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Things to Do in Kathmandu

Best things to do in Kathmandu include exploring beautiful places, temples, peaks and much more. One of the largest cities in Nepal, Kathmandu is known to be the city of temples and gods surrounded by four mesmerizing mountain peaks. With whooping seven world heritage sites within Kathmandu valley, this place offers a complete package for tourists coming over. The large number of monuments, pilgrimage sites, valleys, lakes and a tempting variety of food options is what attract tourists from all over the world. As it is a Spiritual hub it offers lots of religious Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries of which Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa and Lord Shiva temple tops the list among devotees. This place is of a great historical value of which most can be seen in museums and galleries that are showcasing different artworks of the past and present. The National Museum of Kathmandu durbar square, the National library at Pulchowk, National Birendra art gallery at Naxal is some of the famous places to have a taste of Kathmandu's history & culture. This city is known for its altitudinal variations with many skies penetrating mountains, alluring mountain valleys, and lush green meadows.

Hill stations in Kathmandu include various scenic spots like Nagarkot, Kakani, Dhulikhel and much more. Nagarkot, being 32 kms east of Kathmandu is renowned for its spectacular sunrise view of Himalayas and Dhulikhel, situating 30kms from Kathmandu is best known for its panoramic view of Mount Everest. Kathmandu offers a wide variety of shopping experiences with high-end brands products in glitzy malls to street shopping that offers tempting jewelry, handicrafts, and Nepalese art-crafts. Bhaktapur, a place near Kathmandu is known for its exclusive Nepalese handicrafts and pots. You can find a wide varieties restaurants, malls, and clubs offering a rich taste of Nepalese food with cultural theaters and local arts adding to its glory. With the best things to do in Kathmandu, the city offers wide varieties of adventurous sports including rafting, hiking, rock climbing, golfing, mountain biking, bird watching and helicopter sightseeing. You can also try out the world famous Everest base camp trek in Kathmandu.

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Taleju Bell
When the kings ruled over Nepal, grievances were not solved through a toll free, customer care number. Rather, it was solved with the Taleju Bell. Of course, there weren’t any phones back then so the rulers found out new, unique ways to hear their disciples. The bell, which is ancient and huge hangs between two stout pillars, providing access to be rung.



Highlights
: The bell was erected by King Vishnu Malla in 1736. The idea for its construction was to make kings more accountable to the citizens. Over the years, petitioners have rung this bell to alert the king about their grievances. And their issues were sorted out. The bell was broken during the 2015 earthquake disaster, however the pavilion stayed intact. The place is being restored. The bell pavilion has an ornamental bridge that should be explored as well.

Location
: Patan, Nepal.

Timings
: From morning to evening.
Durbar (Central) Square
Want to travel to an era bygone? Then Durbar Square is the place to be! The Durbar Square Central is a popular place among the tourists. It is well known for the ancient Royal Palace, which faces next to the square.



Highlights
:The concentrated mass of temples in this region is perhaps one of the biggest highlights of this place. It is here that you will find a stunning display of Newari architecture. The temple construction here happened from 14thto 18thcenturies, especially during the reign of King Siddhinarsingh Malla. The Durbar Central Square is one of the perfect places where you can wander around for hours, looking at magnificent buildings.

Location
: The Durbar Square is located in Patan Nepal.

Timings
: Entry is from 7 am to 7 pm. 

Price
: For foreign travelers, the prices are from USD 3-8.
Mount Parchamo
This trek is surely going to catch your fascination and it will hard for any trekker to resist it. This trek involves a higher amount of risk which makes trekking quite difficult in this place. The expedition begins from Lukla and looking at Parchamo from a distance will make you feel that it is a big chunk of sweet ice-cream.

Highlights
: If you want to make your expedition even more exciting you can combine it with Ramdung Go Peak with the trek over Tesi Lapcha.

Best time to visit
: September to December.

Difficulty Level
: High.

Prices
: $2150 USD
Saribung Peak Climbing
Saribung Trek is the most newly introduced trek, hence it is an ideal place for trekkers who want to try something different. This trek has been recently included in the Mustang region. However one would find at the inception that the trek is pretty simpler but as you ascend upwards it will be difficult to move upwards without the technical difficulties.

 

Highlights
: Saribung will let you live life the way you have always wished for. Defeating the challenges and moving ahead.

Best time to visit
: Spring and autumn.

Difficulty Level
: High and seldom are people able to finish this trek.

Price
: $2450 USD
Lobuche East Peak Climbing
It is one of the hardest trekking experience and it has got the magnificent view of Mount Everest.Since this peak is located just above the Lobuche village in Khumbu region, hence it is not far away from Mount Everest. The peaks of Lobuche forms a pyramid and they are very clearly visible from the Everest Base Camp.



Highlights
: You can explore the Sherpa village along with Helary museum. You can also get the chance to view the largest glacier of the Himalayas Ngozzumpa Glacier.

Price
: US$2050.

Best time to visit
: Mid March to Mid-May.

Difficulty Level
: Medium, however you need to be physically fit to climb this peak.
Everest High Passes And Peaks
If you are looking for something in particular in the Everest region then it wouldn’t be complete without valleys, peaks and passes. If you are climber at heart and you are looking for some serious trekking experience then the best thing would be to visit Everest High Passes and Peaks. You cannot deny some mountain vistas which overlooks some beautiful sceneries too.



Best time to visit
: October to Mid-May.

Highlights
: The Cho La crosses a glacier and the view is not only going to leave you jaw dropped but is quite risky too.

Difficulty Level
: High, since it has high passes and peaks which makes it a very difficult trek.

Prices
: $1300
Rara Lake Trek
The Rara Lake is one of the best fresh water lake. Location: You have to take an hour flight from Jumla to Kathmandu. You will find some vulnerable and endangered species at the time of the trek. You can experience some of the best scenic view in the north western side of Nepal.



Highlights
: If you get a chance it will be best if you can witness the rare Rara Lake Frog. You can also witness Danfe which is the national bird of Nepal. It is the ideal habitat for musk deer and at the same time you will also get a chance to Himalayan Black Deer.

Best time to visit
: September, October and April and May.

Difficulty Level
: Medium.

Price
: US$2645 PER PERSON.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
If you can never run out of challenges then this trek is for you. You will be climbing at an altitude of 6,060 m. What makes this trek even more fascinating is that it allows you to explore some of the off beaten and less travelled tracts of Nepal Himalayas.



Highlights
: The trek also allows you to pass through the Gurung villages which are truly marvellous and you will get to spot some of the beautiful terraced fields too.

Best time to visit
: March or May whichever suits you the best.

Difficulty Level
: High, because the trek is quite strenuous.

Price
: Rs 3000 NRs.
Rolwaling Trek
One of the most outstanding trek lies between Gaurishankar Himal and Rolwaling Himal. Highlights: You can take a walk through the Teahouse, Lodge and Camping. You can also get a glimpse of the Sherpa community and the beautiful and spectacular view of Himalayan range. This beautiful ares was first explored during the preliminary surveying of Mount Everest.



Price: Rs. 700 to Rs.1500.

Location
: You can take a bus from Kathmandu to Gongar Khola (6am and 8 am)

Highlights
: You can witness the beautiful landscape which ranges from Rhododendron and Juniper forests.

Best time to visit
: September, October, November along with March, April and May.

Difficulty Level: High.
Ebc,Gokyo And Cho La Pass
Tucked away to the Western Side of Everest Base Camp is the Ri Trail, Gokoyo and Cho-la Pass, which is perfect for those who want grandeur views, five terrific alpine lakes. This is one of the most adventurous treks for seasoned trekkers. It combines the Everest Base camp as well as Gokyo Valley with the highest elevation of almost 5500 meters.



Highlights
:The trip highlights include sensational views of snow-capped mountains and dramatic landscapes. The place is well known for its warmth hospitality as well. Trekkers will also get the opportunity to explore Buddhist culture, diverse ethnicities and pristine lakes. The trek usually includes Sagarmatha National Park as well.

Location
:Kathmandu.

Things to keep in mind
:The trek is difficult and therefore, make sure that you get the right sleeping bags, fleece jackets with wind-protection factor. Always carry sunscreen and water bottles among other necessary items.
Everest Base Camp Trekking
Everest is a daunting summit. It soars so high that even trekking at its base camp is a challenging adventure. Trek to the Everest Base Camp is arguably the experience of a lifetime. This trek allows you to step foot on the breathtaking Everest, the highest mountain in the world. The base camp is usually for 14 days and you get days to discover popular cities, hill stations and villages in the region.



Highlights
:The base camp is recommended from March-mid May and from Sept-mid November as otherwise, the season is wet and climbing can be difficult. The trek will take you through the diverse regions in the country and bring you up-close and personal with the culture of Nepal.

Location
:The trek usually begins from Kathmandu.

Things to keep in mind
:Have some obligatory items, such as warm clothes, UV sun-block, hiking boots and other items. Don’t take unnecessary things for the trip. However, keep a first-aid box.
Bhaktapur
Witness one of the largest kingdom of the Kathmandu valley and you will be simply mesmerized with its breath-taking looks. It had some of the best preservation of the olden times, however, they were destroyed because of the recent earthquake in 2015. Near the roadside you will find many craftisans weaving cloth and chisel timber.



Highlights
: You can examine the beautiful temples which are studded stones and winding streets which makes you bring back memories of the olden times.

Location
: It is 1 hour and 35 minutes from flight.

Price
: NPR 2000.

Best time to visit
: March to April and October to November in late afternoon
Pashupatinath
If you have a spiritual bent of mind then the best thing would be to visit the famous Pashupatinath Temple. This temple id dedicated to Lord Shiva and has attracted millions of Hindu followers. Most of the people visit this temples when they are living the final days before they meet death. 

The river Bagmati which flows along is considered to be the most sacred river for cremation. It is also believed that people who die here are reborn as humans again irrespective of their conduct on earth.



Highlights
: You can also visit Panch Deval which has five temple complex which was a holy shrine but not place for old people to stay.

Location
: Pashupatinath road , Kathamandu.

Prices
: USD 29.

Best time to visit
: You can viit this temple during anytime of the year but avoid visiting it during Mahashivratri and Teej festivals
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
If you want to spot the last areas of woodland then it will be seen in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. It has quite recently got the wildlife status. The sprawling forest will get you bowled with the mere look at it. There are no accommodation here, as the one which was here was destroyed in the 2015 earthquake. To make the trip even more exciting there are several cycling and motor biking ride which is going to leave you truly thrilled.



Highlights
: It is not only a natural wildlife but at the same time it also allows you to make a trip to Tibetan nunnery of Nagi Gompa.

Location
: It is 12 km away from the centre of the capital city, Sundarijal, Nepal.

Best time to visit
: September to November and February to April.

Price
: Rs 500
Phulchoki
A prominent mountain peak in Nepal, Phulchowki surrounds the valley of Kathmandu. The mountain is called ‘Phul,’ to reflect flowers, the literal meaning. This place is a natural garden of flowers and everything bright-beautiful!

Highlights
:The Mountain is a bed of wild roses, along with iris, yellow jasmine and several native flowers. Exploring it is fun and enchanting because of the grove of rhododendrons in various hues. The path or the trail towards the summit includes keep able roads. The route takes you through the Buddhist shrine as well.

If you have tried trekking or love hiking, then go ahead and scale the peak- it shouldn’t take more than four hours. The area is well known for its resorts as well. If you are looking for something peaceful or if you are searching for a short, easy day hike, then this is the place that should be listed in your itinerary.

Location
: Ryale, Nepal.

Price
:Free.
Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar is a village which is horses shoe shaped bowl. If you climb up till the end you can get the first look of Everest. It will leave you truly mesmerized with its absolute view. Most of the people reach this place by their trekking and hiking experience. There are several tea houses which will give you some of the most amazing experiences.



Highlights
: If you are in Namche on Saturday then don’t forget to visit the local streets which has some of the most amazing Chinese goods.

Best months to visit: Spring is the best time to visit Namche Bazaar.

Prices
: All the hotels in the Namche Bazaar are quite reasonably priced.
Swayambhunath Stupa
Swayambhunath stupa is an ancient religious architecture located atop a conical wooden hill in the Kathmandu valley. This golden spire is one of the most ancient and holiest of all shrines in the region. The temple complex is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. Stupa located inside the Swayambhunath complex, includes several other shrines and temples. According to the Gopalarajavamsavali, the complex is believed to have been founded by King Vrsadeva, the great-grandfather of King Manadeva in 464-505 CE.



Highlights:Eyes of Buddha are painted on the cubical structure sitting atop the dome. Pentagon Toran are present above each of the four edges and have statues engraved on them. Pilgrims require to climb 365 steps in order to reach the stupa.

Location
:Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.

Timings
:Everyday 07:00 am - 12:00 pm.

Price
:USD 3 per person
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Nepal is the land of majestic mountains. Annapurna is one of them. It’s the 10thhighest mountain in the world and one of the most fun challenges for trekkers. The Annapurna base camp trek is usually for 10 days, offers cultural insight and adventure for nature lovers. The trek takes you through the foothills that have several ethnic groups, terraced farms and charming villages. This pristine route with mountain lifestyle is going to win you over.



Highlights
:The trek usually begins from Pokhara, the lake city. It takes you through other places like Ghorepani, Dhaulagiri and others. You will also get to visit the rhododendron forests and narrow valleys between Fishtail and Annapurana.

Location
: Pokhara.

Things to keep in mind
:Since it is the 10thhighest mountain in the world, Annapurna is quite cold. Make sure that you carry right kind of winter wear, have sunglasses and first-aid.
Kirtipur
A wonderful sense of faded grandeur, coupled with serenity and sleepiness makes Kirtipur a must visit. The impressive medieval temples dot this place. Located close to Kathmandu, the district is primarily known for its historic treasures.



Highlights
:The highlights of this place is how it can help you transcend into a bygone era. Apart from the temples and the medieval architectures, the place is known for its historic story, wherein when Prithvi Narayan Shah stormed into the valley in 1768 and won the town, he ordered that nose and lips be cut off every male in the town. Only those who could play wind instruments were left with their nose and lips. The town, which was shaken by the earthquake has largely been restored. The place offers multiple panoramas of some beautiful mountains across the country.

Location
: Kirtipur, Kathmandu District.

Timings
:Open all day.
Casino Royale
Get ready to look suave. Style yourself in a tuxedo and throw away your backpack for a while. Polish up on some Sean Connery impressions and explore the royal world of Casino Royale, one of the most popular casinos in the country. This former Rana Palace at the Yak and Yeti Hotel is the perfect place to hang out in a sophisticated fashion.

 Highlights:One of the leading casinos in the area, the place has a number of tables where you can enjoy gambling, card games and other plays. If you stay here long enough, you may even get the opportunity to enjoy sumptuous dinner buffets. Frequented by tourists and locales alike, the casino is an ideal place for a conversation or for socializing. Oh! And don’t forget to try slot machines.

Location
:Located in Kathmandu.

Timings
:Open from morning till late night.

Prices
: Entry is fee, but you have to pay for playing games.

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Kathmandu Things To Do FAQs

What are the best adventure activities to do in Kathmandu?

Kathmandu is the perfect place for adventure seekers. As being on the height of 20,000 meters it offers a large number of mountain sports and adventurous things to fill your hearts. Try doing all these things:

  •      Bungee jumping into Bhote Kosi river gorge
  •      Mountain biking around Shivapuri National park
  •      Rafting
  •      Mountain flight around Kathmandu
  •      Rock climbing
  •      Hot air ballooning
  •      Paragliding
  •      Trekking at Pokhara
  •      Canyoning at Chitwan National Park
  •      Zip flying
  •      Skydiving

What are the best things to do in Kathmandu?

Kathmandu is a vibrant city that offers a wide range of places to visit, from devotional temples and monasteries to beautiful soothing hills of Himalayas. Trying your hands on some delicacies of local food to trying some of the adventurous sports, you can do anything in this city. Following are the best things that you can do in Kathmandu:

  •      Get blessings from Boudhanath Temple
  •      Marvel through Durbar palace square
  •      Explore Annapurna Region
  •      Check-in Garden of dreams
  •      Take a flight over city
  •      Shop and hang out in Thamel
  •      Explore village in Kathmandu valley
  •      Get a hiking experience
  •      Shop at local markets
  •      Explore Chitwan national park
  •      Barge into Royal Botanical Gardens
  •      Visit Kopan Monastery
  •      Try your hands on rafting, bungee jumping, and paragliding

Which are the best places to do water sports in Kathmandu?

The city is known to offer some of the best places to experience water sports with rivers originating from the highest mountain valleys. Following are the places where you can experience best water sports:

  •      Rafting on Trishuli river
  •      Whitewater rafting at Seti river
  •      Canyoning at Chitwan
  •      Kayaking on Kaligandaki river
  •      Stand up paddle boarding at Phewa Lake
  •      Lower Bhote Koshi and upper Bhote Koshi river
  •      Kali Gandaki river
  •      Sun Koshi River
  •      Karnali river

Which are the best destinations for a wildlife safari in Kathmandu?

Kathmandu offers a rich wildlife for tourist to witness. You can experience a fun wildlife safari at following places in the city:

  •      Garden of dreams
  •      Shivapuri Nagarjun National park
  •      The central zoo
  •      Mrigasthali Deer park
  •      Tribhuvan park
  •      Ratna park
  •      Jawalakhel zoo
  •      Makalu Barun National park
  •       Wildlife safari at Chitwan National Park
  •      Rana National Park
  •      Sagarmatha National Park
  •      Bardiya National Park
  •      Rara National Park
  •      Khaptad National Park
  •      Banke National Park
  •      Shuklaphanta National Park
  •      Parsa national Park

Which are the best places to go for trekking in Kathmandu?

Trekking is the favorite sports among the tourist. The city is at the height of 20,000 meters lying in the laps of Himalayas offers some amazing hills and places to experience trekking. Kathmandu offers some breathtaking mountain views while trekking. It is the most challenging experience you will ever witness. Some of the best trekking places are:

  •      Annapurna Base Camp trek
  •      Arun Valley trek
  •      Tamang Heritage Trek
  •      Trek at Phulchowki
  •      Annapurna Poon Hill trek
  •      Langtang Ganja pass trek
  •      Tsume valley trekking
  •      Goyko and Cho-la Pass
  •      Gosaikunda Pass trek
  •      Imja Tse and island peak trek
  •      Tamang Heritage trail
  •      Helambu trek
  •      Everest Base camp trekking
  •      Annapurna circuit trek
  •      Dhampus trek
  •      Makalu base camp trek
  •      Rolwaling trek
  •      Upper Dolpo Trek
  •      Manaslu circuit trek
  •      Upper Mustang trek
  •      Dhaulagiri circuit trek
  •      Trek to Pothana
  •      Three pass circuit trek
  •      Trek to landruk
  •      Trek to banthanti

Which are the best sites for camping in Kathmandu?

So many mountains and altering treks offer some exquisite camping places around Kathmandu. These are the places where you can capture a beautiful camping experience:

  •      Karnali jungle Camp
  •      Koshi tappu wildlife camp
  •      Himalika Camp
  •      Chitwan bamboo camp
  •      Bandipur adventure camp
  •      Tarakuti camp
  •      Sunkoshi adventure camp
  •      Galchii bagar camp
  •      Travelers jungle camp
  •      Camping at Dhulikhel
  •      Sarangkot camping
  •      Camping at Palpa
  •      Nagarkot camping

Which are the best routes to do biking in Kathmandu?

Kathmandu biking trip is the most beautiful thing among the whole trip. It will be so refreshing experience that you will ever forget. Riding bikes along the mesmerizing valleys are a thrilling adventure. Some of the best biking routes are:

  •      Mount Everest region
  •      Pokhara to Kathmandu
  •      Lower Mustang and upper mustang
  •      The Kathmandu valley
  •      Annapurna circuit
  •      Balaju – Kakani – mahankal – jarankhu – balaju
  •      Sankhu – Kathmandu
  •      Champi – lele –Chapagaon - Satdobato
  •      Panauti – Banepa – Kathmandu
  •      Thankot – Dahachowk
  •      Ramkot – Ichangu Narayan – Swoyambhu
  •      Shivapuri National Park
  •      Mudkhu – Tokha
  •      Jamacho and Madhuku single tracks
  •      Kathmandu – kakani – Budhanilkantha
  •      Mudkhu – Chaurgaon
  •      Changu Narayan – Sankhu – Gokarna

Where can go for bungee jumping in Kathmandu?

Bungee jumping is a must do a thrilling sport that you can experience at following places in Kathmandu:

  •      The last resort
  •      Over bhoti Kosi river gorge
  •      Bungee jumping in Pokhara
  •      Bungee from Bhotekoshi

Which are the must visit pilgrimage sites in Kathmandu?

Kathmandu is known as the land of gods and temples due to a large number of temples and monasteries from ancient times. The city is full of religious harmony and ethnic diversity. Many devotees came to the city for blessings and spiritual peace. Following are the must visit pilgrimage sites in Kathmandu:

  •      Pashupatinath Temple
  •      Swayambhunath Stupa
  •      Muktinath
  •      Boudhanath Stupa
  •      Lumbini, birthplace of Lord Buddha
  •      Guhyeshwari
  •      Changu Narayana
  •      Dakshinkali
  •      Manakamana Temple
  •      Kagbeni
  •      Damodar Kund
  •      Riddhi Hrishikesha tirtha
  •      Simraugadh
  •      Dhanushadham
  •      Chandan Nath
  •      Gosaikunda
  •      Devghat
  •      Balmiki ashram
  •      Namobuddha
  •      Barhachhetra
  •      Shaligrams
  •      Jaleshwor Mahadeva
  •      Mai Pokhara
  •      Badimalika
  •      Siddha Nath baba

Which are the best locations for rafting in Kathmandu? What are the charges?

Rafting is the adventurous sport that you can count on. If you are a water sport enthusiastic, then Kathmandu offers you an endless white water to have a thrilling experience to capture. Following are the best places for rafting in the city:

 

·      Upper Seti river

·      Tamur river

·      Kali Gandhi river

·      Trishuli river

·      Sunkoshi River

·      Marshyangdi River

·      Karnali river

·      Kali Gandaki

·      Bheri river

 

                 Rafting at all these places cost you around $57 USD or 45 Euro in total including all the types of equipment that they will provide. While rafting at upper seti river for 90 mins may cost you 5,100 Indian rupees.

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Kathmandu Things To Do Reviews

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A N
Reviewed: 06 Jul 2022
4.0/5
Nice Experience and an awesome guide.
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Vijay Ramachandran
Reviewed: 09 Oct 2019
5.0/5
ONE OF THE MOST GORGEOUS DESTINATIONS ON PLANET EARTH. MIND BLOWING VIEW GAZING AT THE GRANDEUR OF THE HIMALAYAS. THE OLIGOTROPIC LAKES WERE EYE POPPING TO LOOK AT ON THE WAY TO GOKYO RI. I WAS ENTHRALLED BY THE SHEER BEAUTY OF THE (7000+ METERS) MOUNTAIN PEAKS AND THE NGOZUMPA GLACIER THAT COULD BE... Read More
Vijay Ramachandran
Vijay Ramachandran
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Tanushri Guneta
Reviewed: 17 Feb 2020
5.0/5
Amazing planned itinerary, The ride goes perfectly as planned, we do not miss anything mentioned in it. Wow really great.
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Udit Shah
Reviewed: 17 Feb 2020
5.0/5
Very fun and hard work activity, The guide was very serious about our safety. One of the good experience in Nepal.
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Bhupati Khan
Reviewed: 17 Feb 2020
5.0/5
I love and enjoyed this tour. Everything went so smooth as we expected. The price and the experience really match. Thanks Thrillophilia.
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Chandani Mishra
Reviewed: 17 Feb 2020
5.0/5
We enjoyed sightseeing in Kathmandu, Great service and the guide was excellent. Such a great day for us to learn the history of their temples

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