Are you looking for the best tours to take in Kirtipur?
Well you have come to the right place!
As you might have well read in some of my other blog posts about Kirtipur, I absolutely love this little town. It offers an amazing window into Newari culture and has great views of the Himalaya’s (on a clear day) and the Kathmandu Valley.
In fact, if I stand on my roof terrace I can actually see Kirtipur in the distance!
My husband and I try to head to Kirtipur at least once a month because it’s just such a peaceful place. I kind of consider it as my second home at this point.
Getting to Kirtipur is easy. You can read all about it in my article on how to get to Kirtipur. If you are a bit nervous about taking a taxi or a bus to the town, you can also take a tour. And that’s what this article is all about.
I have scoured the internet for you and cherry picked the absolute best tours that include Kirtipur. I have used my local knowledge to offer tours that include the absolute must see destinations or, if you are into it, are more off the beaten path.
Be sure to leave a comment if you have any questions. I am very happy to provide you with an answer!
Here are the best Kirtipur tours.
My personal recommendations:
- If you are looking for a food tour, book the Newari food Tour
- If you want to visit Kirtipur and some other hidden gems in the area, book Full day Sightseeing Kirtipur City of Glory Bungamati Khokana
- If the Dhakchinnkali temle is also on your list, book Private Tour of Kirtipur, Chobhar and Dakchhinkali Temple
- If you just want to do Kirtipur, book Kathmandu :Discovering Kirtipur’s Hidden Treasures City Walk
A local’s note on taking a tour to Kirtipur
I am going to be completely honest here – although Kirtipur is absolutely jam-packed with history, it is still a pretty small town. Even if you want to visit everything and have a meal at one of the Newari restaurants in Kirtipur, it won’t take you more than a few hours.
Trust me, as someone who has visited a million times, a full day tour of just Kirtipur will be way too much. I would either pick a half day tour or combine it with some other amazing temples in the area. You can also head to some other amazing Newari villages such as Kokhana or have a peak at the Jal Binayak temple and the Chobar Gorge.
Anyway, do not spend more than a few hours in Kirtipur, that is my advice.
Newari food Tour
When you are in Kathmandu and you want to learn more about the amazing food here, you NEED to take a Newari food tour. The Newar are the people that live in the Kathmandu valley. There are hundreds of cultures, people and tribes in Nepal (think for instance of the Sherpas, the Gurungs, the Tamang, the Chhetri…) and it is safe to say that the Newar are some of the most important and influential in the country.
Now, Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur are Newar cities and so is Kirtipur. But especially Kirtipur is known for its amazing Newari food.
I have chosen to add this tour to the list because it brings you to two Newari strongholds: Patan and Kirtipur. Funnily enough these are also two of my absolute favourite places in the valley!
Anyway, on this tour you will try the following Nepali dishes:
- Samaya Baji – This is the newari equivalent to a dahl baht or khana set. Instead of steamed rice it comes with beaten rice and the curries and chutneys are a bit sharper and often served cold.
- Chatamaari – This is also known as a Newari pizza. It’s not pizza but it is a lental base (sometimes a bit crispy) with vegetables and sometimes even an egg on top. I like it a lot.
- JuJu Dhau – This is hands down the absolute BEST yoghurt you will ever try in your life.
- Yomari – Yomari are little steamed treats with either molasses or chocolate inside. Not my cup of tea but I know lots of people who love them!
- Chhoila – Chhoila is a meat that is coated in (often spicy) spices. It is pretty tangy!
- And many more!
One of the weird parts about this food tour however is that food and drink are not included. This honestly made me hesitate to include the tour BUT this kind of food is SO incredibly cheap you probably won’t spend more than $10 per person on food.
It is a 6 hour tour so you will spend most of the day exploring Patan and Kirtipur and eating your way through these amazing towns. I looked at tours that had food included but they were a lot more expensive so this one is actually amazing value.
Full day Sightseeing Kirtipur City of Glory Bungamati Khokana
Okay, so if I happen to be the one calling the shots and choosing a tour to dive into, it’s got to be the “Full day Sightseeing Kirtipur City of Glory, Bungamati & Khokana”.
You’re not just hitting up Kirtipur and Khokana (by the way, Khokana owns a piece of my heart with its authentic Newari vibe), but you’re also cruising to Bungamati. I have driven there on my scooter and I absolutely loved it. It’s like taking a step back in time into a Newari cultural treasure chest.
Hotel transfers within the Kathmandu Valley are all sorted. Entrance fees? It’s all taken care of. You’re even set with snacks – just grab your own lunch, so keep a few notes handy for that.
Now, about Bungamati and Khokana – they’re the real deal. Wooden carvings that could tell a thousand tales, streets that have seen centuries stroll by, and traditions that are lived, not just displayed for tourists. Bungamati, with its temple dedicated to Rato Machhindranath (they are rebuilding it after the 2015 earthquake), is a spiritual jackpot, whether you’re religious or just appreciate the cultural wow factor.
Private Tour of Kirtipur, Chobhar and Dakchhinkali Temple
Now, let me tell you about another great experience that caught my interest – it’s packed with unique charm. No hassle with arguing fares or getting lost in translation. This is a relaxed way to explore Kathmandu Valley – you have your own guide and driver for the day.
It begins with the medieval vibes of Kirtipur, continues with the lovely Panga village, and ends with the stunning Chobhar Gorge. You will also visit Pharping, where the monasteries hold countless stories. I myself absolutely love Pharping and its monasteries and have been a couple of times. I would highly recommend visiting!
Immerse yourself in the spiritual energy at the Shikha Narayan temple, and conclude with a visit to the Dakshinkali Temple, under the watch of the goddess Kali.
Coming from a local, it honestly sounds like an exciting journey from start to finish, and you’ll be picked up from your hotel.
Day Tour of Monkey Temple & Kritipur, tasting local cuisines
Alright, get ready for some straight talk about this fantastic tour we’re discussing. You’ll be heading to the famous Monkey Temple, not just to meet the monkeys and see the amazing stupa, but to enjoy breathtaking views of the valley. It’s probably my favourite temple in Kathmandu.
Then, you’ll get to stroll through the quaint streets of Kirtipur – a place steeped in history, rich with tales waiting to be discovered.
But here’s the catch – when it comes to food tasting, you might be disappointed. You’ll enjoy a tasty lunch at a charming local café – that’s on the house.
However, any snacking after that is on your tab. A bit of a letdown if you’re a foodie. So, if you’re craving an authentic culinary adventure, this tour might not satisfy your appetite.
Nevertheless, if you’re content with a dose of culture, a sprinkle of history, and some delightful dining, then you’re in for a treat. Just remember to have some extra cash handy for those unexpected snack cravings along the way.
Private Half Day Kirtipur Trip With Newari Food Tasting
If you’re planning a trip centred around Kirtipur, this tour could capture your interest. Delve into the historical charm of one of the oldest Newar settlements, brimming with a tapestry of heritage and culture waiting to be discovered.
Indulge in a traditional Newari feast, an essential culinary experience in Nepal that tantalizes the taste buds with its authentic flavours and spices.
As you meander through Kirtipur’s labyrinthine alleys, you’ll hit up some pretty unique spots, like the Bagh Bhairab and Uma Maheshwar temples, not to mention a serene Theravada Buddhist monastery and the Chilancho Stupa shrine – each with its own story to tell.
You will also get a Newari lunch that will give your taste buds a proper workout, mind you. This isn’t a food-hopping shindig, but a sit-down affair where you can taste the local fare, albeit with a heads-up for anyone averse to a bit of spice.
Historic South Kathmandu Valley Tour
Now, if you ask me about the special nooks of my neighbourhood in the South Kathmandu Valley, you’d see me light up! This part of town, honestly, it’s like my own slice of tranquility.
Sure, the tour might be a tad pricey for some, but let me tell you, the Historic South Kathmandu Valley Tour is worth its weight in momos. You get to swing by the Dakshinkali temple, which is this stunning oasis of calm that’s not buzzing with the usual tourist footfall. It’s dedicated to the fierce Goddess Kali, and boy, the energy there during Dashain? Absolutely electric.
You will also visit Kirtipur which you will by now know isn’t your run-of-the-mill tourist stop; it’s a living, breathing portrait of Newari culture. The place has character etched into every corner of its age-old architecture.
Kathmandu :Discovering Kirtipur’s Hidden Treasures City Walk
Let’s explore the details of this Kirtipur adventure that has my neighbors talking. Imagine having your own insider guiding you, sharing local legends and hidden spots off the beaten path. Join this Expert Guided Tour for a personal historian and culture experience, unveiling ancient gateways with stories of the past.
Discover temples and hidden alleys rich with stories of the past. Imagine engaging in authentic conversations with locals, creating memories more lasting than any souvenir.
Picture panoramic views reaching the Himalayas on clear days; a view that feels surreal. When your feet tire, a warm tea house awaits with traditional Nepali tea and nibbles. Time to relax!
This isn’t your usual town stroll; it’s a deep exploration into the magic of Kirtipur, with hidden gems, local insights, belly laughs, and surprising moments.