Explore Kathmandu – 6 Days

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our airport representative will greet you with an Ace the Himalaya signboard outside the terminal. You will then be transferred to your hotel in a private tourist vehicle. Overnight stay in Kathmandu. Meals are not included.

As you take off for Kathmandu, enjoy breathtaking views of the valley, the Himalayas, and the terraced fields below. After clearing customs, a representative will assist you with hotel check-in and guide you through the bustling streets of Kathmandu. Once settled, you can explore one of the city’s cultural attractions. In the evening, Thamel, a popular tourist area, offers a wide variety of restaurants serving both Western and traditional Nepali dishes.

Highest Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400 m)

The sightseeing tour will include visits to the following iconic locations:

Kathmandu Durbar Square (World Heritage Site)
This historic complex of palaces, courtyards, and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, was once the seat of the Malla kings of Kathmandu. A notable feature is the 17th-century stone inscription embedded in the palace wall, written in 15 different languages. As the social, religious, and urban hub of the city, the square is home to three museums within the palace building.

Swoyambhunath Stupa – The Monkey Temple (World Heritage Site)
Perched on a hilltop on the western side of the valley, this colossal stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal. According to legend, the Kathmandu Valley was created from a primordial lake, and Swoyambhunath’s establishment is linked to this creation. Known also as Samhengu, it is affectionately called the Monkey Temple due to the numerous monkeys that inhabit the area.

Pashupatinath Temple (World Heritage Site)
Located 5 kilometers east of the city center, Pashupatinath is one of the holiest Hindu temples in the world. This ornately designed pagoda houses the sacred Linga, symbolizing Lord Shiva. Records suggest the temple’s existence dates back to before 400 AD. Visitors often witness devotees performing ritual ablutions in the sacred Bagmati River that flows beside the temple.

In the early morning, as the city begins to stir, Kathmandu offers a peaceful atmosphere—perfect for a leisurely stroll or enjoying a chai while soaking in views of the Durbar Squares or neighborhood courtyards. With its stunning vistas, the Kathmandu Valley offers endless opportunities for exploration. In the evening, you can dine at one of the city’s top restaurants, or your guide can arrange a meal at a local family’s home.

We will embark on a scenic drive around the valley to explore significant religious, natural, and historical sites. The tour will include the following destinations:

Pharping
Located approximately 19 kilometers from the heart of Kathmandu, Pharping is a traditional Newari town. In medieval times, it was known as “Shikharapuri Mahanagari” (Metropolitan City) and thrived as a cultural hub. Today, it remains a peaceful town with many religious and historical landmarks. Notably, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, meditated in a cave on the outskirts of Pharping.

Dakshinkali Temple
Situated 22 kilometers from Kathmandu, near Pharping, Dakshinkali Temple is one of Nepal’s most significant temples. Dedicated to Kali, the fierce form of the Hindu goddess Parvati, the temple features a black stone statue of Kali with six arms. The temple is located at the confluence of two rivers, surrounded by hills. Worshippers often make sacrifices to the goddess on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Patan Durbar Square (World Heritage Site)
Patan Durbar Square is a captivating blend of royal palaces, elegant courtyards, and pagoda temples. As the center of Patan’s social and religious life, the square is home to a museum showcasing a variety of bronze statues and religious artifacts. Among the notable monuments is the 17th-century Krishna Mandir, a stunning stone temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.

During your visit to Patan, we will also stop by the Tibetan Refugee Camp and Handicraft Center, where you can witness the traditional hand-weaving of Tibetan carpets and the molding of metal statues.

In the early morning, Kathmandu’s streets are quieter and perfect for a peaceful walk. You can explore the temples and shrines while watching locals perform their daily rituals. A walk from Thamel to Indra Chowk, once a vibrant cloth market, is highly recommended before breakfast to admire the impressive temples in the area.

Next, we will visit Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s holiest Hindu site, located along the Bagmati River. The temple complex features numerous Shiva shrines and ghats where locals bathe and perform cremation rituals.

We will then drive to Nagarkot, located about two hours northeast of Kathmandu. Perched on a ridge near Bhaktapur, Nagarkot is renowned for its panoramic views of the Himalayas, especially the Langtang range, at sunrise and sunset. A stay at the Nagarkot Farmhouse, a renovated Newari ranch nestled in peaceful gardens, is highly recommended. The area is less crowded compared to the main hotel stretch in town, offering a serene atmosphere.

If you’re seeking a quieter alternative with similar Himalayan views, you may consider visiting Dhulikhel, a charming town with a rich Newari heritage. Dhulikhel offers several affordable accommodations and is home to Dwarika’s Dhulikhel, one of Nepal’s finest boutique hotels.

Another peaceful option is Namobuddha, a sacred Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage site. The monastery, with its golden roof and colorful buildings, sits atop a ridge, offering breathtaking views. The nearby Namobuddha Resort provides meals made from ingredients grown in its organic garden.

Highest Altitude: Pharphing (1,569 m)
Trek Duration: 50-60 mins drive

On this day, we will embark on a guided sightseeing tour around the valley, followed by an evening drive to Nagarkot, just an hour from Kathmandu. The key sites we’ll visit are:

Bouddhanath Stupa (World Heritage Site)
Located approximately 6 kilometers east of downtown Kathmandu, Bouddhanath Stupa is the largest stupa in the valley, standing 36 meters tall. It is a remarkable example of stupa architecture. The stupa is also known as Khasti, or “dew drops,” named after a tale that during its construction, builders had to use dew to mix the mortar due to a severe drought in Kathmandu at that time.

Changunarayan Temple (World Heritage Site)
Situated 12 kilometers east of Kathmandu, on a ridge with views over the valley, Changunarayan Temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Built in 323 AD by King Haridutta Verma, it is one of the oldest and finest examples of pagoda-style architecture. The temple is richly adorned with sculptures and carvings, and its elevated location provides stunning panoramic views of the valley below.

Nagarkot
Located about 35 kilometers east of Kathmandu, Nagarkot is a scenic hill station offering stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of the eastern Himalayas (weather permitting). The area is famous for its breathtaking sunrises. There are also several excellent hiking trails here. If the weather didn’t cooperate the previous evening, you’ll have a great chance to see the mountain views in the morning light.

After breakfast, you have the option of either taking a one-hour drive or a four-hour downhill hike to Bhaktapur. The hike passes through the village of Changu Narayan, where you’ll visit the eponymous temple, one of the least-visited but oldest World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley, built in the 13th century.

If you choose to drive, you’ll have the afternoon to explore Bhaktapur, a Newari city known for its exceptional craftsmanship, particularly in pottery, which you can see drying in the wide town squares.

Highest Altitude: Nagarkot (1,932 m)

As your trip comes to an end, our airport representative will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure from Nepal.

Take the opportunity to enjoy your final moments in Kathmandu, whether it’s having breakfast at a café, taking a leisurely stroll through the city, or shopping for souvenirs. A representative will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight home. We recommend arriving at least two hours before your departure.