Explore Kathmandu Valley Tour takes you to amazing historical, cultural, natural and spiritual sites in and around Kathmandu valley. Kathmandu valley has so much to see that even these five full days of exploration fall short to experience everything. But this tour will give you the most comprehensive touring experience of Kathmandu valley highlights.
Overview
You will have a chance to visit all seven heritage monuments in Kathmandu valley; explore the nature at Nagarkot while you enjoy the Himalayan view and sunrise. You will also get to immerse in the cultural riches of ethnic Newari community while you explore Bungmati and Khokana and Kirtipur. Exploration of Dakshinkali and Pharping will be a pure mixture of spirituality, nature and rural atmosphere in the outskirt of Kathmandu.
This tour gives a wonderful insight on the diversity of a small valley and its surroundings. You will have opportunity to delve deeper into the Kathmandu life style, its artistic and architectural heritage, and hidden treasures in the alleys, massive and impressive shrines, magnificent views and humbling cultural experience.
Itinerary
Today is the day of your arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal. As soon as you come out of the Kathmandu airport, you will find our representative waiting for you in the waiting area right outside the arrival lounge. You will be warmly greeted and welcomed by the representative and led to the vehicle. Our vehicle will take you to the trip hotel, most of the time in Thamel, that is 20-30 minutes’ drive, depending upon traffic, from the airport.
After you check into the hotel, you can take relaxing time on your own as there are no activities scheduled for today, except our trip briefing meeting. We will let you know about the briefing timing upon your arrival.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. We come to take your for a wonderful cultural heritage tour of Kathmandu valley. As part of the tour, we are going to visit four of the UNESCO Heritage monuments in Kathmandu valley. The places we visit today are incredible mixture of culture, history, spirituality, art and stories. Overnight in Hote.
Swoyambhunath
Believed to have been created on its own, this Budhhist stupa is the oldest of all the monuments in Kathmandu valley. Standing atop a small hillock, Swoyambunath, known as monkey temple amongst tourists, provides a fascinating view of the valley, surrounding hills and snow-capped mountain at the distance on a clear day.
Patan Durbar Square
One of the three medieval palace squares, Patan Durbar Square holds its medieval art and architectural grandeur. Amazing skill of the artisans is evident in each and every building that stands in the square. The square comprises of medieval palace, temples and museum.
Pashupatinath
This site is the most sacred Hindu temple area in the country. But, as the temple is strictly a Hindu only area, non-Hindu tourists go there to watch the unique Hindu cremation rituals on the bank of River Bagmati. The death rites of Hindu family there are so engrossing and heart-touching which make you feel the moment. It’s not any kind of intrusion in being there and watching somebody being cremated in an open ground. It’s a great cultural experience.
Boudhanath
This giant Buddhist stupa is considered as the biggest one in the world. This small square with giant shrine has a powerful presence of the spiritual vibrations. It’s an important pilgrimage site for the people following Tibetan Buddhism.
Today, we are going for a cultural exploration of Newari villages and settlements including a durbar square. The places we visit today are:
Bungmati
Situated 12 kilometers south of Kathmandu in the southern part of Kathmandu valley, Bungmati is an ethnic Newari town with rich cultural wonders. A small yet beautiful town, Bungmati has a very unique cultural tradition of Newari community. People and their life style here is very simple and inspiring. We can observe cultural life style and wood craft work. The place also has a very important temple.
Khokana
Khokana is another Newari town in the neighborhood of Bungmati. This town also has lots of interesting Newari wonders to see.
Patan Durbar Square
This place is one of the three medieval palace squares in Kathmandu valley. The square is adorned with beautiful and intricate wood carving works, pagoda temples and palace building with an amazing metal craft museum. We can also go around the local alleys to experience the cultural and spiritual riches of the place.
We wake up early in the morning to admire a breathtaking view of Himalayan panorama and a beautiful sunrise over those mountains. The early morning wake up is worth for such a view of the mountains and sunrise.
Later, after breakfast, we drive to Dakshinkali for about two hours to explore the spiritual and cultural wonders. We visit Dakshinkali temple, a monastery at Pharping, Chobhar gorge and Kirtipur town before returning back to Kathmandu to stay overnight.
It’s a little bit of adventure today as we go for a hiking adventure in Shivapuri National Park. After breakfast, we drive to Budhanilakantha where we will explore a beautiful temple with a giant and reclining image of Vishnu, the Hindu god of protection.
Later, we start the hiking to Shivapuri National Park. We enter the park and hike uphill inside forest. We enjoy the nature walk and reach Nangi Gumba for a spectacular view of Kathmandu valley. We spend good time at the place before taking a turn back down. We return back to Kathmandu to stay overnight. A farewell dinner is scheduled for this evening.
The final day of the trip, we drive you to airport for your scheduled flight homebound or other destination. We will pick you up 3 hours prior to your flight schedule.
The Trip Cost Includes
- Airport Pick and Drop in Kathmandu by Private vehicle.
- Welcome/Farewell dinner with cultural program.
- Tourist Standard Hotel Accmmodiation in Kathmandu, Nagarkot & Shivapuri with B/B Basis.
- Private transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the tour.
- Full Board Meals (3 Meals a day) while on the Tour.
- Guided UNIESCO World Heritage Sites Tour around Kathmandu Valley.
- Professional & highly expertise government licensed holder English Speaking Tour Guide.
- All expenses of the Guide that includes Food, Accommodation, Salary, Insurance, Equipment during your travel period.
- Comprehensive First Aid Kit.
- Arrangement of all rescue and evacuation promptly, in Worst Condition
- Group Touring Gears.
- Tour Map, Friends Adventure Team's special Souvenir.
The Trip Cost Excludes
- Meals in Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara and Nagarkot (Includes in Full Board Tour).
- Any packed food/snacks, aerated drinks, energy drinks, mineral water, alcohol, cigarettes, chocolates, nutria-bars.
- All desserts, sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
- Items of personal nature, Laundry Expenses.
- Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears.
- Any additional staff other than specified.
- Medical and Travel Insurance and Emergency rescue by any means of Transportation including Helicopter evacuation if required.
- Rescue, Repatriation, Medicines, Medical Tests and Hospitalization expenses.
- Airfare of international flights.
- Nepal entry visa fee (Visa issuance is easy at the arrival).
- Gratuities to guide, porters and driver (Not mandatory but expected as customizetripomary thank you for the service).
- Any other item not included in "Cost Includes" Section.
Frequently asked Questions
Nepal is famous for places like Kathmandu (the capital), Pokhara, Chitwan National Park, and Everest Base Camp. These spots offer stunning natural beauty and cultural experiences.
The best time to visit Nepal is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, and trekking conditions are excellent.
Yes, most visitors need a visa to enter Nepal. You can get a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport or apply for one at the Nepalese embassy in your home country.
Yes, Nepal is generally safe for tourists. However, it’s essential to take usual precautions, like avoiding isolated areas at night and securing your belongings.
Nepal offers various activities such as trekking, mountaineering, wildlife safari, cultural tours, and adventure sports like paragliding and rafting.
Nepali cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with staples like dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momo (dumplings), and various curries. Don’t miss trying local teas like chiya and traditional desserts like sel roti.
Yes, some trekking routes in Nepal can be done independently. However, for remote or challenging treks, it’s advisable to hire a guide or join a group for safety and navigation.
Pack lightweight and breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a first aid kit, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and a good quality backpack. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen and a hat.
Respect the local culture by dressing modestly, removing your shoes before entering homes or temples, asking for permission before taking photos of people, and being mindful of local customs and traditions.
The currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). While major cities and tourist areas accept credit cards, it’s advisable to carry cash, especially in rural areas where card payments might not be accepted.
Yes. Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Yes, there are ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) available in many cities and popular tourist areas in Nepal. However, it’s important to note that in more remote or rural areas, ATMs might be scarce. When you plan your Nepal tour, especially if you are trekking or traveling to less populated areas, it’s a good idea to carry enough cash with you.
Credit cards work in big cities and tourist spots, but it’s like having a backup plan. In smaller towns and local markets, it’s better to have cash (Nepalese Rupees) to make your purchases smoother.
Chitwan is like a nature’s paradise! You can see elephants, rhinos, tigers, and a variety of birds. It’s like stepping into a real-life jungle book.
Nepal’s weather is like a rollercoaster, but in a good way! It varies from hot and humid in the lowlands to chilly in the mountains. Summers (June to August) are warm, and winters (December to February) can be quite cold, especially in the mountains.
Absolutely! Nepal is like a veggie paradise. Many of our traditional dishes are vegetarian. You can enjoy dal bhat, momo, and various curries, all deliciously meat-free.
Yes, Nepal welcomes volunteers with open arms! There are various opportunities, from teaching in schools to helping in conservation projects. Volunteering is like becoming part of our community, sharing skills, and making a difference.
