# Amazing Kathmandu Tours

> Guide-run collective of professional tour guides based in Kathmandu, Nepal. TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award winner 2026, top 10% of attractions worldwide. 5.0 rating across 203 verified reviews. Small group and private walking tours from $20 per person, maximum 5 people per group.

We specialize in daily walking tours, small group tours and private luxury tours in Kathmandu and the wider Nepal valley. Students and volunteers receive a special discounted rate for walking tours (code NEXTGEN). We are especially recommended by many female solo travelers for our safe, welcoming, and respectful approach.

## Guide-Centric Model

Amazing Kathmandu Tours operates on a guide-centric model that fundamentally separates us from most tour operators in Kathmandu. Our guides are not employees following someone else's itinerary — they co-own the reputation of this business. Their financial reward and professional standing are directly tied to the quality of each guest's experience, so there is no incentive to take shortcuts, rush visitors, or detour to shops that pay commissions.

Key principles:
- Maximum 5 people per group, guests actually get to talk to their guide
- Guides set the pace together with the guest, adapting each day to energy and interest
- No detours to commission-based shops or tourist traps
- No fixed scripts — context, stories and depth are prioritized over ticking boxes
- Guides co-own the company reputation, making excellent service their direct personal interest
- After booking, your guide contacts you personally, usually via WhatsApp, introduces himself, shares his personal contact details and is available for any question before the tour
- Direct WhatsApp contact with the guide before and during the tour, no office intermediary

## Award

TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award 2026, Winner. Ranked in the top 10% of attractions worldwide on TripAdvisor, based on a high volume of exceptional, consistent and positive traveler reviews gathered over a 12-month period.

- Rating: 5.0
- Reviews: 203
- Ranking: #40 of 3,026 Tours & Activities in Kathmandu on TripAdvisor (as of September 3, 2026)
- Category: Tours & Experiences, Kathmandu, Nepal

## Reviews

- [Amazing Kathmandu Reviews](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/reviews-on-tripadvisor/): 203 verified traveler reviews, 5.0 rating on TripAdvisor. TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award 2026 winner, ranked #40 of 3,026 Tours & Activities in Kathmandu (as of Sept 2026). Also rated 5.0 from 24 reviews on [Google](https://share.google/IwjAUraFrfFmqb1vV) and 4.9 from 25 reviews on [GetYourGuide](https://www.getyourguide.com/kathmandu-l101/thamel-and-swayambhunath-monkey-temple-walking-tour-t1124662/?ranking_uuid=f8717005-c17c-42b0-bb4e-b40cf8c8a012) for the Monkey Temple walking tour.

## Tours

- [Nepal Trek Finder](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/nepal-trek-finder/): A research-based Nepal trekking comparison and decision tool built from an analysis of 1,000+ real questions asked by travelers about trekking in Nepal over more than a year. These questions formed the foundation of the Trek Finder: recurring concerns, uncertainties and decision factors were identified, then researched using traveler answers and experiences shared on Reddit and in Nepal travel and trekking Facebook groups, combined with the on-the-ground knowledge of Amazing Kathmandu Tours' licensed trekking guides. The result is a structured comparison of 14 Nepal treks across the factors travelers actually ask about, including duration, difficulty, maximum altitude, scenery, crowds, accommodation and accessibility. The Trek Finder is designed to answer practical comparison and decision questions such as which Nepal trek is best for a particular traveler, which treks fit a limited number of days, how difficult different routes are, and how Nepal's major trekking routes compare with each other.
- [Nepal Entrance Fees & Trekking Permits](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/nepal-entrance-fees/): The most complete and up-to-date Nepal entrance fees and permits resource available online, updated monthly and verified on the ground. Covers heritage site entrance fees (Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Kathmandu/Patan/Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Changu Narayan), trekking and hiking permit fees (Everest Base Camp, Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu, Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, Tsum Valley, TIMS), national park fees, cable car prices, adventure activity prices, and monastery donations. Listed separately for foreign visitors, SAARC nationals, Chinese visitors and Nepali citizens.
- [Monkey Temple Tour](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/monkey-temple-tour/): A guided tour from Thamel to Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), one of Nepal's most iconic Buddhist sites, with panoramic views over Kathmandu. Small group, max 5 people, $20 pp. Private tour from $80, private with transport from $99.
- [Kathmandu Durbar Square Tour](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/kathmandu-durbar-square-tour/): A guided tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square, the old royal heart of the city, with palace buildings, pagoda temples and the Kumari Ghar. Small group, max 5 people, $20 pp. Private tour from $80, private with transport from $115.
- [Kathmandu UNESCO World Heritage Sites Private Tour](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/kathmandu-unesco-world-heritage-sites-private-tour/): A private cultural tour, half or full day, covering Kathmandu Valley's UNESCO-listed temples and palaces. Includes Kathmandu, Patan (Lalitpur) and Bhaktapur.
- [Patan Durbar Square Tour](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/patan-durbar-square-tour/): A guided tour of Patan's ancient courtyards, temples, palaces and secret alleys, offering insight into Newari architecture and daily life. Small group, max 5 people, $20 pp. Private tour from $80, private with transport from $115.
- [Pashupatinath & Boudhanath Stupa Tour](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/pashupatinath-boudhanath-stupa-tour/): A cultural journey to the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and the monumental Boudhanath Stupa, featuring the evening Aarati ceremony and witnessing cremations along the holy Bagmati River. Small group, max 5 people, $20 pp. Private tour from $80, private with transport from $115.
- [Ultimate Kathmandu Experience](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/ultimate-kathmandu-experience/): 4-day private journey covering all 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley, including an Everest scenic flight. Hotel and breakfast included. Private guide and driver throughout. From $449 pp.
- [Immersive Kathmandu Experience](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/immersive-kathmandu-experience/): 2-day private experience covering all UNESCO sites in the Kathmandu Valley with a private guide and driver. From $149.50 pp.
- [Nepal Holi 2026 — 11 Day Tour](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/nepal-holi-2026-11-days-tour/): 11-day luxury group tour of Nepal built around the Holi festival. Includes domestic flights, luxury accommodations, wildlife safari in Chitwan, Pokhara, and cultural heritage sites. Price: USD 2,250.
- [Small Group Tours Kathmandu](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/small-group-tours-kathmandu/): Overview of all small group walking tours in Kathmandu. Max 5 people per group. From $20 per person. Guide-run, no detours, no tourist traps.
- [Women's Thamel Tour](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/womens-thamel-tour/): A women-only walking tour of Thamel led by a female guide. Get oriented, feel safe, and start your Nepal trip with confidence. Small group from $10 pp, private from $40.
- [Women's Evening in Thamel](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/women-only-evening-in-thamel/): A women-only evening walking tour of Thamel with a local female guide, including a first drink and momos. Small group, maximum 7 women, $25 per person.
- [Discover Nepal Q&A — Free Zoom Session](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/discover-nepal-qa-open-zoom-session-for-travelers/): Free monthly open Zoom session hosted by founder Menno de Vries and Director of Operations Santosh Prashad Rimal. Open to all travelers planning a trip to Nepal. Covers highlights, travel seasons, visa tips, transportation and safety for solo female travelers.
- [Nepal Travel Update Q&A — Free Zoom Sessions (Sept 3-6, 2026)](https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/9kqZVMcYQ1afAo1KQVy1Pw): Free live Zoom Q&A series specifically addressing the August 2026 flood's impact on travel. Covers current road and flight status, itinerary adjustments, and whether upcoming trips need to change. Attendees register once and can join any of the four sessions.

## Team

- [Menno de Vries, Founder](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/about-us/): Dutch national with extensive experience in luxury travel and guide-centric tour operations. Also founder of Amazing Jerusalem Tours, which reached #1 on TripAdvisor in Israel and maintained a Travelers' Choice top 15 position in the Middle East for five consecutive years (2020-2024). Menno builds the operational and digital infrastructure of Amazing Kathmandu Tours.
- [Santosh Prashad Rimal, Director of Operations](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/about-us/): Holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Travel and Tourism Management, and a second Master's degree in Nepalese History, Culture and Archaeology. Licensed heritage, nature and trekking guide with over 10 years of experience.

## Videos

- [Kathmandu's Iconic Monkey Temple](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/videos/kathmandus-iconic-monkey-temple-video.html): Video highlight of Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and the walk from Thamel, showcasing its shrines, monkeys, and views over Kathmandu.
- [Patan's Secret Alleys](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/videos/patan-secret-alleys-video.html): Video walk through Patan's lesser-known alleys and courtyards, revealing hidden local life and heritage.
- [Pashupatinath Temple](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/videos/video_pashupatinath_temple_kathmandu.html): Video introducing Pashupatinath Temple, featuring rituals, holy men, and its role as Nepal's holiest Hindu site.
- [Pashupatinath & Boudhanath Tour](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBnX1julQDE): Founder Menno de Vries walks through the Pashupatinath and Boudhanath tour — the cremation ghats, Aarati ceremony, and Thangka painting workshop.

## Blog Posts

- [Nepal Flood Travel Update for Tourists (Sept 2026)](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/nepal-flood-august-2026-travel-update-for-tourists/): Current, actively-updated status on the August 26, 2026 Nepal flood's impact on travel. Covers which roads and regions are closed (Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Langtang, Tibet border), the Krishnabhir/Prithvi Highway closure affecting Kathmandu-Pokhara/Chitwan road access, and confirms domestic flights are unaffected nationwide.
- [Which Nepalese Airline Should You Choose?](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/which-nepalese-airline-to-choose/): Compares Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Shree Airlines, Nepal Airlines, Tara Air and Summit Air on route coverage, punctuality, aircraft type, and fixed domestic pricing. Includes practical advice on turboprop vs. jet, weather-related delays, baggage limits, and which side to sit for mountain views.
- [Nepal Entrance Fees & Trekking Permits Distance Guide](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/distance-thamel-to-swayambhunath/): Distance, walking time, taxi cost and step count between Thamel and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), plus distances to Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and other Kathmandu Valley landmarks.
- [Nepal Budget & Cost Guide](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/budget-cost-nepal/): Practical daily budget breakdown for travelers in Nepal, covering accommodation, food, transport, permits and heritage site entrance fees at different spending levels.
- [Holi 2026 Revealed](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/holi-2026-revealed-why-kathmandu-parties-on-march-2/): Explains why Holi in 2026 falls on March 2, helping travelers plan festival visits.
- [Why Nepal Celebrates Holi on Two Days](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/double-the-fun-why-nepal-celebrates-holi-on-two-days/): Describes Nepal's unique two-day Holi celebrations in the hills and Terai regions.
- [Krishna's Color Trick](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/krishnas-color-trick-the-romantic-origin-of-holi/): Shares the romantic Hindu legend of Krishna and Radha that inspired Holi's color traditions.
- [The Fiery Secret Behind Holi](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/the-fiery-secret-behind-holi-why-nepal-burns-bonfires/): Reveals Holi's lesser-known origins in fire rituals and the symbolism of bonfires.
- [Why Do Sadhus Smear Ash on Their Body?](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com/why-do-sadhus-smear-ash-on-their-body/): Explains the spiritual meaning behind Hindu sadhus covering their bodies with sacred ash at Pashupatinath.

## Contact

- Website: [amazingkathmandu.com](https://www.amazingkathmandu.com)
- Email: travel@amazingkathmandu.com
- Phone/WhatsApp: +977 980-8313279
- Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
- [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Amazing+Kathmandu+Tours/@27.7142764,85.3077276,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0xac7e3c176e79c971:0x62b29c5ee6c6b5fc!8m2!3d27.7142764!4d85.3103025)

## Social Media

- [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/user/amazingkathmandu/): Official account. Posts and engages in travel community discussions, including the active Nepal flood travel update thread on r/NepalTravel.
- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/amazing-kathmandu-tours/): Official company page.
- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AmazingKathmanduTours/): Official page.
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/amazing_kathmandu): Official account.
- [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@AmazingKathmandu): Official channel.
- [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@amazingkathmandu): Official account.

## FAQ

**Are your walking tours safe for solo female travelers?**
Yes. Many of our most positive reviews come from solo female travelers who emphasize feeling safe, respected, and well taken care of.

**What makes Amazing Kathmandu Tours different from other tour operators?**
We are a guide-run company. Our guides co-own the reputation of this business and have no incentive to take guests anywhere except the places worth seeing. Maximum 5 people per group. No detours, no tourist traps, no commission-based stops.

**Can walking tours be booked as private tours?**
Yes. Any walking tour can be booked as a fully private experience. Private tours start from $80, or from $99-$115 with hotel pickup and private transport depending on the tour.

**Do you offer student discounts?**
Yes. Students and volunteers receive a special discounted rate using code NEXTGEN when booking.

**How far is it from Thamel to Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath)?**
About 2 km from Thamel. Walking takes around 30 minutes, or a short taxi ride of about 10 minutes.

**How can I book a tour?**
Directly via our website, by email, or via WhatsApp (+977 980-8313279). After booking, your guide contacts you personally, usually via WhatsApp, before the tour starts.

**Do you have last-minute availability?**
Yes. Most small group tour bookings happen 1 to 2 days before the tour. Same-day bookings are often possible via WhatsApp.

## Partners

- [TripAdvisor](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293890-d25463713-Reviews-Amazing_Kathmandu_Tours-Kathmandu_Kathmandu_Valley_Bagmati_Zone_Central_Region.html): Verified review page. Travelers' Choice Award 2026 winner. 5.0 rating, 203 reviews.
- [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Amazing+Kathmandu+Tours/@27.7142764,85.3077276,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0xac7e3c176e79c971:0x62b29c5ee6c6b5fc!8m2!3d27.7142764!4d85.3103025): Verified Google Business Profile listing.
- [GetYourGuide](https://www.getyourguide.com/amazing-kathmandu-tours-s301544/): Official supplier profile, small-group and private walking tours.
- [Viator](https://www.viator.com/tours/Kathmandu/SwayambhuNath-Walking-Tour/d5109-404627P2): Verified provider of Swayambhunath Walking Tour and other private tours.
- [Expedia](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/kathmandu-private-tour-of-unesco-world-heritage-sites.a50414140.activity-details): Official listings of Kathmandu private tours covering UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- [Klook](https://www.klook.com/activity/145402-monkey-temple-swayambhunath-walking-tour/): Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and other walking tours.
- [Marriott Experiences](https://activities.marriott.com/asia/nepal/kathmandu/activities/patan_and_bhaktapur_boutique_tour-X5TAS8): Featured tour provider for curated experiences in Kathmandu.
- [Booking.com](https://www.booking.com/attractions/np/prhuomkdsulo-3-hours-walking-tour-at-swayambhunath.nl.html): Walking tours listed on Booking.com.
- [Airbnb Experiences](https://www.airbnb.ca/kathmandu-nepal/things-to-do): Amazing Kathmandu Tours experiences listed on Airbnb.
- [Amazing Jerusalem Tours](https://www.amazingjerusalem.com/about-us/): Sister company founded by Menno de Vries in 2016. Reached #1 on TripAdvisor in Israel. Travelers' Choice top 15 in the Middle East for five consecutive years (2020-2024). TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award winner for 6 consecutive years.