Rent a Car for Kathmandu Day Tours
Kathmandu day tours refer to sightseeing trips around the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, typically for a single day. These tours often include visits to historical and cultural landmarks, temples, and other notable attractions in the city and its surrounding areas.
The purpose of these car rental tours is to give travelers a glimpse into the rich history, culture, and traditions of Kathmandu and Nepal, in a short and convenient time frame. These tours can be arranged through local tour operators, travel agencies, or directly with a guide.
Renting a car is necessary for a tour of Kathmandu, as there are other transportation options available, such as taxis, rickshaws, and local buses. However, renting a car can provide more flexibility and convenience, allowing you to set your own itinerary and schedule without being limited by public transportation options. It can also be a more comfortable and private way to explore the city and its surroundings.
Ultimately, whether or not to rent a car for a tour of Kathmandu depends on your personal preferences, budget, and travel style. You may also want to consider factors such as traffic and road conditions, parking availability, and local driving regulations. It’s always a good idea to weigh the pros and cons of different transportation options and to choose the one that best meets your needs.
The cost of car hire in Kathmandu for a tour will depend on several factors such as the type of vehicle you choose, the length of the tour, and the time of year. On average, a basic sedan or small SUV can cost around $80-$90 per day, while a luxury vehicle or larger SUV can cost upwards of $150 per day, depending on the length of the day tours.
Here are a few itinerary options for a day tour of Kathmandu by car:
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Boudhanath Stupa
- Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
- Patan Durbar Square
Cultural Heritage Tour:
Pashupatinath Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kathmandu, Nepal, and is considered one of the most sacred temples dedicated to the god Shiva. It is situated on the banks of the Bagmati River and is one of the largest temple complexes in South Asia. The temple dates back to the 5th century and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Boudhanath Stupa is a large Buddhist shrine located in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is one of the largest stupas in the world and is a major pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. The stupa is a hemispherical dome with a central tower and a series of smaller towers surrounding it, topped by a flame-shaped finial.
Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is one of the oldest and most important religious sites in Nepal and is considered a symbol of Buddhism and cultural heritage in the country. Swayambhunath is a unique blend of religious, cultural, and historical significance and is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history, religion, and culture of Nepal.
Patan Durbar Square is a palace complex located in the city of Patan, Nepal. It is one of the three main palace squares in the Kathmandu Valley and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace complex is considered one of the finest examples of Newari architecture, which is a style that is unique to the Kathmandu Valley.
The palace complex was built in the 17th century and is comprised of several temples, palaces, and courtyards, all of which are richly decorated with intricate carvings, sculptures, and reliefs. The main palace was the residence of the Malla kings, who ruled over the Kathmandu Valley from the 12th to the 18th century.
- Namo Buddha
- Dakshinkali Temple
- Pharping
- Bodhnath Stupa
Spiritual Tour:
Namo Buddha is a Buddhist pilgrimage site located in the hills above the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. It is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Nepal and is revered as the birthplace of the historical Buddha, Prince Siddhartha.
According to legend, Prince Siddhartha, who later became the Buddha, was traveling through the region when he encountered a hungry tigress and her cubs. Moved by their plight, he offered his own body to the tigress, who was so touched by his compassion that she left the cubs and consumed only his body.
Dakshinkali Temple is a Hindu temple located in the city of Kathmandu, Nepal. It is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in the country and is dedicated to the goddess Kali, who is worshiped as a destroyer of evil and a protector of the righteous.
The temple is located on the outskirts of Kathmandu and is comprised of a main shrine, several smaller shrines, and a large courtyard. The main shrine is dedicated to Kali and features an image of the goddess surrounded by offerings and flowers.
Pharping is a suburb of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. It is located in the southern part of the city and is known for being a center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal, as well as for its numerous meditation and retreat centers. The area is also home to several important religious sites, including the Asura Cave, which is believed to have been visited by the Buddha, and the Dakshinkali Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali
Boudhanath Stupa is a large Buddhist shrine located in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is one of the largest stupas in the world and is a major pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. The stupa is a hemispherical dome with a central tower and a series of smaller towers surrounding it, topped by a flame-shaped finial.
Spiritual Tour in Kathmandu
- Chisapani
- Nagarkot
- Bhaktapur
- Panauti
Scenic and Adventure Tour:
Chisapani is a village and popular trekking destination located in the central region of Nepal. It is situated at an altitude of 2,194 meters above sea level and offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayas, including peaks like Langtang Lirung, Gangchenpo, and Dorje Lakpa.
Chisapani is known for its natural beauty and peaceful environment, which makes it a popular destination for trekkers, hikers, and nature lovers. The village is also culturally rich, with a mix of Hindu and Buddhist influences. Visitors can enjoy trekking, camping, bird watching, and other outdoor activities in the area.
Nagarkot is a hill station located in the Bhaktapur district of Nepal, approximately 32 km east of Kathmandu. It is situated at an altitude of 2,195 meters above sea level and is known for its panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest. Nagarkot is a popular tourist destination for its scenic beauty and serene atmosphere, making it a popular spot for trekking, hiking, and nature walks.
The area is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with numerous temples, shrines, and monasteries in the surrounding hills. Visitors to Nagarkot can enjoy spectacular sunrises and sunsets
Bhaktapur is an ancient city located in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. It is one of three royal cities in the valley, along with Kathmandu and Patan, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bhaktapur is known for its rich cultural heritage, traditional Newari architecture, and well-preserved historical monuments and temples. The city is famous for its squares, such as Taumadhi Square, which is home to the towering temple of Nyatapola, and Durbar Square, which houses several impressive temples and palaces.
Bhaktapur is also known for its pottery, wood carvings, and other traditional handicrafts. Visitors can explore the city’s ancient streets, temples, and museums to gain an insight into Nepal’s rich cultural heritage.
Panauti is a historic town located in the Kavrepalanchok district of Nepal, approximately 32 km southeast of Kathmandu. It is situated at an altitude of 1,225 meters above sea level and is known for its rich cultural heritage and well-preserved architecture. Panauti is considered one of the oldest and most sacred towns in Nepal, and is famous for its numerous Hindu temples, shrines, and other religious sites.
The town is also known for its traditional Newari architecture, with many traditional houses and buildings made of wood and brick. Visitors to Panauti can explore its ancient streets, visit its temples and shrines, and learn about its rich cultural and religious heritage. The town is also a popular destination for trekkers, hikers, and nature lovers, offering opportunities for trekking and exploring the surrounding hills and forests.
- Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- Patan Durbar Square
- Changu Narayan Temple
Historical Tour:
Kathmandu Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of Kathmandu, Nepal. It is a complex of palaces, temples, and courtyards that were built by the Malla and Shah dynasties between the 12th and 18th centuries. The square is considered one of the most important cultural, religious, and architectural landmarks in Nepal, and it serves as a symbol of the city’s rich history and heritage.
Some of the notable buildings and monuments in the square include the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, which was the residence of the Nepalese royal family until the 19th century; the Taleju Temple, which is considered one of the largest Hindu temples in the city; and the Kumari Ghar, a palace that houses the Living Goddess Kumari, who is considered one of the most important religious figures in Nepal.
Changu Narayan Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Vishnu and is located in the Changu Village of Bhaktapur District, Nepal. It is considered to be one of the oldest and most historic temples in the country and is believed to have been built in the 4th century AD.
The temple is situated on a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley and is known for its rich cultural and architectural heritage, including intricate carvings, sculptures, and inscriptions. Changu Narayan Temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the seven Monument Zones in the Kathmandu Valley. It is considered a symbol of the ancient Newari culture and is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Historical Tours in Kathmandu
- Godavari Botanical Garden
- Phulchoki Hill
- Shivapuri National Park
- Mountain Flights with Short hiking in Kathmandu
Nature and Adventure Tour:
It is located at the base of Mt. Phulchowki (2765 m), the highest peak of the Kathmandu valley, and lies about 10 km southeast of Satdobato, Lalitpur District. The Godawari Botanical Garden is home to at least 256 species of birds (one-third of all bird species in Nepal) including the famous Spiny Babbler which was re-discovered here after it was thought to have been extinct for 104 years. It is also popular for the more than 300 species of butterflies and moths found here.
Phulchoki Hill is a mountain located in the Lalitpur district of Nepal, southeast of Kathmandu. It is the highest peak in the Phulchoki range and is situated at an altitude of 2,758 meters above sea level. Phulchoki Hill is known for its diverse range of flora and fauna, and is a popular destination for nature lovers, trekkers, and bird watchers.
The hill is covered in dense forests, which provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including over 400 species of birds. Visitors to Phulchoki Hill can explore its lush forests on a variety of trekking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging hikes. The summit of the hill offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and mountains, including the Langtang and Gosainkunda ranges.
In addition to its natural beauty, Phulchoki Hill is also significant for its cultural and religious heritage, with several important Hindu and Buddhist shrines located in the surrounding area. Visitors to the hill can explore these shrines and learn about the rich cultural and religious
Shivapuri National Park is a protected area located in the central part of Nepal, bordering the Kathmandu Valley. It covers an area of 159 km2 and was established as a national park in 2002. The park is known for its diverse range of flora and fauna, with over 700 species of plants, numerous species of birds, and a variety of mammals, including the Himalayan black bear, leopard, and several species of monkeys.
Mountain flights with short hiking in Kathmandu is a popular day tour activity in Nepal. The mountain flights offer a unique opportunity to see some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest, from a close distance. The flights typically last for about an hour and offer breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
After the flight, a short hike in the surrounding hills of Kathmandu can be taken to get a closer look at the local culture and scenery. Mountain flights with short hiking in Kathmandu is a great way to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Nepal. It offers a unique combination of adventure and exploration and is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
These are just a few examples of the many possible itineraries for a day tour of Kathmandu by car. The specific itinerary you choose will depend on your interests, time constraints, and other factors. It’s always a good idea to plan your itinerary in advance and to consult with a local car rental agency.
Renting a car can be a suitable option for getting around in and around Kathmandu, depending on your needs and preferences. Renting a car allows you to have the flexibility and convenience of having your own vehicle, and it can be a good choice if you plan to travel to different places within the city or outside of it.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that traffic in Kathmandu can be congested and driving conditions can be challenging, so you may need to have a local driver or a knowledgeable guide to help you navigate the roads. Additionally, finding parking in the city can also be difficult, so you should factor these considerations into your decision to rent a car.
