Shiva Dhakal is the founder of Himkala Adventure and the guide most travellers end up walking with when they book the Free Walking Tour Kathmandu. He grew up in these alleys. He has guided treks in the Everest, Annapurna, and Manaslu regions for years. And when he leads the walking tour, he brings that same mountain-guide energy into the old city: patient, curious, and endlessly generous with his knowledge of Nepal.
The Free Walking Tour Kathmandu is a tips-based walking tour that leaves daily from just outside the Garden of Dreams at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Over the next three to five hours, Shiva walks small groups through Kathmandu's old core, through Thamel, Kathesimbhu Stupa, Indra Chowk, Durbar Square, quiet Newar courtyards, the sacred Bishnumati river ghats, and finally up the 424 steps to Swoyambhunath (the Monkey Temple). No upfront price, no script, just a local guide showing you his city the way he actually sees it.
But rather than describe the tour ourselves, we thought we'd let the travellers do the talking. Below are real reviews from the Free Walking Tour Kathmandu TripAdvisor listing. Most of them mention Shiva by name.
Why Travellers Keep Asking for Shiva
If you read enough reviews of the Free Walking Tour Kathmandu, a pattern emerges fast. Travellers don't just say the tour was good. They name Shiva. They describe his English as perfect. They mention his patience, his humor, and the way he lets the conversation wander into politics, religion, or daily life without ever sounding rehearsed. Several reviewers note that after a few hours with him, they wished they had booked him for their trek too.
That's not an accident. Shiva isn't just a city guide. He's a certified trekking guide with years of experience on Nepal's major routes. When he walks you through Asan Market or points out the symbolism on a Newar courtyard window, he's bringing the same depth of knowledge he'd bring on the Annapurna Circuit. And when a group asks for restaurant recommendations, hidden temples, or advice on their upcoming trek, he gives real answers, the same ones he'd give a friend.
You can see it in almost every review below. Arne N called him "genuinely passionate about his Nepal." Ann M said he showed her places she "wouldn't have felt confident stepping into without a local guide." Madelief L, travelling solo, said she "felt extremely safe." Xanthe BH said he "really cared." That's the pattern: people come for a free tour and leave feeling like they've met someone who genuinely wanted them to love his city.
What Travellers Actually Say
These are real reviews from the Free Walking Tour Kathmandu TripAdvisor listing, unedited except for length. Most mention Shiva by name. A few mention Sabinaya, his son, who also guides the tour.
“Great introduction to Kathmandu & Nepal!”
We had a wonderful experience with the free walking tour in Kathmandu! It was a great way to discover the city, learn more about Nepalese culture and history, and get a better feel for the places we visited. Our guide was very friendly, knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about his Nepal. His English was perfect so we understood everything. He also has a lot of experience guiding treks, so he gave us plenty of useful tips and advice for our upcoming Annapurna Circuit. It was clear that he really knows the city and the mountains and enjoys sharing his knowledge. After spending a few hours with him, I can imagine it would be great to have him as a trekking guide. He made the tour interesting, relaxed and personal. At the end he gave us some great addresses to enjoy dinner. Definitely recommended if you're visiting Kathmandu or if you're planning a trek in Nepal!
“Awesome free walking tour”
Today we had a fantastic experience on the free walking tour in Kathmandu with Shiva! He was incredibly friendly, polite, and knowledgeable, and really took the time to explain the local traditions, culture, and history. What made the tour especially memorable was that Shiva showed us places we probably wouldn't have discovered on our own; including hidden spots and places we might not have felt confident stepping into without a local guide. He gave us a much more authentic glimpse of Kathmandu and everyday life in the city. He was also happy to answer all kinds of questions and made the whole tour feel relaxed and interesting. Would I recommend this tour? Absolutely! If you want to see Kathmandu beyond the usual tourist spots and learn more about the local culture from someone who genuinely enjoys what he does, I highly recommend taking a tour with Shiva.
“Best tour in Nepal”
I had a great experience on this free walking tour in Nepal. The guide was extremely kind, attentive, and respectful throughout the entire tour. He took the time to explain the history, traditions, and culture behind each place we visited, and it was clear that he has a lot of knowledge and passion for Nepal. It was much more than just walking around the city. I learned a lot about the local culture and saw the places from a completely different perspective. I definitely recommend this tour to anyone who wants to understand Nepal beyond just the tourist attractions.
“How did I find it? 'Super amazing'”
The tour guide and tour were 10/10! If you want an amazing facilitated tour with a kindhearted person, join here. You will know all the important information, history, stories etc. And you can ask anything you want as well! Such an amazing experience. Also, as a female solo traveler I felt extremely safe. Thank you so much again, I feel very grateful.
“Free Walking Tour + Annapurna Circuit Trek!”
I had a wonderful experience with Himkala Adventure! I was given a free, 3-hour walking tour through the heart of Kathmandu that takes you into ancient temples and monasteries, Newari courtyards, historical junctions, and offers a glimpse into local Nepali life. The tour was administered by an excellent guide, Sabinaya, who delivered detailed, historical accounts of cultural landmarks, religious rituals, and national observances. From the tour, I was informed of the various Himalayan trekking services offered by Himkala Adventure, and decided to book a trek through the famous Annapurna Circuit with them. For 13 days, I was seamlessly guided through some of the world's most remarkable terrain, stayed in comfortable guesthouses along the way, and ate traditional Nepali and Tibetan food. I would strongly recommend this company!
“5/5 Kathmandu Free Walking Tour”
Sabinaya was communicative and helpful even before the tour started, which set a great tone. On the day itself, the other people who were supposed to join had flight delays and ended up canceling, so it turned into a private tour, just the two of us. What could have been a disappointment became one of the highlights of my entire trip. In just 2 to 3 hours, Sabinaya covered an extraordinary range of topics including Kathmandu's history, Hinduism, Nepali culture, and we even got into a fascinating conversation about AI and the wider world. Kathmandu has an incredibly dynamic religious life, and Sabinaya gave me a real window into it. Not just the monuments, but the living, breathing culture behind them. The fact that this is free is remarkable. Please tip him well, he more than deserves it.
A Note from Himkala Adventure
We don't usually respond to reviews in long form, but a few of them stuck with us. When Sasha K wrote that she came for the walking tour and ended up booking a 13-day Annapurna Circuit trek with us, we replied: “This means the world to us. Knowing that you experienced both sides of Nepal, the city's stories and the mountains' majesty, makes us incredibly proud.”
When Nancy L wrote about the private tour she ended up getting by accident, we replied: “It was a pleasure walking with you and sharing a bit of Kathmandu. Hope you're doing well, and wish you all the best on your travels.”
And when Josh G, who told us up front he normally doesn't do walking tours, left a five-star review anyway, we replied: “That means a lot. Especially from someone who doesn't usually do walking tours.”
That's really the whole thing. We're a small, local, government-registered company. Shiva and Sabinaya lead every tour themselves. There's no intermediary, no script, no franchise. Every review above came from someone who actually walked the route with us. If you're thinking about booking, we'd love to walk with you too.
What Our Guests Think
Reviews are one thing. Hearing a traveller describe the walk in their own voice is another. Here's what guests say about experiencing the Free Walking Tour Kathmandu with Shiva, in their own words, from their own trip.
The Route: Neighborhoods You'll Walk Through
Shiva's tour is built around a handful of neighborhoods in the old city core, each with its own character and its own specialty trade that's been passed down for generations.
✦ Thamel
The city's main travel hub, known for trekking gear, North Face and outdoor brand shops (official and otherwise), fancy jewelry, garments, and ethnic items.
✦ Thahity
A quieter square known for prayer flags, butter lamps, robes for monks and nuns, ethnic dress, tea, and incense, reflecting the neighbourhood's strong Buddhist character.
✦ Naghal
Home to traditional Nepali handmade paper (lokta), Newari food including the savory lentil pancake known as bara, and shops selling Nepal's national dress.
✦ Asan Market
One of Kathmandu's oldest and busiest trading squares. Local vegetables and fruit, fried fish, dried meat, beans, beaten rice (chiura), leaf plates, Nepali spices, copper pots, saris, and ritual items used in daily Hindu worship.
✦ Indrachowk
Known for lassi stalls, jewelry, clothing, glass beads, and cosmetics. One of the city's classic old trading intersections.
✦ Yetkha
A good stop for souvenirs of all kinds, Nepali handicrafts, and traditional Nepali musical instruments.
✦ Bhagawan Bahal Road
Famous specifically for prayer beads, including bodhichitta seed malas, alongside handcrafted singing bowls.
Walking through all of these in a single guided route, rather than visiting them separately over several days, is part of what makes the tour feel so dense with genuine local color in a relatively short amount of time.
Stops Along the Route with Shiva
A beautiful embodiment of religious harmony where Hindu, Buddhist and Tibetan cultures coexist. Small stupas with symbolic paintings surround the main stupa. Very photogenic, often undergoing gentle construction.
Near the glass-bead market, try freshly churned lassi with sugar, yogurt, dried fruits and concentrated milk (khuwa). A must-try refreshment. NPR 40 (small) / NPR 70 (large).
Generations of Kathmandu's Muslim minority make colourful glass beads for Hindu ceremonies. Iconic green bead necklaces are given to brides. A wholesale market bursting with colour.
Now 424 steps (post-quake reconstruction). Hundreds of monkeys, not aggressive but will pester if you carry sweets. Panoramic valley views, symbolic carvings, souvenir shops. Entrance NPR 200.
Tips for Walking with Shiva
A few practical notes from past travellers to get the most out of your walk.
Wear comfortable shoes
The tour covers old, sometimes uneven cobblestone streets and narrow alleys, so proper walking shoes matter more than style here.
Dress for the weather
Bring weather-appropriate layers, since Kathmandu's temperature can shift noticeably between shaded alleys and open squares.
Carry water
Staying hydrated matters even on a walking tour, especially in the warmer months.
Bring a camera
Between historic temples, working artisans, and street scenes, there's no shortage of moments worth capturing.
Bring some cash
A little extra money is useful for souvenirs along the route, and of course for your tip at the end, since that's what supports your guide directly.
Plan Your Visit
Tour Details
- Duration
- 3-5 hours
- Schedule
- Daily 9am & 2pm
- Meeting Point
- Garden of Dreams
- End Point
- Monkey Temple
- Language
- English
- Guide
- Shiva Dhakal / Sabinaya
What to Bring
- ✓Comfortable walking shoes
- ✓Water bottle
- ✓Sun protection
- ✓NPR 200 for Monkey Temple entrance
- ✓Small cash for refreshments & tip
Note: The tour runs rain or shine. In case of heavy rain, Shiva will adjust the route to include more covered areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Free Walking Tour Kathmandu really free?
There's no upfront ticket price, but it isn't charity work either. It runs on tips: you pay your guide at the end, based on what you felt the experience was worth, on a pay-what-you-please basis.
How do I book the tour with Shiva?
You can reserve directly through Himkala Adventure's Facebook page, via WhatsApp at +977 9841376470, or by email at himkalaadventure@gmail.com. Let them know you'd like Shiva as your guide, and they'll confirm your slot. There's no third-party booking platform involved.
Who leads the tour?
Certified local guides Mr. Shiva Dhakal or Sabinaya (Shiva's son), both from Himkala Adventure, lead the walks directly, with no intermediary between you and your guide.
Does the tour run in bad weather or with a small group?
Yes. The schedule holds regardless of weather conditions and regardless of how many people have booked for that day.
How much should I tip Shiva?
There's no fixed amount. Tip based on how much value you felt the tour delivered and your guide's expertise, whatever feels fair to you.
What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, water, a camera, and some cash for souvenirs along the route and for your tip at the end.
Does Himkala Adventure offer anything besides the walking tour?
Yes. As a government-registered company, Himkala Adventure also arranges transportation, other guided tours, day hikes, and multi-day treks across Nepal, including the Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Muldai, and Khopra Ridge, alongside various adventure activities.
Glances of the Route
A visual journey through Kathmandu's hidden temples, lively markets, and sacred sites.
Ready to Walk Kathmandu with Shiva?
Whether you're spending a single day in Kathmandu before heading into the mountains, or you want a proper introduction to the city before exploring further, the Free Walking Tour Kathmandu with Shiva is one of the most authentic, budget-friendly ways to do it, led by someone who knows these streets best.
Book directly through Himkala Adventure via WhatsApp at +977 9841376470, email at himkalaadventure@gmail.com, or through the Facebook page. Ask for Shiva. He'll be expecting you at the Garden of Dreams.
This is a walk best taken slowly, with a guide who grew up in these alleys. If you'd like to see Kathmandu the way locals do, come along on one of our free walks.
We run cultural walking tours and heritage site visits rain or shine. Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, the old city markets. All accessible, all safe, all worth seeing.
Get in touch on WhatsApp or email if you'd like to join a walk or plan a custom Kathmandu Valley day.
See you on the walk. Kathmandu rewards the slow visitor.
Tour conditions and schedules can change. Always confirm details with us before you join.
