Kathmandu Durbar Square - Private/Small Group

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

This is a small group tour of max 5 people 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.

This tour offers an immersive experience of Kathmandu's rich heritage, blending spirituality, history, and artistry into one unforgettable journey.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Professional guide

Entrance to Durbar Square (NRP 1000 about US$ 9) has to be paid in cash at the entrance. Donation to the Living Goddess: we recommend to pay minimum of NRP 100 as a donation to the Royal Kumari .

What To Expect

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.

45 minutes • Admission Not Included

Seto Machindranath Temple

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.

45 minutes • Admission Not Included

Options

Small group Walking Tour

Private Tour

Private Tour with Pick Up

Private car: Separate driver, pick up and drop off from your hotel in Thamel

Reviews

5.00

12 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Amazing tour of Khatmandu Square
Dawn B,
Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
⭐️ 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!”
Great tour through the Heart of Kathmandu
Breezie2013,
Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!
Go-to person in Nepal!
agust nf163,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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.
Super fun, impressive and beautiful tour in unexpected places
Cindy C,
Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!
Unique experience to discover Durbar Square and surrounding area
55jeanninea,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Santosh shared all necessary information including meeting point etc in advance via WhatsApp. He proactively informed me when he was at the meeting point and also shared a picture so that I can easily find him. I was the only person who participated and it was a unique experience. We had a great exchange, he told me a lot about the history and also answered all my questions. On top he shared some pictures and videos from Freak Street from the past days to give an idea how it looked like compared to today. I can highly recommend a tour with him.
Good tour, great guide
Desdichado,
Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Guide Sandip was excellent - started tour with hidden gems in small alleyways around Durbar, then was very patient when we waied 30 mins for a glimpse of Kumari (no luck :+>). Knowledgeable, good storyteller, funny (as him for story of woman who found a creative way to not lie!) Tour very enjoyable, but VERY crowded streets (I went on a Saturday) with lots of motorcycles. But Durbar itself is blessedly vehicle-free!
Well guided
Jomit,
Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Shreeya brought a lot of light to our trip to Kathmandu and Pokara. She is very upbeat , outgoing and attentive . One immediately feels that connection . She has a good grasp on culture and history of the country , engages well in conversation and gives her opinion . Most importantly , she is very ponctual and coordinates the daily activities well . We highly recommend her and you won’t be disappointed
Must do
abpandey025,
Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Absolutely loved the walking tour with Sandip! He was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and so patient, explaining every detail beautifully. A truly fantastic experience and a must-do tour for anyone visiting. Highly recommend!
Wonderfull tour with Santosh (the most knowledgeable tour guide around)
mikedF6607FK,
Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This afternoon I did the Kathmandu Durbar square tour with Santosh which 100% recommend. Santosh must be the most knowledgeable guide of Kathmandu as he could tell a story of every street, corner and building in and around Durbar sq. As a history graduate he knows the history of Nepal like no other, while he was ever so keen to share anecdotes from his family life. In between stories there was time for a joke. The tour was during Dashsain festival. Santosh was ever so keen to reshedule parts of the tour to join and watch the festivities. A remarkeable tour which I wholeheartely recommend to any traveller.
Very knowledgeable and professional guide and a great introduction to the city
KatyF3167,
Aug 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Santosh was a friendly, helpful, knowledgeable guide who was very generous with his time and energy, especially as I was the only person on the tour that day. It was a great introduction to Kathmandu on my first day.