Standard Kathmandu Valley City Tour

3 Days

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Overview And Highlights

Durations : 3 Days

Experience the cultural heart of Nepal over three days with our carefully curated city tour. From ancient royal squares and sacred temples to hillside stupas and living Newari towns, this itinerary is designed for travellers seeking a balanced blend of history, spirituality, and local life. Each day explores distinct areas of the Kathmandu Valley, with a comfortable pace that allows you to appreciate four iconic sites or fewer per day fully.

Highlights

Visit multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Changu Narayan.
Learn about Hinduism and Buddhism by exploring revered temples such as Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Budhanilkantha.
Meet local artisans in traditional Newari towns and experience daily life in Kathmandu’s historic neighborhoods.

Enjoy private transportation and an English‑speaking guide to ensure a seamless and insightful journey.

Itinerary Expand All Close All

The day begins with a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you will wander through the historic royal palace complex, admire intricately carved temples, explore the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Museum, and catch a glimpse of the living Goddess Kumari at her residence. You will then proceed to Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu shrine, located along the banks of the Bagmati River, where you can observe traditional cremation rituals, ancient statues, and holy sadhus while learning about Hindu beliefs and practices. Next, you will visit the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world and a major center of Tibetan Buddhism, where you can walk around the stupa, spin prayer wheels, and experience the peaceful atmosphere created by prayer flags and monastery chants. The day concludes with a visit to Budhanilkantha Temple, home to the impressive reclining statue of Lord Vishnu set at the base of the Shivapuri Hills, offering a calm and spiritual retreat from the city. After completing the sightseeing, you will return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Kathmandu.

We will travel across the Bagmati River to Patan (Lalitpur), where you will explore Patan Durbar Square, renowned for its beautifully preserved royal palace, the iconic Krishna Mandir, and the city’s exceptional Newari art, woodcarving, and metalwork traditions. You will then journey east to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, famously known as the “City of Devotees,” where you will stroll along brick-paved streets and admire highlights such as the 55-Window Palace, Vatsala Temple, the towering Nyatapola Pagoda, and the vibrant local life at Taumadhi Square and Pottery Square.

Continuing your cultural exploration, you will visit Changu Narayan Temple, Nepal’s oldest Hindu temple complex, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and celebrated for its exquisite stone sculptures and ancient inscriptions dating back to the 5th century. During the day, you will pause for a traditional Newari lunch and, if time permits, enjoy a brief local cultural experience by observing daily village life and traditional artisanal work. After completing the sightseeing, you will return to Kathmandu for an overnight stay at your hotel.

You will begin your day with a visit to Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, perched atop a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. After climbing the stone steps lined with statues, you will enjoy panoramic views of the city and experience the unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist symbolism that makes this sacred site so special.

Later, you will travel to the base station of the Chandragiri Cable Car and ride up to the hilltop, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking 360° views of the Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayan range on clear days. At the summit, you will visit the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple and have time to explore the hill station, including its shops and restaurants, while enjoying the cool mountain atmosphere. After completing the day’s activities, you will return to Kathmandu for an overnight stay at your hotel.