Kathmandu Living
Kathmandu, Nepal
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Ever visit a place and wonder what it's like to live there? This Kathmandu tour not only shows you the markets, squares, backstreets, temples, and courtyards of Nepal's capital but also includes a visit to a family home for a Nepalese-style lunch.
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Highlights
- Turn yourself into a typical Kathmandu citizen for a day.
- Join the stream of Buddhist and Hindu devotees in Swoyambhunath and temples of Kathmandu Durbar Square.
- Explore the local market and shop for fresh vegetables and necessary ingredients for a traditional meal.
- Prepare the lunch with the local family.
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Schedule details
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Meeting point:
Himalayan Encounters, Courtyard, Kathmandu Guest House, Thamel, Kathmandu
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 7.00 AM
- Ending point:
Himalayan Encounters, Courtyard, Kathmandu Guest House, Thamel, Kathmandu
Language: English
Inclusions: English speaking guide, Entry fees to Swoyambhunath & Kathmandu Durbar Square, Meal and meal preparation with local family.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, Beverages, Purchase of vegetables and fruits, Tips or gratuities for guide.
Early wake-up and head straight to places of worship on foot. First up is Swoyambhunath, follow the path of Hindu and Buddhist devotees, circling the holy stupa and spinning the prayer wheels.
The mesmerizing wafts of incense, hypnotic chants of prayers and surreal sound of ringing bells will provide a spiritual high. Spiritually awakened, stroll through the maze of backstreets to Kathmandu Durbar Square, its numerous temples and its market. Pick some fresh vegetables, purchase some aromatic spices and all the other necessary ingredients for a local lunch (it’s your choice and we’ll put all our confidence in you to find the right ingredients!).
Well-stocked and well-prepared (at least mentally!), head to meet your host family. Lead the way or lend the hand as your hosts unveils the secrets of Nepalese cooking. Truly Kathmandu Living.
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Additional information
Inclusions: English speaking guide, Entry fees to Swoyambhunath & Kathmandu Durbar Square, Meal and meal preparation with local family.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, Beverages, Purchase of vegetables and fruits, Tips or gratuities for guide.
Dress standard: When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. In many rural areas in Asia women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unacceptable. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong.
Your Trip: This trip is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour. Children younger than 6 are permitted at no extra cost, but please make sure you inform our guides of this before you take the tour.
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Local contact
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