22 March 2021
Kathmandu Valley Cultural Heritage Tour takes you on an exciting journey to three culturally rich cities of Kathmandu valley; Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur.Kathmandu Valley Cultural Heritage Tour is also known as a UNESCO World Heritage Tour because you will visit some of the most famous UNESCO designated sites inside Kathmandu valley.
Did you know Kathmandu City alone is home to four out of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley?
Kathmandu valley is also known as the “City of Temple” because you would find temples dedicated to different deities in every nook and corner. Thousands of devotees visit these temples every day, so do not be surprised if you find an overwhelming crowd outside.
An interesting fact about Kathmandu valley is that it has always been home to people from different religions, races, and geographies. The Buddhist monuments such as Swoyambhunath co-existing with Hindu temples are examples of religious harmony that has existed in this part of the country since ancient times.
You will find the more significant influence of Buddhism in Lalitpur City, which is home to 600 Buddhist Stupas and the local inhabitants, Newar Buddhists. Patan Durbar Square, a palace complex, is the city’s major tourist attraction that attracts thousands of tourists every year.
Bhaktapur, also known as the old city, may give you an impression that the time has stopped for centuries because the ancient Malla (former royal kingdom) palace, temples, courtyards, and local Newari culture has remained the same throughout the time.
Undertake this tour with We trek Nepal, the best travel agency in Nepal. You will experience the most exciting tour of Kathmandu Valley focusing on its cultural heritage.
The first leg of the tour begins relatively early. A private car with an experienced tour guide will embark to the nearest UNESCO heritage site of Swoyambhunath. After a brief tour of the Buddhist Stupa located atop the hill, you will drive down to Patan Durbar Square.
Enjoy an insightful tour inside the palace complex turned Museum and the surrounding temples dedicated to different deities, including Lord Krishna. A short drive will take you to Bhaktapur Durbar Square to witness the ancient palace and (Nyatapola) five-storied temple. Enjoy a local delicacy of JuJu Dhau (Sweetened Curd) before driving to Pashupatinath Temple, the age-old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also the last funeral site for most Hindus residing in Kathmandu
The tour starts at 9 am.
A short 15-20 minute ride will take you to Swoyambhunath, a Buddhist Stupa located atop the hill overlooking the entire Kathmandu city. This is one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu. You can choose to climb all the 417 steps to the top, which can be a rather tiring experience.
Explore the Stupa and the surrounding areas, and enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the city before climbing down. However, beware of feeding the Macaques (monkeys) strolling around the Stupa.
Legend has it that Swayambhunath conceived out of a lotus blossom that sprouted amidst a large lake that once covered the entire Kathmandu valley.
Next, a 40-minute drive will take you to the old yet culturally rich city, Lalitpur. This city has closer links to Vajrayana Buddhism, thanks to the local inhabitants, Newar Buddhists.
The next stop is Patan Durbar Square, a royal palace complex and a UNESCO designated site. Visit the palace-turned-museum, where you will get to witness the arts and artifacts dating over 500 years.
Explore the adjoining Krishna Temple, Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Manandhar), Taleju Bell, Narasingha Mandhir, and a historical waterspout.
The tour then advances to Bhaktapur, the oldest among the three cities. An ancient town, it was once a stronghold of the former Malla Dynasty that lasted for over 400 years.
You will find the cultural and historical landmarks from the yesteryears, including the palace with fifty-five windows, Nyatapola Temple, Dattatreya Temple, Taleju Temple, Taumadi Square, Bhairavnath Temple, Pujari math (Priest’s quarter), and the famous Pottery Square.
You will still find the locals preparing clay pots from the traditional method, churning a wooden wheel to give the clay a shape by hand.
The tour ends at Pashupatinath Temple, the age-old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, frequented by thousands of visitors every day.
It is the largest temple complex in Nepal and may see up to 200,000 visitors in a single day during the festival of Maha Shivaratri. Visit the significant temple complex adjacent to River Bagmati and sit by the river on the rock stairs, witnessing devotees’ throngs before leaving.
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