Duration
5-6 hours
Trip Grade
Easy
Group Size
1-16 People
Max Altitude
1,550m. / 5,085ft.
Best Season
Feb- May/ Sept- Nov
Activity
Day Tour
Transportation
Private Vehicle
Trip Customization
On request (click here)
Highlights of Kirtipur Day Tour
- Ancient Newari Town: Visit an ancient Newari town located within the Kathmandu Valley, rich in history and culture.
- Chilamchu Stupa: Explore the Chilamchu Stupa, a significant Buddhist monument known for its historical and spiritual importance.
- Bagh Bhairav Temple: Discover the Bagh Bhairav Temple, dedicated to a fierce deity, showcasing Newari architectural style.
- Langtang Himal View: Enjoy amazing views of Langtang Himal, offering breathtaking mountain vistas.
- Ganesh Himal View: Take in the spectacular view of Ganesh Himal, adding to the scenic beauty of the region.
- Extended Hike to Champadevi: For hiking enthusiasts, there’s an option to extend your hike to Champadevi, providing a more challenging adventure.
- Hike to Chandragiri: Another extension option is a hike to Chandragiri, known for its stunning views and cable car ride.
- Cultural Exploration: Immerse yourself in the rich Newari culture, with its unique traditions, festivals, and craftsmanship.
- Historical Significance: The town and its landmarks hold historical significance, reflecting centuries-old heritage and architecture.
- Scenic Beauty: Throughout your visit, you will be surrounded by scenic beauty, from mountain ranges to lush landscapes, making it a visually enriching experience.
Trip Introduction
Kirtipur is the ancient Newari town established in the 1oth century. which is situated on a small hill 10km southwest of the Kathmandu Valley at an altitude of 1520m. Kirtipur Day Tour provides the chance to explore the typical Newari culture, tradition, and lifestyle. You can find the typical artistic Newari houses, Temples, and Monasteries.
The main highlights of the Kirtipur Day Tour are typical Newari culture and their lifestyle, Chilamchu Stupa, and the temple of Bagh Bhairav are the main attractions part of this town. Still, we can find out the historical monuments and many other materials which are related to the history and its own culture. It also offers a great view of Kathmandu Valley and the high mountains.
It is one of the day tour routes around the capital city, which you can enjoy with your family and friends. So, you can have an average physical condition to do the hike. Likewise, you can also extend the hike to Champadevi & Chandragiri if you want to have more adventure. You can do this hike any time of the year, but it is best to avoid the rainy season.
Himalayan Adventure Treks offers you the best accommodation, transportation, and miscellaneous facilities as per your needs. Along with it, we also have qualified and friendly guides who you can easily warm up to. You can also adjust your trip schedules as you wish.
Outline Itinerary of Kirtipur Day Tour
Day 01: Kirtipur Sightseeing Tour – A Day of Culture, History, and Scenic Views.
Our guests sharing their experiences (Photo/Video Gallery)
Detail itinerary of Kirtipur Day Tour
01
Day 01: Kirtipur Sightseeing Tour – A Day of Culture, History, and Scenic Views.
This guided tour to Kirtipur, a historic town in the Kathmandu Valley, offers an immersive experience into Nepal’s rich Newari culture, historical temples, and stunning panoramic views. The tour is designed to be a perfect blend of cultural exploration, architectural appreciation, and scenic beauty.
9:00 AM – Drive from the Hotel to Kirtipur City
- Meet and Greet: Your guide and driver will meet you in the hotel lobby, where you’ll receive a short briefing about the day’s itinerary. This will include an overview of Kirtipur, its significance, and the places you’ll be visiting.
- Scenic Drive to Kirtipur: The journey from your hotel to Kirtipur takes approximately 1 hour, depending on traffic. As you leave the busy streets of Kathmandu behind, the landscape transitions into more traditional surroundings with ancient temples, local markets, and glimpses of the countryside.
- Introduction to Kirtipur: Before arriving, your guide will provide background information about Kirtipur. This ancient town is one of the oldest settlements in the Kathmandu Valley, known for its rich Newari heritage, historic buildings, and breathtaking views of the valley and mountains.
10:00 AM – Arrival and Sightseeing in Kirtipur City
Upon reaching Kirtipur, you will immediately feel the town’s peaceful and historic ambiance. Unlike the bustling streets of Kathmandu, Kirtipur offers a quieter, more traditional experience. The town is famous for its red brick houses, beautifully carved wooden windows, and narrow alleys that reflect its deep-rooted Newari culture.
1. Chilamcho Stupa
- Your first stop is the Chilamcho Stupa, a prominent Buddhist monument in Kirtipur.
- This stupa is surrounded by traditional Newari homes and courtyards, giving you a glimpse of local architecture and daily life.
- The stupa is an important religious site for Buddhist devotees and provides a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
- It also holds historical significance, representing the influence of Buddhism in Kirtipur.
2. Bagh Bhairab Temple
- After exploring the stupa, you will head to the Bagh Bhairab Temple, dedicated to Lord Bhairab, a fierce form of Lord Shiva.
- The temple is named “Bagh” (meaning tiger) because it features tiger statues and images around its premises.
- This Hindu temple is one of the most important shrines in Kirtipur, attracting both worshippers and history enthusiasts.
- Viewpoint: From behind the temple, you will get a stunning panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley, making it a great spot for photography.
3. Uma Maheshwar Temple
- Your final stop is the Uma Maheshwar Temple, also known as the Bhag Bhairab Temple.
- This three-tiered pagoda-style temple is situated at the highest point in Kirtipur, offering a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding landscapes.
- The temple is dedicated to Uma and Maheshwar (Parvati and Shiva) and features intricate wooden carvings and stone sculptures.
- From the temple grounds, you can see the Langtang Mountain Range on clear days, adding a scenic highlight to the cultural experience.
- The temple complex also provides insight into traditional Newari religious practices and architecture.
2:00 PM – Return to Thamel
- Drive Back: After exploring Kirtipur’s cultural and historical sites, you will drive back to Thamel, a popular tourist hub in Kathmandu.
- Conclusion of the Tour: Upon arrival in Thamel, your guide will drop you off at your hotel or a preferred location, marking the end of the tour.
- Free Time: You’ll have the rest of the day to relax, shop, or explore more of Kathmandu at your own pace.
Key Highlights of the Kirtipur Tour
✅ Cultural Immersion: Experience Newari traditions, architecture, and lifestyle in one of Nepal’s oldest towns.
✅ Historical Significance: Visit centuries-old temples and stupas that reflect Nepal’s diverse religious history.
✅ Panoramic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley and distant Himalayan peaks.
✅ Traditional Architecture: Observe intricate wood carvings, pagoda-style temples, and red-brick houses.
✅ Convenient Travel: A comfortable guided tour with private transportation ensures a smooth experience.
This half-day excursion to Kirtipur is ideal for travelers seeking a mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty within a short distance from Kathmandu.
Activity: Day Tour, 5-6 hours
Max. Altitude: 1,520m/4,987ft. Kritipur
Note:
If you have your own private group and want to make your trip private, we can run the custom trip all the day as per your requirements and group size.
Includes and Excludes
What are included with package?
- Transportation by private vehicle: The tour includes transportation in a private vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey between destinations. This provides flexibility in timing and personalized service during the tour.
- Entrance fee: The entrance fee covers the cost of entry to various tourist attractions included in the itinerary. This fee is usually paid at the location and grants access to specific sites or areas of interest during the tour.
- Experience & helpful tour guide: A professional, experienced tour guide will accompany you throughout the trip. The guide is knowledgeable about the area, offering insights into local culture, history, and attractions, and is available to assist with any needs during the tour.
What are not included with package?
- Lunch: Lunch is typically not included in the package, meaning you will need to purchase it at local restaurants or cafes along the way. The cost will depend on the location and type of meal you choose.
- Beverage drinks: Beverage drinks, including soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and specialty drinks, are usually not covered in the tour package. These are additional expenses that you will need to pay for separately during the tour.
Pick Your Suitable Date
US$ 100
Book a Private Trip
Private & Group Discount Price
-
1 -
1 person
US$ 120
-
2 -
2 people
US$ 100
-
3 -
5 people
US$ 80
-
6 -
10 people
US$ 60
-
11 + people
9999
US$ 50
1 Travelers x US $ 2000
Total Cost:
US$ 120
Route Map & Altitude Chart
Kathmandu Hotel
Start/End point
Kathmandu Hotel
Trip Information
About Country
Popularly recognized worldwide for its majestic sky dominating peaks, Nepal is one of the most sought-after nations for trekking and other adventure activities. This tiny Himalayan nation is home to eight of the world’s tallest peaks, including Mt. Everest (8848.86m)- the highest mountain in the world.
Moreover, the rugged and rural trekking trails to the massifs along the dense forest which is filled with exotic floras and faunas instil excitement and adventures to the travellers. However, travelling to Nepal is not only about the mountains and natural beauty. Unravelling the beauty that lies in the old monuments, palaces, and temples. Nepal has a diverse array of cultures, traditions, languages, and history which are reflected in the lifestyle of the people.
Key Facts
Location: Nepal is located in South Asia; between two great giants the Republic of China to the north and India to the south, east, and west.
Geography: A landlocked country, Nepal is divided into three geographical regions, namely, the Himalayas, the Hills, and the Terai.
Capital: The capital city of Nepal is Kathmandu.
Area: The total area of Nepal is 147,181sq km.
Population: The current population of Nepal is 29 million.
Political system: Nepal is a federal republic country with a multi-party system.
Major religion: Nepal is a secular state but the majority of people follow Hinduism, followed by Buddhism and Christianity.
Time zone: The time zone of Nepal is GMT +5:45.
Official Language: The official language of Nepal is Nepali.
Working hours: The working hours in Nepal are from 10 am to 5 pm.
Electricity: Currently, all the major cities have electricity while electricity supply in some rural areas is limited. The standard voltage of electricity in Nepal is 220V.
Visa Information
All tourists visiting Nepal except tourists from India should have a valid passport and visa. An On-Arrival visa to enter can be obtained at the Tribhuvan International Airport or any other land entry/exit points at the Nepal-Tibet and Nepal-India border. During the peak season, there will be a long line of tourists here trying to get their visa. So, to avoid the endless waiting you should visit the nearest Nepalese diplomatic missions stationed in your country before your arrival.
An On-Arrival Tourist Visa costs USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, and USD 125 for 90 days. Find more information regarding the updated visa fees at http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/post/notice-regarding-visa-fee-updates.
You can also extend your visa within a valid period which will cost you USD 3 per day. However, if you are visiting Nepal from SAARC countries you don’t have to pay visa fees as gratis fee or free visa is applicable for 100 days. Regarding information about tourist visas, you can head to the information on the official website of the Department of Immigration at http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa.
How to reach the country
Nepal is very well accessible via air, rail, and road. Tribhuvan International Airport is the only international airport and the entry point for those arriving by air. Nepal Airlines is the main operator in the nation. Other international airlines here are Air Arabia, Air Asia, Etihad airlines, Fly Dubai, Jet Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Silk Air, and Thai air. The rail and road service can only be used by those arriving from India.
In terms of land transport, there are several land entry/exit points at the Nepal-Tibet and Nepal-India borders. Kerung and Kodari are the entry/exit points at the Nepal-Tibet border whereas
Janakpur-Jainagar railway is the sole railway that connects Nepal with India, several buses connect Delhi and Kathmandu.
Popular destinations to visit
There are many places you can visit in Nepal. Nepal is not only gifted with natural beauty but it is also culturally rich which means there are many heritages and sites you can visit. Kathmandu Valley is the first and foremost destination that you should not miss out on. The seven UNESCO world heritage sites in the valley, namely, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Changunarayan.
Other places you must visit while in Nepal are Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini. Pokhara is a scenic lake city, located 6 hours’ drive away from Kathmandu city. There you will be able to enjoy the serene and peaceful nature with the Annapurna ranges in the backdrop. Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is a historic destination whereas the Chitwan National Park is a natural haven for exotic flora and fauna. Both of these are also enlisted as world heritage sites by UNESCO. Palpa, Bandipur, Bardia National Park, and Ilam are some of the popular destinations.
As for trekking and mountaineering activities, Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, Manaslu, Upper Mustang, and Dolpo regions are some of the most popular ones in Nepal.
Internet and Communication in the country
You do not have to worry about not getting communication service or Internet service in Nepal. In recent years, the internet and communication services have drastically progressed and developed. While in the major cities and tourist destinations, you can use free Wi-Fi including many of the cafes and restaurants. Similarly, almost every hotel and some public areas provide Wi-Fi services. However, Wi-Fi is not always available in remote areas in the Himalayas and rural Hilly regions.
In such situations, a cellular connection is the best option for both Internet access and communication. NTC and Ncell at two of the biggest telecommunication corporations and offer sim cards with various packages at a reasonable price. These service providers have a wide reach over many parts of Nepal. You will easily be able to purchase any sim card with your passport or identity card.
Local currency and foreign exchange
While in Nepal, you should use Nepali rupees (NRs) which is also the official currency of Nepal. You can easily exchange your currency into the Nepalese Rupee at the Tribhuvan International Airport or the exchange counters and banks around the major cities. Also, the major cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini have a great availability of banks and ATMs. However, their availability becomes quite scarce when you head to the Himalayas and remote areas.
So, it is best if the travellers perform all their money-related activities while they are in the major cities.
Weather and climate
The climate in Nepal varies according to altitude and the current season. The lowland of the Terai region in the southern part of the country is very hot and humid during the summer. The temperature there can get as high as 45 degrees Celsius.
The middle part is also known as the hilly region has a pleasant and bearable climate all year long. However, in winter the nights and early mornings can get quite chilly. The Himalayan region is the northernmost part of the country and is above 3300m. This region usually has alpine climatic conditions and during the winter season, it experiences adverse weather conditions.
Nepal generally has four seasons, namely, spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The spring here means every part of the country has flowers blooming and summer means a lot of humidity and rainfall. While the autumn is neither too hot nor too cold and the skies are always clear. The winter season brings snow in the Himalayan region and some parts of the hilly region as well. Finally, during the monsoon season, the entire country experiences heavy rainfall except in the rain shadow areas of Upper Dolpo and Mustang.
People, culture, and festivals
Nepalese are known to be one of the kindest people all over the world. With a smile on everyone’s face, you will be warmly welcomed and greeted. The word “Namaste” is used while they join their hands together which means a respectful greeting. Nepal is a culturally rich country with many different castes, languages, and traditions. The diverse culture and tradition results in many different festivals celebrated all around the nation.
The major festivals celebrated are Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Sonam Losar, Gyalpo Losar, and many more. Especially in Newari settlements, people celebrate many colourful and radiant festivals. You will be able to experience wonderful and lifelong memory if you visit Nepal during the time of festivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kirtipur Day Tour?
The Kirtipur Day Tour is a cultural and historical day trip from Kathmandu that explores Kirtipur, an ancient Newari town known for its traditional Newari culture, temples, and heritage architecture. It offers a peaceful walk through narrow lanes, typical Newari houses, and religious monuments like Bagh Bhairav Temple and Chilamchu Stupa.
Where is Kirtipur located?
Kirtipur is located just 10 km southwest of Kathmandu, perched on a small hill at an altitude of 1520 meters. It provides a great day hike destination near Kathmandu Valley and offers panoramic views of the city and Himalayan peaks.
What are the main highlights of the Kirtipur Day Tour?
The tour highlights include visiting the Bagh Bhairav Temple, Chilamchu Stupa, traditional Newari architecture, and learning about the Newari lifestyle. You’ll also enjoy views of the Kathmandu Valley and the chance to extend the hike to Champadevi or Chandragiri for more adventure.
Is the Kirtipur Day Tour suitable for all age groups?
Yes, the Kirtipur Day Tour is suitable for all age groups, especially those with average physical fitness. The walk is moderate and relaxed, making it perfect for families, students, and cultural enthusiasts seeking an easy yet enriching experience.
What kind of culture and traditions can I witness in Kirtipur?
You will witness the authentic Newari culture, including traditional dress, festivals, local foods, Buddhist and Hindu temples, and the artistic craftsmanship of Newari houses and monuments that date back to the 10th century.
When is the best time to visit Kirtipur?
The best time to visit Kirtipur is from September to May, when the weather is dry and views are clear. The monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rain, which can make the walk less enjoyable and limit visibility of the mountains.
What is the historical importance of Kirtipur?
Kirtipur has great historical significance, especially as a strategic stronghold during the unification of Nepal by Prithvi Narayan Shah. The town still preserves monuments, ancient temples, and artifacts from that time, reflecting its rich cultural and historical heritage.
Can I extend the Kirtipur Day Tour to other hiking destinations?
Yes, the tour can be extended to nearby hiking destinations like Champadevi Hill or Chandragiri Hill, which offer adventure trekking, mountain views, and connections to other hilltop religious sites and nature trails around Kathmandu Valley.
What kind of views can I expect from Kirtipur?
From the hilltop of Kirtipur, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Kathmandu Valley, and on clear days, even spot the snow-capped Himalayan ranges including Langtang and Ganesh Himal. The landscape is perfect for photography and sightseeing.
Is Kirtipur a good destination for cultural tourism?
Absolutely. Kirtipur is one of the best cultural tourism destinations in Nepal, offering a unique opportunity to experience Newari heritage, religious diversity, and ancient architecture, all within a short drive from the busy Kathmandu city.
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