Explore the cultural heart of the Kathmandu Valley with a guided tour of 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Begin with the serene Swoyambhunath Stupa, followed by the historic Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Squares. Discover the ancient Changunarayan Temple and the medieval charm of Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Immerse yourself in Tibetan spirituality at Boudhanath Stupa and witness profound Hindu traditions at Pashupatinath Temple. This day-long journey offers a perfect blend of history, architecture, art, and vibrant cultural experiences, concluding with a convenient drop-off at your hotel.
7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Day Tour
Trip Fact
- DestinationNepal
- Durations1 days
- Trip DifficultyEasy
- ActivitiesSightseeing Tour
- MealsLunch
- VehicleTourist Bus
- Group SizeMin. 2 Pax
7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Day Tour Highlights
- Immersive cultural and historical exploration at Swoyambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Changunarayan Temple, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.
- Witnessing diverse rituals, architectural marvels, and breathtaking panoramic views.
- Interactions with local traditions, art, and craftsmanship.
- Opportunities for unique souvenirs and authentic Newari cuisine.
Overview
Detail Itinerary
Pick up from your hotel and visit the 7 UNESCO world heritage sites
We will arrange to pick you up at 8:00 AM; however, the timing can be adjusted to suit your convenience. Our itinerary includes visits to heritage sites, where you can fully immerse yourself in the rich cultural and historical significance they offer.
Phase 1: Swoyambhunath Stupa
Travel time from your hotel to Swoyambhunath Stupa: 20-25 minutes
Duration of the Tour: 1 hour
Activities:
- Climb the 365 Stone Steps to reach the main stupa,
- Explore the iconic Swoyambhunath Stupa and walk around the stupa while spinning the prayer wheels in the clockwise direction,
- Observe the breathtaking panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding mountains
- Explore the Surrounding Temples and Shrines:
- Observe Buddhist and Hindu Rituals such as lighting butter lamps etc
- Visit the Buddha Park where three large statues of Buddha sit in peaceful meditation
- Monkey watching as they are playful and fun
Phase 2: Kathmandu Durbar Square
Travel time from Swoyambhunath Stupa to Kathmandu Durbar Square: 15-25 minutes
Duration of the tour: 1 hour
Activities:
- Explore Historic Hanuman Dhoka Palace and Taleju Temple,
- Visit the Kumari Ghar (House of the Living Goddess),
- Admire Pagoda-Style Architecture: Jagannath Temple, Kasthamandap, and Shiva-Parvati Temple are notable structures that showcase the region's unique architectural style,
- Visit Seto Bhairav and Kaal Bhairav temples,
- Explore the Museums and other temples and monuments.
Phase 3: Patan Durbar Square
Travel time from Kathmandu Durbar Square to Patan Durbar Square: approximately 25-30 minutes
Duration of the tour: 1.5 hour
Activities:
- Explore Ancient Krishna Mandir, Bhimsen Temple, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple) and other monuments,
- Walk through Historic Courtyards such as Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, and Keshav Narayan Chowk, each adorned with stone fountains, sculptures, and beautiful wood carvings,
- Observe Traditional Newar Craftsmanship,
- You can enjoy traditional Newari cuisine.
Phase 4: Changunarayan Temple
Travel time from Patan Durbar Square to Changunarayan temple: 40-45 minutes
Duration of the tour: 1 hour
Activities:
- Explore the traditional Nepalese pagoda-style architecture of the temple,
- Visit the Ancient Stone Inscription, one of the oldest historical records in Nepal,
- Walking around the temple in a clockwise direction and observing Hindu worship rituals,
- Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Kathmandu Valley.
Phase 5: Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Travel time from Changunarayan temple to Bhaktapur Durbar square: 15-20 minutes
Duration of the tour: 2.5 hours
Activities:
- Explore Ancient Nyatapola Temple, 55-Window Palace, and Vatsala Temple,
- Visit other temples and monuments,
- Visit the National Art Gallery to view a collection of medieval art, religious paintings, manuscripts, and historic artifacts that showcase Nepal’s artistic heritage,
- Watch local pottery and wood carving traditions.
Phase 6: Boudhanath Stupa
Travel time from Bhaktapur Durbar Square to Bouddhanath Stupa: 40-45 minutes
Duration of the tour: 30 min
Activities:
- Walk around the stupa in a clockwise direction, spinning prayer wheels along the way,
- Explore the many Tibetan Buddhist monasteries surrounding the stupa,
- Witness Tibetan Buddhist rituals such as the lighting of butter lamps, a symbolic act to dispel darkness and ignorance,
- Shopping for Tibetan handicrafts, prayer flags, religious artifacts, Thangka paintings, singing bowls, and other souvenirs.
Phase 7: Pashupatinath Temple
Travel time from Bouddhanath Stupa to Pashupatinath Temple: 15-20 minutes
Duration of the tour: 1 hour
Activities:
- Explore the beautifully crafted temples, ashrams, monuments,
- Witness Hindu rituals and daily worship practices, including the Aarti ceremony (evening worship) held on the Bagmati River’s banks,
- Observe Hindu cremation ceremonies along the river, which are a profound cultural tradition at Pashupatinath, showcasing the Hindu beliefs surrounding life and death,
- Monkey watching as the temple complex is home to many monkeys,
- Shopping for souvenirs, religious items, traditional Nepali crafts,
- May interact with Sadhus (holy men).
Return to hotel
After completing the tour, you will be dropped off at your hotel.
If the provided schedule isn't suitable for you, we are able to create personalized travel arrangements according to your preferences and requirements.
Cost Details
Cost Includes
- Private tourist vehicle
- Government licensed English speaking guide
- Government Tax and Service Charges
Cost Excludes
- Entrance Fees to the UNESCO Heritage Sites
- Tips to the guide
- Personal expenses
Good to Know
Entrance Fees for the Seven UNESCO Heritage Sites for Foreign Nationals:
- Kathmandu Durbar Square including Tribhuvan Museum = Rs. 1000
- Patan Durbar Square including Patan Museum = NPR 1,000
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square = US$ 18 or NPR 1,800
- Swoyambhunath Stupa = NPR 200
- Boudhanath Stupa = NPR 400
- Pashupatinath Temple = NPR 1,000 per day per entry
- Changunarayan Temple = NPR 300
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, the temple’s history dates back to the 5th century, though its origins likely extend much earlier. Covering an area of approximately 246 hectares, the temple complex includes 518 temples, ashrams, and monuments, highlighting Nepalese architectural mastery. The temple’s main pagoda-style structure, adorned with a gilded roof and silver-coated doors, houses a unique four-faced Shiva linga, symbolizing Shiva's all-seeing and all-knowing aspects. Pashupatinath attracts over a million pilgrims annually, with thousands gathering during the Maha Shivaratri festival when worshipers come to pay homage through rituals and celebrations. The temple also serves as an important site for Hindu cremation ceremonies along the Bagmati River, adding to its cultural and spiritual significance in Nepal and beyond.
Swoyambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)
Swoyambhunath, also known as the "Monkey Temple," is an ancient Buddhist stupa atop a hill in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Dating back over 1,500 years, it is one of the oldest religious sites in Nepal, established around the 5th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is recognized for its iconic white dome and golden spire, adorned with the all-seeing eyes of Buddha. The site includes numerous shrines, temples, and a Tibetan monastery. It is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The complex has 365 stone steps leading up to the main stupa, symbolizing a spiritual ascent, and offers panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley, making it a significant cultural and pilgrimage destination.
Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa, located about 11 kilometers northeast of central Kathmandu, is one of the largest spherical stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally built in the 5th or early 6th century, this massive 36-meter (118-foot) tall stupa has a unique mandala design and is an important center for Tibetan Buddhism. The structure’s iconic white dome, topped with a golden tower and painted eyes of the Buddha, symbolizes enlightenment and compassion. Surrounding the stupa are numerous monasteries, making it a hub for Tibetan Buddhist culture and pilgrimage. Boudhanath draws thousands of visitors, especially during Buddhist festivals like Losar, and is considered one of Nepal’s most sacred sites for meditation, prayer, and cultural exchange.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square, located in the heart of Kathmandu, is a historic complex of palaces, courtyards, and temples built between the 12th and 18th centuries however its construction works were commenced in the 3rd century. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the square served as the royal residence and ceremonial site of the Malla and Shah Kings. Key landmarks include the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Taleju Temple, and the residence of the living goddess Kumari. The site boasts unique pagoda-style architecture and intricate wood and stone carvings, showcasing Newar artistry. Although damaged by the 2015 earthquake, ongoing restoration efforts aim to preserve its cultural and architectural significance. Kathmandu Durbar Square remains a major cultural and tourist attraction, reflecting Nepal's rich history and traditional craftsmanship.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square, located in the heart of the ancient city of Patan (Lalitpur), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its Newar architecture and craftsmanship. This historical square, built primarily between the 16th and 18th centuries, served as the royal palace complex for the Malla kings of Patan. The square hosts over 55 major temples and 136 courtyards, with notable structures like the Krishna Mandir, Bhimsen Temple, and Hiranya Varna Mahavihar ("Golden Temple"). The square's unique architecture features intricately carved wooden windows, stone sculptures, and bronze statues, exemplifying the pinnacle of traditional Newar art. Although affected by the 2015 earthquake, restoration projects are actively preserving its historical and cultural integrity. Patan Durbar Square is a popular destination, reflecting Nepal's rich heritage and attracting visitors worldwide.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley, is one of the country's most well-preserved medieval city centers. Known for its rich cultural heritage, it showcases Newari architecture, traditional art, and ancient temples. Key attractions include the 55-Window Palace, the Vatsala Temple, and the Nyatapola Temple, Nepal's tallest pagoda, standing at 30 meters. The square was once the royal palace of the Malla kings, and its intricate woodwork, stone sculptures, and metalwork reflect the artistic mastery of the era. Despite damage from the 2015 earthquake, restoration efforts have preserved its historic essence.
Changu Narayan Temple
The Changu Narayan Temple, situated about 12 kilometers east of Kathmandu, is one of Nepal's oldest Hindu temples, dating back to the 4th century. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it holds UNESCO World Heritage status and exemplifies traditional Nepalese pagoda architecture. The temple complex is renowned for its detailed wood, stone, and metal carvings, including an ancient stone inscription from the Licchavi period (around 464 AD), which provides invaluable insights into Nepal's early history. Revered for its artistry and cultural significance, the temple continues to draw pilgrims and tourists alike, with preservation efforts helping to maintain its historical integrity despite its age.