Nepal travel
3 Days in Kathmandu: A Relaxed Itinerary
A three-day Kathmandu Valley itinerary — the Sleeping Vishnu, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Durbar Square, Patan and Bhaktapur — paced for jet lag and traffic.
By Shiva GiriPublished 5 min readFacts checked
Photo: Nirmal Dulal (opens Wikimedia Commons in a new tab), CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in a new tab), via Wikimedia Commons
Three days is enough to see the Kathmandu Valley's great sights without rushing — if you group them sensibly and leave room for traffic. This is the rhythm we suggest to guests, and it mirrors our guided Kathmandu City Tour.
Day 1 — Arrive gently: Budhanilkantha and Boudhanath
- Morning: rest after your flight and breakfast on the rooftop.
- Afternoon: walk to Budhanilkantha Temple to see the giant reclining Vishnu.
- Late afternoon: Boudhanath Stupa for the sunset kora (30–40 minutes by car).
Day 2 — The sacred core
- Early: Pashupatinath Temple and the Bagmati ghats.
- Late morning: Swayambhunath — climb the 365-step eastern stairway for valley views.
- Afternoon: Kathmandu Durbar Square and the Kumari courtyard, then walk through Indra Chowk and Asan to Thamel.
Day 3 — Patan and Bhaktapur
- Morning: Patan Durbar Square and the Patan Museum.
- Afternoon: Bhaktapur's Durbar Square, Nyatapola temple and Pottery Square — finish with juju dhau.
Tips
- Start early — traffic builds through the day.
- Dress modestly for temples and carry small notes for entry tickets.
- Keep Day 1 light if you've just flown in.
- Add a fourth morning for a Shivapuri hike or a cooking class.
Frequently asked questions
Is 3 days enough for Kathmandu?
Yes, for the main UNESCO sites of the valley. Add a day or two if you want hikes, Nagarkot or a slower pace.
