Kathmandu Durbar Square - Private/Small Group
Description
The private walking tour is NOT sold out, you can book for 1 person and can come with more people. The small group tour has max 5 people and is especially fit for (solo) travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Nepal’s past and its cultural richness. This tour leaves you with a lasting impression of the city’s grandeur and charm. Embark on a journey through the cultural and historical heart of Kathmandu as we explore the iconic Kathmandu Durbar Square. Our tour begins in Thamel, where we set off towards this UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the way, we’ll stop at the revered Naradevi Temple, known for its spiritual significance and visit Washa Deu, the toothache deity, steeped in fascinating local beliefs. During the visit, we’ll witness the incredible Newar culture that flourishes in the square and take a moment to receive blessings from the Living Goddess Kumari, who graces us from her sacred window.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Wasya Dyaa, or the Toothache Tree, is a wooden idol located near Thahiti Tole in Kathmandu, believed to cure toothaches. Traditionally, it is thought that hammering a coin into the tree’s wood can alleviate dental pain. This practice stems from ancient beliefs and continues today, despite modern dental care. The tree is associated with the legendary Bangemudha, and many visitors still come to pray before seeing a dentist. Around the temple, a dental hub has developed, with more than 20 clinics, some dating back to the Rana period. This spot blends Nepalese mythology and modern healthcare, and visiting Wasya Dyaa is a unique experience for anyone interested in local culture and tradition, especially those with toothaches.
Southwest of Asan Tole, at the junction of Kel Tole, Seto Machhindranath Temple attracts both Buddhists and Hindus. Buddhists view him as Avalokiteshvara, while Hindus worship him as a rain-bringer incarnation of Shiva. In the courtyard, you'll find small shrines, chaityas (small stupas), and statues, including a European-looking female figure surrounded by candles. Just outside the temple, two graceful bronze statues of Tara are seated atop pillars. Inside, the white-faced image of Seto Machhindranath is covered in flowers. Though the temple's exact age is unknown, it was restored in the 17th century. As you exit, you'll see the small Tantric Lunchun Lunbun Ajima temple, known for its erotic carvings. Nearby, shops offer traditional Nepali clothing, including topi (hats) and daura suruwal (traditional dress), with miniature versions for children.
The Kumari, also known as the Living Goddess, is a sacred symbol of power and purity in Kathmandu. The Kumari resides in the Kumari Ghar (Kumari Temple) at Kathmandu Durbar Square, and her presence is considered an essential part of the spiritual and cultural fabric of the city.
Hanuman Dhoka Palace, located in the heart of Kathmandu Durbar Square, is a historical palace complex that was the royal seat of the Malla kings and later the Shah dynasty. Its name comes from the nearby statue of the monkey god Hanuman, which is believed to protect the royal family. The palace complex, which dates back to the 16th century, consists of several buildings, courtyards, temples, and shrines. The most notable structure is the main palace building, which was used by the kings and their court for centuries. The architecture of Hanuman Dhoka Palace is a stunning example of traditional Nepalese Malla-period architecture, with intricately carved wooden windows, massive stone pillars, and elaborate courtyards.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(18)
I had a lovely tour around Kathmandu with some great insights into the culture, the architecture and the history of the city.
Namaste and thanks for your review. Great to hear you enjoyed Kathmandu Durbar Square, it’s a special place where history, culture and architecture come alive. Happy you got those deeper insights. Please share your Nepal experience with friends and family, we'd love to welcome them here.
I did a free walking tour in Kathmandu with Santosh and really enjoyed it. He’s a knowledgeable and friendly guide who explains the city’s history in a clear and engaging way. The visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square was especially interesting, with great stories and context that you wouldn’t get on your own. Highly recommended—definitely worth it!
Namaste and thanks for your review. Wonderful to hear you enjoyed Kathmandu Durbar Square with Santosh, bringing the city’s history to life in a clear and engaging way is what we love to do. Please share your Nepal experience with friends and family, we'd love to welcome them here. Cheers, Menno Amazing Kathmandu Tours
While in Nepal my boyfriend and I did the Kathmandu Durbar Square Tour with Amazing Kathmandu Tours. Our tour guide was Santosh and he was fantastic! We walked from Thamel to Kathmandu Durbar Square first stopping at Seto Machindranath Temple. We then walked through several interesting areas, learning about the history of Nepal and the various religions and cultures, eventually arriving at Kathmandu Dubar Square. Santosh gave us a tour of the Hanuman Dhoka (Old Royal Palace), and the Kumari Ghar in hopes of seeing the Kumari herself (she did not show herself that day). We also walked past Freak Street, saw Kaal Bhairab, and walked around the Handicraft market. On the way back, we stopped at the Naradevi Temple and the Vaisha Dev Shrine, also known as the toothache tree, where people nail rupees to the tree in hopes of curing their tooth pain. We were looking for a tour with a small group (we lucked out and it was only the two of us), where we could learn a lot about the area and the history and culture of Nepal. This tour was perfect, long enough to learn a lot, but short enough to so some other adventures that day. As I hoped, Santosh taught us a lot about things we would have never learned. I especially liked learning about the fish in Asan, the tradition of hanging up images of snakes, and the religious imagery. I highly recommend taking a tour with Amazing Kathmandu Tours while in Kathmandu!
Namaste and thanks for your review. Sounds like a great day walking from Thamel to Durbar Square with Santosh, that route really brings the city to life step by step. Nice to hear you both enjoyed it so much. Please share your Nepal experience with friends and family, we'd love to welcome them here. Cheers, Menno Amazing Kathmandu Tours
Sandip is a wonderful person and knows so much about this amazing place and its history & culture.
Namaste and thanks for writing a review. Great to hear you enjoyed exploring Kathmandu Durbar Square with Sandip and learning about its history and culture. Please share your Nepal experience with friends and family, we'd love to welcome them here. Cheers, Menno Amazing Kathmandu Tours
The city tour was a real highlight! Our guide told the city's history in a lively and engaging way. I especially enjoyed the little anecdotes and insider tips that you won't find in any guidebook. Very entertaining and highly recommended!
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re glad you enjoyed discovering Kathmandu Durbar Square and hearing the stories behind the temples, palaces and courtyards. Thanks again for the recommendation and we hope to see you again in Kathmandu!
Santosh from Amazing Kathmandu was a very punctual guide, with lots of local knowledge on religion, local customs and local stories. We had an amazing tour for 3 days. Even though I have been to Kathmandu several times, Santosh showed me several places I have never seen before that were truly amazing. We booked a private tour which was very convenient and could easily be adapted to our wishes. We can surely recommend Amazing Kathmandu for your travels and tours in Kathmandu and Nepal!
Dear Arvid, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We're delighted that Santosh could show you new places even after your many visits to Kathmandu. His local knowledge and passion for sharing Nepal's culture make every tour special. Best regards, Menno Amazing Kathmandu Tours
⭐️ I had an amazing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square with Santosh! He was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and guided us to places I never would have discovered on my own. Everything was smooth from start to finish, and the meeting point was super easy to find. I learned so much and genuinely enjoyed every moment. Highly recommend booking a tour with Santosh!”
Namaste Dawn, Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for taking the time to write it! We're thrilled that Santosh could guide you to hidden gems you wouldn't have discovered otherwise. His knowledge and friendly approach make exploring Kathmandu truly special. Please share your Nepal experience with friends and family - we'd love to welcome them here! Cheers, Menno Amazing Kathmandu Tours
I really enjoyed the Tour in a small group through the lively streets to Durbar Square. Santosh is a great guide and showed us many places off the Main Track I would have never seen otherwise. Thank you!
Namaste Breezie, Thank you so much for your review and for taking the time to share your experience! We're delighted that Santosh could show you the hidden parts of Kathmandu beyond the main tourist track. Those authentic moments make our small group tours special. Please tell your friends and family about Nepal - we'd be happy to welcome them! Cheers, Menno Amazing Kathmandu Tours
Santosh was extremely helpful from the very beginning. He gave me great advice on how to get around Kathmandu and even about trekking in Nepal. He took me through parts of the city I wouldn’t have explored on my own and assisted me with practical things like tickets for Durbar Square, a SIM card, and buses to Pokhara. He truly became my go-to person during my stay in Nepal.
Namaste and thank you for taking the time to write this wonderful review! We're thrilled that Santosh could help you not just with the tour but also with practical advice for exploring Kathmandu and trekking in Nepal. Going the extra mile for our guests is what we do. Please share your Nepal experience with friends and family - we'd love to show them around too! Cheers, Menno Amazing Kathmandu Tours
Had a fantastic tour with Santosh. He arranges it fantastically, knows the best places and is very friendly! He has studied Nepalese history so can tell you so much!! Highly recommended!
Hoi Cindy, dank je wel voor je fantastische review en de aanbeveling! Namaste 🙏
