Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour - 9 Days

/ Person

Trip Highlights

  • Group Size: min-2+
  • Season: Round the year (Best time: Jan-June, Sept-Dec)
  • Transportation:Tourist bus/car
  • Grade: Moderate
  • Duration: 9 days
  • Itinerary:Date can be customized as per your interest.

Trip Overview

Kathmandu Valley Tour: A Journey Through Nepal's Cultural Heart

Overview: The Kathmandu Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers an extraordinary blend of cultural, historical, and architectural wonders. This tour provides a deep dive into the valley's rich heritage, showcasing the unique traditions of the Newar community and the legacy of the medieval Malla kingdoms.

Historical Background: Once divided into three rival Malla kingdoms, the valley witnessed both intense competition and remarkable cultural development. This rivalry led to the construction of numerous temples, and palaces, and the flourishing of arts and crafts, many of which still stand today, earning UNESCO World Heritage status.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

  1. Durbar Squares:
    • Hanuman Dhoka (Kathmandu)
    • Patan
    • Bhaktapur
  2. Buddhist Stupas:
    • Swayambhunath
    • Boudhanath
  3. Hindu Temples:
    • Pashupatinath

Tour Highlights:

  1. Three Cities Exploration:
    • Kathmandu: The bustling capital
    • Patan: Known for its fine arts
    • Bhaktapur: The city of devotees
  2. Nagarkot:
    • A hill station renowned for panoramic Himalayan views
  3. Changu Narayan Temple:
    • One of the oldest Hindu temples in Nepal (circa 325 A.D.)
  4. Hindu Pilgrimage Sites:
    • Dakshinkali: A powerful goddess temple
    • Budhanilkantha: Home to the sleeping Vishnu statue

What to Expect:

  • Immersion in Newar culture and traditions
  • Exploration of intricate wood and stone carvings
  • Visits to ancient palaces and courtyards
  • Interaction with local artisans
  • Breathtaking views of the Himalayas (weather permitting)

Best Time to Visit:

  • October to April: Dry season with clear skies

Tour Duration:

  • Typically 7-9 days, depending on depth of exploration

Accommodation:

  • Range from boutique hotels in historic buildings to international standard hotels

Transportation:

  • Comfortable private vehicles
  • Some walking is required in pedestrian-only zones

Guide:

  • Professional, English-speaking guides well-versed in local history and culture

The Kathmandu Valley Tour offers a journey through time, allowing visitors to witness the living heritage of Nepal. From towering temples to hidden courtyards, from bustling markets to serene hilltops, this tour encapsulates the essence of Nepali culture and history. It's an opportunity to understand how ancient traditions continue to thrive in a rapidly modernizing world.

Trip Itinerary

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dat 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

Adventure Outdoor’s representative will meet you upon your arrival in Kathmandu airport, and transfer you to hotel. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner. For dinner, you will be served excellent Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the country's rich food culture.

day 2

Sightseeing in Kathmandu: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Bauddhanath

After breakfast, we begin our sightseeing tour by visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites within Kathmandu. Kathmandu Durbar Square showcases Nepalese art and architecture at its best. The architecture is typical of the Malla dynasty who ruled over Nepal from the 12th to the 18th century. Pashupatinath Temple is situated on the banks of Bagmati river and is one of the major temples of Lord Shiva. The Bauddhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in South Asia which is built on the ancient trade route to Tibet.

day 3

Sightseeing Tour of Patan, Khokana and Bungmati

After breakfast, we drive to south of Kathmandu, i.e. Patan city. We visit Patan, Khokana and Bungmati. Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Patan Durbar Square is rich in ancient arts and architecture. Khokana is famous for its mustard-oil seed and its functional and industrial heritage. Bungmati somewhat seems untouched by time. Here, you can see people drying red chilies and garlic from their windows. The typical Newari community living in traditional way can be observed here in Bungmati. All of them are based on agriculture. Overnight at Kathmandu.

day 4

Sightseeing: Thimi, Bhaktapur, Changu Narayan and Nagarkot

Thimi is about 10 kilometers east of Kathmandu and is famous for earthen wares, masks, puppets, hand-woven clothes and other handicrafts. The place is also well-known for its sweet, beaten rice grown on tradition fields. We also visit Bhakatpur, an interesting city with an authentic local lifestyle preserved over centuries of isolation from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu. While in the city square, we get to admire the Nyata-Pola Temple, the Golden Gate, water spouts and the 55 Window Palace which merge together to provide an ambiance of a magical outdoor theater to its visitors. We also immerse ourselves in the authentic delicacy of the local food in Bhaktapur. Changu Narayan is the oldest temple in the Kathmandu valley and boasts of being the oldest pagoda style building of Nepal. After visiting ChanguNarayan, we drive to Nagarkot, a hill station nearer from Bhaktapur and popular for Himalayan ranges views. It is also renowned for its sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas. Both sunset and sun rise will observe in Nagarkot.

day 5

Tour Dakshinkali, Chobhar, Pharping, Monasteries and Taudaha

We take our breakfast and drive towards the southern part of Kathmandu. Dakshinkali Temple is located within a forest and is dedicated to goddess Dakshinkali (Kali) who is one of the salient Hindu goddesses. Pilgrims throng the area to visit the temple and offer prayers. Chobhar is known for the Chobhar gorge through which all the water of the valley drains and also for the vast network of natural mountain caves. Pharping has several Buddhist and Hindu monuments, temples and monasteries. We will visit few monasteries and temples in the way to Pharping. While returning to Kathmandu, we will halt at Taudaha (pool) to observe the beauty of pool and its surrounding. Overnight Kirtipur.

day 6

Sightseeing Kirtipur, Matatirtha, Chandragiri Cable car, Bhaleswor Mahadev

Kirtipur is a historic town situated on a hill of the valley. The historic town has many interesting sights, shrines and temples, old houses, people working on ancient looms, etc. which are all delightful to see. Today, we do have lunch in Kirtipur and will experience Newari cusine. After lunch drive to Matatirtha, where we will enjoy cable car to reach the peak of Chandragiri hill. We will observe Kathmandu valley from there. The cool and greenly environment definitely makes us happy. Overnight in Kathmandu.

day 7

Sightseeing Budhanilkantha and Shivapuri

Today we travel to the northern part of the Kathmandu Valley. We take breakfast and drive to Budhanilkantha, a colossal statue of Lord Vishnu reclining on the bed of snakes, lies at the base of Shivapuri Hill. Budhanilkantha is a major pilgrimage site for the Hindus. Further north from Budhanilkantha, a road goes into the Shivapuri National Park. The site is also a famous trekking region nearby Kathmandu and many city dwellers can be seen trekking in the area. There is also a Buddhist nunnery inside the national park. The dirt-road amidst the jungle goes uphill through the villages of Dandagaon, Gurje Bhanjyang, etc. finally unfolding into a panoramic view of mountains, distant hills and valleys. After crossing the hill top, a few kilometers downward drive takes us into the Shivapuri Village. Back to Kathmandu.

day 8

Sightseeing Swayambhunath, Ichangunarayan, Adheswor and drive to Kakani- a small hill station

Swayambhunath Temple is popular among the foreigners as the Monkey Temple owing to the large monkey population residing in the area. The arch formed white washed Stupa is made out of block and earth supporting an elevated tapered tower topped by a zenith of copper overlaid. The infinitely knowledgeable eyes of Lord Buddha lay on every one of the four sides of the tapered base. This slope is a mosaic of little Chaityas and Pagoda and is the most imperative Buddhist site in Nepal. Appreciate the perspectives of sprawling Kathmandu from the highest point of this world legacy site landmark. Then Drive to the base of Nagarjun forest to observe Ichangunarayan temple and Another Shiva temple. After that we drive to north west of Kathmandu, and reach Mudkhu Dhoka and we will halt at Osho Tapowan for Lunch. After lunch drive to Kakani, a small hill station. We observe mountain range in northern side and enjoy the fresh air.

day 9

Departure

Our Extended Kathmandu Valley Tour comes to an end today! We transfer you to the airport approximately three hours before the scheduled flight.

What’s Included

What’s included

  • Sightseeing tour entrance fees, tour guide salary
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • All accommodation and meals during tour
  • All entrance fees
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Welcome or farewell dinner
  • All necessary paper work, permits and all government and local taxes
  • A comprehensive medical kit

Service Not Included

  • Travel insurance
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa
  • Personal touring equipment
  • Tips for staff and driver

Frequently Asked Questions

How fit do I need to be to do this tour?

For the Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour, you need to be in good general health with moderate fitness, as the tour involves walking and exploring various cultural and historical sites but is not physically demanding.

How long do we walk every day when doing Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour?

On the Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour, you generally walk 2 to 4 hours each day, depending on the specific itinerary and the number of sites visited.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

On the Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour, the highest altitude reached is around 2,195 meters (7,200 feet) at Nagarkot.

What about internet access?

On the Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour, internet access is widely available at hotels, guesthouses, and cafes in Kathmandu and surrounding areas, typically with good connectivity.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

On the Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour, battery charging and hot shower facilities are readily available at hotels and guesthouses throughout the Kathmandu Valley.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/tour agency for the Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour?

Hiring a guide or tour agency for the Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour is not necessary, but it can offer added convenience, local insights, and easier navigation of the city and its attractions.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For the Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour, guides typically cost between $30 to $50 per day, while porters are generally not required as the tour does not involve trekking.

What about ATM facilities during the tour?

During the Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour, ATM facilities are widely available in Kathmandu and major towns, providing convenient access to cash.

Trip Map