Garden of Dreams Tour and Thamel Shopping
Description
In the midst of the commotion and cacophony of Kathmandu lie two places that feature the great dichotomy of Nepal: The Garden of Dreams and the famous Thamel Shopping District. With your personal guide, navigate the narrow streets and shops to find the finest of bargains, and then relaxing in the quietness of the Garden of Dreams. Thamel is the mecca of shopping adventure. Its narrow streets are filled with people, rickshaws and activity. Musicians provide live entertainment as you walk from shop to shop. The narrow alleyways are filled with delightful shops that feature amazing jewelry, pashmina, rare books and food from around the world. Then there is the Garden of Dreams. A beautiful, English garden with reflecting ponds, statues and hidden alcoves that is alive with colorful flowers. It was designed almost 100 years ago by one of the Ranas whose family ruled Nepal for just over 104 years.
Tour Options
Itinerary
No trip to Kathmandu is complete without diving into Thamel, the city's vibrant, colorful, and wonderfully chaotic heart! This is a "must-see" cultural hub and a shopper's paradise. Our expert guide will lead you through its famous maze of spider-web alleys, helping you discover hidden gems you'd never find alone. Unearth treasures, from handcrafted jewelry and rare books to authentic Pashmina and yak wool. But Thamel is more than shopping; it's a cultural explosion. We'll pass hidden Hindu and Buddhist temples where craftsmen and devotees share the same narrow lanes. Then, when you're ready to escape, your guide will reveal the ultimate secret: Garden of Dreams. Step through a gate and leave the "cacophony" behind, entering a stunningly beautiful and peaceful neoclassical garden. This is your private oasis. Relax on the lush green lawns, find a quiet nook, and soak in the tranquility. This "must-do" tour shows you both sides of Kathmandu: the thrilling energy and the serene calm.
This is not just a market; it's a "must-see" sensory explosion and the historic, beating heart of old Kathmandu. Asan, located at the ancient crossroads of old caravan routes, is the city's most vibrant and wonderfully chaotic traditional bazaar. Your guide will lead you through this famous "six-street" intersection, where authentic Newari culture unfolds in a dazzling display. This is where real locals have shopped for centuries. Prepare to be amazed by the sights, sounds, and smells: pyramids of colorful spices, mountains of rice and lentils, glistening copperware, and bright marigold garlands. Asan is also a major cultural and religious hub, with its own festival calendar and the hidden, central Annapurna Temple (Temple of the Goddess of Grains). This is a "must-do" for photographers and anyone wanting to experience the real, unfiltered energy of Kathmandu's oldest marketplace.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We pick up from inside ring road including Buddha area. Rest of the part pick up will charge extra transport amount.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not Recommended for who lives inside Thamel. They can explore them-self.
Reviews(4)
I enjoyed my time with Shanti. She provided interesting information and good advice. I appreciate that she even made an additional short stop to help me find some Nepali textile that I was looking for. Very satisfied!
Hi Janine, We sincerely appreciate your patronage and for sharing your feedback about the trip to Nepal. Your feedback is invaluable to our community as we continuously work towards enhancing our services. Thank you once again for your comment, and looking forward to provide you the same level of service again. We hope you have a wonderful time ahead. Namaste!
Beautiful experience , professional guide , kind of funny! Also the driver very good! Super recommended!
Ciao Valentina, Apprezziamo sinceramente il tuo patrocinio e per aver condiviso il tuo feedback sul viaggio in Nepal. Il tuo feedback è prezioso per la nostra comunità mentre lavoriamo continuamente per migliorare i nostri servizi. Grazie ancora per il tuo commento e speriamo che tu abbia un tempo meraviglioso. Namaste! Hi Valentina, We sincerely appreciate your patronage and for sharing your feedback about the trip to Nepal. Your feedback is invaluable to our community as we continuously work towards enhancing our services. Thank you once again for your comment, and we hope you have a wonderful time ahead. Namaste!
If you want a quiet space to relax, read a book, and enjoy a garden in the middle of Kathmandu, then this is your trip. Our guide Rabina met us promptly at our hotel, guided us through the hectic (and I'm from NYC) traffic of Kathmandu to arrive in this serene place. She is a local young lady from Kathmandu who provided us with a nice afternoon at the garden plus a bit of shopping in Thamel.
Hello Nancy, Thank you for choosing Himalayan Planet Adventures for your short tour & sharing your experience on Trip Advisor. We are always willing to serve you with our better service and professional staffs.
Beautiful experience with a great guide! I learned a lot about the gardens and the city. Great communication and service!
Hi Casey, Namaste! Thank you for this wonderful review. We are always willing to serve you with our quality service & professional staffs. You can also join with us for such short trips around Kathmandu valley. Hope to see you again. Take Care Casey!
