Your guide will meet you at your hotel for an amazing half day experience. You will head out on a bazaar walk exploring the secret alleys and courtyards of old Kathmandu that most visitors don’t get to experience. Add to this a visit to the ancient Kathmandu Durbar (palace) Square and it’s a great introduction to Kathmandu!

We begin by exploring the old city with its small alleyways, myriad of hidden temples belonging to both Hinduism and Buddhism (in some cases, both!) and make our way through local bazaars of fruit, vegetables, spices and stunning wares made of brass, bronze and copper. Not only exotic produce, but a fascinating mix of people are everywhere; along with the brightly clad locals of the Kathmandu Valley, you’re likely to see ‘Gurkhas’, Sherpa women in their striped aprons, traders from India, and sadhus – Hindu holy men – perhaps on pilgrimage to one of the many temples and shrines of the valley.

We make our way to the centre of old Kathmandu; The Durbar (Palace) Square with its array of stunning temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the ancient palace of the Nepalese Royalty. Also known as Kantipur, this is one of the three ancient cities of the Kathmandu Valley, the others being in Patan and Bhaktapur. Here we can not only learn about the history and the temples, but we also have the chance to visit the residence and temple of a Living Goddess.

Note: this is a half-day walking tour, but you will be picked by vehicle from your hotel and then dropped back to your hotel at the end – if you like we can suggest a place for lunch and the car can drop you back home afterwards.

Accommodation: None

The Azon Bazaar © Dan Barham