Kathmandu Half Day Tour

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, carries a very ancient history. Naturally, the place also has many travel destinations due to its age-long culture and tradition. If you are in Kathmandu and need help navigating these places, do not worry. We at Great Adventure Treks bring you a Kathmandu half day tour package. This package brings you short tours around the destinations of Kathmandu that you can finish in less than a day.

Our package offers a half day tour around the Kathmandu Durbar Square and the Swayambhunath temple. These two places are quite close in the vicinity and can be toured within 5 hours. We will leave early morning after breakfast and explore the locals of Durbar Square. Then we will head to the Swayambhunath temple after lunch and be done touring before noon.

The Kathmandu Durbar square is an ancient royal palace built during the Malla rule of Nepal. It has various temples and historical artifacts of great importance. Touring and learning about the Durbar Square is a must-do when visiting Kathmandu. A mere 2.3 km away from Durbar Square lies the famous Swayambhunath temple. Swayambhunath is a religious structure lying on a hill in the valley. The site offers beautiful views of the overall city.

Our Kathmandu half day tour package includes breakfast, pick-up, and drop-off at your hotel, guides, snacks, etc. Stick with us to know more about this package.

Highlights of Kathmandu Half Day Tour

• Visit the ancient Nepali palace of Kathmandu Durbar Square,
• Observe Kathmandu city from the hilltop of Swayambhunath,
• Get a short tour of the city without any prep,
• Tour with a guide and learn about these destination’s history, architecture, and significance,
• Have pickup and drop off services from and to your hotel room for the tour,
• Managed entrance fees and tickets for both destinations,
• Breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout the day.

Places to visit on Half Day tour in Kathmandu:

1. Kathmandu durbar square Half Day tour

The Kathmandu Durbar Square is an ancient royal palace used during the Malla dynasty of Nepal. The place and its vicinity are also popular as Basantapur Durbar or Hanuman Dhoka. The palace lies in the center of the city and houses one of the best historical artifacts in the country.

One of the Durbar Square gates, Hanuman Dhoka, was built back during the Lichhavi period. This was approximately during the 4th to 8th century AD. Hence, the complex has a long and ancient history.

The gate, including the palace, was a part of King Pratap Malla’s property since the 17th century. The Mallas built various structures in the place, including a myriad of palaces, temples, and courtyards. The palace hoses more than 50 temples. Currently, all these structures are used as a museum and a tool for observing history and culture.

The fascinating part of the square is the huge number of temples. The area has around 50 temples, with the Taleju Bhawani temple being the titular one. The palace has two courtyards, an outer and an inner section. The outer section houses Kasthamandap, Kumari Ghar, and Shiva-Parvati Temple. The inner section, on the other hand, has the Hanuman Dhoka and the prime palace. Most of the palace has been transformed into museums dedicated to the Shah kings. You are open to visiting these places every day of the week.

These are some of the major attraction sites of the Kathmandu Durbar Square:

Kumari Temple

The temple was built in the 17th century with highly skilled Nepali craftsmen. The temple is the place of residence for the Kumari goddess of Kathmandu. Kumari is a young girl who is believed to be a living goddess. This temple is primarily closed but open to the public once a year during Dashain.

Taleju Temple

The temple is the most significant part of the square. It is the tallest among all the other temples and structures of the square. King Mahendra of the Malla dynasty built the temple in 1549 AD. This temple is also closed for the most part of the year and opened during Dashain.

Jagannath Temple

This temple was built back in the 16th century by the Mallas. The temple is popular for having engrossing wooden structures of erotic figures.

Kal Bhairab

Kal Bhairab is a statue carved out of stone to represent the Lord Shiva of Hindu mythology. It is one of the largest statues built during the 17th century.

Swet Bhairav

Swet Bhairav is another stature of lord Shiva housed in the square. The Bhairave temple is also primarily closed but open once a year. This happens at the time of August or September during Indra Jatra.

Narsingha Statue

Narsingha is believed to be one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu. People believe he exists in his man-lion avatar, eviscerating a demon. This sort of statue stands in the square built in 1673 by Pratap Malla. There also lies an inscription describing why this statue was built.

Nasal Chowk

The Nasal chowk is one of the courtyards of the palace. It lies inside the main entrance of the prime part of the royal palace, where the kings lived. The courtyard was built by the Malla dynasty. But the succeeding rulers built many more structures in its vicinity. This courtyard was used for the coronation of Nepali kings up until 2001.

Shisha Baithak

Shisha Baithak is essentially just a patio where you can see the Malla thrones. Along with that, you can also find pictures and paintings of the Shah kings.

Tribhuwan Museum

Tribhuwan Museum is a museum commemorating King Tribhuwan as well as the recent kings, Mahendra and Birendra. The museum showcases the king’s bedroom, study, and personal belongings. It provided an intimate look inside the king’s lifestyle. You can also find the king’s boxing gloves and a walking staff with a sword hidden inside. You can find a the king’s dusty old empty aquarium. Various thrones are exhibited along with many photographs post-hunting and coin collection.

2. Swyambhunath temple Half Day tour

Swayambhu is a historical religious structure that lies on a hill to the west of the Kathmandu valley. The structure is essentially a Stupa with the eyes of Buddha. Between the eyes is a Devanagari one painted to replicate a nose. It consists of myriad shrines and temples of ancient Nepal. Some structures of the Swayambhunath temples date back to the Licchavi dynasty of Nepal. The temple and its original artifacts also house a Tibetan monastery, museum, and library.

The temple and its vicinity have various shops, restaurants as well as hotels. You can browse through various arts and jewelry and even enjoy food and drinks. There are two ways to enter this temple. One is the long steep staircase that leads you to the temple’s main entrance at the east. The other is the entrance in the southwest face of the hill.

The fundamental structure of the stupa is a dome-shaped base. On the top of the dome is a cube-like structure that has a painting of Buddha’s eyes. Every four sides of the cube has a Buddhist structure called torana in a pentagonal shape. There are thirteen levels above each of the Torana, and each level has a small space. There are Gajurs present in each of these spaces.

There are various mythologies regarding the existence of this complex. One of them is the Swayambhu Purana. This mythology says that Kathmandu was once a huge lake with a lotus in its midst. The deity, Manjushree, had a vision of the lotus and traveled to worship it. Upon arrival, he envisioned that the vicinity would be a great area for settlement. So he went up to the hill of Chovar and cut a gorge to drain the water out of the lake. This led to the formation of the Kathmandu valley. The lotus that gave Manjushree this enlightenment is believed to be where the Swayambhunath temple lies.

3. Bouddha and Pashupatinath Temple Half Day tour:

A half-day tour to Bouddhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple provides a profound glimpse into the spiritual and cultural fabric of Kathmandu. Starting with Bouddhanath, you’ll witness one of the world’s largest Buddhist stupas, an impressive white dome crowned with a golden spire and Buddha’s all-seeing eyes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the heart of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal, drawing monks, pilgrims, and locals who circumambulate the stupa and spin prayer wheels in a meditative rhythm. Surrounded by vibrant prayer flags and lined with monasteries, cafes, and shops selling traditional Tibetan goods, Bouddhanath offers a serene yet vibrant atmosphere that transports you into the essence of Buddhism’s teachings on peace and compassion.

From Bouddhanath, the journey continues to Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s most revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, Pashupatinath is a sprawling complex of shrines, temples, and cremation ghats, where Hindu rituals are performed with devotion and reverence. While non-Hindus cannot enter the main temple, the complex offers plenty to explore, including viewing areas to respectfully observe traditional cremation ceremonies along the river. The rich history and deeply spiritual ambiance at Pashupatinath make it one of Kathmandu’s most unique experiences, giving visitors a rare look into Hindu beliefs on life, death, and the afterlife. This tour reveals two of Kathmandu’s most meaningful sites, each providing an enlightening and unforgettable window into Nepal’s rich spiritual heritage.

4. Swambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square Half Day tour:

A half-day tour to Swayambhunath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square offers a captivating journey through two of Kathmandu’s most iconic and historical landmarks. Known as the “Monkey Temple,” Swayambhunath is a hilltop sanctuary that combines Buddhist and Hindu symbolism, offering panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and an ancient stupa with Buddha’s eyes watching over the city. Walking up its stone steps, visitors are greeted by colorful prayer flags, statues, and the playful monkeys that give the site its nickname. The tour continues to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of historic Kathmandu. This bustling square is home to the former royal palace, ornate pagoda-style temples, and courtyards that reflect Newari architecture and artistry. From the majestic Hanuman Dhoka Palace to the residence of the living goddess, Kumari, Kathmandu Durbar Square immerses visitors in the city’s rich cultural heritage, offering a vivid look into Nepal’s royal history and vibrant traditions.

5. Patan Durbar Square Half Day tour:

A half-day tour of Patan Durbar Square transports visitors to the heart of Lalitpur’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing one of Kathmandu Valley’s most exquisite examples of Newari architecture and artistry. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with centuries-old temples, palaces, and statues that tell stories of Nepal’s Malla dynasty and their devotion to art and religion. The former royal palace, now a museum, is the highlight of the square, housing fascinating artifacts and intricate wood and metal carvings. Surrounding the palace, the Krishna Temple, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple), and other shrines reveal a harmonious blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions unique to Patan. The square is alive with local artisans, bustling markets, and religious ceremonies, offering a vibrant experience that brings Nepal’s cultural heritage to life.

6. Bhaktapur Durbar Square Half Day tour:

A half-day tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square offers a fascinating glimpse into one of Nepal’s best-preserved medieval cities, rich with artistry and history. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is known for its stunning pagoda-style temples, intricately carved wooden structures, and ancient royal courtyards that showcase the architectural brilliance of the Malla dynasty. Walking through the square, visitors encounter iconic landmarks like the 55-Window Palace, Nyatapola Temple, and Vatsala Temple, each bearing unique historical and cultural significance. The city’s vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by local artisans crafting pottery, weaving, and carving, keeping Bhaktapur’s living heritage alive. With its traditional lifestyle, centuries-old monuments, and rich Newari culture, Bhaktapur Durbar Square provides an unforgettable journey into Nepal’s past, offering an authentic taste of the country’s cultural roots.

7. Pashupatinath Temple Half Day tour:

A half-day tour to Pashupatinath Temple immerses visitors in the profound spirituality and rich cultural traditions of one of Nepal’s holiest Hindu sites. Situated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, Pashupatinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is revered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As one of the oldest temples in Kathmandu, its architecture and artistry are breathtaking, with pagoda-style structures, intricate wood carvings, and vibrant statues reflecting centuries of devotion. While non-Hindus are not permitted inside the main temple, the surrounding complex offers much to explore, including smaller shrines, the revered cremation ghats, and the spiritual rituals performed daily. From observing sadhus (Hindu holy men) and ceremonial practices to experiencing the intense energy and devotion of local worshippers, a visit to Pashupatinath Temple provides a powerful insight into Nepal’s religious life and beliefs, leaving a lasting impression of its spiritual essence.

Similar trips you may like:

• Best Hikes Near Kathmandu Valley
• A Day Tour in Kathmandu
• Kathmandu World Heritage Sites Tour

Outline itinerary

Day 1: Half Day tour in Kathmandu (3 hrs)