8 Days in Kathmandu: A Journey to the Heart of Nepal

Nilesh Kesharwani

27 Nov 2023

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the vibrant streets of Kathmandu. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, ancient temples, and breathtaking landscapes of Nepal. From exploring historic sites to discovering hidden gems, this itinerary is a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.

Trip to Kathmandu

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Unveiling the Mysteries of Aviation and Spirituality

$130

$ 4

Miniature aircraft models, photos & an educational film inside a decommissioned Airbus 330-300.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$30

7 - 9 min

Directions

This famous, sacred Hindu temple & cremation site on the riverbank was rebuilt in the 15th century.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$50

16 - 20 min

Directions

Elegant garden created in 1920, with 6 pavilions, fountains, landscaped grounds, urns & birdhouses.

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$50

Day 2Unraveling the Artistic Treasures and Royal Heritage

$140

$ 5

Museum in a former royal palace housing Hindu & Buddhist sculptures & other cultural artifacts.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$40

15 - 18 min

Directions

Longtime gallery with exhibitions of contemporary Nepalese art, plus workshops & lectures.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$30

15 - 22 min

Directions

Iconic palace from 1908 with baroque & neoclassical design features, now housing government offices.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

$30

10 - 12 min

Directions

Museum & former palace showcasing the royal jewels & the scene of the Nepalese Royal Massacre.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$40

16 - 20 min

Directions

Contemporary art museum in a unique 1970s-era building with an architectural archive & cafe.

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

•

Free

Day 3Embracing Nature's Serenity and Spiritual Enlightenment

$120

$ 5

Spectacular Himalayan national park consisting of the catchments the Trisuli & Sun Koshi Rivers.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$50

241 - 290 min

Directions

Large Tibetan Buddhist monastery providing courses & retreats in a picturesque hilltop setting.

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$20

40 - 48 min

Directions

A very old religious site, this Buddhist complex has an iconic stupa, temples & many shrines.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

$30

26 - 32 min

Directions

Small terracotta temple featuring a tower with several hundred Buddha images carved into its bricks.

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

•

$20

Day 4Conquering Hills, Temples, and Wildlife

$80

$ 4

High hill known for hiking & scenic views from its summit of the Himalayas & Kathmandu Valley.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$20

44 - 53 min

Directions

Landmark 1500s Hindu temple with ornate carvings & a tall pagoda, standing on a 12-step plinth.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$30

19 - 23 min

Directions

Opened in 1956, this 6-hectare zoo offers an aviary & elephant rides, plus a lake with paddle boats.

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

$30

Day 5Discovering Monastic Marvels and Ancient Palaces

$120

$ 4

Tranquil monastery, one of Nepal's holiest pilgrimage sites, with Himalayas views & a guesthouse.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$20

61 - 74 min

Directions

Curved redbrick palace built in the 18th century, with 55 ornately carved sandalwood windows.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$30

1 - 2 min

Directions

Time-tested city square with an 1427 CE palace, multiple temples, statues & intricate gates.

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$50

71 - 86 min

Directions

Hindu temple complex dedicated to the goddess Kali, with occasional animal sacrifices.

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

•

$20

Day 6Exploring Nature's Abode and Cultural Treasures

$150

$ 5

Part of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, this lush nature area offers hiking with sweeping vistas.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$20

37 - 45 min

Directions

Landscaped recreation area with paved walkways & shade trees, plus 3 large gold Buddha figures.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$30

5 - 6 min

Directions

National museum housing historical weapons, animal specimens, Buddhist art & other artifacts.

12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

$70

7 - 9 min

Directions

Historical palace of the living goddess Kumari who is worshipped by Hindus & Buddhists.

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

•

$30

Day 7Ascending to Majestic Heights and Unveiling History

$210

$ 4

Lush green hill with a cable car ride to an observation tower for panoramic views of the Himalayas.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$100

110 - 132 min

Directions

Landmark, ancient royal complex with various palaces, temples & courtyards, plus a museum.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$50

17 - 21 min

Directions

3-tiered Hindu temple in Patan Durbar Square, built in 1637 & featuring intricate stone carvings.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$20

4 - 5 min

Directions

An extensive collection of traditional religious art on display in an 18th-century royal palace.

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

•

$40

Day 8Basking in Spiritual Bliss and Unveiling Ancient Wonders

$110

$ 4

Buddhist place of worship featuring a sizable white dome topped with a towering, golden spire.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$20

28 - 34 min

Directions

Palace museum named after the entryway's stone Hanuman, with exhibits on the Shah Dynasty.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$40

3 - 4 min

Directions

Former site of a temple, dating to the 7th century A.D., that gave Kathmandu its name.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

$20

9 - 11 min

Directions

Natural history museum with many preserved flora & fauna specimens, including insects & fungi.

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$30

Budget breakdown: $1089 In total

Activities & Food:$1060

Transport:$29