Kirtipur is an old Newari city near Kathmandu with a rich history and welcoming people. An ancient city standing on a top of the hill, it displays Nepal's cultural and historical heritage. The well-decorated temples, welcoming community, and stunning environment of this old city provide a peaceful yet enriching experience of traditional Newari culture.
The city of Kirtipur is in the distance of 5km south-west from the Kathmandu. Kirtipur offers a bird's-eye view of the city, mountains and Kathmandu valley. It is one of the Kathmandu Valley's oldest human communities. Kirtipur was also designated as a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
Tour Overview: A Journey Back in Time
Kirtipur is an old Newari settlement at an elevation of 1520 meters that is believed to be founded in the 10th century. This one day tour to Kirtipur will give you a taste of traditional Newari culture including temples and ancient arts.
Kirtipur has shown remarkable resilience to multiple invasions, including that of Nepal's unifier, King Prithvi Narayan Shah. Today, the country's architectural and cultural wonders are a testament to the resilience of its people in the face of adversity.
Day trips to Kirtipur usually include visits to ancient sites such as Bagh Bhairab Temple, Chilancho Stupa and Uma Maheshwara Temple. You will feel like you are stepping into an ancient Nepali street as you stroll casually through the narrow, stone-paved lanes.
The City Tour to Kirtipur is a short day tour near Nepal's capital that you may enjoy with your family and friends. From Kirtipur you can walk to Champadevi and Chandragiri hills for more adventure. You can visit to Kirtipur at any time of the year.
Highlights of the Tour
- Bagh Bhairab Temple: Bagh Bhairab Temple in Kirtipur is one of the major attractions of this ancient city, which is dedicated to Bhairab, the fierce avatar of Lord Shiva. The temple has a unique tiger statue. With its beautiful woodwork and metal decorations, the temple is a great destination to learn about Newari craftsmanship. The temple is the center of various activities. Devotees gather to offer prayers on festivals like Dashain, Janai Purnima and other local festivals. It offers travelers an exciting opportunity to witness the colorful local culture.
- Newari Culture and Lifestyle: The indigenous Newars of the Kathmandu Valley, who are the core of Kirtipur, have a rich cultural heritage that is represented in their language, architecture, festivals, and cuisine. As you stroll through Kirtipur's narrow streets, you can see locals being engaged in weaving, pottery, and other age-old crafts that have been handed down through the years.
- Traditional Festivals: Kirtipur hosts various festivals every year, including the Indra Yatra, Gaijatra, Bagh Bhairab Jatra and others, which consist of masked dances and colorful parades followed by bhajans and kirtans by devotees.
- Local people are proud to preserve these traditions and visitors can enjoy the traditional folk music and ancient festivals highlighting Kirtipur's unique Newari cultural history.
- Newari Cuisine: Kirtipur is famous for its authentic Newari food. Newari food is a favorite, from the fragrant "chatamari" (rice flour crepes topped with meat, eggs, and vegetables) to the piping hot "yomari" (dumplings stuffed with palm sugar).
You can order these dishes with "Sukuti" (dried meat) and "Tho Won" (local rice beer). Guests of Kirtipur are often welcomed to have dinner or drinks with the locals resulting in a memorable cultural exchange.
Final Words:
Ancient temples, stupas, and the friendly locals of Kirtipur are all part of a city tour. Kirtipur's rich history and culture offers you to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Kirtipur is a destination that will remain in your mind for long time because of its peaceful and inspiring environment.
With iconic Himalayan Adventure, we assure you for the best accommodations, transportation, and unforgettable travelling experience. Further, our guides are friendly, qualified, and easy to get along with. We can also tailor your itinerary to your specific needs.
