Private Tour

Private Half Day Budhanilkantha Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

Mobile ticket

Located northwest of Thamel is a sacred temple with an idol is of great mysterious origin. This incredible 5 meters long black stone features the powerful Hindu deity Visnu lying on the cosmic sea. Budhanilkantha temple dates back well over 1000 years to the time of the Licchavi Dynasty that ruled the Kathmandu Valley.

No one knows where this incredible five-meter stone came from. It did not originate in the Kathmandu Valley. It was carried from some faraway location and fashioned into the peaceful image of Lord Visnu lying on the Cosmic Sea once on the site. You mingle with the Hindu worshiper and priests as they perform their sacred Pujas above the waters that the incredible idol lays upon.

It is here you travel with your private guide who explains all of the symbolism and meaning of this amazing place. Most visitors to the Kathmandu Valley will sadly miss this place. Don’t be one of them!

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Dress code is smart casual

Alternate Contact: +977 9851104438

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Professional guide

Hotel pickup and drop-off (Inside Ring Road including Bouddha area only)

Local taxes

Transport by private vehicle

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Budhanilkanth Temple

Prepare to be awestruck by one of the most impressive and largest stone carvings in all of Nepal. This guided visit takes you to the Budhanilkantha Temple, a major Hindu pilgrimage site located at the foothills of the Shivapuri hills in Kathmandu. The temple's "must-see" centerpiece is the colossal 5-meter (16.4 ft) statue of Lord Vishnu (Narayanan), reclining on the twisting coils of the cosmic serpent, Shesha. This magnificent statue, carved from a single block of black basalt stone, appears to float in a sacred pond symbolizing the cosmic ocean. It is a place of deep devotion and powerful, tranquil energy. After paying your respects, you can explore the lively temple surroundings, which are filled with small shops offering religious items and souvenirs. This is an essential sacred site for any visitor to Kathmandu.

30 minutes • Admission Included

Budhanilakantha Temple

Here, you will behold the colossal 5-meter (16.4 ft) statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining in peaceful repose on the coils of the cosmic serpent, Shesha. This entire masterpiece is carved from a single block of black stone and appears to float in a sacred pool, symbolizing the primordial ocean. Its origin remains one of Nepal's greatest mysteries—how this massive stone was transported to the valley over a thousand years ago is still unknown. This is not a crowded UNESCO site; it is an authentic, living place of worship. You'll witness the deep devotion of Hindu pilgrims performing their daily pujas (rituals). Let our expert guide explain the profound symbolism and share the legends of this tranquil, powerful place.

1 hour • Admission Included

Options

Private Half Day Budhanilkantha Tour

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

6 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Temple tour
Ann C,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Lovely guide, knowledgeable, very good English to explain the various statues and their significance.
A nice half day getaway
Tsung-Ying L,
Feb 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Shanti is a very knowledgeable guide. She explained all the detail we need to know about the temple as well as answered all our questions. She even kind enough to tour us through the stores next to the temple. 我們的導遊非常專業，詳細的講解了我們前往的神廟的歷史及神話傳說，讓我們更好的理解了印度教神話。一路上遊客很少，這裡遠離加德滿都熱門旅遊景點。逛完神廟我們又去週邊的小市集採買紀念品，這是一個很不錯的半日遊。
Off the beaten path in Kathmandu
Jacqueline S,
Nov 28, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was a delightful tour. Our guide Ananta was very informative and arrived early to pick us up. We were able to experience a Hindu service at the Krishna temple. I think we might see more beautiful temples elsewhere but this was off the regular tourist path and we enjoyed that.
Brilliant Budhanilkantha tour
lynnreini2019,
Nov 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This tour was outstanding! I was picked up at my hotel and we traveled in a very nice car to this famous Hindu pilgramage site. My guide, Shanti is an experienced and certified guide with a masters degree to back her deep knowledge. Shanti speaks English fluently and shared much about the Hindu religion, the different gods, and Nepal life. I truly enjoyed the tour and appreciated the deep history and explanation provided. We did a quick spin at the surrounding market which helped merge the religion with everyday life. So fun!!!!!!
Mesmerizing
sportcultura,
Aug 30, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was our favorite site in the Kathmandu Valley. It is a little far away from the city center but it is the most serene and beautiful place. As established with the agency, the private car came to pick us up in our hotel right on time. The car was comfortable, with air condition and new. The driver very polite with a safe driving style. The tour guide was simply magnificent. Shanti is a young woman who had studied Napali art and culture at the University. Her knowledge is amazing. I am an art historian and I was very interested in the statue of Vishnu. She explained it from the general to the particular, meaning first she spoke about the religious context than, the meaning of the water, the sleeping God, the rituals, the offerings. We did not want to leave. It was mesmerizing. Thank you for such a beautiful excursion. Please preserve all these places. I am a tourist and I am aware that tourism can be polluting. If you go to Budhanilkanta be respectful, do not take photos, stay away from the worshipers. The Kathmandu Valley is a very fragile and vulnerable place.
Temple
ashlokan,
May 7, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very nice seeing such a beautiful divine lying down posture of Shiva. A must see and worship place for all devotees