• Changu Narayan - Get ready to journey back in time. This guided tour takes you to Changu Narayan, the oldest Hindu temple in the Kathmandu Valley, situated on a picturesque hilltop. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 4th-century wonder is a living museum of invaluable stone, wood, and metal carvings from the Licchavi dynasty.

This temple is not just a historical site; it’s a sacred protector. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan), it is the foremost of the “four Narayans” (Char Narayan), the ancient temples positioned in the four cardinal directions to form a spiritual shield safeguarding the entire valley.

From its stunning temple courtyard, visitors are also rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valley and, on clear days, a glimpse of the distant Himalayan peaks. Don’t miss this essential piece of Nepal’s heritage.

• Bhaktapur Durbar Square - Enter a living museum! This guided tour takes you to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the best-preserved of the Kathmandu Valley’s three royal cities and a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This ancient Newari kingdom is a treasure trove of medieval art and architecture. The guide will lead you through a maze of red-brick courtyards to discover its most famous icons: the magnificent 55-Window Palace, the stunning Golden Gate, and the five-story Nyatapola Temple, Nepal’s tallest pagoda.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. This visit also includes the nearby Pottery Square, where local artisans practice their centuries-old craft. This is a chance to be fully immersed in authentic Newari culture, surrounded by intricate wood carvings, historic palaces, and timeless traditions.

• Taumadhi Square - Experience the vibrant, living history of Bhaktapur in the magnificent Taumadhi Square. Located just next to the main Durbar Square, this expansive brick-paved plaza is a “must-see” highlight on any UNESCO tour of the city.

This square is home to two of Nepal’s most significant temples, standing in impressive contrast. The guide will lead you to the foot of the Nyatapola Temple, the undisputed icon of Bhaktapur. At five stories and over 30 meters high, it is the tallest and most imposing pagoda in all of Nepal.

You will also explore the wide, powerful Bhairabnath Temple. This sacred shrine, dedicated to the fearsome aspect of Lord Shiva, is a central hub of local worship. This bustling square is the perfect place to witness authentic Newari culture in action and capture breathtaking photos.

• Pottery Square - Enter a living workshop where an ancient craft comes to life! This guided visit takes you to Bhaktapur’s famous Pottery Square, a vibrant, sun-drenched plaza where local artisans have practiced their trade for generations.

Feel the pulse of this traditional Newari community as you watch potters work their magic, skillfully molding mounds of wet black clay on spinning wheels. The entire square is a fascinating sight, filled with thousands of freshly made pots drying in the sun before being fired in nearby straw-and-ash kilns.

This isn’t just a place to watch—it’s a chance to get hands-on! You’ll have the unique opportunity to sit at a traditional wheel yourself and try your hand at creating your own piece of pottery under the guidance of a local master. It’s an authentic, unforgettable, and fun cultural experience.

• Nyatapola Temple - Prepare to be awestruck by the most iconic landmark in Bhaktapur: the magnificent Nyatapola Temple. This is the legendary five-story pagoda you’ve been waiting to see, towering over 30 meters (100 ft) in the vast, open Taumadhi Square.

As the tallest pagoda in all of Nepal, this 18th-century architectural masterpiece is a “must-see” highlight of your UNESCO World Heritage tour. The guide will lead you to its impressive five-level stone staircase, famously guarded by pairs of mythical beasts and deities, each said to be ten times stronger than the one below it.

This sacred temple, dedicated to the powerful goddess Siddhi Lakshmi, offers unparalleled views from its base. The wide, bustling courtyard surrounding it is perfect for soaking in the local atmosphere and capturing stunning photographs.

• Nyatapola - This is the area of the Temple of Nyatapola inside the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Enjoy seeing courtyards and typical Newari houses.

• 55 Window Palace - Prepare to be amazed by the iconic 55-Window Palace, the crowning jewel of Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square. This 15th-century masterpiece is a testament to the golden age of Newari craftsmanship and a “must-see” highlight of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Its world-famous façade features a stunning, continuous row of fifty-five intricately carved wooden windows—each a unique work of art. This legendary building was the former royal residence of the Malla kings.

Today, it stands as an unforgettable symbol of Nepal’s artistic heritage and provides one of the most famous photo opportunities in the entire Kathmandu Valley. Don’t miss this essential stop on your guided tour of Bhaktapur’s royal city.

• Dattatreya Temple - Discover the historic heart of Bhaktapur at Dattatreya Square, home to one of the valley’s most fascinating temples. This guided visit introduces you to the magnificent Dattatreya Temple, a three-story pagoda dating back to 1427.

This isn’t just another temple; it’s a unique masterpiece of Newari craftsmanship. Legend famously claims this entire structure was built using the wood of a single massive tree.

The guide will explain its profound spiritual significance as the only temple in Nepal dedicated to Lord Dattatreya, the composite deity who embodies the Hindu trinity: Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver), and Shiva (the Destroyer).

Guarded by the same giant Malla wrestler statues as the Nyatapola Temple, this site is rich with history. After exploring its beautifully carved facade and vibrant courtyards, the surrounding square is the perfect place to relax at a rooftop restaurant for lunch, soaking in the medieval atmosphere.

• Kailashnath Mahadev Statue - Prepare to be awestruck on this guided visit to the Kailashnath Mahadev Statue in Sanga. Standing at a monumental 144 feet (44m), this is one of the world’s tallest statues of Lord Shiva, a magnificent colossus of copper and steel watching over the valley.

This site isn’t just a stunning modern marvel; it’s a profound place for prayer and quiet reflection. The guide will lead you to the best vantage points to capture incredible, frame-filling photos of this towering deity.

The rewards are twofold: as you stand in the shadow of this spiritual giant, you’ll also be treated to breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the entire Bhaktapur Valley. It’s an unforgettable spiritual and visual highlight of any Nepal tour.

• Kailashnath Mahadev - One of the biggest statues of God Shiva in the Kathmandu Valley. This is located in Sanga and you can visit this beautiful garden and statue here on the way to Panauti.

• Panauti Museum - Discover the hidden cultural heart of Panauti, an ancient Newari town just beyond the Kathmandu Valley. This guided visit takes you to the Panauti Museum, a true “must-see” gem located within the sacred courtyard of the magnificent Indreshwor Mahadev Temple complex.

While the main valley cities are famous, this museum offers a unique, intimate look into the local history and traditions of the Panauti community. Follow the guide to explore a curated collection of rare artifacts, intricate traditional wood carvings, and the vibrant ceremonial masks used in local jatras (festivals).

This is more than a museum; it’s a deep dive into the daily life, art, and spirituality of one of Nepal’s most well-preserved Newari heritage towns. Don’t miss this essential stop on your Panauti tour.

• Indreshwar Mahadev Temple - This is the main attraction of Panauti, and you’ll instantly see why. Prepare to explore the magnificent Indreshwor Mahadev Temple, one of the oldest and most significant pagoda temples in all of Nepal, with its origins dating back to 1294 AD.

Located in a sacred courtyard on the tentative UNESCO World Heritage list, this three-story masterpiece is a showcase of legendary Newari craftsmanship. The guide will point out the exquisite wood carvings on its massive roof struts, which are considered some of the finest in the country. You’ll see intricate depictions of Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata carved into the wood.

The temple stands at the holy Tribeni Ghat, the sacred confluence of the Punyamati and Roshi rivers (and the mythical Lilavati). You’ll spend time absorbing the deep spiritual atmosphere of this ancient site, a place of pilgrimage for centuries. Don’t miss this architectural marvel.

• Professional tour guide
• Transport by private vehicle
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (Inside Ring road including Bouddha part)

• Food and drinks
• Gratuities
• Entry Fee (~USD 20 PP)

Sometimes the best things to see and do in Kathmandu are not in the center of the capital city. On the Kathmandu Valley Rim one day tour, a journey to four unique and inspiring places in the southeastern part of the Kathmandu Valley.\n\nThe city of Bhaktapur, as well as the beautiful village of Changu Narayan, features ancient temples, incredible carvings, and flagstone streets. The entire communities have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites because of their uniqueness in history, religion, and culture.\n\nIn addition, you will be taken to the rarely visited, but truly inspiring village of Panauti were a series of temples and ancient artwork line the banks at the confluence of three rivers (including a sacred, underground river). Also on the tour is a stop at Kailashnath, the world’s tallest Shiva statue at 44 m/143 feet! These places are not crowded, and truly an enlightening experience.

• Dress code is smart casual

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