Escorted Full Day Pharping, Dakshinkali and Kirtipur Day Trip With Newari Lunch

Set out on a captivating journey through Nepal’s cultural heartland with this full-day escorted tour. Discover the sacred temples of Pharping and Dakshinkali, where ancient rituals unfold. Explore the historic charm of Kirtipur, admiring its stunning Newari architecture and lively markets. But the true highlight? Indulging in a delectable array of spicy Newari dishes, offering an immersive culinary experience that will leave you craving more. With convenient hotel pickup and an expert guide by your side, this excursion promises to be an unforgettable exploration of Nepal’s rich heritage. What secrets might these destinations hold, waiting to be uncovered?

This experience made our list of the 17 Best Lunch Experiences In Kathmandu.

Good To Know

• This full-day tour explores the sacred temples of Pharping, the Dakshinkali Temple, and the historic city of Kirtipur, providing a comprehensive cultural experience.
• The tour includes a traditional Newari lunch, showcasing the unique flavors and dishes of the local cuisine.
• Highlights of the tour include the Asura Cave, Ganesh Temple, and Vajrayogini Temple in Pharping, as well as the captivating atmosphere of the Dakshinkali Temple.
• The tour utilizes a private vehicle for transportation and ensures the safety and comfort of the participants, though it is not wheelchair accessible.
• Customer reviews praise the tour’s informative guides and the overall quality of the cultural exploration experience.

Tour Overview

This full-day Pharping, Dakshinkali and Kirtipur Day Trip offers an escorted tour to explore some of the most significant spiritual and cultural sites around Kathmandu.

The tour is named "Escorted Full Day Pharping, Dakshinkali and Kirtipur Day Trip with Newari Lunch" and it takes place in Kathmandu, Nepal.

It has received an impressive 4.5/5 rating from 4 reviews, with 3 being five-star. The price starts from $120.00 and the tour duration is approximately 5 hours.

Highlights include visits to Pharping’s temples, Dakshinkali Temple, and sightseeing in Kirtipur, followed by a traditional Newari lunch.

Highlights of the Itinerary

The Escorted Full Day Pharping, Dakshinkali and Kirtipur Day Trip starts at 10:00 am with hotel pickup.

The tour first explores Pharping, visiting the Asura Cave, Ganesh, Vajrayogini, Shesnarayan, and Gorakhnath temples. This takes around 2 hours, with admission included.

Next, the group visits the Dakshinkali Temple, a blood-soaked shrine dedicated to the goddess Kali, known for its animal sacrifices performed by priests. This stop lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes, with admission also included.

The final destination is Kirtipur, where additional sightseeing takes place.

Throughout the day, travelers enjoy a traditional Newari lunch, renowned in Nepal for its diversity of spicy dishes.

Exploration of Pharping

The day trip begins with a visit to the historic Pharping area, where the group explores a series of prominent religious sites. First, they visit the Asura Cave, a sacred cavern associated with the Hindu god Shiva. Next, they travel to the Ganesh, Vajrayogini, Shesnarayan, and Gorakhnath temples, each with its own unique architectural and spiritual significance. The tour guide provides insightful information about the history and cultural importance of these revered locations, allowing your to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s rich heritage.

Temple	Deity	Significance
Asura Cave	Shiva	Sacred cavern
Ganesh	Ganesh	Hindu deity
Vajrayogini	Vajrayogini	Buddhist deity
Shesnarayan	Shesnarayan	Hindu deity
Gorakhnath	Gorakhnath	Hindu saint

Visiting Dakshinkali Temple

Next, the group makes its way to the renowned Dakshinkali Temple. This temple is dedicated to the goddess Kali, known for her fierce and protective nature.

As the group approaches, they can see the temple’s blood-soaked entrances, a testament to the animal sacrifices performed by the priests. Visitors have the opportunity to witness this age-old ritual, though it may be unsettling for some.

The temple’s atmosphere is both captivating and somber, as devotees come to seek the goddess’s blessings and protection. The group spends around 1.5 hours exploring the temple grounds and observing the sacred rituals before continuing on to the next destination.

Discovering Kirtipur

After visiting the captivating Dakshinkali Temple, the group now heads to the historic city of Kirtipur. This ancient settlement offers a glimpse into Nepal’s rich cultural heritage. The tour explores the intricate architecture, bustling local markets, and the iconic Bagh Bhairav Temple. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant Newari traditions that permeate Kirtipur’s streets.

Highlight	Description
Bagh Bhairav Temple	An ornate Hindu temple dedicated to the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva
Newari Architecture	Distinctive brick and timber buildings showcasing traditional Newari design
Local Markets	Bustling marketplaces selling handicrafts, spices, and fresh produce
Panoramic Views	Sweeping vistas of the Kathmandu Valley from the hilltop city
Cultural Experiences	Opportunities to interact with locals and witness Newari cultural practices

Transportation and Accessibility

Guests commence their Pharping, Dakshinkali, and Kirtipur day trip with convenient hotel pickups within the Kathmandu ring road.

Those staying outside the ring road will incur additional charges. The tour utilizes a luxurious private vehicle to transport guests throughout the day’s activities.

However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps during the transfers. This ensures the safety and comfort of all participants as they embark on their cultural exploration of these significant sites around Kathmandu.

Newari Culinary Experience

The tour includes a traditional Newari lunch, renowned in Nepal for its diverse array of spicy dishes. The meal features a feast-style presentation, allowing guests to sample a variety of flavors.

Some key highlights of the Newari culinary experience include:

1. An assortment of curries, such as chicken, lentils, and vegetables, each offering a unique blend of spices.
2. Gundruk, a fermented, dried, and ground leafy vegetable that adds a tangy note to the meal.
3. Dhido, a steamed cornmeal porridge, served as a staple accompaniment.
4. Chhoyela, a spicy, charred meat dish that provides a bold contrast to the other dishes.

The Newari lunch provides an immersive cultural experience, showcasing the rich gastronomic traditions of Nepal.

Important Details and Customer Feedback

Alongside the immersive Newari culinary experience, the tour provides a range of important details and customer feedback worth considering.

The tour is accessible via private vehicle, though it’s not wheelchair-friendly, and infants must sit on laps. Guests receive hotel pickup and drop-off, all entrance fees, and tips, but drinks are excluded.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. Positive reviews praise the knowledgeable guide and informative nature of the tour, though some felt the duration was shorter than expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Customized for Individual Preferences?

The tour can likely be customized to individual preferences, though the details are not explicitly stated. Travelers should inquire with the tour operator about modifying the itinerary or dining options to better suit their needs and interests.

Is There Flexibility in the Tour Schedule if We Have Limited Time?

The tour provider generally offers flexibility to accommodate guests’ schedules and preferences. They may be able to adjust the itinerary or duration to suit individual needs, but this would need to be discussed and confirmed directly with them.

What Is the Typical Group Size for This Day Trip?

The group size for this day trip can vary, but it’s typically a small group with a maximum of 12-15 participants. The exact group size may depend on the number of bookings received for each tour date.

Are Any Covid-19 Safety Protocols in Place During the Tour?

The operator implements COVID-19 safety protocols such as requiring masks, sanitizing vehicles, and maintaining social distancing to protect guests’ health and well-being during the tour. Specific details on group size and other measures may be available upon inquiry.

Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions for the Newari Lunch?

The tour can likely accommodate dietary restrictions for the Newari lunch, but customers should inform the tour operator in advance to ensure their needs are met. Specific dietary options may depend on the restaurant and food choices available.

Sum Up

This captivating full-day tour immerses visitors in Nepal’s rich cultural heritage. Exploring sacred temples, historic Newari architecture, and vibrant local markets, the experience is further enhanced by a delectable Newari lunch. Convenient transportation and an expert guide ensure a seamless and enlightening journey, making this excursion a must-do for those seeking to deeply connect with the unique traditions and flavors of Pharping, Dakshinkali, and Kirtipur.