Rickshaw–a three-wheeler Tour

Rickshaw in Kathmandu – History, Culture & Thamel Tour Experience

The rickshaw (a three-wheeled passenger cart) was invented in Japan for the first time in 1869 and is normally pulled by one man for one passenger and was added with a pedal. It had a wooden carriage that rode on a strong steel wheel that became good transportation for the early 19th century in Japan. Later, after the 1930s, the rickshaw was slowly replaced by an advanced automobile and spread overseas. In the middle of the 20th century, the rickshaw came to Nepal through Indian territory. Due to the landscape of India and South Nepal, the rickshaw became a famous transportation unit, which later spread in Kathmandu as well.

A warm-up tour with Rickshaw around Thamel.

Starting Point: – Sanchaya Kosh Building
Ending Point: – Saat Ghumti – A seven-turn junction.
Route: Sanchaya Kosh – Nursing Chowk – Kwa Bahal-Thaity – Tyauda-ASON- Indrachowk-Makhan Chwok- Chhetrapati – Satghumti
Distance: 3.5 KM

Things to be taken

• Camera

Rickshaw Tour in Thamel – A Cultural Warm-Up Experience

This two-hour rickshaw tour is a warm-up tour for your upcoming days, which lead you towards a sea of impatience and experience the colorful tourist hub of Kathmandu. Our guide will be along with you for your comfort tour, and they will explain culture, old trade centers, and much more.

Part one: Sanchaya Kosh to Stupa
In front of the employees’ provident fund office is your starting point for a 2-hour rickshaw tour. Our experienced tour guide will introduce each rickshaw driver and start the ride from there. A ten-minute ride will take you to Thahity Chowk, passing through Nursing Chowk, a small stupa, and Bhagwati Temple. Natyaswor Temple is a major attraction of Thahity Chowk.

Part Two: Thahity Chowk—ASON
This part is more mysterious. After an almost 20 min. ride through the narrow and busy streets of TYAUDA, you will arrive at ASON, the old trade center. Hopefully, it’s the busiest market in Nepal, where local people could find anything they want. The Annapurna Temple, Shiva Parvati Temple, Narayan Temple, Ganesh Temple, and Kumari Temple are another attraction of ASON, along with the beautiful market.

Part Three: ASON—Indra Chowk
After a 15-min slow ride, it will take you to Indra Chowk, passing through the 500-year-old Krishna Temple, Balkumari Temple, and Palten Ghar. People believe that there was a river where we still can find WANGA (a vessel) 2 meters down from the recent surface level. A magnificent two-story Akash Bhairav—an aggressive manifestation of Lord Siva (a Hindu god)—temple built during the reign of King Pratap Mall in the 17th century AD, is the major attraction of Indrachowk.

Part Four: Indrachowk to Satghumti
Our ride continues towards Makhan Chowk from Indrachowk. Makhan word comes from Newari (an indigenous people of Kathmandu Valley) language. “Makha” means “unknown”; later it became “Makhan Junction,” from where one could see the magnificent view of Taleju Temple, a major deity of the Malla kingdom. Another 30 min ride will reach you at Saat Ghumti via Chhetrapati Chowk, passing through another famous temple, Swayat Kali Temple. Due to the vehicle-free zone, we have to walk from Satghumit towards your hotel or go out for dinner.

Cultural Experience of Rickshaw Ride in Kathmandu

A rickshaw ride in Kathmandu is more than sightseeing; it is a cultural immersion.

During the journey, your guide explains:

• Newari culture and traditions
• Ancient trade history
• Hidden temples and courtyards
• Local lifestyle of Kathmandu Valley

This makes the experience both educational and memorable.

Best Time for Rickshaw Tour in Thamel

• 🌤 Morning: Less traffic, best photography light
• 🌇 Evening: Golden hour and lively streets
• ❄ Winter: Clear weather, comfortable ride
• 🌧 Monsoon: Less ideal due to rain

Safety Tips for Rickshaw Ride

• Sit comfortably and balance weight
• Hold camera securely
• Avoid overcrowding rickshaw
• Follow guide instructions