Kathmandu Cultural Tours

Temples, squares and old streets with a local guide.

Half a day to overnightDuration
EasyLevel

Overview

Temples, squares and old streets with a local guide.

You are more than a tourist. You want to understand the issues Nepal faces, spend time with local people, travel responsibly and take part in the culture. Our Kathmandu tours are the first step.

Justice Tour

The history of injustice and exploitation in Nepal, and the people on the front lines stopping it. For groups of 3 or more.

Social Business Tour

Visit Kathmandu businesses that create jobs and tackle social problems. For groups of 3 or more.

Half day temple tour

Four hours on the history, worldview, culture and faiths of Nepal, and how people practise Hinduism and Buddhism.

Full day temple tour

Two temple complexes, and a closer look at how local people think, believe and worship.

Bike tour, half or full day

For novice riders and up. Bike, helmet, guide, tea and lunch included.

Bhaktapur tour

The old city of craftwork, traditions and temples.

Cable car ride

A day trip up Chandragiri hill for views of the mountains and the valley.

Phulchowki day hike

Up the highest hill around the valley (2,782 m), past a botanical garden.

Shivapuri day hike

A short, easy hike in Shivapuri National Park.

Nagarkot tour

An overnight trip for the valley and mountain views.

Kathmandu walk

Walk the old streets with other travellers and learn their history.

Rock climbing and canyoning

Natural rock faces in the valley, and canyoning in the gorges and waterfalls.

What travellers say

Mountain biking is a great possibility to explore Kathmandu and the surroundings. By bike through the city, you will be part of the unique traffic and see some of the temples and other sights. I especially liked the old city center with decorated streets and some traditional houses. When I reached the top of a hill outside the city I had a fantastic view over the valley and enjoyed looking back on our route. The downhill back into the city center was well-deserved! Above all, seeing the Himalayans on the horizon for the whole day was the icing on the cake!

Daniel, Germany

Map

Ethico Retreat to Kathmandu Durbar Square to Bhaktapur to Chandragiri and more

1Ethico RetreatEvery tour starts and ends here

2Kathmandu Durbar SquareKathmandu walk, temple tours

3BhaktapurBhaktapur tour

4ChandragiriCable car ride · 2,551 m

5PhulchowkiPhulchowki day hike · 2,782 m

6ShivapuriShivapuri day hike

7NagarkotNagarkot tour · 2,175 m

Line map of the route through Ethico Retreat, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur, Chandragiri, Phulchowki, Shivapuri, Nagarkot, with the real contour lines of the land around it.

1Ethico RetreatEvery tour · Patan · 1,400 m
2Kathmandu Durbar SquareKathmandu walk, temple tours
3BhaktapurBhaktapur tour
4ChandragiriCable car ride · 2,551 m
5PhulchowkiPhulchowki day hike · 2,782 m
6ShivapuriShivapuri day hike
7NagarkotNagarkot tour · 2,175 m

Day trips from Ethico Retreat in Patan. Each line is a separate tour. Contours every 200 m, traced from real elevation data (Terrain Tiles on AWS: SRTM and others). Roads, places, districts, water and landmarks © OpenStreetMap contributors.