Today was incredible! I did the Kathmandu full day city tour with Shiva and was so impressed! His knowledge of the area is mind blowing and he treats you so well! After 20 years of taking people all over the area whether it was trekking in the mountains or temples in the city, Shiva is the guy you want! I highly recommend any time you can spend with him and see Kathmandu from his eyes! He loves this city so much and you will too after his tour!

For more than three hours, Shiva took us to the must-seen monuments and historical sites of Kathmandhu. He has such dedication that it was a pleasure to discover the Nepali capital as well as Hindu and Buddhist cultures by his side. He knows a lot about the history of Nepal, religions, spirituality but also current affairs and can answer any question that you may have during your journey. We even booked a second tour with him in order to extend our knowledge of the culture and visit other sites. In short, if you are looking for a guide passionate about his work and his country as well as a local experience, I highly recommend you Shiva and his agency, Himkala Adventure. 🙏🏼

I had an amazing and unforgettable experience with Himkala Adventure! After going on the ONLY free walking tour in Kathmandu I decided I wanted to do a bit of trekking in the nearby Valley Fringe. I came to Shiva , Himkala Adventure’s director, to ask him what he thought was the best next step. Before I knew it, he had come up with a complete itinerary for 3 days and 2 nights with some fantastic sightseeing included. Shiva was an excellent guide! He is easy going, kind and very knowledgeable. If you are looking to do some trekking in Nepal, I very highly recommend going with Himkala Adventure!

We did a walking tour on the very first day in Kathmandu and it was the perfect way to get an introduction to the town. Shiva is a very experienced tourist guide and showed us different neighbourhoods, temples and markets, explaining us everything we wanted to know about local culture and even more! He was very friendly and knowledgeable, would definately recommend this tour!

Himkala Adventure organized for me and my friends 10 days trekking to Annapurna Base Camp. Our guide was very supportive and profesional, he affored us unforgettable and safe Himalayan trekking!

I thought I knew Kathmandu well till I joined Himkala’s excellent Free Walking Tour. This comprehensive 4-hour tour is headed by Shiva, just about one of the friendliest guys you can find in Nepal. Shiva will start your tour at the Garden of Dreams in Thamel, followed by a delightful walk through a local market near Durbar Marg, before ending off at Swayambhunath, otherwise known as the monkey temple. All this while, he will throw in fascinating bits of knowledge about the area’s history, religious and cultural significance, as well as how certain places were destroyed by the 2015 quake. He’ll even show you places where tourists don’t usually go, like a hole-in-the-wall Newari temple, or a lassi shop that’s completely nondescript (the lassi he recommended us was delicious by the way). I also loved how his tour was flexible and allowed me either the option of walking all the way back to Thamel, or taking the local bus which costs around 15 rupees. Overall, this is definitely a tour I’d recommend to all visitors of Kathmandu, especially those who only have a day to spare! Just don’t forget to give Shiva a tip at the end.

I highly recommend Shiva as a tour guide. He is very knowledgeable about the history, culture and religion of Kathmandu. He is very friendly and is a fun tour guide. Our group saw interesting markets, temples and at the end we saw Swayambhu Mahachaitya (monkey temple) which is a must see in Kathmandu. Highly recommend Shiva.

I want to recommend the Free walking tour with Shiva from Himkala Adventures! Did the tour today and want to leave a review because it was a really nice experience. I can say doing it means that you will get an unique way of seeing nepalese city lives, hear lots of interesting stories about the sightseeings, get a feeling of the locals by walking around local areas and also hear many impressive stories about all the touristical places and the nepalese culture. Shivas walking tour is a good mix of having a walk with a lot of impressions and having breaks with histories about the place and the culture. You can really ask everything you want and you will get most probably a very informative answer. It is more like you would make a tour with a very experienced friend than to join a touristical planned tour. If you have some wishes Shiva always tries to include them into his tour. Even if it is just a good coffee on the way 😉. I would say the tour fits to age groups from young to old and you will be happy to join one of Shivas free walking tours. 😊🏯🇳🇵👣

Shiva is a professional, passionate, friendly, empathetic and excellent guide, he knows a lot about the history of Nepal and about the temples. He did not only took me to see the most local and special places in Kathmandu, but he also made me discover the Nepalese culture and their way of life, food, superstitions, customs..... with Shiva is possible to visit the most remote and beautiful places in the city and the most breathtaking views in the mountains by trekking, he takes care of his customers (he use his umbrella to protect me from the sun during the tour :) Thank you Shiva for taking many lovely pictures of me and being such a good guide and friend. I went to Nepal alone and I did not hesitate to want him and his family to be part of my experience, he transmits good vibes even millions of kilometers far away. I totally recommend his tours, trekk and home to everyone. Thank you a thousand times.

Shiva’s company is the perfect solution to visit Kathmandu with great cultural explanations and curiosities. You’ll enjoy free walking tour in Kathmandu and visit the most famous attractions in the city: the Monkey temple. You could book other city tours like Pashupatinath, the Boudha stupa and more, always with professional guide accompanying you, sharing customs, curiosities about the temples, the millions of gods of the Hindu culture, always accessible for questions and doubts. You’ll also visit around Kathmandu Valley many hiking to typical stupas and temples and more in general you can trekking around all Nepal with great tours organised by Shiva at very good price.

It was absolutely wonderful experience!! The trek was booked few months in advance. Shiva (tour guide and a founder of Himkala Adventure) offered few options of the treks as we had limited time for this (5 days). The price of the trek was also very convenient. We created a WhatsApp group, where we could ask our guide any questions and clarification before the trek. Shiva was very assisting and helpful, providing all necessary information. When we arrived in Kathmandu, Shiva met us in the airport with warm traditional Nepali welcome. Shiva assisted us to get a taxi from the airport and escorted us to the hotel where we discussed the program of the following days. Accommodation (tea houses) were simple, nice and clean with electricity, hot shower and internet. Towels were provided on request. Food was extremely delicious and fresh cooked and Shiva was making sure of it. Felt in love with Tibetan Bread (must to try!!) and ginger honey lemon tea. Shiva was taking care of us during the whole trek. You feel safe and comfortable. Shiva is very confident, knowledgeable and experienced tour guide and genuinely kind, honest, patient, open and empathetic, warm hearted person, with a great sense of humor. It was a special adventuring vacation with a lot of fun and laughs and Shiva made sure it was safe and comfortable for each of us (3 ladies with different age categories (35-50 years old). Thank you Shiva for this marvelous experience! Thank you for your patience, kindness and love to what you are doing! It really makes difference! Thank you for the unforgettable moments and memories, which will stay forever!! Planning to come back next year for the longer trek with Himkala Adventure and Shiva. And already looking forward to it. Definitely recommend Himkala Adventure to everyone!!

To experience Kathmandu with Himkala adventure it’s definitely a great experience, you feel secure every time and of course you can reach all places you are interested in. I won’t doubt to reach this agency in my next trip!

If you're going to kathmandu tours with Shiva is definitely a must! I got such a great introduction to the city on the free walking tour, shiva took us to both some of the famous places but also to some places I would never have been able to find myself. The tour also offers a great glimpse into Nepalese culture and religion, subjects Shiva seems to have great knowledge of! He gladly answered all questions in depth and was very enthusiastic in his explanations. Its was overall such a great experience and Shiva is such a kind soul, I would definitely recommend!

Shiva designed a very interesting walking tour in Kathmandu where we can learn about local culture but at the same time have beautiful scenery to enjoy. There is some hidden gems I think only local guide like Shiva can show us. He explained many things about Hindu and Buddhism when we visited the famous Monkey temple. It was such a great time for me and my friend in Kathmandu.

Great tour around Kathmandu, discovering its places, its traditions, its cultures, it history, and much more. I confirm Shiva is a perfect guide to understand better the city and its people by a local point of view.

One of my best volunteering experience in my life. Shiva is a kind,heart open and professional person. You will enjoy a great walking tour in Katmandu. His and his family hospitality made me feel part of the family. His wife is great cook and fun personality. His older sun is a young opened minded boy,who is always smiling and was really helpful during my stay in Shiva's house Moreover we enjoyed a common meditation,yoga,Reiki,as we both are musters in Kundalini Reiki and sound healing. You definitely will be in a good hands and enjoy your travel trime in Katmandu

I went on Shiva's Free walking tour in Kathmandu and wow what a great find! Shiva is very knowledgeable and such a genuine human being. You can tell how much he cares about his city and its people. He showed us a side of Kathmandu that we would have never discovered by ourselves. He was very patient and answered our many questions that came as follow ups to the interesting things he told us about. Best thing is that there is no risk for you to try out the tour since you can just tip as you want. Highly recommend!

This was an amazing walking tour of Kathmandu! Shiva is a fountain of knowledge, very friendly and accommodating. He gave us beautiful explanations from monuments to history and culture, sharing really insightful stories and visiting local squares and courtyards we would have never found otherwise. The tour covers a lot and we enjoyed every part, it was very special learning about the city. We started already liking Kathmandu, and left the tour loving it.

I have the pleasure to stay with Shiva, taking various tours. Without a doubt best person to go for hiking and sightseeing I have ever experienced. He has vast knowledge and decades of experience. Also, I am going for 10 day Himalaya trekking. Highly recommended!!!!

I had a amazing day hike with Shiva. Started very early to see an amazing sunrise at Nagarkot on a dedicated 360 point of view. Then we walked through the countryside. It was so beautiful. The final site was the very colourful Changunarayan Temple. Shiva is very knowledgeable about the region so not only did I enjoy the views but I learned a lot about the local communities. I would highly recommend this tour

I had the pleasure of taking the free walking tour with Shiva. I have travelled to many cities and this was the best tour I have taken. He took us not just to tourist places but local places we would not have discovered on our own. Shiva is very passionate and has a lot of knowledge about his country. His love and pride of Nepal made me love Kathmandu even more. He made the experience one I will never forget. If you have the opportunity to take a tour with Shiva, please do! You will remember the experience for the rest of your life.

I had the most wondering experience at the free walking tour! It was my first day in Nepal and I wasn’t too sure on where to go but thank goodness I found this tour online. Our guide Shiva met up with me and a few others taking a part of the tour at a very safe and local location. Right away he was extremely friendly and inviting. During the tour you could tell he loves the work he does with his vast knowledge of the city, the Nepalese history and their culture. There were so many places I wasn’t expecting to see but unlike other tour guides Shiva brought us to spots only the locals know about. Definitely made my first day worthwhile! Plus it was free! You’ll meet a lot of registered tour guides on the streets of Nepal but it seems like they’ll always charge you money for their tour services This is the walking tour to go on!

My couple and I did the 4-hours free tour with Shiva. Apart from the fact that it may be the unique free tour in Kathmandu - or even in whole Nepal (as we understand the idea of a free tour at least), all the things that we have learned about Nepali culture, people and history in 4 hours thanks to Shiva is impressive. His passion for what he does and the experience he has are just outstanding. He is the type of guide you meet once in your life and that will make you feel fully immersed in this amazing country. For all above-mentioned, we completely recommend Shiva's tours and treks.

I am delighted to share my extraordinary experience with Shiva. His profound knowledge of Nepalese culture, topography, and spirituality truly left me in awe. I feel an immense sense of gratitude for the privilege of spending time with him and tapping into his remarkable expertise. What started as mere walking tours and treks transformed into profound cultural journeys that touched my soul. The wisdom and insights I gained from Shiva will forever be etched in my memory. Shiva's passion and talent for what he does are truly remarkable. It is evident that he was born to guide and enlighten others through his tours and treks. Every interaction with him was infused with authenticity, depth, and a genuine connection to the places we explored. Nepal came alive in ways I never imagined, thanks to Shiva's expertise and his ability to create meaningful experiences. I wholeheartedly recommend Shiva, his tours, and his treks to anyone seeking an unforgettable time in Nepal. He has a gift for immersing you in the culture, spirituality, and natural wonders of this incredible country. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

I did the free walking tour in the city and I must say that it was really nice to be able to immerse myself in Nepalese culture: Shiva is a very kind person who knows how to pass on his knowledge in a truly pleasant way. The tour tooks 3/4 hours and is rich in history, Nepalese culture, curiosities about the Hindu and Buddhist religions, but also some history linked to the mountains of this country thanks to the rich experience of Shiva who, in addition to doing these free walking tours in the city, also organizes trekking with his Himkala Adventure tour operator. Highly recommended. Namaste 🙏🏼

Shiva is a guide with a lot of experience and knowledge. He talks with passion and is very honest even when it comes to subjects like women in society. When you take the tour with him you will also learn about a side of kathmandu that is not so popular so you will have a different enriched insight.

If you want to get into Nepali culture this Himkala adventures is the best option! The freewalking tour is about 4 hours walk. Shiva, the tour guide, is kind and very knowledgeable, he explains everything in detail and clearly. You will learn a lot of the Nepali culture and the best thing is that shiva will take you around non touristic places to see the real life in Nepal. Himkala adventures also offers tours around Nepal!

Shiva is the best guide in Kathmandu, Nepal. He is kind, a really good english speaker and with a lot of knowledge about his country. We learn a lot about the culture and the living style in Nepal. He has a free walking tour that is really nice and he show us local places. If you want you learn more about Nepalese culture Shiva is the one who are looking for :)

We already made 2 trips with this company, both amazing. Shiva is a very knowledge guide. Also provides a lot of different tours around Nepal. I recommend it.

We had a fabulous time and learnt so much about Nepal and Kathmandu. Thank you so much for this excellent introduction to Nepal. Shiva was an exceptional and knowledgeable guide, who showed us the backstreets of Kathmandu while keeping us safe and mesmorised by local stories.

I went on one of Shiva's Free Walking Tours. It was really a great experience as he knows a lot about Nepali cultures, history, and tradition. It was great to have a local take us around the city, showing us Kathmandu in its true colors. There was no problem of communication as Shiva is well-acquainted with English and communicates the information fluently. It was the best introduction to my month-long stay in Nepal. Would definitely recommend travelers to go on one of his Free Walking Tours.

Warm thank you Shiva for that great trekking experience! Everest Base Camp has always been a dream for myself. A dream that came true now! I will always keep it deeply in my memories. As a woman traveller, your day-to-day support, kindness and true professionalism made that journey unforgettable for myself. Thank you so much!! To anyone interested in himalayan trekking, just go for it, Shiva will make it happen :-)!!

When I travel I really want to see the real culture and daily life of the place, and this tour showed me exactly that. Shiva is extremely knowledgeable, he's from Kathmandu and he knows way more things than you'll be able to remember. He knows where and when to go, and he's really flexible with the duration and start time. He will not only show you the basic things, but he will manage the tempos so that you see special events or happenings. Also, he can give you advice on where to buy this or that, and his company also offers trekking tours, so you can have it all in one. So if you're looking for a local guide which won't just show the basic things, take a tour with Shiva.

I was invited by another traveler to Shiva's walking tour on a whim, and I'm so glad I went along! I walked the city on my own the day before, but did not absorb much through the frantic hustle bustle. This tour went at just the pace I needed to understand the local culture, with an emphasis on the interplay of Buddhism and Hinduism throughout the city. I'm an avid walker, and sometimes group tours don't cover enough ground for me, but going to the Swoyambhunath monkey temple and back really scratched that itch. Wear comfortable shoes!

Shiva is a great Guide. His perfect English, kind personality and great knowledge and experience makes any tour wonderful. During my 2 month stay in Nepal he was the best English speaking local expert I have met.

I did the Free Walking tour in Katmandu him and it was truly fun and interesting! We went into places that I would have never go to by myself and saw the local market where people buy their saris and jewelry for weddings. Its was beautiful. At the end we climbed the monkey temple and the view was stunning. Shiva, the guide, was very nice and adapted the tour to our little group. I got to talk a bit with the guide and I learned that he is the creator of this company. He told me about the other things he does and I was so disappointed to not be able to stay longer! he offers treks in the Himalayas and even volunteering in a village in the mountain to teach English to children. I think that if you are looking for an authentic and beautiful experience in Nepal, contacting Himkala Adventure is the best thing you can do!

My experience yesterday was perfect, I do not think I could have asked for anything better. We were a small group of people from various parts of the world and we have been guided by Shiva along some suggestive places full of anecdotes about the Kathmandu urban territory. Specifically we visited the following: - Garden of Dreams - local Newari courtyard - Kathe Swoyambhu - the local market - Kathmandu Durbar square - Swayambhunath Stupa The guide was great and completely exhaustive, every place visited was described in detail along the various historical and cultural aspects. The walk toke some hours, but was not difficult, apart for the last place that we decided to visit, the Swayambhunath Stupa (aka "the temple of monkeys" for its countless and friendly friends that populate it), which required the ascent of various steps. However, nothing too tiring and needless to say that both the place and the panoramic view of the city have been worth every effort. :) I still want to thank Shiva for his kindness, for the passion he puts in his work, and for the care with which he knows how to welcome and lead every participant of the group.

I first met Shiva on his Free Walking tour of Kathmandu (this is also fantastic and very much worth doing as an introduction to the city). I had always wanted to see Everest, and through a recommendation from a friend who did the Annapurna Circuit Trek, I decided to do the 16-day Everest Base Camp trek. Throughout, Shiva was always friendly, accessible and full of interesting facts about the region. Having only done smaller treks before, I was a little anxious about altitude sickness and the physical demand of the trek, but Shiva was responsive and helped us through the acclimatisation process and kept a pace that matched our ability. Particular highlights included the Tengboche Monastery, a beautiful location in itself with the added bonus of a great view of Everest; as well as the sunset views of Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar. Seeing the Sherpa villages was also a bonus; I was also lucky enough to see the Mani Rimdu festival at Khumbu, which was on during my visit.The costs of the trip included airport transfer, a day of sightseeing and 3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu (including breakfast); as well as the return flight to Lukla, meals and lodging during the trek as well as a (well deserved) farewell dinner and cultural show at the end of the trip! I would highly recommend Himkala Adventure for any treks whilst in Nepal. Shiva is an enthusiastic, friendly and helpful guide who is also responsive to various levels of trekking/mountaineering skills; and Himkala Adventure is the best way to see the world’s highest peak!

I went on the Annapurna Base camp trek with Shiva, the head of Himkala Adventure. He was an amazing guide, showing me and explaining everything on the way about the nature, the landscape and of course the mountains. We got to see some amazing views while having great conversations about the Nepalese culture and the different ways of living. Shiva is a great guy and guide. The hiking tour was very well organized from beginning to finish, I never had to take care of anything. I highly recommend this company and Shiva for trekking tours around Nepal, as he offers a lot of different options. Thank you and hopefully see you on another tour!!

Shiva and Himkala Adventure was amazing! The free walking tour was very in depth, teaching us about Buddhist temples, the city history and local food and artisanship. Shiva has a wealth of knowledge and tips. He really knows his stuff! A trip I'll never forget.

great city tour in kathmandu

I had a BLAST on the tour with Shiva! It was about 4 hours from start to finish and he packed in a LOT of information. He took us through local markets, Buddha Stupa, monkey temple. He talked about the rich symbolism and culture associated with each stop. I can tell he is very passionate about what he does. Very nice man, clear voice, Good stories and easy to understand. Will definitely look him up again for more tours!

(Translated by Google) Shiva and his team give you the chance to get to know the culture and ins and outs of Kathmandu. Not only visiting the most prominent sites but also the streets where the city is born, where its people live and interact, and take the feeling of having known Nepal and its culture. During all the tours he tells you the origin, evolution and reason of the sites and monuments of the place I thought it was a very complete and interesting experience. Highly recommended (Original) Shiva y su equipo te da la posibilidad de conocer la cultura y los entresijos del Kathmandu. No solo visitando los sitios más destacados sino también las callejuelas donde nace la ciudad, donde vive y se relaciona su gente, y llevarte la sensación haber conocido Nepal y su cultura. Durante todos los tours te cuenta el origen, la evolución y la razón de los sitios y monumentos del lugar Me ha parecido una experiencia muy completa e interesante. Muy recomendable

(Translated by Google) Free Walking Tour - The best way to get to know the city Shiva is a very nice person who teaches you the most interesting corners of Kathmandu. With it you can get to know the city thoroughly and learn many things about Nepalese culture, historical monuments and different religions. It explains everything to you with a lot of energy and resolves all your doubts. To finish the tour, it gives you the option of knowing Swayambhunath, the "temple of the monkeys", an essential visit. A free tour and totally recommended. Villages Tour - A journey through time Villages Tour - Out of the chaos of the city, this tour gives you the opportunity to experience the reality of the Nepalese people. We got up early to catch the bus that would take us to Gorkha, for once there to take another one to his town, Namjung. Once there, we arrived at his parents' house. They do not speak English, but they are very friendly and welcoming and their mother is hilarious. Living in your town is like traveling through time; They do not have our amenities, but it is a very comforting and relaxing experience. The village is surrounded by mountains, and from above the views are beautiful. (Original) Free Walking Tour - La mejor forma de conocer la ciudad Shiva es una persona muy agradable que te enseña los rincones más interesantes de Kathmandu. Con él podrás conocer la ciudad a fondo y aprender muchísimas cosas sobre la cultura nepalí, los monumentos históricos y las diferentes religiones. Te explica todo con mucha energía y resuelve todas tus dudas. Para acabar el tour, te da la opción de conocer Swayambhunath, el “templo de los monos”, una visita imprescindible. Un tour gratuito y totalmente recomendable. Villages Tour - Un viaje en el tiempo Villages Tour - Fuera del caos de la ciudad, este tour te da la oportunidad de vivir la realidad de los pueblos nepalíes. Nos levantamos pronto para coger el bus que nos llevaría a Gorkha, para una vez allí coger otro a su pueblo, Namjung. Una vez allí, llegamos a la casa de sus padres. No hablan ingles, pero son muy simpáticos y acogedores y su madre es divertidisima. Vivir en su pueblo es como viajar en el tiempo; no tienen nuestras comodidades, pero es una experiencia muy reconfortante y relajante. El pueblo está rodeado de montes, y desde arriba las vistas son preciosas.

Can't imagine better way to live Kathmandu than the Free Walking Tours with Shiva. He has driven us to special places and temples in the ciry, and explained everything in detail. Highly recommended!!

Himkala Adventure is a Kathmandu based trekking agency and specialized in the holiday activities in the Himalayas of Nepal. The company is set up by well experienced team of trek and tour guides. We love to share the experiences with our valued clients about the wow!! Himalayan experiences. Please let us know for wonderful holiday experiences not only in Nepal but also in Bhutan and Tibet.

Very informative and knowledgeable guide. We had a good walk and were able to take lots of pictures. Would highly recommend this free walking tour, just being along some cash for a tea/coffee stop entry to the monkey temple and a tip for the guide.

Thank you so much Shiva for that GREAT trekking experience in "Anapurna Circuit" Tour. Shiva is very knowledgeable on the trekking path itself (incl. teahouse lodge choice on the way), and always keen to teach you on the beautiful surrounding nature. Always there to help you also pro-actively while keeping a reasonable distance if you want so as well. You would have understood it, I always felt to be in good hands from day1 till the end. Highly recommended! Enjoy!

I'm so grateful that I did the Free Walking Tour with Shiva! He is an amazing guy and an excelent guide, taking us to some hidden spots that only the locals know. During the tour, he talks about religions, traditions, culinary, history and politics of Nepal. He is very clear and polite, answering our doubts along the way. The best part is: it's absolutely free, which means that he doesn't take us to any store to get his commission. Once in Kathmandu, I would definitely recommend everyone to take the Free Walking Tour with him!

Had a very interesting day trip to Gorkha with Shiva who showed me the rural nepalese way of life. It was very insightful and the perfect way to start my trip through Nepal. I also found my confidence to solo travel to be much greater now that (through Shiva) I understand Nepal and its lovely people better.