Pharping Monastery, Asura Cave & Ancient Kirtipur City Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 15 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Pharping Monastery, Asura Cave & Ancient Kirtipur City Tour worth booking?
Pharping Monastery, Asura Cave & Ancient Kirtipur City Tour is a 5-hour experience in Kathmandu, Nepal, from $40 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 15 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (15)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $40 per person
Immerse yourself in Nepal’s rich spiritual & cultural heritage on this full-day guided tour. Start your journey at Pharping Monastery, one of the largest & most significant monasteries in Nepal, where you can witness vib
What you get
- All Taxes
- Professional English speaking tour guide.
- Private transportation with air condition
- Hotel pickup and drop-off by a private vehicle.
About this experience
Immerse yourself in Nepal’s rich spiritual & cultural heritage on this full-day guided tour. Start your journey at Pharping Monastery, one of the largest & most significant monasteries in Nepal, where you can witness vibrant Buddhist rituals, stunning architecture, & peaceful meditation practices. Continue to the sacred Asura Cave, a mystical site where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have meditated in the 8th century. Take time to reflect, meditate, & feel the serene spiritual energy that has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Next, explore the ancient city of Kirtipur, a historic hilltop town known for its traditional Newari architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, ¢turies-old temples. Enjoy panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley & discover the unique culture & history of this charming town. With private hotel pickup in Kathmandu & a knowledgeable guide accompanying you throughout the day, this tour is perfect for travelers seeking a deep cultural & spiritual experience.
What's included
Included
- All Taxes
- Professional English speaking tour guide.
- Private transportation with air condition
- Hotel pickup and drop-off by a private vehicle.
Not included
- Monument entry fees
- Personal Expenses, Any meals and drinks, Donation for monastery etc.
- Gratuities for guide and driver.
What you'll see and do
Kathmandu
The Pharping Monastery & Asura Cave Meditation Tour in Kathmandu offers a serene escape into the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism. Located on the outskirts of the valley, this tour takes you to the sacred Asura Cave, where Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have meditated and attained enlightenment. The journey includes a visit to the peaceful Pharping Monastery, known for its vibrant murals, prayer wheels, and meditative ambiance. Surrounded by lush green hills, the site provides a perfect blend of tranquility and cultural exploration. Ideal for spiritual seekers and history enthusiasts, this tour combines breathtaking views, serene meditation spots, and an insightful glimpse into Nepal's Buddhist heritage.
180 minutes here
Pharping Monastery, located on the southern outskirts of Kathmandu Valley, is a serene spiritual site steeped in Tibetan Buddhist heritage. Surrounded by lush hills, the monastery is a place of meditation and tranquility, attracting pilgrims and visitors alike. It is renowned for its sacred caves, including the Asura Cave, where Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have meditated and attained enlightenment. The monastery features intricate architecture, prayer wheels, and vibrant murals that reflect Buddhist art and teachings. Overlooking the valley, Pharping Monastery offers breathtaking views and an atmosphere of peace, making it a perfect retreat for spiritual seekers and culture enthusiasts.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Kirtipur is an ancient Newari town located on a hilltop southwest of Kathmandu. It is known for its rich history, traditional culture, and beautiful old architecture. During the tour, you can explore narrow streets, ancient temples, and enjoy panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley while experiencing authentic local life.
60 minutes here
Asura Cave, Pharping – A sacred Buddhist site located near Pharping, known for its meditation caves and spiritual significance. Pilgrims and visitors can explore the cave where Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have meditated, surrounded by serene natural landscapes.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
Pharping Asura Cave & Kritipur
Duration: 5 hours: The tour duration is 5-6 hours. 5-6 Hours: Visit Pharping Monastery, Asura Cave, Manjushree Park, Chobhar, Vajrayogini Temple, Nagdaha Lake & Kirtipur. Private Vehicle Car/Jeep/Van Hotel pickup and drop-off Pickup included
Full Day Tour
7–9 hour tour: Visit Bungamati, Khokana, Pharping, Asura Cave, Manjushree Park, Vajrayogini, Nagdaha Lake, Chovar, Kritipur & Swyambhunath. Private Vehicle (Car/Jeep/Van) Hotel pickup and drop-off Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Breakfree Adventures Pvt. Ltd.
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 15 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
15 verified traveler reviews for Pharping Monastery, Asura Cave & Ancient Kirtipur City Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great tour and meaningful experience
I had a wonderful experience with this tour. Shankar was an excellent guide. He provided a wealth of information and answered all of my questions. I was picked up from my Airbnb and everything was organized for me. As a solo traveller this was perfect for me. I completely recommend this special tour to others.
Response from the operator: Dear Janine, Thank you for your lovely review! We're delighted to hear you had a meaningful experience and that Shankar’s knowledge and support made your solo journey comfortable and enjoyable. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back to Nepal again soon! Best Regards, Breakfree Adventures Nepal
via Tripadvisor
padmasambhava pilgrimage
Shankar made this amazing recommendation to set off earlier at 8am to visit Guru Rinpoche’s retreat first. Along the way we stopped to look at the hil that Manjushri cut into half to let the water out and the pond where the Naga had to shift to. Highlights of the trip was the amazing hike that Shankar suggested so that we might experience the forest as we went from the first cave where Guru Rinpoche attained enlightenment to the one where he conquered the ausuras. Such an amazing trail which was well maintained. Probably a moderate hike, recommend sneakers. We were able to sit and meditate while the lamas chanted. Really unique experience. Then we went to the stone where green Tara and Ganesha sprung from the stone . And final stop was the cave were guru Rinpoche went to Tibet and Varjayogini’s temple. Then cos I wanted to have Newari food, Sujan, our driver drove us to Sasa and we had an amazing traditional food.
Response from the operator: Dear Yi Ting, Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed this unique spiritual journey and the beautiful hike through Pharping. It's great to know that Shankar's recommendations and insights helped make the experience even more memorable. We're also glad you enjoyed the traditional Newari meal after the tour. Thank you for sharing your experience, and we hope to welcome you back to Nepal again soon! Best Regards, Breakfree Adventures Nepal
via Tripadvisor
Pilmerage Solo Day Tour Tailor to your preference
Overall, the solo trip was okay and well organized. The quotation process was very fast, and the price quoted was at a reasonable market rate. Communication was smooth from the beginning, which made planning the trip easy. The tour lasted about 6.5 - 7 hours, and the driver and guide arranged the schedule according to my preferences for the day. They were flexible with the itinerary, allowing me to spend more time at places I enjoyed and skip activities I wanted to opt out of. The itinerary included places around Pharping and Sankhu such as Pharping Monastery, Yangleshö Cave, Asura Cave, Vajrayogini Temple, Bajrayogini Temple, and Milarepa Cave. The private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off was okay, and the overall service was satisfactory for the price. One small suggestion would be to stop at a more affordable local restaurant for lunch instead of Sakwo Resort, as the food prices there were quite high compared to other nearby options. Overall, it was a smooth and reasonably priced solo experience around Kathmandu.
Response from the operator: Dear Kitoh, Thank you for your thoughtful review and for choosing us for your Kathmandu pilgrimage tour. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the flexible itinerary, smooth communication, and personalized service from our guide and driver. We also appreciate your suggestion regarding the lunch venue and will take it into consideration for future tours. Thank you for your valuable feedback. We hope to welcome you back to Nepal for another memorable experience soon! Best regards, Breakfree Adventures Team
via Tripadvisor
The guide was extremely...
The guide was extremely knowledgeable about the Buddhist faith. We also had the chance of meditating in a cave which was certainly a memorable experience.
Response from the operator: Dear Sharmaine, Thank you for your wonderful review. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the tour and found the meditation experience in the cave so memorable. We truly appreciate your kind words about our knowledgeable guide. Warm regards, Breakfree Adventures Team
via Viator
Spiritual Aspect of Nepal
A great coverage with Raj (our guide) and Suzan (our driver) to see the traditions and temples of Buddhism and Hinduism .. the tour gave us time for a little meditation too which is what we were after. Raj had a great breadth of knowledge and our driver was very skilled too 😁. Arrangement was flexible and professional.
Response from the operator: Dear Ladan, Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that Raj and Suzan made your Pharping Monastery and Kirtipur tour informative, peaceful, and enjoyable. Your kind words about their knowledge, skill, and professionalism mean a lot to us. We hope to welcome you back for another memorable experience! Warm regards, Breakfree Adventures Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 5+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $40 to $140
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Pharping Monastery, Asura Cave & Ancient Kirtipur City Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kathmandu.
How much does Pharping Monastery, Asura Cave & Ancient Kirtipur City Tour cost?
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Prices start at $40 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kathmandu usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Pharping Monastery, Asura Cave & Ancient Kirtipur City Tour take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kathmandu is not rushed.
Is Pharping Monastery, Asura Cave & Ancient Kirtipur City Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 15 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kathmandu, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Pharping Monastery, Asura Cave & Ancient Kirtipur City Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Pharping Monastery, Asura Cave & Ancient Kirtipur City Tour suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 5. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 5-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Pharping Monastery, Asura Cave & Ancient Kirtipur City Tour?
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Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kathmandu can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kathmandu and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Pharping Monastery, Asura Cave & Ancient Kirtipur City Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kathmandu within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kathmandu?
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On Outty we rank every Kathmandu experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Private Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour | UNESCO World Heritage sites, Classic Everest Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kathmandu?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kathmandu?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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