Discover Kirtipur
Kathmandu, Nepal
From USD 66.00
Office phone number: +977 9801123617
Discover Kirtipur
Kathmandu, Nepal
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Join an expert local guide for an off-the-beaten-path adventure to discover the ancient town of Kirtipur. Soak up the laid-back vibes and amazing views of Kathmandu Valley as you stroll narrow alleyways learning about the Newari culture, the indigenous culture of Kathmandu Valley. Then cap off all that sightseeing with a traditional Newari lunch at a local home.
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Highlights
- Discover the off-the-beaten-track destination of Kirtipur that most tourists miss
- Walk the ancient alleys of Kirtipur while learning about its history, culture, and lifestyle
- Enjoy the views of Kathmandu Valley from Uma Maheshwar Temple and Bagh Bhairav Temple
- Experience a traditional Newari lunch with a localhost
Local Impact: How you will help the local community by joining this tour:
- By taking visitors for lunch to a local house, we promote the traditional cuisine of Newari ethnicity which is the predominant ethnicity of Kirtipur.
- We take the visitors to a local family home for traditional Newari lunch and pay them for their services so that they get benefitted financially.
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Schedule details
- Duration: 4 hours
- Meeting point:
Hotel Marshyangdi, Chaksibari Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu
View on Google Maps.
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 9.30 AM
- Ending point:
Hotel Marshyangdi, Chaksibari Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu
View on Google Maps.
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, traditional Newari lunch, entry fees, transportation.
Exclusions: Tips/gratuities for your guide
Located in the southwestern suburbs of Kathmandu, Kirtipur is visited by only a handful of tourists but is a gem in terms of history and culture. Meet up with your guide for an insightful tour of this off-the-beaten-path town. First up, we have about a 35-minute drive before we reach a place called Nayabazaar. From here you will get your first glimpse of this colorful town built in fort-like structure atop a hill. Hear interesting stories from your guide about the famous battle of Kirtipur and the bravery of its natives, the Newari people.
We’ll then start the walking tour up to Chilancho Temple, which is an ancient Buddhist shrine, but different from the usual stupas seen elsewhere in Kathmandu. The ancient medieval Newari settlements around it are a pretty sight, as are the giggling children and smiling old men. Soak in the age-old scenes of intricate wood carvings and narrow alleys as you stroll down to Bagh Bhairav Temple, with its relics of the battle and views of Kathmandu city. Bagh Bhairav is considered the guardian deity of Kirtipur and is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists alike.
Our next stop is Uma Maheshwar Temple, which lies on the highest part of Kirtipur and offers panoramic views of Kathmandu city. Climb up the stairs and relax on the temple’s porch to catch your breath and enjoy the view.
Walk down the old alleys and observe the locals as they sit around their houses chatting, spinning wool or knitting. Then end your tour on a tasty note at a local’s home where you will have a delicious Newari lunch the traditional way: by sitting cross-legged on the floor with your guide and host. Learn about Newari food as you enjoy your meal and chat with your host about everyday life around Kirtipur.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, traditional Newari lunch, entry fees, transportation.
Exclusions: Tips/gratuities for your guide
Dress standard: When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. In many rural areas in Asia women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sunbathing are all unacceptable. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Additional Information: Please bring comfortable walking shoes and your own bottle of water.
Child Policy: Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.
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Dietary Notes
We can accommodate vegetarians. Please notify us in advance if you are one, or if you have any allergies. You can do so in the ‘Additional information’ box at checkout, or by emailing us at info@kathmanduurbanadventures.com
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Local contact
Office phone number: +977 9801123617
Email address: info@kathmanduurbanadventures.com
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