Pharping, Dakshinkali and Kirtipur Day Trip: Explore Ancient Temples and Newari Culture
4.3
3 Ratings
Kathmandu
Embark on a day trip to Pharping, Dakshinkali, and Kirtipur to explore ancient temples, experience Newari culture, and enjoy breathtaking views of Kathmandu Valley.
Duration: 7 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Kamalpokhari, Pharping - At 10:00 am, your expert Guide for this tour will pick you up from your Hotel’s Lobby and drive for Pharping. By 11:00 am, you will reach Pharping and start sightseeing of Asura Cave, self-arising Ganesh, Vajrayogini temple, Shesnarayan temple, Gorakhnath temple.
  • Dakshinkali Temple - Continue sightseeing of Dakshinkali Temple.

The blood-soaked temple of Dakshinkali, a favourite Hindu pilgrimage destination, is set at the confluence of two sacred streams in a rocky cleft in the forest. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Kali, the most bloodthirsty incarnation of Parvati. To satisfy the blood-lust of the goddess, pilgrims drag a menagerie of animals down the path to the temple to be beheaded and transformed into cuts of meat by the temple priests, who are also skilled butchers.

  • Chilancho Bahal - At 3:00 pm, drive back to Kirtipur.

Kirtipur, located on a hill to the southwest of central Kathmandu is one of several ancient kingdoms in the Kathmandu Valley that were once independent, but now make up part of greater Kathmandu. Kirtipur is thought to be one of the oldest settlements in the valley. It’s a prime destination to learn about the Newar people, who are one of Nepal’s many distinct ethnic groups and the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley. Come to Kirtipur for exquisite architecture, hilltop temples, and sweeping city views.

Wandering around its winding streets feels like walking through a traditional Nepali village, yet Kirtipur also offers some of the finest views of sprawling Kathmandu and the hills and mountains beyond. It’s full of cobblestone streets, old brick houses with elaborately carved door and window frames, and multitiered pagodas.

During this tour, you will visit Bagh Bhairab temple, Chilancho Stupa shrine, Uma Maheshwar temple, and a Theravada Buddhist monastery. Enjoy a Newari lunch, before you return to your hotel.

Day tour ends as your guide drops you off at your hotel.

What's Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off included
  • Savor authentic Newari cuisine
  • Luxury private vehicle transfers
  • All applicable entrance fees covered
What's Not Included
  • Tips
  • Additional sightseeing not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Drinks
  • Entrance fees of sites not mentioned in the itinerary
Additional Information

Pharping, is known as the sacred site of Yangleshö, famous for both Hinduism and Buddhism where Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche, known as lotus born God who spread Tibetan Buddhism in Tibeat) attained the level of Mahamudra vidyadhara. Other important religious sites are Vajrayogini temple, Shesnarayan temple, Gorakhnath temple and self-arising Ganesh near Asura Cave. Further south lays Dakshinkali temple, the temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. Devotees sacrifice chickens, goats, sheep and many more as an offering to the goddess. Dakshinkali is famous as a blood thirsty incarnation of goddess Parvati, consort of Shiva.

Kirtipur is thought to be one of the oldest settlements in the valley. Come to Kirtipur for exquisite architecture, hilltop temples, and sweeping city views. Wandering around its winding streets feels like walking through a traditional Nepali village, yet Kirtipur offers some of the finest views of sprawling Kathmandu and the hills and mountains beyond.

  • Pick up and drop off service from Hotels inside Kathmandu city ring road is offered. For hotels outside ring road you need to pay additional charge. Please provide us the name of Hotel.
  • Please note that the bloody river and temple of Goddess Dakshinkali may be distressing to some visitors
  • Traditional Newari feast is one of the must try Nepali food. In fact, the Newar cuisine is famed in the country for its range of different dishes. But it is a bit spicy one.
Location
Kathmandu
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.3
(3 Ratings)
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Frequentflier560457
Oct 18, 2022
Daytrip Dakshinkali, Pharping and Kirtipur - I went to Dakshinkali, Pharping and Kirtipur with my guide Prava. I went on three different day trips in Kathmandu, and this was, by far, the best and most interesting daytrip. If you want to experience something a little bit different and less touristy, I would recommend this trip. The first stop was Dakshinkali temple. I was a little concerned, since I know they do animal offerings there, but when I was there they were only offering two chickens, so there was no visible blood in the river. And the offerings are carried out in a room behind the temple, som you don't see it. After visiting the temple we passed by a local market, where my guide bought some fruits for me to taste. I also tried some local snacks she recommended, that I really enjoyed. After Dakshinkali, we visited some Buddhist monasteries, Asura Cave and another meditation cave. I didn't quite know what to do, but my guide showed me how to worship and how to meditate at these sights. After Pharping we went to Kirtipur, which was a really peaceful town with beautiful sights and views. We had lunch at a newari restuarant and had local food wich was amazing ( a little spicy). My guide was newari, so she had a lot of knowledge about the culture and also about the temples we visited, so I learned a lot. I had an amazing day with my guide Prava.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bennett-travelers
Apr 15, 2022
fantastic and a truly full day! - Bharat Bastakoti was our guide and was super! We learned so much! Great meal in Kirtpur ... our driver was excellant too!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Richelle_h
Feb 17, 2024
Nice tour - It was a nice trip out of the city to see the sites. The guide was very informative. The tour was shorter than expected, less than 5 hours, although I did not feel rushed, as we visited all the sites as noted. The lunch was good, just a bit spicey to me.
Review provided by Viator
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