Kathmandu Durbar Square - Private/Small Group
Overview
Available languages
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 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.
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.
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 .
Options
Private Tour with Pick Up
Private car: Separate driver, pick up and drop off from your hotel in Thamel
Small group Walking Tour
Private Tour
Reviews
17 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing tour in Kathmandu
U2811TKpabloa,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I 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!
Wonderful Tour!
Garfieldluvr,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00While 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!
The tour was perfect.
tschieke,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sandip is a wonderful person and knows so much about this amazing place and its history & culture.
Free walk in Kathmandu
urlaub014,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The 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!
Reliable guide and organization with excellent local knowledge; friendly and punctual!
Arvid71,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Santosh 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!
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
5.00I 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
5.00Santosh 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
5.00Had 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
5.00Santosh 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.
-35% off
From US$9.75Was US$15.00
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Operated by Amazing Kathmandu Tours