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Kathmandu Durbar Square
First Free Walking Tour in Nepal

Free Walking TourKathmandu

Discover the soul of Nepal's capital through ancient temples, hidden courtyards, and vibrant markets with local experts.

4-5 Hours
Daily 9 AM & 2 PM
Garden of Dreams
500+
Reviews
97%
Excellence
7
Days/Week
FREE
Tips-Based
The First of Its Kind

Experience KathmanduLike a Local

Free Tour Kathmandu is the first of its kind in the Kathmandu Valley. Led by a guide with decades of experience.

Explore iconic temples, stupas, monasteries, palaces, and local Newar architecture that define Nepal's capital city.

Small Groups
Personalized experience
Local Guides
Born & raised in Kathmandu

Choose Your Tour Time

We offer two convenient times daily to explore Kathmandu

Morning Tour

9:00 AM

Start your day with cool morning air exploring Kathmandu's awakening streets. Perfect for photographers with soft morning light.

Cooler temperatures
Better photography light
Less crowded markets

Afternoon Tour

2:00 PM

Experience bustling markets and sunset views from Swayambhunath. The energy peaks as locals go about their day.

Vibrant market atmosphere
Sunset at Monkey Temple
Perfect for late risers
Meeting Point: Garden of Dreams, ThamelEasy
What You'll Experience

Trip Highlights

Discover the best of Kathmandu's rich heritage and culture

Malla Period Architecture

Hidden and not-so-hidden relics of Kathmandu's Golden Age

Tibetan Buddhist Monastery

Visit a typical monastery with traditional craft shops

Newari Courtyards & Bahis

Explore typical Newari courtyards and ancient monasteries

Bustling Local Markets

Handicrafts, thankas, beads - better value than Thamel!

Freak Street (Optional)

The former tourist hub from the hippie era

Sacred Bishnumati River

Similar to the Ganges, with cremation ceremonies

The Journey

Journey Through Ancient Kathmandu

Follow our curated route through 8 incredible stops

Garden of Dreams
1
Starting Point

Garden of Dreams

Meet your guide outside this peaceful oasis in Thamel.

Kathesimbhu Stupa
2
Buddhist Heritage

Kathesimbhu Stupa

Smaller replica of Swayambhunath in the heart of old city.

Glass Beads Market
3
Cultural Experience

Glass Beads Market

Colorful glass beads made for generations for Hindu ceremonies.

Indra Chowk Market
4
Local Life

Indra Chowk Market

One of Kathmandu's busiest intersections with vibrant markets.

Durbar Square Area
5
UNESCO Heritage

Durbar Square Area

Historic palace square with stunning Malla-era temples.

Newari Neighbourhood
6
Hidden Gem

Newari Neighbourhood

Sleepy traditional streets where time stands still.

Cremation Site
7
Sacred Site

Cremation Site

Witness local cremation ghats similar to the Ganges.

Monkey Temple
8
Final Destination

Monkey Temple

Climb 424 steps to the ancient stupa with valley views.

Unique Cultural Encounters

Memorable experiences that make our tour special

Kathe Swoyambhu

Kathe Swoyambhu

Learn about Hindu, Buddhist and Tibetan cultures at this photogenic stupa.

Local Lassi Experience

Local Lassi Experience

Try famous local lassi near glass-bead market. Refreshing must-try drink.

NPR 40-70
Glass Beads Market

Glass Beads Market

Spectacular market where Muslim minority make colorful glass beads for Hindu weddings.

Monkey Temple

Monkey Temple

Climb 424 steps for majestic Kathmandu skyline views. Hundreds of resident monkeys!

TESTIMONIALS

What Travelers Say

97% Excellent Rating

Out of more than 500 reviews on TripAdvisor, 97% rate the Free Walking Tour as 'Excellent'

I did the 'free' walking tour with Sabinaya, who is a lovely young man and very knowledgeable about Nepali culture. I learned a lot about Nepal and Kathmandu. Highly recommend! Tip well!

Amber Wilkie
USA
Free Walking Tour

A really enjoyable experience! It was the perfect way to learn more about the culture, religion and just the way of life in Nepal! Our guide Sabinaya was amazing, spoke great English and explained everything really well!

Reece Foxon
UK
Free Walking Tour

Met Shiva's son Sabinaya and was greeted by his open and friendly energy. A young, sprightly man, full of knowledge and perspective. The walking tour was way more thorough than expected, from Thamel to the Ason Bazaar and ending at the Monkey Temple.

Desiree
Singapore
Free Walking Tour

I had a great experience on the Kathmandu walking tour with Sabinaya. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and passionate, providing clear and engaging explanations throughout the tour. The tour was very well organized and covered all the main highlights.

Giovanni Conte
Italy
Free Walking Tour

I was traveling solo in Kathmandu and came across this free walking tour hosted by Shiva, and I'm really glad I joined it. The tour is about 4 hours long and covers most of the main tourist spots. Shiva is a very friendly and knowledgeable guide.

Grishma
India
Free Walking Tour

My Kathmandu city tour with Shiva was an unforgettable experience. What truly set this tour apart was the way Shiva explained the coexistence of Hinduism and Buddhism in Kathmandu. He made complex spiritual concepts easy to understand.

Carole Munanoa
France
Free Walking Tour

The tour was very fun and informative. I learned a lot about Kathmandu as well as the history and culture of Nepal. We visited many beautiful temples and viewpoints. I highly recommend this company!

Pluma Haarstad
USA
Free Walking Tour

Nice walking tour in Kathmandu with Shiva. Very interesting and so knowledgeable, he showed me many places telling me the history. He answered all my questions sharing about religion, culture, politics, and history of his country!

Estelle Lyan
France
Free Walking Tour

Shiva's son guided us through Kathmandu! He was so friendly, welcoming and open minded! Highly recommend this tour! Was really interesting!

Julia Kunzer
Germany
Free Walking Tour

I did the walking tour around Kathmandu with Sabinaya who was such an insightful and enjoyable guide, fascinating few hours exploring Kathmandu, would highly recommend!

Will Winterbourne
UK
Free Walking Tour

Amazing tour! Super informative and interesting, and Shiva is a great guide. He is very knowledgeable and takes you round all the local sites. I would 100% recommend this to anyone visiting Kathmandu.

Amber Lowen
UK
Free Walking Tour

Shiva is really passionate about guiding, so it's interesting to listen. He is fluent in English and this is important too. He showed parts of Thamel that most likely you would miss!

Neda Vadakojytė
Lithuania
Free Walking Tour

I did the 'free' walking tour with Sabinaya, who is a lovely young man and very knowledgeable about Nepali culture. I learned a lot about Nepal and Kathmandu. Highly recommend! Tip well!

Amber Wilkie
USA
Free Walking Tour

A really enjoyable experience! It was the perfect way to learn more about the culture, religion and just the way of life in Nepal! Our guide Sabinaya was amazing, spoke great English and explained everything really well!

Reece Foxon
UK
Free Walking Tour

Met Shiva's son Sabinaya and was greeted by his open and friendly energy. A young, sprightly man, full of knowledge and perspective. The walking tour was way more thorough than expected, from Thamel to the Ason Bazaar and ending at the Monkey Temple.

Desiree
Singapore
Free Walking Tour

I had a great experience on the Kathmandu walking tour with Sabinaya. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and passionate, providing clear and engaging explanations throughout the tour. The tour was very well organized and covered all the main highlights.

Giovanni Conte
Italy
Free Walking Tour

I was traveling solo in Kathmandu and came across this free walking tour hosted by Shiva, and I'm really glad I joined it. The tour is about 4 hours long and covers most of the main tourist spots. Shiva is a very friendly and knowledgeable guide.

Grishma
India
Free Walking Tour

My Kathmandu city tour with Shiva was an unforgettable experience. What truly set this tour apart was the way Shiva explained the coexistence of Hinduism and Buddhism in Kathmandu. He made complex spiritual concepts easy to understand.

Carole Munanoa
France
Free Walking Tour

The tour was very fun and informative. I learned a lot about Kathmandu as well as the history and culture of Nepal. We visited many beautiful temples and viewpoints. I highly recommend this company!

Pluma Haarstad
USA
Free Walking Tour

Nice walking tour in Kathmandu with Shiva. Very interesting and so knowledgeable, he showed me many places telling me the history. He answered all my questions sharing about religion, culture, politics, and history of his country!

Estelle Lyan
France
Free Walking Tour

Shiva's son guided us through Kathmandu! He was so friendly, welcoming and open minded! Highly recommend this tour! Was really interesting!

Julia Kunzer
Germany
Free Walking Tour

I did the walking tour around Kathmandu with Sabinaya who was such an insightful and enjoyable guide, fascinating few hours exploring Kathmandu, would highly recommend!

Will Winterbourne
UK
Free Walking Tour

Amazing tour! Super informative and interesting, and Shiva is a great guide. He is very knowledgeable and takes you round all the local sites. I would 100% recommend this to anyone visiting Kathmandu.

Amber Lowen
UK
Free Walking Tour

Shiva is really passionate about guiding, so it's interesting to listen. He is fluent in English and this is important too. He showed parts of Thamel that most likely you would miss!

Neda Vadakojytė
Lithuania
Free Walking Tour

What's Included

Clear and transparent pricing for your convenience

Cost Includes

  • Free Walking Tour with experienced local guide
  • 4-5 hours exploring temples, stupas, and shrines
  • In-depth cultural insights and history
  • Small group experience
  • Personal recommendations for your trip

Cost Excludes

  • Personal expenses (tea, coffee, water)
  • Entrance fees (200 NPR at Monkey Temple)
  • Local lassi or snacks (optional)
  • Transportation to/from meeting point
  • Travel insurance

Tips-Based Model

Award your guide based on your satisfaction. No fixed fee. This model ensures our guides are motivated to provide the best experience possible.

Monkey Temple

Ready to ExploreKathmandu?

Book your free walking tour and discover hidden treasures with a local guide. Join thousands of satisfied travelers who've experienced the real Kathmandu.