Nepal travel
The Best Day Trips from Kathmandu
Bhaktapur, Patan, Nagarkot, Changu Narayan, Shivapuri, Kopan and more — the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Kathmandu and Budhanilkantha.
· 6 min read
Cultural · 4 nights / 5 days
Kathmandu City Tour
Temples at dawn, Newar courtyards and old bazaars — the Kathmandu Valley's living heritage at an unhurried pace.
From $280 per person
- Written quoteExactly what is and isn't included — no surprises
- Airport pickup includedMet at arrivals, dropped off for your flight
- Starts at our homestayBriefing and planning with the family
- Private departuresYour own guide and schedule on request
- Quick repliesWhatsApp answered 7 days a week
Overview
This relaxed Kathmandu Valley tour starts the moment you land. You stay all four nights at our family homestay in Budhanilkantha and head out each day with a professional guide to the valley's great sacred and royal sites.
Day one is kept gentle so you can adjust to the altitude (about 1,400 m), with an evening stroll to the reclining Vishnu at Budhanilkantha Temple. Then come four UNESCO-listed sites in a single day, a day trip to Patan and Bhaktapur, and a free morning before a guided walk through Asan and Indra Chowk.
Highlights
- Budhanilkantha's reclining Vishnu in its sacred pond
- Pashupatinath Temple at dawn
- Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple)
- Kathmandu Durbar Square and the Kumari courtyard
- Patan Durbar Square and Patan Museum
- Bhaktapur's 55-Window Palace, Pottery Square and juju dhau (king curd)
- Asan Chowk spice market, Indra Chowk and Thamel
- Farewell rooftop dinner with Himalayan views
Day-by-day itinerary
Every itinerary can be adjusted — extra rest days, private departures or a different pace.
Day 1: Arrival at Sacred Trails, Budhanilkantha
Airport pickup and check-in. An evening stroll to Budhanilkantha Vishnu Temple, then a welcome dal bhat dinner and trip briefing with your guide.
Day 2: Kathmandu's sacred core — four UNESCO sites
Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square, including the courtyard of the Kumari, the living goddess.
Day 3: Patan and Bhaktapur
Patan Durbar Square and the Patan Museum, then Bhaktapur's 55-Window Palace, Pottery Square and a taste of juju dhau. Lunch in Bhaktapur and an early return.
Day 4: Free morning, Asan Bazaar and Thamel
Yoga, meditation or a slow breakfast on the rooftop. In the afternoon, a guided walk through Asan Chowk and Indra Chowk, time in Thamel, and a farewell rooftop dinner.
Day 5: Departure
Breakfast at the homestay and airport transfer timed to your flight.
What's included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- 4 nights at Sacred Trails Homestay with breakfast
- All overland transfers in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- All government and local taxes
- Budhanilkantha Temple visit
- Entry fees for Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur heritage sites
Not included
- International airfare
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips for guide and driver
- Lunches in Kathmandu
- Optional cooking or yoga classes
Prices are per person and vary with group size, season and the options you choose. Your written quote confirms exactly what is included before you book.
Photos
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Kathmandu City Tour cost?
The 4 nights / 5 days tour starts from $280 per person. That includes airport pickup and drop-off, 4 nights at Sacred Trails Homestay with breakfast, all overland transfers in the itinerary, professional English-speaking guide and more — see the full list above. The final price depends on group size, season and options, and we confirm it in a written quote.
Is the Kathmandu City Tour private?
It runs as a private tour for your group, or as a small group on set dates. Tell us your dates when you enquire.
Can I add a cooking or yoga class?
Yes — both can be added on the free morning of Day 4 for an extra charge.
Is there a lot of walking?
Moderate walking on paved streets and temple steps. The pace is relaxed and the vehicle is always nearby.
Planning guides
Practical advice from our team to help you prepare for this trip.
Destination guides:BhaktapurPatanBoudhanathPashupatinathSwayambhunath
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Request a quote
Tell us your preferred dates and group size for the Kathmandu City Tour and we'll send a detailed, no-obligation quote.
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