Old Kathmandu Cultural Walk

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3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

This walking tour gives you deeper insight into the medieval culture and architecture of the Indian subcontinent that survived untouched in the valley of Kathmandu to date. We will discover the tranquil, hidden courtyards in the back streets of bustling Kathmandu, which shelter the gems of Newari Buddhist monasteries, temples, stupas, pavilion and shrunken water spouts having its own untold stories. The tour is not only about monuments, but it is also the best opportunity to encounter locals at their cultural practices, riuals and festival celebrations. This is a great transit tour that will give you a glimpse of Nepalese culture, history, and spiritual practices before heading to the mountains. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a spiritual person, just curious about the local culture, or looking to use your few hours in Kathmandu, this guided walking tour provides a brilliant opportunity.

What's Included

Bottled water

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Ask the reception or just wait in the lobby. Your guide / represent will meet you there.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    The 17th-century Kathesimbhu Stupa is one of the important pilgrimage sites in old Kathmandu. The stupa, stone Chaitye, and the Chi: Bahal, the Newari monastery in the hidden quadrangle reflects a perfect city planning based on a Vastu Shastra, the ancient science of architecture.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Walk past the lane with dental clinics to the 'God of Toothache'. Vaisha Dev (or Waa Shya Dya) is the Newar "God of Toothache" located at Bangemudha in Kilagal, Kathmandu. The shrine, a gnarled, ancient, nail-studded wooden stump, is visited by people with toothaches who nail coins onto it to transfer their pain to the deity.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3

    The temple of Annapurna is located in the center of Ason market. Annapurna is a goddess representing bountiful grains. Annapurna Ajima is worshipped by both Buddhists and Hinuds considering her as the divine guardian of their livelihoods and prosperity. Devotees, especially traders, offer prayers daily seeking her blessings for bountiful business, family well-being, and freedom from hunger. The temple is a focal point for vibrant daily rituals (aartis), especially during the early morning and evening.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Jana Bahal or Machindra Bahal is one of the Buddhist Bahal (Newari Monastery), which has a full-fledged multistoried Hindu-style temple in the middle of the courtyard. The temple is worshipped as the Seto Machindranath and is also known as Janabaha Dyo, Aryavalokitesvara, and Karunamaya. Worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists, the god is also known as god of rain.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Freak Street is a historic street just south of Kathmandu Durbar Square, which was famous as the hub of the 1960s-70s hippie trail. Once renowned for government-run cannabis shops, it is now a quieter, nostalgic atmosphere with local cafes, tattoo parlors, and guest houses.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Itum bahal

    Itum Bahal is one of the largest and oldest monasteries, dating back to the 11th century. The temple complex of Itum Bahal is famous for the White Tara, Mahashanta Shweta Tara “The Great White Tara Who Turned the Wheel of Dharma”. She is famous as the Talking Tara.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 7

    Believed to be established in the 9th century, the Naradevi temple is famous for occult Tantric rituals. The goddess Swetakali of the temple received human sacrifice until 1950. The neighborhood is inhabited by famous Ayurvedic doctors' families and is full of Ayurvedic pharmacies and clinics.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by iTour Nepal Private Day Tours

Tags

Half-day Tours
Private and Luxury
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Culture
Small Group
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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