Kirtipur & Swayambhu Trip from Kathmandu: Local Eats and Drinks
Overview
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Join us for an unforgettable day exploring two of Kathmandu's hidden gems: the sacred Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the ancient town of Kirtipur. Immerse yourself in Nepalese culture, history, and spirituality while enjoying the authentic flavors of local Newari cuisine and tasting unique Himalayan beer and liquors. This 4-6 hour tour offers a perfect blend of sightseeing, cultural discovery, and gastronomic delight.
Itinerary
Hotel Pickup
Explore Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
Journey to Kirtipur
Cultural Exploration in Kirtipur
Local Cuisine & Drink Experience
End the tour with a delightful meal at a rooftop restaurant in Kirtipur. Savor traditional Newari dishes and Taste two or more varieties of local beer and liquors, and choose your favorite one to enjoy more of.
Hotel Drop-off
After an enriching day of exploration, we’ll drop you back at your hotel.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Swaymbhunath
We’ll pick you up from your hotel in Kathmandu to start the journey to Swayambhunath, one of the most revered religious sites in Nepal, surrounded by myth and legend. Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, is one of Kathmandu’s most iconic and revered Buddhist sites. Perched on a hilltop, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. The stupa, believed to be over 2,000 years old, is surrounded by myth, legend, and vibrant prayer flags, while mischievous monkeys roam freely, adding to its unique charm.
Kirtipur
After exploring Swayambhu, we travel to Kirtipur, an off-the-beaten-path destination filled with rich history and authentic Newari culture. This town is often overlooked by tourists but holds some of the oldest monuments in Nepal. Visit the ancient stupa, temples, and other historical landmarks while observing the local lifestyle of the Newari people. Witness traditional crafts, architecture, and practices that have been passed down for centuries. Kirtipur is a historic town just outside of Kathmandu, known for its rich Newari heritage, ancient temples, and traditional lifestyle. End the tour with a delightful meal at a rooftop restaurant in Kirtipur. Savor traditional Newari dishes while enjoying stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley. Taste two or more varieties of local beer and liquors, and choose your favorite one to enjoy more of. After an enriching day of exploration, we’ll drop you back at your hotel.
Options
Kirtipur & Swayambhu Trip from Kathmandu: Local Eats and Drinks
Pickup included
Dakshinkali & Kirtipur Trip
Skip Swayambhu add Dakshinkali: In this option, you will visit Dakshinkali Temple instead of Swayambhunath, while the rest of the activities are same. Pickup included
What‘s Included
Government Taxes and Admission Fees
Salary of Field Staffs
Private Transportation throughout the trip
Experienced, Certified and Helpful Guide
Pick up and Drop off
Entrance Fees at Sites
Extra Food and Drinks (Normally, our offered food and drinks are enough)
Personal Expenses
Tips for Field Staffs
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A great day out in Kathmandu and surrounds
Ashu T,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We arranged the trip very last minute with Shepherd Holidays coming to our rescue . With detailed information over a WhatsApp call and everything arranged to satisfaction from Everest mountain flight to Chandragiri to Kirtipur the day was awesome. Guide Pradeep was so knowledgeable and answered all my curiosity questions very well. Very pleasant personality and quite easy accomodating of an elderly person with us.
Buddhist spiritual experience
iolandat738,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fascinating excursion in the territories of Tibetan Buddhist spirituality, experienced with all 5 senses in the cave of Asura, perfect place to meditate where the coordinates of time and place are suspended. The Umesh guide confirms a solid certainty, from an organizational, informative and human point of view. The driver is also noteworthy, moving smoothly through the chaotic traffic of Kathmandu with an incredible eye.
History and culture
Graeme M,Jul 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We were picked up on time at our hotel by Bijay the driver and Ananta the guide. Both were friendly, informative and helpful. We visited a beautiful statue/temple and a Hindu blessing place then off to Kirtipur which was beautiful ,nteresting and had some beautiful vuews of Kathmandu and the Himalayas followed by a traditional Nawari meal at a nice restaurant. We were then dropped off at our hotel
Interesting Culture Experience
moory1975,Jul 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Myself and my son were picked up at our hotel on time by our driver Bijay and guide Ananta, both were friendly, helpful, informative, excellent at their jobs and we enjoyed their company for the day. We were took to a few different temples and learned the history and culture there. Some of the statues are really beautiful. We also visited Kirtipur and learned about Newari culture then had a typical Newari dish at a nice restaurant then dropped off at the hotel. Its an ideal daytrip for culture lovers
Fantastic trip - highly recommended
EverlastingSong,Apr 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Just got back from an amazing day trip to Kirtipur and surrounding places, and it was absolutely worth it! Huge thanks to our guide Ananta and driver Baijay - they were both super professional, friendly, and full of energy, making the tour even more enjoyable. Kirtipur was a hidden gem with its rich history and charming old-town vibe, offering breathtaking views of Kathmandu and a peaceful spiritual experience. Ananta’s knowledge about the places was impressive, and Baijay’s driving was smooth and safe. If you’re looking for a cultural, historical, and scenic tour from Kathmandu, I highly recommend this one!
Chandragiri hill kritipur and swyambhunath
nathaphakm,Apr 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is best and enjoyable day and have a good local food and may place to visit with historical information and nice and excellent day.
Kritipur and chandragiri tour
OnAir16453055291,Mar 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I rate my tour guide as excellent. He showed me important places and explained very well for to understand easily. The company plan my program very well.
Kritipur and swyambhunath
V7270GYalexh,Nov 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nice view of swyambhunath. With information about Buddhism. We had good experience guide and nice driver with good company. You must visit with them once. They make you good experience of local community.
Brilliant tour - and a little bit different!
tmd1986,Sep 19, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day trip from Kathmandu and a little bit different to the other tours available. You get to see the amazing Monkey Temple while also experiencing the less tourist area of Kirtipur...couldn't recommend higher! Our guide and driver were great, the lunch was very tasty and we got to try some local spirits and beers which was an added bonus. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Kathmandu!
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