Kathmandu Valley Tour

5.0

Experience the magic of Nepal on the Kathmandu Valley trek. In just a few days, you’ll explore ancient temples, and lively villages, and enjoy spectacular Himalayan views. This short trek gives you a taste of Nepal’s beauty and history in a compact adventure.

At a Glance
Location

kathmandu Valley

Duration

5 Days

Activities

Hiking

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Meals

All included

Group size

Min 2 Pax.

Best time

Winter, Spring and Autumn

Max. Altitude

2100m.

The Kathmandu Valley trek is a short and easy hike that takes you through the beautiful ridges to the east of Kathmandu. It’s an ideal option for those with limited time, as it offers a rich experience in a condensed format. This trek showcases several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and provides some of the most stunning sunrise views over the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

Your trek will lead you to the Boudhanath Stupa, a major Buddhist pilgrimage site. You’ll also visit Nagarkot and Dhulikhel, where you can enjoy wide views of the Himalayan range, from Langtang to Everest. You’ll pass through picturesque Tamang villages adorned with fluttering prayer flags and observe traditional farming practices still performed by hand.

The trek also includes a visit to the monastic city of Namobuddha, where you can witness a Buddhist ceremony and explore the area’s spiritual significance. You will visit to the historic city of Patan. It is known for its beautiful temples and the Patan Museum. Make a stop in Panauti because it gives a glimpse into Nepal’s rich trading history as an ancient caravan stop.

In addition, there are many other places in Kathmandu that international travelers must visit. These include Swayambhunath Stupa, Basantapur Durbar Square, Narayanhiti Palace, Pashupatinath Temple, and more. Each of these attractions shows the diverse cultural and historical tapestry of the Kathmandu Valley, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Nepal.

Major Highlights

  • Explore the UNESCO world heritages of Nepal including Boudha, Pashupatinath Temple, Patan Durbar Square
  • See the beautiful terraced fields against the Himalayas.
  • Enjoy scenic hikes along ridges with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
  • Engage in the traditional rural lifestyle of local communities, including interactions with Tamang farmers.
  • Take in the impressive views of the snow-covered Himalayan mountains.
  • Explore the rich cultural heritage of Boudha, Panauti, and Patan, known for their historic temples, monasteries, and traditional architecture.
  • Visit the Namobuddha Monastery and interact with the monks to understand their spiritual practices.
  • Also, visit Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) and Garden of Dreams
Itinerary

Boudhanath is a town centered around one of the largest stupas in Nepal. This sacred site holds great significance for Tibetan Buddhists, serving as a prominent pilgrimage destination. The stupa is a prominent pilgrimage destination and it is known for its expansive size and distinct mandala design.

Every evening, devotees from across the country join at this spiritual haven to participate in the tradition of circumambulating the stupa while reciting mantras. Pilgrims and locals, including Sherpas, Tamangs, and Tibetan exiles, often gather here, walking around the stupa while reciting mantras.

Boudhanath is recognized for its cultural and historical importance and was rightfully honored with UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1979. An unmissable feature of the stupa is the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha perched atop it. These eyes are referred to as wisdom eyes, serving as a powerful symbol and representing the omniscience of the Buddha.

Following a soul-enriching visit to the Boudhanath stupa in the morning, we will continue with a transfer to Sankhu, starting a scenic hike to Nagarkot. Along the ascent, a trail winds through serene woodlands before reaching a small pass at 1800m. From here you can see breathtaking vistas of the majestic Himalayan range, a spectacle that will remain etched in memory for days to come. Continue walking through charming villages with red soil. The trail then climbs for about 15 minutes to reach the Nagarkot Farm House, where you’ll stay overnight. The day’s hike takes around 4.5 hours.

Begin your day early to watch the sunrise over the Himalayas, including glimpses of Mount Everest on clear days. After breakfast, we’ll hike up to the ridges of Nagarkot. The trail will take us to Nagarkot, a hill station located to the east of Kathmandu, Nepal. This place is known for its spectacular panoramic views of the Himalayas, including the amazing sight of Mount Everest on clear days, making Nagarkot a must-visit destination. We’ll head to this popular and picturesque site and go to the observation tower. You’ll spend the night at Country Villa, a peaceful spot to relax. This day will involve about 2.5 hours of hiking.

Wake up early at 5:30 am and drink a hot tea with a view of the sunrise over Mount Everest. After a hearty breakfast on the terrace, start your hike to Dhulikhel.
You must prepare for a long yet incredible day of hiking. The trail commences with a flat and leisurely stretch, gradually leading to Rohini Banjyang before descending into the Ghare Valley.

Along the way, you’ll cross terraced rice fields covered with crops such as corn, wheat, and rice plantation from June to late September. We depart from the main trail at Tulsa and take a path to Nala. From Nala, we then hike along a hillside route to reach Dhulikhel. Along the way, we can experience the local culture as we pass through Tamang villages adorned with colorful Buddhist prayer flags. Upon arrival at Dhulikhel Lodge Resort, we will check in and relax in our rooms. This trek involves approximately 6 hours of hiking.

Today’s hike will take you from Dhulikhel to Namobuddha, which is an approximately 3-hour journey. The trail passes through Tamang villages and gently descends along a balcony ridge. Afterward, you will walk uphill to the Namobuddha monastery. While there, you can take part in a Buddhist ceremony. Namobuddha is well-known for its monastery, which is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. It is where Buddha gave his arm to feed a hungry tigress.

Inside the monastery, you will find finely detailed wall paintings created by the best thangka painters. Many visitors come to Namobuddha to explore the monastery, participate in meditation, and enjoy the tranquil environment. The area around the monastery features a large stupa, several shrines, and vibrant prayer flags that add to the spiritual ambiance. Spend the night at Namobuddha Resort, where you can relax and enjoy the tranquil environment.

Today you will enjoy an easy hike in the Panauti Valley surrounded by orange groves. After your hike, transfer to Patan, an ancient city with a rich history and cultural heritage. Patan, also known as Lalitpur, is renowned for its beautiful Newar architecture and historic temples. You’ll experience the unique atmosphere of this former stopover for caravans en route to Tibet. Admire the beautiful houses with intricately carved windows and explore the numerous small shops selling a variety of products from different origins.

Patan retains its traditional charm as a historic trading hub and a stopover for caravans traveling to Tibet. You’ll also see “pathis,” traditional shelters with beautifully carved wooden pillars and red-tiled roofs, which were used by travelers in the past and are still frequented by pilgrims and passersby today. End your day with a comfortable stay at the Timila Hotel in Patan. The day includes a 3-hour hike and plenty of time to explore Patan’s unique heritage.

Alternate itinerary

Glacier Safari Trek provides a 9-day itinerary in the Kathmandu Valley that engages you in the rich cultural heritage of Nepal. This itinerary includes visits to ancient and sacred cities, allowing you to explore the historical and spiritual importance of the region. From the busy streets of Kathmandu to the serene beauty of nearby towns, you’ll experience the essence of Nepal. For more details, ask us about the itinerary NCe10.

Cost Includes
  • Experienced English-speaking guide
  • Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers, only 13 kgs per trekker please )
  • All hotels in MAP, breakfast and dinner included
  • Picnic or lunch for days 1 to 5
  • Private transfer for KTM/Shankhu/Panauti/Patan
  • Nepali staff insurance
  • Transfer for the International airport-hotel-international airport
Cost Excludes
  • Personal Insurance
  • Nepali visa
  • All personal beverages and expenses
  • Nights and meals in Kathmandu unless marked on the itinerary
  • Cultural site entrances
Book your spot

Starting from

€611

Instant Booking

Secure Payments

No Hidden Costs

Trip Difficulty

Easy

5.0

Glacier Safari Treks Nepal

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FAQs

The Kathmandu Valley trek explores trails to the east of Kathmandu, visiting sites such as Boudhanath, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Namobuddha, Panauti, and Patan for historic temples.

Hiring a guide and porter for the Kathmandu Valley trek is highly recommended for a smooth experience. The guide helps you find your way and share local insights, while the porter carries your luggage.

The hike on each day varies in length. On Day 1, you’ll hike for about 4.5 hours from Boudhanath to Nagarkot. On Day 2, the hike takes about 2.5 hours around Nagarkot, while Days 3 and 4 involve longer hikes of 6 hours and 3 hours, respectively. Day 5 includes a shorter, 3-hour hike.

The Kathmandu Valley Trek is enjoyable year-round due to its lower altitude, but the ideal times are winter, autumn, and spring. These seasons offer clear skies and pleasant temperatures, ideal for trekking. Summer and monsoon seasons may bring heavy rain, which can make hiking trails slippery and challenging.