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Free tour

Essentials of Kathmandu Durber Square with a local guru Milan

Duration: 2h and 30min
Languages: English
Guru: Milan
Registered on May 22, 2023

Hello, I'm Milan, your knowledgeable guide for exploring the top attractions of Kathmandu! As a certified professional Tour Guide accredited by the Nepalese government, I've been immersed in the tourism industry since 2000. Hailing from the North East of the Kathmandu Valley, particularly the Everest region, I possess a deep-rooted passion for Nepalese culture, history, and lifestyle. Embark on a unique journey through Kathmandu with me, gaining exclusive access to behind-the-scenes experiences and insights only a local can provide! Our heritage walk spans 3 hours, commencing from Thamel (in front of Kathmandu Guest House) and traversing through local neighborhoods.

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  • Free booking and cancellation
    Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free

Tour description

Meet Milan, your knowledgeable Nepali guide, who will lead you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Kathmandu, Nepal. Milan's tour is all about experiencing the vibrant culture, rich history, and hidden gems of this incredible city. Let's explore the highlights of this walking tour with Milan as your guide:

1. Thamel:
Begin your adventure in Thamel, a bustling area renowned as one of Kathmandu's top tourist destinations. Here, you'll find a plethora of quality hotels, including the iconic Kathmandu Guest House, and indulge in some culinary delights at notable eateries like Northfind Cafe and Roadhouse. Milan will also introduce you to one of the city's oldest pubs, Tomenjarey Pop Hotel, and many other hidden gems.

2. Asan Bazar:
Next, Milan will take you to the historical Asan Bazar. This market has deep roots in the city's history, as it was once a hub for traders from Tibet and various Asian regions. Discover the fascinating history of this market, the cultural melting pot it represents, and the significant presence of the Newari community with their ties to Tibet and the Lhasa trading route.

3. Indra Chowk
Six streets meet at Indra Chowk and link the square to Kathmandu's major localities. Its temples and bazaar draw streams of pilgrims and shoppers. The square is named after Indra, lord of heaven in Hindu mythology.

Indra Chowk is a ceremonial venue and major festival pageants and chariot processions pass through the square. During Indra Jatra, the chariots of Kumari, Ganesh and Bhairav are pulled through here. The chariot procession of Jana Baha Dyah Jatra also passes through the square.

3. Hanuman Dhoka:
Your journey continues with a visit to Hanuman Dhoka, where Milan will provide valuable insights into Nepali temple architecture, archaeology, and the local festivals that take place here. Learn about the Geodey Jattra, Indra Jattra, and Jatra Mins Festival, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of these celebrations. Among them, the week-long Indra Jattra stands out as a captivating and immersive experience.

Naradevi temple
History
The temple is believed to have been established in the ninth century by Gunakamadeva, the founder of Kathmandu

On the tenth day of Dasain, Khadga Jatra is celebrated in the temple. Various swords (
Khadga) are taken to the temple in a grand procession and revered with traditional tantric rituals. Buffalo slain in a single blow are sacrificed to mark the event of Nawami.[3]

Join Milan for an enriching Kathmandu walking tour, where you'll gain a deep appreciation for the city's culture, history, and local traditions. Discover the hidden treasures and stories that only a local like Milan can share, making your visit to Kathmandu a truly memorable and insightful experience.

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Highlights

What will we visit on this tour?

  • Meeting point:
    Saat Ghumti Marg 16, Kathmandu 44600,...
    Saat Ghumti Marg 16, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
    View on map

    Tour starts and finishes right outside Kathmandu Guest House, making it easy for everyone to meet up. During the tour, you'll wander through the lively streets of Thamel, soaking up the energy and uncovering its cultural gems like markets, temples, and old sites. Once the tour wraps up, you'll head back to Kathmandu Guest House. From there, you can either keep exploring or take some time to relax and think about the day's adventures.

  • 1
    Outside visit
    Thamel

    Thamel is one of the touristi places where you can have good hotels and Ber some of the good restaurants like Northfind cafe roadhouse yengyang and one of the old pub tomenjarey pop hotel like kathmandu guest House and many more

  • 2
    Outside visit
    Asan Bazar

    History Asan straddles one of the two legendary India-Tibet trade routes that pass through Kathmandu. Because of this history, Asan has been one of the city's main marketplaces since ancient times. The trade route is diagonally aligned, and the section within the city extends from Kathmandu Durbar Square to Asan and to the northeast.[4] Six streets converge in Asan, giving the square a perpetual bustle.[2] The bazaar in Asan attracts shoppers from all over Kathmandu because of the tremendous variety of me

  • 3
    Outside visit
    Indra Chowk

    Six streets meet at Indra Chowk and link the square to Kathmandu's major localities. Its temples and bazaar draw streams of pilgrims and shoppers. The square is named after Indra, lord of heaven in Hindu mythology. Indra Chowk is a ceremonial venue and major festival pageants and chariot processions pass through the square. During Indra Jatra, the chariots of Kumari, Ganesh and Bhairav are pulled through here. The chariot procession of Jana Baha Dyah Jatra also passes through the square. Highlights

  • 4
    Entrance not included
    Hanuman Dhoka, kal Bhairav temple, Kumari temple, kastahmandap temple museum

    Hanuman Dhoka (Nepali: हनुमान ढोका) is a complex of structures with the Royal Palace of the Malla kings and also of the Shah dynasty in the Durbar Square of central Kathmandu, Nepal.The Hanuman Dhoka Palace (Hanuman Dhoka Darbar in Nepali) gets its name from the stone image of Hanuman, the Hindu deity, that sits near the main entryway. 'Dhoka' means door or gate in Nepali.[1] The buildings were severely damaged in the 2015 earthquake.[2] Museums On the west side of Nasal Chok, the Tribhuwan Museum has

  • 5
    Outside visit
    Nardevi Mandir

    History Nardevi Temple The temple is believed to have been established in the ninth century by Gunakamadeva, the founder of Kathmandu.[1 Mythology According to the mythology, a king of Patan in his hunting trip lost his way in Kantipur (current Kathmandu). When he reached near Kilagal, he was chased by a wild elephant and upon trying to escape the elephant he reached near Nardevi temple and hid inside a huge tree. There he got unconscious. When he woke up, goddess Swetakali appeared and granted his

  • 6
    Outside visit
    Thamel

    Thamel Thamel (Nepali: ठमेल) is a commercial neighborhood located in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Thamel has been the centre of the tourist industry in Thamel is known for its narrow alleys crowded with various shops and vendors. Commonly sold goods include food, fresh vegetables/fruits, pastries, trekking gear, walking gear, music, DVDs, handicrafts, souvenirs, woolen items and clothes. Travel agencies, small grocery stores, budget hotels, restaurants, pubs and clubs also line the streets. Cars, cycl

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

9 ratings
4.4
By category
Professionalism
4.75
Fun
4.88
Expression
4.5
Quality
4.75
Route
5.0
Generic
5 stars
7
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
1
Sandra 15 Mar 2024
Vancouver

Verified booking
Travelled alone - Mar 2024
I had a truly educational experience today. My Guide Milan is a local from this neighborhood. He answered all my questions about Katmandu and Nepal. He was fun, friendly, incredibly knowledgeable, and a joy to be around. I give him a high recommendation!
Jade 15 Feb 2024
Brisbane

Verified booking
Travelled alone - Feb 2024
One of the best free walking tours I’ve ever done! Milan was kind, informative and even took me around to some other places that weren’t included in the tour because I was the only one there.
Camilo 30 Jan 2024
Berlin

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Jan 2024
Milan was really funny and friendly, he took us to spectacular parts and his explanations were very good, I recommend it 100%
rohmer 16 Dec 2023
Strasbourg

Verified booking
Travelled in group - Dec 2023
Never come
Clare 06 Dec 2023
Dublin

Verified booking
Travelled alone - Dec 2023
Milan was very friendly and really knowledgeable about the area. It was a very enjoyable tour. Thank you!
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Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Non suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group reservations.
Pets
Suitable for carrying pets.

What should you know?

Minimum of attendees
A minimum of 2 people is required for the tour.
Additional costs:
The tour requires the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Only cash payment is accepted.
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