Pharping Day Tour
- Guaranteed Satisfaction
- Experience of a More than two decade
- Personal Touch & Professional Service
trip info
Duration
1 days
Max Altitude
2285m
Difficulty
Moderate
Starts from
Kathmandu
Trips Ends at
Kathmandu
Activity
Hiking & Walking
Accommodation
Meals
Included
Weather
15 °C
Group Size
Best Season
All Year
Region
Day Hike Around In Kathmandu
Explore the holy Asura Cave where Guru Rinpoche had meditated.
Feel the spirituality at Vajrayogini Temple.
Sheshnarayan Temple has beautiful stone carvings to see and appreciate.
Watch the vibrant rituals at Neydo Tashi Chöling Monastery.
Unleash your inner zen in the peace retreat centers of Pharping.
Visit the majestic statues of Guru Rinpoche in Dallu.
Panoramic Kathmandu Valley views from hilltop temples. Hindu and Buddhist practices exist in harmony.
Watch traditional prayer ceremonies and meditation.
Explore a distinct culture formed by Newar Buddhist architecture.
Interact with the local worshippers to have a glimpse of knowledge regarding their religious practices.
Visit the sacred ponds having belief in healing powers.
Take stunning photos of Pharping’s scenic beauty and cultural heritage.
Pharping Day Tour Overview
A Pharping Day Tour is a full immersion into Nepal’s spiritual, religious and cultural abundance. Situated roughly 23 kilometers south of Kathmandu, Pharping comprises some of the most important and sacred sites in Nepal that both Hindus and Buddhists worship.
On this tour, you will visit ancient caves, monasteries and temples, which provide an experience reflective of the diversity that exists in Nepal’s religion and culture.
You will begin with a walk to Asura Cave, which has an enormous significance in Tibetan Buddhism. Legend states that Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, meditated here for quite some time to gain enlightenment.
A small distance from Asura Cave lies Yangleshö Cave, believed to be another meditation site where Guru Rinpoche meditated.
Continuing the spiritual journey, the tour heads towards the Vajrayogini Temple, a 17th-century temple of Vajrayogini. Besides these sites is the Sheshnarayan Temple, one of the four main Narayana temples in Kathmandu Valley.
This five-roofed temple of Lord Vishnu is known for its many stone carvings and also for its ponds, which are said to have healing powers.
The tour will also take you to visit some of the many monasteries that pepper the Pharping hillsides. The Neydo Tashi Chöling Monastery is located right next door, and it houses a large monastic community and offers richly colored religious ceremonies and teachings. You can watch monks perform afternoon prayers, participate in meditation sessions, or simply learn about what goes on behind those monastery walls.
A short ride down the road is the Dakshinkali Temple, one of Nepal’s holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites honoring the goddess Kali.
As the day continues, the tour moves on to the Dallu area, where statues of spiritual masters such as Guru Rinpoche rise around retreat centers. These massive statues, some quite tall and imposing, represent the living history of spiritual masters and are wonderful locations both for contemplation and photography. The nearby retreat centers can give a sense of modern Nepal meditation practices and continuing traditions.
Throughout the Pharping Day Tour, travelers find themselves in a landscape that seamlessly blends spirituality with everyday life. The Hindu and Buddhist sites that the surroundings represent an incredible cultural synthesis.
Meeting with local devotees, witnessing traditional rituals, and exploring ancient monuments gives you insight into how deep-rooted this region’s spirituality really is.
Difficulty in Pharping Day Tour
The difficulty level of a day tour in Pharping, Nepal, is easy. The route, for the most part, is flat and well-maintained. Hence, it’s doable even with children.
It doesn’t take more than a day to complete the entire tour, and participants get to take in much of the scenic beauty without overexerting themselves physically.
While the total difficulty is quite easy, there are a few small slopes or rough path areas during the tour, which might be difficult for someone with walking disabilities. They’re not that hard, though, and if we move at a moderate pace, they should cause no problem to most people.
Please wear comfortable shoes and bring water as it can get warm here, especially in summer. If you want a more intensive trip, we also recommend possible extensions to other nearby sites or slightly longer walking routes.
This full-day tour is meant to be interesting and also provides you with enough time to appreciate your visit to Pharping without stressing you out.
Preparation for the Pharping Day Tour
Planning to go for a day trip to Pharping, Nepal, requires a bit of effort in order to make it a wonderful day for you.
Plan Your Itinerary: Ensure you have enough time to spend at each of the places. If you want, you can also kick start early in the morning – hence no crowd.
Choose Transportation Wisely: First of all, decide whether you want to use public buses, which are economical but most of the time crowded or a private vehicle for your comfort.
Hire a Reliable Guide- A guide who is not only knowledgeable but also an experience holder can only make you understand the past, culture and living style of this place.
Check Weather Conditions: Keep track of the daily office of meteorological surveys or newspapers or some other mode to update about the weather conditions.
Wear Decent Clothes: Wear decent clothes, especially when you visit any religious place, to show respect towards the local tradition.
Comfortable Footwear: Have a nice pair of shoes which is comfortable as most of the time you will be walking/trekking on uneven surfaces.
Carry Local Currency: It’s a good idea to have some Nepali rupees with you for entry fees, food and buys, as in many places, cards may not be accepted.
Keep Small Denominations: It’s easier to transact with local sellers if you have small denomination notes.
Stay Hydrated: Carry a water bottle with you, especially during summer.
Pack Snacks: Carry some light snacks to munch on and keep yourself energized throughout the trip.
Respect Local Culture: Do respect their beliefs when; ever you enter any temple, and do remove your shoes.
Photography Etiquette: Do ask before you click pictures of people or religious places, as some people may not take it positively due to their own privacy reasons or may be cultural.
Emergency Contacts: Also, do not forget to save the emergency local contacts in your cell phones. Also you should have your accommodation partner/hotel’s contact details saved.
Health Precautions: Please carry your medicines and a First Aid Kit with you.
Early Start: Get an early start to your trip; this will give you time to drive game during the daylight hours and eliminate the afternoon traffic.
Stay Connected: Make sure your cell phone is charged up; it wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring a portable charger with you, either.
Best Time for the Pharping Day Tour
Pharping is a quiet town around 23 km southwest of Kathmandu that is packed with cultural and natural sites. As it is a day tour from Kathmandu, you can make plans to visit this place any time of the year,. Still, if you are planning on combining it with other trekking adventures, then Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to December) would be the best time to go trekking in Nepal.
Spring (March to May):
Spring in Nepal sees mild temperatures and blossoming scenery. The lower elevations around Kathmandu, such as Pharping, are enjoyable to visit. If you're thinking of adding another trek, it's best to do so earlier in spring.
Summer (June to August):
Summer in Nepal falls on the monsoon season that starts from mid June to early September. Rainfall is abundant, especially in the mid-hills and lower down. Trekking can be rewarding if you don’t mind rain. Trails are less crowded, and the countryside is lush green. A day tour to Pharping during this period of summer (monsoon) is not so good because of the rain and mud.
Autumn (September-November):
Autumn is the best trekking season in Nepal. The weather is clear, with mild to warm days and cold nights, providing spectacular views of mountains and green hills. It’s the perfect time to do a Pharping day tour along with high altitude treks as you will get the perfect conditions.
Winter (December to February):
During winter, it gets colder, especially on the high altitudes; the Himalayan region will have cold temperatures with snowfall. While places like Pharping in lower altitudes will be accessible, high altitude trekking can be difficult because of snow and cold, so if you are planning for more trekking adventures better to choose lower altitude locations this season.
A Typical Day on Pharping Day Tour
The day starts at 7:00 am when the soft sunlight entering your window gradually wakes you up. You will then hear the sound of birds chirping and faint noise coming from Kathmandu valley getting in motion.
After taking a shower, you get into the dining room, where breakfast is served at 7:30 am. The smell of freshly prepared coffee and Nepali cuisine fills up your nostrils, and you take every sip or bite, knowing that you will need strength for today’s adventures.
We meet in our hotel lobby around 8:30 am with our fellow travelers; then, we introduce ourselves to meet with an excited group and trail leader who briefs us about the day's tour in short. We start around 9:00 am and drive out, passing through scenic towns, hillside highways, terrace fields etc., while driving to Pharping; this early morning drive fills you with fresh mountain air, making you even more excited, talking humorous conversation with like-minded travel mates.
Around 10:00 am, you reach Pharping and step out of your vehicle to be immediately engulfed in the calmness of a village that seems to have been blissfully forgotten by time. The rest of your day is all about seeing and experiencing a place where you often can’t tell the religion from the culture as both seamlessly blend into one another.
At 12:30 pm, you break for lunch at a charming, simple local eatery. Taste typical Nepalese dishes while engaging in conversation with other fellow travelers if curious to know about their travel stories or experiences.
As the afternoon progresses you will have more time to wander around the village and immerse into its serenity. At around 4 pm, we get on our vehicle and return back to Kathmandu.
The sun will be about to set, the land drenched golden with long shadows as well as warmth. You can think over what you achieved during the day in Pharping. We will reach your hotel at about 5:30 pm after having shared unforgettable memories to be recalled through photos and words.
Itinerary Detail
What is Included / Not Included
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Accommodation in Pharping day Tour
The Pharping Day Tour is a day tour, so accommodation is not included in the package.
However if you wish to stay more days or overnight, we can manage accommodations with extra cost. Generally, 3-star category hotels are included, where you get twin-sharing, comfortable rooms.
In Kathmandu, there is a large range of accommodations, from budget guesthouses and lodges to five-star hotels, resorts and homestays. You are free to choose your type of accommodation depending on your interest and budget.
The lodging we arrange for you comes furnished with various amenities. Many of the locations we work with include Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and private bathrooms. We also look to facilitate your stay with room service, self-serve laundr,y and on-site eateries whenever possible. Simply make us aware of any specific requests when you reserve your trip.
Single Supplementary:
If you are traveling solo and joining our Pharping Day Tour, we understand you may want a bit of privacy and comfort for yourselves. To meet this, we provide just one supplementary option so you can pick a room that is just yours.
This supplementary fee is an additional charge over and above the standard package price and adds up to securing you a room to yourself in our 3-star standard category accommodations.
We can also book you into higher-end hotel boutique stays for an extra cost if you wish for more of a luxury experience. We would like to cater to your needs and make your travel more delightful.
Facilities at the singular accommodations usually includes complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning and private bathrooms. Many of these hotels also provide room service, fitness centers and in-house dining facilities, among other amenities.
Drinking Water:
During the Pharping Day Tour, you will be given a bottle of mineral water. You should know that no other drinks or refreshments are included, so if this is what you feel might not see you through the day, you may want to bring along extra drinks.
Drinking tap water in Nepal is not recommended as it is untreated and generally unsafe for drinking, so don’t think that relying only on your provided bottle will be enough for your whole day's hydration.
To keep yourself well-hydrated (especially when hiking), drink at least 3-4 liters of water per day. As the one bottle supplied doesn’t go very far, make sure to throw an empty bottle or a way to purify local water sources in your bag for good measure.
You can always buy bottled water, but this creates a lot of plastic waste and is bad for the environment. It’s much more environmentally friendly to bring your reusable water bottle and use purification techniques.
Many guesthouses will provide boiled or filtered water for a small fee that’s safe to drink, or you can use water purification tablets or a portable filter to treat tap or spring water yourself. This way, you’ll reduce your plastic waste and ensure that you stay well-hydrated at the same time.
Meals For Pharping Day Tour
While meals are not included in your Pharping Day Tour, your guide can help you select a restaurant that fits your taste and budget. Pharping is famous for its Newari food. Try some of the local favorites like momo (dumplings), dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), or sel roti (sweet ring-shaped bread made from rice flour).
Visit small local restaurants and have an even more authentic experience. We know which restaurants serve clean, hygienic food without losing any of the flavor. If you have any dietary restrictions or if you have other food interests, tell your guide so that he/she can recommend the best places for you.
By choosing to eat lunch independently, you help support the businesses of Pharping by eating where you wish. This allows for maximum flexibility with meals to suit your tastes. It also helps foster interactions between our guests and the local people as you join them in their local eateries, a very authentic cultural experience.
Some places may not accept credit cards, so be sure to carry some local cash. Your guide will be happy to help suggest or show you options of where to eat on your tour for a great meal break.
Mobile Reception and Internet Access
Mobile Reception in Pharping:
Pharping, situated about 19 kilometers to the south of Kathmandu, is well-connected by Nepal’s major mobile network operators – Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell. Tourists will get a good network throughout their stay.
NTC and Ncell have massive coverage in the whole Kathmandu Valley and its peripheries, enabling travelers to make phone calls or send messages with minimum difficulty.
You are recommended to carry a cell phone that can take local SIM cards. You can buy telecom SIM cards from any of these two operators on arrival at Kathmandu by producing a copy of your passport and a passport-sized photograph.
Internet Access During Your Pharping Visit:
Mobile reception is good in Pharping, but internet access may be inconsistent depending on your mobile service provider and whereabouts. There are generally 2 main mobile data and communication providers in Nepal ie. NTC and Ncell.
They both have good coverage at the Kathmandu Valley, but the speed and reliability can get a bit unstable in more rural and mountain areas.
Ncell generally has better data services (3G and 4G), while NTC has broader coverage across Nepal. If you need constant internet access, we recommend buying a good amount of data from these providers before you arrive in Pharping.
Some local cafes or guesthouses might offer Wi-Fi, depending on where you’re staying or eating, but don’t expect it to be particularly ‘high-speed.’ To prevent being frustrated, especially outside of Kathmandu or any less urbanized area, download maps or other pertinent information before you start your trip.
Electric Plugs and Adapters
When you are planning for a day tour of Pharping, Nepal, you must know about the power plugs and sockets used in Pharping Nepal. In Nepal, the power plugs and sockets used are of type C, D and M.
The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. So if you are from a country other than this that uses different types of plugs and varied voltage or frequency, then you will need equipment such as a universal travel adaptor with plug types C / D / M.
Also, if your devices aren’t rated for 230V, you’ll need a voltage converter to avoid potentially frying them. A lot of modern electronic devices like Smartphones and Laptops are built to handle a range of voltages (usually 100-240V) and will only require an adapter. But be sure to check the voltage rating on your device before using it.
Pharping is a popular tourist destination with all the basic facilities that you can ask for, but still, you might not find enough charging points in some places, especially in the remote areas of Pharping. Thus, it is always better to charge your necessary devices beforehand.
You must carry a portable power bank for an uninterrupted charge while on a tour. You also need to be well-prepared with suitable adapters and power solutions so that you don't have to worry about powering up your devices on your Pharping day tour.
Group Joining/Fixed Departure for the Trip
Fixed Departure for Pharping Day Tour:
The added convenience of fixed departure dates makes sure you plan your tour well, as the scheduled and pre-arranged itinerary will ease out all stresses during the day trip sightseeing in Pharping and exploring spiritual landmarks. A good choice if you are looking to get relieved from planning headaches to enjoy this serene natural and cultural hub. Book your journey on our given fixed departure dates.
Group Joining for Pharping Day Tour:
If you want to visit Pharping most reasonably and socially, Group joining is available. We cater to people traveling alone or if your big group is not able to make it. This will be a great opportunity for tour travelers from different parts of the world to join together and discover the best of Pharping with all its charm. Sharing every cost of transportation and guide fees makes it cheaper than private tours but experiences greater group activities. Discover the best of this holy land along with like-minded tourists who share the same passion for traveling and inspiring destinations.
Private Trip
Pharping private tour is for you if you are not willing to be accompanied by other members of the group. Pharping private tour allows you to discover the spiritual and cultural wonders of Pharping in the company of friends and families. Our guides will escort you throughout your stay in Nepal as per the given itinerary, and we have designed this flexible itinerary considering your own interest pace. Discover holy sites like Asura Cave and Pharping Monastery with our expert local guide throughout the trip, detailing its history, culture and spirituality, making perfect comfortable visits to discover cultural heritage at your own pace.
Packing List for Pharping Day Tour
We created a packing list that covers everything from clothing to footwear and personal items to essentials so that you get everything ready for your Pharping Day Tour. A more detailed packing list can be found in PDF format below. Download it for all the details of what to take along with you on your trip to Pharping. It is here for you to have all you need to make your experience smooth and fun.
Booking Procedure for Pharping Day Tour
After the confirmation of your Pharping Day Tour, we will send you a traveler’s information form along with a proforma invoice. You need to pay a 20% deposit/ or full amount through bank transfer, online payment gateway, or PayPal to book your place.
The remaining balance can be paid via your convenient mode of payment upon arrival in Kathmandu: Transfer/credit card (Visa/MasterCard) /debit card (MasterCard/ Maestro)/ PayPal. For online transfers, it usually takes 1-2 days to be credited to our account.
In the case of a wire transfer, it may take up to 3-5 days. Once we receive your payment, we will let you know and send you the final trip voucher along with an invoice as a guarantee.
We would like to make your journey to the peaceful and spiritual land of Pharping as comfortable as possible during your visit here; therefore, we request you to read the Terms & Conditions properly before booking with us.
Cancellation Policy
We’ve designed our cancellation policy to be flexible and transparent because we know that travel doesn’t always go as planned, and we want the process of cancelling or rescheduling to be as stress-free as possible.
Cancellation from the Traveler’s End:
If you need to cancel your booking, the following charges will apply.
6 months before departure: 20% of the Trip Booking Deposit is non-refundable.
3 months before departure: 25% of the Trip Booking Deposit is non-refundable.
2 months before departure: 50% of the Trip Booking Deposit is non-refundable.
1 month before departure: 100% of the Trip Booking Deposit is non-refundable.
Postponement by the Traveler:
If you wish to postpone your trip until a future date your deposit will be held safely by us for up to 3 years so that you can rearrange your holiday at any time before this period expires. However, please note that the prices applicable to any Postponed Trip Price will be those in effect at that date (which may be higher or lower than the price of the trip when originally booked) .
Cancellation from Our End:
In the very unlikely event that we have to cancel a trip due to unforeseen circumstances, if you have paid a Trip Booking Deposit, we will refund 100% of your Trip Booking Deposit irrespective of how close it is to the trip departure date.
Please read the policy carefully before considering cancelling or postponing a trip, as these terms will apply ensuring an open and transparent relationship with no hidden surprises. If you have any questions and/or uncertainties, please contact us so we can make your journey with us stress-free and enjoyable.
FAQ
General
How long does the tour last?
How long does the tour last?
The Pharping Day Tour lasts, usually around 6 to 8 hours in total, when we take into account itinerary and group interests plus travel for sightseeing with a few breaks included in between for meals.
Is transportation included in the tour?
Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the transportation from Kathmandu to Pharping and back is included in the package. We provide you with comfortable vehicles for your journey.
What should I wear for the tour?
What should I wear for the tour?
We suggest you be casual. Do wear comfortable shoes or sneakers if you can. In some locations, visits are religious, and we do recommend it would be good to respect local sentiment with what one wears.
Is there an age limit for the tour?
Is there an age limit for the tour?
There is not particularly an age limit as such, everyone is welcome to join. However, considering we will be walking a fair bit and some of the ground might be slightly uneven, everyone should be able to walk reasonably well.
What is the group size of the tour?
What is the group size of the tour?
Group sizes can vary, but we have between 10 and 20 people on a trip. It makes it an intimate escape and for us to get to know everyone.
What if it rains on the day of the tour?
What if it rains on the day of the tour?
The tour will likely move ahead as planned unless there are severe environmental conditions. Joining the participants during rain showers will require an umbrella or rainwear.
Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour is generally fine but some sites might have uneven surfaces to walk on. Please get in touch with your operator to discuss further.
What language is the tour conducted in?
What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is in English. However, our knowledgeable guides are able to also tell you about the local culture and history. Some of the guides would also be able to speak second languages.
Can I take photos during the tour?
Can I take photos during the tour?
Yes, please feel welcome to bring a camera. You’ll have plenty of great photo opportunities at most of our destinations. We do ask that you are respectful of local customs and always receive permission before taking any person’s photo.
Are kids a part of the tour?
Are kids a part of the tour?
Yes, the Pharping Day Tour is for all, where we can introduce our children to culture and natural beauty.
