Kathmandu 6 Day Itinerary

Kathmandu Itinerary: 6 Days of Adventure and Discovery

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Kathmandu City

  • Morning: Arrive in Kathmandu and check-in at Hotel Tibet International or similar.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the famous Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world.
    • Explore the surrounding streets, lined with shops selling Tibetan handicrafts and souvenirs.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner at The Old House, located in the heart of Thamel.

Tips:

  • Be prepared for crowds and chaos in Kathmandu city.
  • Try to exchange your currency at the airport or a reliable exchange center, as some places may not accept foreign currencies.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.

Day 2: Kathmandu’s Cultural Heritage

  • Morning:
    • Visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Nepal.
    • Take a stroll around the temple complex and observe the cremation rituals at the Bagmati River.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring ancient palaces, temples, and courtyards.
  • Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening at The Garden of Dreams, a tranquil oasis in the heart of Thamel.

Things to Know:

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
  • Remove your shoes before entering temples or homes.
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Day 3: Adventure Time!

  • Morning: Take an early morning flight to Nagarkot (optional), offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas at sunrise.
  • Afternoon: Go on a guided hike in the Shivapuri National Park, just outside Kathmandu, and enjoy the scenic views of the valley.
  • Evening: Return to Kathmandu and enjoy dinner at Momo Hut, serving delicious Nepali cuisine.

Transportation:

  • Book your domestic flights in advance to avoid high prices.
  • Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps for transportation.

Day 4: Explore Bhaktapur

  • Morning: Visit the ancient city of Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved architecture and rich cultural heritage.
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the Pottery Square, where you can see traditional potters at work.
    • Visit the Nyatapola Temple, one of the tallest temples in Nepal.
  • Evening: Return to Kathmandu and enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel.

Tips:

  • Try to avoid visiting Bhaktapur during peak sun hours (11am-3pm) due to the heat.
  • Be prepared for cobblestone streets and uneven terrain in Bhaktapur.

Day 5: Discover Patan

  • Morning: Visit the city of Patan, known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful temples, and traditional craftsmanship.
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the Patan Durbar Square, featuring ancient palaces, temples, and courtyards.
    • Visit the Golden Temple, a stunning example of Nepali architecture.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Lazy Gringo, serving international cuisine.

Things to Know:

  • Patan is also known as Lalitpur, meaning “city of beauty”.
  • Be respectful of the local artisans and craftsmen, and consider purchasing their handmade products.

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring Kathmandu city.
  • Afternoon: Depart from Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) for your onward journey.

Final Tips:

  • Make sure to have a photocopy of your passport and travel documents.
  • Exchange any remaining Nepali currency before departing the country.
  • Take plenty of photos, but respect local people’s privacy and ask for permission before taking their pictures.