3-Day Kathmandu Valley Heritage Tour with Bhaktapur and Nagarkot

3 Days Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
02 Offer your prayers at Swayambhunath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple
03 Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, an ancient city filled with traditional Newari architecture
04 Enjoy traditional Nepali cuisines such as momos, dal bhat, and Newari food
05 Experience the local culture and traditions of the Kathmandu Valley

Experience the rich cultural and historical treasures of Kathmandu Valley on this 3-day tour through Nepal's UNESCO World Heritage Sites and ancient cities. Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Changu Narayan Temple while exploring their intricate architecture, spiritual significance, and fascinating history. Enjoy traditional Nepali cuisine, discover local artisan crafts such as pottery, weaving, and woodcarving, and take in breathtaking Himalayan views from Nagarkot.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, Nagarkot

Languages English, French, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and a Cultural Show

Start the day early with a visit to the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. This ancient Buddhist site is perched on a hilltop and offers stunning panoramic views of the city.
Next, head to the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, home to several palaces, temples, and courtyards that showcase Nepal's traditional architecture and art. Some notable attractions include Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Taleju Temple, and Kumari Ghar.
After lunch, visit the peaceful Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Buddhist pilgrimage site is adorned with colourful prayer flags and offers a unique spiritual experience.
In the evening, attend a traditional Nepalese cultural show at one of the many restaurants in the city. This is a great way to experience the local music, dance, and food.

Day 02

Pashupatinath, Bhaktapur, Patan, and Thamel

Start the day with a visit to Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world. This temple complex is located on the banks of the Bagmati River and is known for its intricate architecture and vibrant cultural activities.
Next, head to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, another UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to several ancient temples, palaces, and courtyards. Some notable attractions include Nyatapola Temple, Dattatreya Temple, and the 55-Window Palace.
After lunch, visit Patan Durbar Square, located in the city of Lalitpur and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This square is known for its intricate stone carvings, metalwork, and ancient architecture.
In the evening, explore the vibrant nightlife of Thamel, a popular tourist destination that offers a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops.

Day 03

Nagarkot Himalayan Views and Changu Narayan Temple

Start the day with a scenic drive to Nagarkot, a hilltop village located on the outskirts of Kathmandu. This village offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains and is a popular destination for sunrise and sunset views.
After lunch, visit the ancient Changu Narayan Temple, which is located on a hilltop and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple is one of the oldest and most revered in the Kathmandu Valley and is known for its intricate stone carvings and ancient architecture.
In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk around Kathmandu Durbar Square and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic city.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 4 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Guided tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Patan Durbar Square
Traditional Nepali cuisine experiences, including momos, dal bhat, and Newari food
Cultural immersion experiences, including observing local artisans at work and participating in cultural festivals
Transportation to and from sites and attractions

What's Not Included

Airfare or other transportation to Nepal
Accommodation, although recommendations for reputable places to stay can be provided
Meals and drinks not included in the tour itinerary
Travel insurance, although it is highly recommended to have adequate travel insurance coverage when travelling to Nepal

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so comfortable shoes are a must.
Lightweight clothing: Pack lightweight and breathable clothing, as the weather can be warm and humid in Kathmandu. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Sun protection: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the strong sun.
Water bottle: Staying hydrated is important, so bring a refillable water bottle.
Camera: You'll want to capture stunning architecture and landscapes, so bring a camera or smartphone.
Daypack: Bring a small daypack to carry essentials such as water, snacks, and a camera.
Cash and credit cards: Bring cash and credit cards to pay for meals, souvenirs, and any other expenses not included in the tour package.
Travel adapter: The power outlets in Nepal may be different from what you're used to, so bring a travel adapter if necessary.
Medications: If you have any prescription medications, be sure to bring them with you.

Know before you go

Visa: Most visitors require a visa to enter Nepal. You can obtain a visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or apply for one in advance from a Nepali embassy or consulate.
Altitude: Kathmandu is situated at an altitude of 1,400 meters (4,600 feet), so visitors may experience mild altitude sickness. Be sure to drink plenty of water and rest if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
Weather: Kathmandu has a warm and humid subtropical climate, with monsoon rains from June to September. Be prepared for warm temperatures and occasional rain showers.
Language: Nepali is the official language, but English is widely spoken in the tourism industry.
Culture: Nepal is a predominantly Hindu and Buddhist country, so visitors should dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be respectful of local customs and traditions.
Health and safety: It's important to have up-to-date vaccinations and travel insurance coverage. Be aware of potential health and safety risks, such as altitude sickness, food- and water-borne illnesses, and theft.
Money: The local currency is the Nepalese rupee, and ATMs are widely available in Kathmandu. Credit cards are accepted at larger businesses, but it's a good idea to have cash on hand for smaller purchases and tipping.