6 Days • 5 Nights
Kathmandu Valley & Himalayan Views
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll explore Kathmandu's Durbar Square and the great stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath, wander the artisan cities of Patan and Bhaktapur, visit the sacred Pashupatinath, and travel to the hill village of Nagarkot for a sunrise panorama of the Himalaya, Everest included on a clear day. Prayer flags, wood-carvers and mountain views fill the days.
With comfortable hotels, private guides and the sights arranged, it is a rich, easy immersion in Nepal's cultural heart.
Trip Highlights
- Kathmandu's Durbar Square and Swayambhunath
- The great Boudhanath stupa
- The sacred temple of Pashupatinath
- The artisan city of Patan
- The medieval marvel of Bhaktapur
- A Himalayan sunrise from Nagarkot
- Wood-carving and pottery workshops
- Seven UNESCO World Heritage sites
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 6-day journey.
Arrive in the capital and settle in, with a welcome dinner of Nepali flavours.
Explore the medieval Durbar Square, the hilltop Swayambhunath 'Monkey Temple', the sacred Pashupatinath and the great Boudhanath stupa.
A day among the artisan cities — Patan's Durbar Square and metalworkers, and the beautifully preserved medieval city of Bhaktapur with its wood-carvers and potters.
Travel to the hill village of Nagarkot for a sweeping view of the Himalaya, with an afternoon walk and a sunset over the mountains.
Rise for a spectacular Himalayan sunrise from Nagarkot, then return to Kathmandu for a final afternoon in the bazaars of Thamel.
A final breakfast before your transfer to the airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and private guides
- 3N Kathmandu, 1N Nagarkot, 1N Kathmandu
- Daily breakfast and a welcome dinner
- A Kathmandu tour — Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath
- The artisan cities of Patan and Bhaktapur
- A sunrise Himalayan panorama from Nagarkot
- Wood-carving and pottery workshop visits
- All entrance fees per the itinerary
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal visa fees (visa on arrival or online)
- Travel insurance (mandatory, with high-altitude and helicopter evacuation cover for treks)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional activities and personal trekking gear
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities for guides and porters
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or online in advance; bring a passport photo and US dollars in cash for the fee. Your passport should be valid at least six months
- Currency: The currency is the Nepali Rupee. Cards work in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but carry cash for trekking, villages and small purchases — ATMs are only in the cities
- Best season: October to November and March to April are the prime seasons, with clear skies and the best mountain views. The monsoon (June to September) brings cloud and rain; winter is cold at altitude but clear in the lowlands
- Altitude: High treks reach serious altitude (Everest Base Camp over 5,300m), where altitude sickness is a real risk. We build in acclimatisation days, ascend slowly, and your guide watches for symptoms
- Trek insurance: For any trek, travel insurance that specifically covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation is mandatory — this is essential and non-negotiable
- Trekking life: On trek you stay in simple teahouse lodges with basic rooms and shared bathrooms; hot showers and charging often cost extra. A good level of fitness and broken-in boots make all the difference
- Mountain flights: Domestic flights (including the famous Lukla flight for Everest) are weather-dependent and delays are common, so we build in buffer time; a helicopter option can be arranged
- Temple etiquette: Remove shoes and leather items at Hindu temples, walk clockwise around Buddhist stupas, and note that some temple interiors are open only to Hindus
- Health: Drink only bottled or purified water, carry any personal medication, and consult a travel clinic about altitude medication and vaccinations. Comprehensive insurance is essential
- Power & connectivity: Power cuts are less common than before but carry a power bank; a local SIM gives data in towns and along popular trails. Nepal uses type C/D/M plugs at 230V
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, with full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on trek and at the Chitwan jungle lodge, plus a welcome dinner in Kathmandu. Elsewhere, lunches and dinners are left free to explore Nepal's food.
Are guides and transfers arranged?
Yes — you have private guides and drivers for sightseeing, and an experienced trekking guide (and porters) on any trek, all arranged for you.
Do I need a visa for Nepal?
Most visitors can get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or apply online beforehand. Bring a passport photo and US dollars in cash for the fee; we guide you through it.
When is the best time to visit?
October-November and March-April are the prime seasons, with clear skies and superb mountain views. The monsoon (June-September) is cloudy and wet; winter is cold high up but clear in the lowlands.
Do I need to be fit for the treks?
The trekking itineraries require a good level of fitness and preparation, with several hours of walking a day on hilly terrain. We grade each trek clearly and build in acclimatisation; the cultural tours need no special fitness.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, treks, hotels and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add a scenic Everest flight, a jungle safari, a luxury lodge or a shorter or longer trek. Just tell us what you have in mind.
Is insurance really mandatory for trekking?
Yes — for any trek you must have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation. This is essential for your safety and is non-negotiable.
Can we really see Everest from Nagarkot?
On a clear day, Nagarkot offers a magnificent panorama of the Himalaya, and Everest can be glimpsed in the distance to the east. The clearest views are in autumn and winter mornings.
Is this good for those who can't trek?
Perfectly — it delivers Nepal's cultural riches and superb mountain views without any trekking, ideal for those short on time or who prefer comfort.
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