hard day private sightseeing tour and make it into a full-day or multi-day sightseeing tour with us. Besides the beautiful experience, you can expect the following things during your Kathmandu half-day sightseeing tour with us:- 

Short Time Arrangement

Our half-day Kathmandu sightseeing travel packages are generally pre-planned and organized for a relatively brief duration, i.e., 3 hours. Likewise, this short duration of our package is usually suitable for travelers who are short on time while exploring the Kathmandu valley. 

Moreover, our half-day Kathmandu sightseeing tours are organized for individuals with limited time available for their trip who want to make the most of their time while visiting the Kathmandu Valley wonders within a compressed time frame.

These tours are usually short, ranging from a few hours to a few days. They are ideal for people who have busy schedules or cannot take extended leaves from work or other commitments.

Moreover, our short time arrangement Kathmandu half-day sightseeing tour is carefully created to maximize the experience within your limited time. Our Itineraries also include the popular tourist attractions- Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath and ensure our clients get the taste of the destination's highlights thoroughly. 

Our Kathmandu half-day tour, which can be arranged quickly, mainly focuses on convenience and efficiency, ensuring smooth logistics and minimizing waiting times.

Last Minute Organised

During your Kathmandu Private Half-Day Tour, you can opt for a last-minute organized trek that spans approximately 3 hours. This trek will allow you to explore the natural beauty and cultural wonders of the Kathmandu Valley, providing you with a unique and memorable experience.

Privately guided

Our 3-hour Kathmandu sightseeing tour is private. This means this Kathmandu sightseeing tour is completely tailored around you, and the services included in the package are for your use only while exploring. You can expect an experienced personal tour guide and Car with hotel pick up and drop off on our private Kathmandu sightseeing tour of 3 hours. 

Embrace the freedom of personalized private tours with Kathmandu's half-day sightseeing tour. With a focus entirely on you, these tours offer unparalleled flexibility. Your preferences shape the itinerary, ensuring every aspect aligns with your tastes. Everything revolves around your desires, from the places you wish to explore to the activities you adore and even the menu you savor.

Unlike fixed group tours, there are no rigid pre-planned schedules to constrain you. While we provide helpful suggestions if needed, the choice is yours. No longer will you find yourself rushed through a spot you adore just to keep up with the group's agenda. Private tours grant you the luxury of setting your own pace.

You can tailor the experience to suit your preferences. If a particular location or activity isn't captivating, skip it and move on to the next exciting endeavor. Conversely, if you're enamored with a specific place, you can linger and relish the moment without being bound by strict time limits.

Does KTM Half Day Tour Suit YOU?

During your Kathmandu Valley tour, we offer convenient options for pick-up and payment. You can either make an online payment before the time or visit our office to settle the payment. If your package includes pick-up and drop-off at the international airport, our tour guide will warmly welcome you upon arrival.

Our private Car will transport you to the various sightseeing destinations listed in the itinerary throughout the guided tour of Kathmandu Valley. Your knowledgeable guide will suggest excellent lunch spots and provide you with entrance tickets, ensuring a seamless experience.

Rest assured, our tour guides are licensed by the Nepal Tourism Department and possess extensive insights into the tour destination. Many have worked in this field for decades, making them well-versed local guides.

For a truly immersive experience, we, too, pride experienced local tour guides who possess in-depth knowledge of the local places and can take you to hidden alleys and spots in Kathmandu Valley, offering an unforgettable urban adventure during your tour in Nepal. If you have at least three free hours in Kathmandu, then this half-day Kathmandu sightseeing tour is definitely suitable for you. 

Deciding whether the Half day Kathmandu City Tour Package is suitable for you depends on what sparks your interests and preferences. This tour would be ideal for those who quickly relish discovering historical and cultural wonders. 

With many ancient temples, palaces, and monuments, Kathmandu proudly showcases its rich cultural heritage. Moreover, if you find delight in delving into the history and geography of a region, this tour promises to offer you invaluable insights.

Moreover, this tour may not align with your interests if history and culture do not pique your curiosity. To ensure a satisfying experience, considering your passions before reserving the Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour Package is crucial. Furthermore, it is advisable to carefully review the tour itinerary for travelers with some concerns to ensure that all activities can be comfortably accommodated.

Kathmandu (Private)  Half Day Tour - 3 hours Cost

Mountain Rock Treks offers the Kathmandu City Half Day Tour, which runs twice daily at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. Regardless of the starting time, the cost for the day tour remains constant. However, we provide varying prices based on the size of your group.

No of Packs                                     Cost per Person                                       Remarks

        1                                                      $60                                                      Book Now

      2-3                                                    $35                                                       Book Now                       

      4-7                                                    $35                                                       Book Now

Note:- The price mentioned above is only available if you are paying together. Daily departures are available at any date for you. And if you choose this exciting, half-day tour, the tour cost will be the same as mentioned above at the booking time. Still, you can contact us if something confuses you regarding the trip. 

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