The "Kathmandu: City Highlights Bus Tour Full Day" promises an immersive exploration of Kathmandu’s captivating cultural and historical landmarks. Priced at a discounted rate, this tour grants access to some of the city’s most significant sites, including the iconic Swayambhunath Temple and the UNESCO-listed Kathmandu Durbar Square. With convenient hotel pickup, an experienced guide, and the flexibility of free cancellation, this tour provides an opportunity to discover the essence of Kathmandu. What awaits those who embark on this journey?
Key Points
- This full-day excursion offers a comprehensive tour of Kathmandu’s iconic landmarks, including Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
- The tour is priced at $17.11 after a discounted rate, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "Reserve now & pay later" option.
- Hotel pickup from Thamel is included, with an English-speaking guide providing commentary throughout the tour.
- However, the tour has received mixed reviews, with concerns about delayed meeting times, poor bus conditions, and an inexperienced guide.
- Monument and entrance fees are approximately $20 USD per person, and comfortable shoes and cash are recommended for participants.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Kathmandu City Highlights Bus Tour offers a full-day, 6.5-hour excursion through the city’s key heritage sites for $19.02, which is discounted to $17.11.
Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and a "reserve now & pay later" option.
The tour includes hotel pickup in Thamel and a group experience with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide.
Monument and entrance fees are approximately $20 USD per person. Comfortable shoes and cash are recommended.
Meals are available for purchase during the tour, but gratuities aren’t included.
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Itinerary Highlights
The Kathmandu City Highlights Bus Tour takes visitors to some of the city’s most iconic heritage sites.
The tour includes visits to the Swayambhunath Temple, a Buddhist stupa known as the "Monkey Temple." Guests will also explore the Pashupatinath Temple, a renowned Hindu pilgrimage site.
The Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, is another highlight. The tour also features Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Budhanilkantha, home to a massive statue of the Hindu god Vishnu.
A knowledgeable, English-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout the day.
Tour Logistics
Travelers meet at the meeting point opposite the main entrance of Hotel Mallas in Thamel, arriving between 9:50 – 10:20 am to join the tour.
A local assistant accompanies the group on the bus to address any inquiries.
The tour logistics include:
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Monument and entrance fees of approximately $20 USD per person.
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Comfortable shoes and cash recommended.
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Meals available for purchase during the tour, though gratuities aren’t included.
For any additional information, travelers can contact the tour provider at +977-9860903708.
Customer Experience
Based on the information provided, the customer experience for the Kathmandu City Highlights Bus Tour has been mixed.
The tour has an overall rating of 2.3/5 based on 4 reviews. Common issues reported include delayed meeting times, poor bus conditions with no air conditioning and cleanliness concerns, as well as an inexperienced guide who provided lacking informative commentary.
Based on 4 reviews, the tour has a 2.3/5 rating, with issues like delayed meeting times, poor bus conditions, and an inexperienced guide.
While the tour covers key heritage sites in Kathmandu, the logistics and quality of the experience seem to have fallen short of expectations for some customers.
Prospective travelers should consider these customer feedback points when deciding whether this tour is the right fit for their needs.
More Great Tours NearbyAdditional Information
Meals are available for purchase during the tour, though gratuities aren’t included.
For any inquiries, visitors can contact the organizers at +977-9860903708.
The tour includes the following additional details:
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Monument and entrance fees are approximately $20 USD per person.
-
Comfortable shoes and cash are recommended.
-
A local assistant will accompany the group on the bus to address any questions.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Kathmandu
Meeting Point and Arrival Time
The meeting point for the Kathmandu City Highlights Bus Tour is opposite the main entrance of Hotel Mallas in the Thamel district.
Participants should arrive between 9:50 – 10:20 AM. A local assistant will accompany the group on the bus to address any inquiries. This ensures a smooth start to the tour and allows the guide to provide informative commentary throughout the day.
Arriving on time is crucial as the tour departs promptly and can’t wait for late-comers. Participants are advised to plan their transportation to the meeting point accordingly for a hassle-free experience.
Monument and Entrance Fees
Approximately $20 USD per person covers the monument and entrance fees for the key heritage sites visited during the Kathmandu City Highlights Bus Tour.
A $20 USD per person fee covers the monument and entrance fees for the Kathmandu City Highlights Bus Tour’s key heritage sites.
This fee provides access to:
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Swayambhunath Temple, the iconic "Monkey Temple" overlooking the city.
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Pashupatinath Temple, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site along the Bagmati River.
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Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The tour also includes visits to Kathmandu Durbar Square and Budhanilkantha, allowing participants to enjoy the rich cultural and historical heritage of Nepal’s capital city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hotel Drop-Off Included in the Tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup in Thamel, but it does not mention hotel drop-off at the end of the tour. The itinerary states the meeting point is opposite Hotel Mallas in Thamel.
Can the Tour Accommodate Vegetarian/Vegan Dietary Requirements?
The tour can accommodate vegetarian and vegan dietary requirements. Meals are available for purchase during the tour, so travelers with specific dietary needs can speak with the guide to ensure their requirements are met.
Do We Need to Bring Our Own Water/Snacks During the Tour?
The tour doesn’t provide complimentary water or snacks, so it’s recommended to bring your own. Participants should come prepared with water, light snacks, and any special dietary requirements to ensure a comfortable experience during the full-day bus tour.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
Based on the tour details provided, there is no mention of discounts for students or seniors. The pricing appears to be a flat rate of $17.11 for the full-day bus tour of Kathmandu’s key heritage sites.
Can We Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?
Yes, you can request a private tour instead of a group tour. The tour company offers private tours for an additional fee. You’ll have a more personalized experience with a private guide to yourself.
The Sum Up
The "Kathmandu: City Highlights Bus Tour Full Day" offers an enriching experience exploring the cultural and historical landmarks of Kathmandu for just $17.11. With hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and free cancellation, this tour provides a convenient way to visit significant sites like Swayambhunath Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa, as well as the UNESCO-listed Kathmandu Durbar Square. Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring cash for entrance fees.
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