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Independent Guide > Packages > Nepal > Kathmandu Valley Tour

Kathmandu Valley Tour

  • Destination:Nepal
  • Trip Grade:Easy
  • Max Elevation:1350 m
  • Total Duration:5 Days
  • Geography:Mountain/ Countryside
  • Religions:Hinduism and Buddhism
  • Ethnic People:Newar/ Brahman/ Chhetri
  • Transportation:Tourist Bus/Private Vehicle
  • Minimum Pax:2

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is one of the famous touristic destinations. It is popular among the tourists who love to explore culture, art, and architecture. Home to the Newari ethnic group, Kathmandu valley is always vibrant with different festivities and events. One can find people from all parts of Nepal, in the Valley, which has helped immensely in the exchange of various cultures and rituals around the country. Kathmandu Valley is a beautiful amalgamation of history and urbanization. Not too far from the crowded city areas, we can find ourselves amidst the amazing nature as we gaze into the Himalayan ranges on the horizon.

During your five-day-long Kathmandu Valley tour, we will visit seven UNESCO listed World Heritage Sites, namely, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Changu Narayan. The World Heritage Sites, to this present day, carry gracefully the craftsmanship of the people from the yesteryears.

The three palaces—Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square—are proofs of the culturally and creatively lavish lifestyle of the Lichhavi (450-750 CE) and Malla (1201-1769 AD) Dynasties that ruled in the ancient Kathmandu Valley. Some of these old palaces have been converted now to museums where different pictures, inscriptions, arts, and artifacts have been displayed. Besides the courtyards and palaces, we can also interact with the local Newari communities and taste their ethnic food. Kathmandu Valley is also a land of temples.

The ancient temples like Pashupatinath and Changu Narayan are famous among the Hindu pilgrims. Similarly, Swayambhunath (the Monkey temple) and Boudhanath temple are the holy shrines for the Buddhist pilgrims. The structures of the stupas differ from that of the temples as they are dome-shaped with Buddha eyes on all four sides. In each of these places, we can experience various cultures and cuisines.

A recent addition to the list of museums in the Narayanhiti Royal Palace (1963 AD) which belonged to the last monarchy of Nepal, the Shah Dynasty (1768-2008 AD). There, we can visit the spot where the Royal Massacre (2001AD) took place. If you visit Kathmandu during the festivals like Indra Jatra (September), you will get to see the chariots of Kumari—the Living Goddess, along with Bhairav and Ganesh. Other festivals like Seto Macchindranath Jatra (April), Rato Macchindranath Jatra (June), Bhoto Jatra (October), etc. also the major attractions of a Kathmandu Valley Tour. On clear winter days, you can witness the Himalayas like Ganesh (7429m) and Langtang (7234m) from most parts of the valley.

Independent Trekking Guides Cooperative has been operating the Kathmandu Valley Tour since many years. Our ultimate goal is client satisfaction by providing them with unquestionable service. We do not compromise with your safety concerns. We provide you with an experienced and well-mannered tour guide who has ample knowledge about the places, the culture, and the people. It is our responsibility to make your stay a pleasant experience.

Based on 5 Reviews

Please email us for the trip cost as prices may vary according to the group size and time of travel.

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Day 01:  Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon arrival and completing visa formalities at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you will meet our representative and they will escort you to the hotel.  Freshen up in the hotel and the local guide will brief you about the tour for the next day.  If you have leisure time, you can take a short walk around the local market or just stay in the hotel and rest. In the evening Independent Trekking Guides Cooperative will organize induction program with welcome dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 02:  Sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath:

After breakfast, our tour guide will pick you up from the hotel and then drive you to the Swayambhunath temple located on a western hill of Kathmandu. Apart from a lot of monkeys and small idols, you will also get a good view of the valley on a clear weather from the Stupa on the top.  We will spend some time around the stupa and then drive to reach Pashupatinath towards the east. 
It will take about 30 minutes depending on the traffic. Although we are not allowed to enter the main temple area, we can go to the east side of the temple crossing the holy Bagmati River where you will see cremation taking place. 
After that, we will drive you towards the north to Boudhanath which will take about 15 minutes to reach.  It is the biggest stupa here in the valley.  The smell of the incense will purify your soul and you can also light a butter lamp in the monastery and make a wish.  Return to the hotel.  Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 03:  Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Narayanhiti Royal Palace, and Patan Durbar Square:

After breakfast, we will drive you to take around the Kathmandu Durbar Square area. We will visit the idol of Kal Bhairab, Taleju temple, Kumari Ghar, Kasthamandap temple, big bell and drums, Shiva-Parvati temple, and the nine-story building.  You can also do shopping here. After spending few hours here, we will drive you to Narayanhiti Royal Palace. After that, we will head towards the north of the valley to Patan.  In Patan, we will visit Patan Museum, Krishna Mandir, Golden temple, Taleju temple and Sundari Chowk.  After that, we will return back to our hotel.  Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 04: Sightseeing tour of Changu Narayan Temple and Bhaktapur Durbar Square

After breakfast, we will drive towards the east of the valley to Changu Narayan temple. We will look at the architecture of the temple and also visit the Newari Museum. After that, we will drive to Bhaktapur.  It is one of the smallest city here in the valley.  The monuments like temples, courtyards, ponds, palaces, and alleys of this UNESCO World Heritage Site are well preserved in their original formation. We will have typical Newari lunch in Bhaktapur and will spend some time around Siddhapokhari. After sightseeing, we will return back to the hotel.  Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 05: Final Departure:

After breakfast and pack up, we will check out from the hotel and we will escort you back to the airport to connect you with your flight.

Reviews

Great locally based company. Flexible and able to cater for couples through to larger groups. Have used them for Annapurna and for Everest/Gokyo lakes treks as well as around Kathmandu. Will even sort out Kathmandu hotels and airport pick up

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Darrell M

Jagat and his team were top notch with organising our trek, transfers and accommodation both in Kathmandu and on the Everest trek. Our guide Gopi and porters were excellent especially when I had to come down early due to altitude

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Dave NZ

We spent a week in the Langtang valley with Chet and his team. We did a 7-day trek with our 3 children aged 6, 4 and 1 years old. Everything went very smoothly thanks to the professionalism of the team.

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James W

My friend and I’s first time in this wildly beautiful country was made into the most incredible experience by the people at Independent Trekking Guides Co-op. From the first few emails to arriving in Kathmandu, all along the journey until

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Laura D

We had a blast! Guides were so caring and hospitable! They worked very hard to ensure we have a great experience in Kathmandu and on the trek. Would love to go on another adventure with them!

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Daria M

This is my fourth expedition with Independent Trekking Guides, and each one gets better! Our team of 20 travelled the Tamang Heritage Trek as well as the Langtang trek, climbing Yala Peak as the high point. Chet was our lead

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Les
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We also give special regards to safety given in consideration the harshness of the climate and the difficult geographic terrain, so, a knowledgeable guide will be there to guide you throughout your trek.

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