Kathmandu Valley Tour
- Duration
- 2 days
- Difficulty
-
Easy
Difficulty scale
- Easy Short walking days on good trails below about 3,000 m. Suitable for anyone in ordinary health, including families.
- Moderate 5 to 6 hours a day with some steep sections, reaching up to about 4,000 m. A reasonable level of fitness and a few weeks of preparation walking recommended.
- Strenuous 6 to 8 hours a day, high passes or altitudes above 5,000 m, and remote stretches. Good fitness, prior trekking experience and proper acclimatisation days are essential.
- Very strenuous Long days, multiple high passes or technical sections, sustained time above 5,000 m. For experienced, well-conditioned trekkers only.
- Best season
- Autumn (Sep–Nov) · Monsoon (Jun–Aug) · Spring (Mar–May) · Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Group
- Private
- From
- $170.00
Overview
Seven UNESCO World Heritage sites sit within an hour of each other in this valley. This is the unhurried version: Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, the Durbar Squares and Swayambhu, with a licensed guide and time to actually stand still.
Every departure is private and led by a government-licensed Nepali guide, so the plan flexes to your party and to the mountain. Permits, park fees and local taxes are inside the price you see.
Trip highlights
- Boudhanath and Pashupatinath
- Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Squares
- Licensed heritage guide
- Private vehicle, your own pace
Day by day
The itinerary
-
Day 1: Guided sightseeing in Boudhanath, Changunarayan Temple and Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Today, your guide will lead you on a cultural journey to explore some of Nepal’s renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The sightseeing of the
first day includes the following heritage sites:Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. The white domed stupa stands on a giant mandala. Built during the 5th century,
Boudhanath stupa is an important center of Tibetan Buddhism. Legend has it that the bones of Kasyapa Buddha (one of Buddha’s incarnations) lies
at the base of this stupa.Changu Narayan Temple
Changu Narayan Temple is the oldest UNESCO World Heritage site, situated on a hilltop close to Bhaktapur. Believed to have been originally built in
the 4th century, the temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu, also known as Vishnu-Narayan. The temple is a masterpiece of Lichhavi-era architecture and is
renowned for its exquisite stone, wood, and metal carvings.Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square lies in Bhaktapur, one of the three medieval cities in Kathmandu Valley. The royal square, which was built by the Malla royals,
houses some of the best examples of ancient Newari art and architecture. The five-tiered pagoda temple Nyatapola, Palace of 55 Windows, Vatsala Temple,
Bhairavnath Temple, Duttaraya Temple, Pujari Math, Golden Gate etc, are all cultural treasures of this beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site. -
Day 2: Guided sightseeing of Pashupatinath, Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)
On the second day of the heritage tour, enjoy a guided exploration of the historical cities of Kathmandu and Patan, discovering their rich culture and timeless
architecture.Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the holiest Hindu shrines in the world. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple lies 5 km east of the city center. The richly
ornamented pagoda houses the sacred Linga, or phallic symbol, of Lord Shiva.Patan Durbar Square
Located in the heart of Lalitpur, Patan Durbar Square is renowned for its stunning Newar architecture and rich artistic heritage. The square is home
to ancient temples, intricately carved wooden windows, and the Golden Temple, a revered Buddhist monastery.Kathmandu Durbar Square
This complex of palaces, courtyards, and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu.
An intriguing piece here is the 17th-century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. The Durbar Square is the social,
religious, and urban focal point of the city. There are also three museums inside the palace building.Swayambhunath Stupa – The Monkey Temple
Perched atop a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhunath is one of the oldest and most revered religious sites in Nepal. This UNESCO World
Heritage Site holds deep significance for both Buddhists and Hindus. The central white dome and gilded spire of the stupa are adorned with the all-seeing
eyes of the Buddha. Swayambhu is also known as Samhengu and the Monkey temple because of the countless monkeys living in the premises.
Comfort tiers
Choose your level of comfort
| Amenity | Standardfrom $205.00 | Comfortfrom $241.90 | Luxuryfrom $297.25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu hotel | 3★ | 4★ | 5★ |
| Trail accommodation | Standard teahouse | Best lodge in each village | Premium lodge where the route has one |
| Porter support | Shared porter | Private porter, lighter load | Extra porter, carry almost nothing |
| Transfers | Shared | Private | Private, throughout |
What's included
Included
- Included: Three star category hotels during the tours with breakfast
- Included: Welcome and Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- Included: Hotel pick up and drop off in a tourist vehicle
- Included: All ground transportation by private tourist vehicle
- Included: Entry permits and fees for all temples, parks, monasteries, and cultural or historical sites.
- Included: Government licensed English-speaking guide
- Included: The required number of ground staff during the tour like Driver, Helpers etc.
- Included: Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff
- Included: All administrative expenses and government taxes
Not included
- Not included: International flight fare and airport departure tax
- Not included: Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, and Nagarkot – about USD 15 to USD 20 per person per day.
- Not included: Any beverages including bottled and boiled water
- Not included: Tips for hostess and driver. (Tipping is expected).
- Not included: Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 30 for 15 days visa, USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa)
- Not included: Your travel insurance.
- Not included: Any expenses other than the Price Include section
Your team
Led by a licensed guide
Every route is led by a government-licensed guide from our team. Licences are on record with us before departure, and you'll meet your guide once your trip is confirmed.
Guide language(s): English, Nepali
Group-size pricing
Walk together, pay less
Every trip is private, so the guide, permits and transfers cost the same however many walk. Sharing them is why the per-person price falls: arithmetic, not a sale.
| Group size | per person | You save each |
|---|---|---|
| 1 trekker | $205.00 | base rate |
| 2 to 3 trekkers | $170.00 | $35.00 |
| 4 to 6 trekkers | $160.00 | $45.00 |
| 7 or more | $150.00 | $55.00 |
Per person, including permits, park fees and taxes. Nothing is added at checkout.
Weather
What to expect, month by month
- Autumn (Sep–Nov)The most reliable trekking season: clear air, stable weather and cold nights, right after the monsoon clears.
- Monsoon (Jun–Aug)Wet and cloudy on most routes, though Mustang and Dolpo sit in the rain shadow behind the main range and stay walkable.
- Spring (Mar–May)Warmer than autumn, with rhododendron forests in flower and slightly hazier mountain views as the season goes on.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)Cold and quiet, with the clearest skies of the year at lower altitude. High passes and very high routes are best avoided.
Traveller reviews
What trekkers say
Why book with us
