About This Trek / Tour
The Kathmandu Valley is one of the world's most extraordinary concentrations of art, architecture and living religious tradition. Within a radius of just 15km, seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites coexist — ancient Newar palace squares, sacred Hindu temples, gilded Buddhist stupas and medieval walled cities that have barely changed in 500 years.
This 5-day heritage tour is expertly paced with knowledgeable local guides who bring the history, mythology and living culture to life. You'll witness sacred Hindu cremation rituals at Pashupatinath, circle the great stupa of Boudhanath with Buddhist monks, explore medieval Bhaktapur's potters' square, and take a day trip to the birthplace of the Buddha.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Airport pickup. Check in to central Kathmandu hotel. Afternoon visit to Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) — the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha gaze over the valley from this hilltop stupa. Evening walk through Thamel's colourful streets.
Morning at Kathmandu Durbar Square — the ancient palace square with its living goddess (Kumari), Taleju Temple and dozens of carved shrines. Drive to Pashupatinath — Nepal's holiest Hindu temple on the banks of the Bagmati River, sacred cremation ghats. Afternoon at Boudhanath Stupa — one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, surrounded by monasteries. 7 hours.
Full day at Bhaktapur (City of Devotees) — Nepal's best-preserved medieval city. Explore Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square with the five-storey Nyatapola temple, and the Potters' Square where traditional black pottery is still made. Afternoon visit to Changu Narayan — the valley's oldest temple (4th century AD) with intricate stone carvings. 7 hours.
Morning: Patan (Lalitpur) — the "City of Fine Arts." Patan Durbar Square is Nepal's finest example of Newar architecture with the remarkable Patan Museum inside. Afternoon: optional drive to Pokhara for mountain views, or hike to Namobuddha Monastery — one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Asia.
Optional early flight to Lumbini — the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the ancient Maya Devi temple and the sacred pond. Return to Kathmandu. Transfer to airport for departure. (Alternatively spend day 5 in Kathmandu for shopping at Asan bazaar, Indra Chowk and local craft workshops.)
What's Included
- All airport transfers in Kathmandu
- Private vehicle for all sightseeing
- 4 nights hotel in Kathmandu (3-star, B&B)
- English-speaking cultural guide
- All UNESCO site entrance fees
- Bhaktapur city entry tax
- Patan Museum entrance
- Bottled water daily
- Government taxes
Not Included
- Nepal visa
- International flights
- Lunch & dinner (on own)
- Optional Lumbini flight (~$150 return)
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guide & driver
- Camera/video fees at some monuments
Practical Travel Tips
Dress Code: Cover shoulders and knees when entering temples. Pashupatinath is restricted to Hindus in the inner sanctum, but the surrounding ghats and temples are freely accessible.
Festivals: The Kathmandu Valley hosts spectacular festivals year-round — Indra Jatra (Sept), Bisket Jatra (April) and Tihar (Oct/Nov) are highlights. We can time your visit to coincide with festivals on request.
Photography: Most temple courtyards allow photography freely. Some inner sanctuaries require a photography permit ($5–10). Always ask before photographing religious ceremonies.