Nepal · UNESCO Heritage Sites

3 Days Kathmandu Valley heritage sites KORA Tour

3 Days Round trip from Kathmandu Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit major Kathmandu Valley UNESCO heritage sites over 3 days
02 Experience the spiritual atmosphere of Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Pharping
03 Explore Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares
04 Discover traditional Newari culture in Bungamati, Khokana, and Kirtipur
05 Enjoy panoramic valley views from Swayambhunath and Kirtipur
06 Travel with a private vehicle and expert English-speaking guide

Discover the spiritual and cultural heart of the Kathmandu Valley on this 3-day KORA journey through Nepal’s most important heritage sites. Travel in a clockwise circuit to explore revered stupas, sacred Hindu temples, royal durbar squares, and traditional Newari settlements, with time to experience both the valley’s living traditions and its remarkable history.

Visit Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and the sacred site of Pharping, while also comparing the distinct character of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares. Beyond the major monuments, the tour also takes you into Bungamati, Khokana, and Kirtipur, where winding lanes, old brick houses, temples, and local culture offer a deeper look at the heritage of the Newar people.

Find peace and prayers on the little hillock of Swaymbhunath in the northwest of the Kathmandu Valley.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, Bungamati, Kirtipur

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Day 1 : Early morning, visit Boudhanath stupa, Pasupatinath temple and Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Day tour starts as your guide picks you up from your hotel and takes you for a morning drive to Baudha. Experience the tranquility around Boudhanath stupa. Situated 8 km to the east of downtown Kathmandu, Boudhanath, is one of the most imposing landmarks in Kathmandu. The 36-meter-high stupa of Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in South Asia. Built in the shape of a mandala designed to replicate the Gyangtse of Tibet, the stupa was renovated by Licchhavi rulers in the 8th century.
Pay your visit to the scared Hindu Pashupatinath temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for devotees of Shiva. Built in the 5th century and later renovated by Malla kings, the site itself is said to have existed from the beginning of the millennium when a Shiva lingam was discovered here.
The Bhaktapur Durbar Square lies 13 km east of Kathmandu. It is the living representation of how the entire Valley would have looked like during medieval periods. The city has glorious architecture; sky-high Pagoda style temples, fine clay pottery, and massive royal courtyards dating back to the 12th century. The largest temple complex in Nepal, it stretches on both sides of the Bagmati River which is considered holy by Hindus. The main pagoda style temple has a gilded roof, four sides covered in silver and wood carvings of the finest quality.
Meals not included
Accommodation not included

Day 02

Day 2 : Explore Patan Durbar square, visit Newari town Bungmati, Khokana and Kirtipur

Start your day with a visit to Patan Durbar square its alleys, royal palace, Buddhist vihars. Patan's preserved' ancestral uniqueness distinguishes Patan as a different environment to experience in a short travel. Patan is also known City of Beauty and its unique Durbar Squares, temples, alleys, cuisine, hospitality and religious tolerance justify the pre-historic status of the city.
After then learn about newari lifestyle by strolling around Bungmati and Khokana Town. Visit the Newari villages of Bungamati and Khokana on a day trip from Kathmandu. See traditional houses and experience a culture reminiscent of medieval times. Visit the Rato Machhendranath and Karya Binayak temples, and see master woodcarvers at work. Admire the traditional houses and centuries-old traditions of Bungamati and Khokana. Visit the Rato Machhendranath Temple, dating back to the 16th century.
Then drive back to Kirtipur and explore Newari settlements with a view of Kathmandu. Kirtipur, located on a hill to the southwest of central Kathmandu is one of several ancient kingdoms in the Kathmandu Valley that were once independent, but now make up part of greater Kathmandu. Kirtipur is thought to be one of the oldest settlements in the valley. It’s a prime destination to learn about the Newar people, who are one of Nepal’s many distinct ethnic groups and the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley. Come to Kirtipur for exquisite architecture, hilltop temples, and sweeping city views. Wandering around its winding streets feels like walking through a traditional Nepali village, yet Kirtipur offers some of the finest views of sprawling Kathmandu and the hills and mountains beyond. It’s full of cobblestone streets, old brick houses with elaborately carved door and window frames, and multitiered pagodas. Many travelers don’t visit Kirtipur as part of Kathmandu trip, yet it’s worth visiting.
Meals not included
Accommodation not included

Day 03

Day 3 : Discover Pharping, ramble around Kathmandu Durbar square and Swyambhunath Stupa

Early morning after breakfast go for a visit to Pharping. Pharping, 19 km south of Kathmandu in Nepal, is known as the sacred site of Yangleshö, famous for both Hinduism and Buddhism where Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche, known as lotus born God who spread Tibetan Buddhism in Tibeat) attained the level of Mahamudra vidyadhara. Other important religious sites are Vajrayogini temple, Shesnarayan temple, Gorakhnath temple and self-arising Ganesh near Asura Cave.
At last visit the capital of Royal Kathmandu Durbar Square and enjoy magnificent view of Kathmandu from Swayambhunath Stupa. Kathmandu is an incredibly diverse historic city with breathtaking Newari architecture, centuries old Hindu and Buddhist religious sites along with dedicated tourist-friendly accommodations and restaurants. Stepping into Kathmandu is like stepping into another world that everybody should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Find peace and prayers on the little hillock of Swaymbhunath in the northwest of the Kathmandu Valley. Also known as the "Monkey Temple" among visitors from abroad, Swayambhunath sits atop its hill, overlooking most parts of the valley. This is a good place to catch panoramic views of the city. The site itself has stood as a hallmark of faith and harmony for centuries. The glory of Kathmandu Valley is said to have started from this point.
Meals not included
Accommodation not included

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kathmandu 5 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All private transfer in luxurious vehicle
Expert English speaking Guide
All pick up and drop off service
All entrance fees

What's Not Included

Any meals and drinks
Extra sightseeing or monuments entrance fees
Accommodation in Kathmandu

Know before you go

INFANTS MUST SIT ON LAPS
Not wheelchair accessible
Not stroller accessible
Not suitable for pets
No public transportation nearby
Infant seats unavailable
Pick up and drop off service from Hotels inside Kathmandu city ring road is offered. For hotels outside ring road you need to pay additional charge.
Our only goal is to see smile on the guest face after the completion of the tour. This is why we packaged this tour keeping due respect on quality of the tour with all major tourist spot around Kathmandu valley and not on the price of the tour.
Pick up service from Hotels inside Kathmandu city ring road and Kathmandu Airport

Logistics