First free walking tour in Nepal
Free Walking Tour
Kathmandu.
Discover the soul of Nepal's capital through ancient temples, hidden courtyards, and vibrant markets with a guide who calls Kathmandu home.
The walk
The first of its kind in the Kathmandu Valley.
About the
Free Walking Tour.
Free Tour Kathmandu is the first of its kind in the valley. While other walking tours exist, this is the only one that offers a free glimpse of the highlights of Kathmandu led and narrated by a dedicated guide with decades of experience.
Departing from just outside the Garden of Dreams at 9:00 and 14:00 daily, the walk passes through southern Thamel via Kathesimbhu Stupa and Buddhist monasteries, then enters local streets towards Indra Chowk market. From there, it circles Durbar Square and slips through a sleepy Newar neighbourhood towards the cremation ghats near the sacred Vishnumati River.
Crossing the river, the tour ends at the top of picturesque Monkey Temple. Your guide will walk you back to Thamel or point you to a bus or taxi.
What you'll see
Things that you will be
discovering
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 with 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 route
Eight stops,
half day.
Along the way
Small moments,
quietly memorable.
Kathe Swoyambhu
Learn about Hindu, Buddhist and Tibetan cultures at this photogenic stupa.
Local Lassi Experience
NPR 40–70Try famous local lassi near the glass-bead market. Refreshing must-try drink.
Glass Beads Market
Spectacular market where the Muslim minority make colorful glass beads for Hindu weddings.
Monkey Temple
Climb 424 steps for majestic Kathmandu skyline views. Hundreds of resident monkeys!
Word on the street
1000+ reviews.
97% 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!”
“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!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
“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!”
“Shiva's son guided us through Kathmandu! He was so friendly, welcoming and open minded! Highly recommend this tour! Was really interesting!”
“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!”
“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.”
“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!”
“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!”
“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!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
“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!”
“Shiva's son guided us through Kathmandu! He was so friendly, welcoming and open minded! Highly recommend this tour! Was really interesting!”
“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!”
“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.”
“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!”
“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!”
“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!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
“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!”
“Shiva's son guided us through Kathmandu! He was so friendly, welcoming and open minded! Highly recommend this tour! Was really interesting!”
“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!”
“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.”
“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!”
“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!”
“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!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
“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!”
“Shiva's son guided us through Kathmandu! He was so friendly, welcoming and open minded! Highly recommend this tour! Was really interesting!”
“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!”
“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.”
“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!”
Read them all on TripAdvisor
Over a thousand travellers have shared their experience. Read detailed reviews, see photos, and see why we're rated so highly.
Visit TripAdvisor
Watch
See Kathmandu through
our guests' eyes.
You don't need a tour bus to see Kathmandu. You need someone who grew up here. 🚶♂️
Hidden courtyards to ancient monasteries, temples to living myths. The Free Walking Tour Kathmandu takes you through it all.
Old ways. New faces. Kathmandu never disappoints. 🇳🇵
The thing about Kathmandu is that the best parts, the richer parts, are the ones most people miss.
Stepping into one of Kathmandu's hidden gems: Kaathe Swayambhu, also known as Shreegha Vihar.
9 years ago. Shiva, guiding the streets of Kathmandu like he has for over a decade.
424 steps to the top of Swayambhunath; better known as the Monkey Temple. One of the oldest and most sacred sites in Nepal.
Walking the same streets, sharing the same stories and still carrying it forward since everyday is different. 🇳🇵
Kathmandu's free walking tour has been running for 12 years. 🚶
The only FREE walking tour in Kathmandu 🇳🇵✨ No catch. Just hidden alleys, ancient temples, and local stories. Join us tomorrow! DM to book 📩
You don't need a tour bus to see Kathmandu. You need someone who grew up here. 🚶♂️
Hidden courtyards to ancient monasteries, temples to living myths. The Free Walking Tour Kathmandu takes you through it all.
Old ways. New faces. Kathmandu never disappoints. 🇳🇵
The thing about Kathmandu is that the best parts, the richer parts, are the ones most people miss.
Stepping into one of Kathmandu's hidden gems: Kaathe Swayambhu, also known as Shreegha Vihar.
9 years ago. Shiva, guiding the streets of Kathmandu like he has for over a decade.
424 steps to the top of Swayambhunath; better known as the Monkey Temple. One of the oldest and most sacred sites in Nepal.
Walking the same streets, sharing the same stories and still carrying it forward since everyday is different. 🇳🇵
Kathmandu's free walking tour has been running for 12 years. 🚶
The only FREE walking tour in Kathmandu 🇳🇵✨ No catch. Just hidden alleys, ancient temples, and local stories. Join us tomorrow! DM to book 📩
You don't need a tour bus to see Kathmandu. You need someone who grew up here. 🚶♂️
Hidden courtyards to ancient monasteries, temples to living myths. The Free Walking Tour Kathmandu takes you through it all.
Old ways. New faces. Kathmandu never disappoints. 🇳🇵
The thing about Kathmandu is that the best parts, the richer parts, are the ones most people miss.
Stepping into one of Kathmandu's hidden gems: Kaathe Swayambhu, also known as Shreegha Vihar.
9 years ago. Shiva, guiding the streets of Kathmandu like he has for over a decade.
424 steps to the top of Swayambhunath; better known as the Monkey Temple. One of the oldest and most sacred sites in Nepal.
Walking the same streets, sharing the same stories and still carrying it forward since everyday is different. 🇳🇵
Kathmandu's free walking tour has been running for 12 years. 🚶
The only FREE walking tour in Kathmandu 🇳🇵✨ No catch. Just hidden alleys, ancient temples, and local stories. Join us tomorrow! DM to book 📩
What's covered
Transparent,
tips-based.
Included
- Free walking tour with an 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
Not included
- Personal expenses (tea, coffee, water)
- Entrance fees (NPR 200 at Monkey Temple)
- Local lassi or snacks (optional)
- Transportation to/from meeting point
- Travel insurance
Plan your visit
Two times, one easy pace.
Morning · 9:00 AM
Cooler air and soft morning light. The markets are quieter, the streets gentler. Ideal for photographers.
Afternoon · 2:00 PM
Bustling markets and a golden-hour finish at Monkey Temple. Best for late risers and slow afternoons.
Bring with you
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A bottle of water
- Sun protection — hat, sunscreen
- NPR 200 for Monkey Temple entrance
- Small cash for refreshments
The tour runs rain or shine. In heavy rain, your guide will adjust the route to include more covered areas.
Glances
A visual walk
through the route.
Before you come
A few
good questions.
Still wondering something? We're real people and we'd love to help.
Email usYes. The Free Walking Tour Kathmandu is tips-based and you decide what to give the guide based on your experience. There is no fixed fee to join.
Save your spot
The city is
waiting.
Reserve your free spot in a minute. Tell us when you'll be in Kathmandu and we'll confirm on WhatsApp.