Kathmandu, Nepal-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Thamel

Morning

  • Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) and take a taxi or bus to your hotel in Thamel ( approx. 30-40 minutes, NPR 500-1000)
  • Check-in to your hotel and freshen up
  • Visit the nearby Garden of Dreams, a serene oasis in the heart of the city (free entry)

Afternoon

  • Explore Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hub, and browse through its many shops, cafes, and restaurants
  • Try some local street food at Potala Square or grab a coffee at Himalayan Java Coffee

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Old House Restaurant, serving traditional Nepali cuisine ( approx. NPR 1000-2000 per meal)
  • Take a stroll around Thamel, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and live music performances

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet International or similar ( approx. NPR 3000-5000 per night)

Tips:

  • Be prepared for crowds and chaos in Thamel
  • Bargain at shops and markets, it’s part of the fun!
  • Try to avoid eating from street vendors, opt for restaurants with good hygiene standards instead

Day 2: Kathmandu City Tour

Morning

  • Visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world (entry fee NPR 400)
  • Explore the nearby Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu temple (entry fee NPR 1000)

Afternoon

  • Head to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its many temples and palaces (entry fee NPR 1000)
  • Visit the National Museum of Nepal to learn about the country’s rich history and culture (entry fee NPR 500)

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at The Old Mill Restaurant, serving continental cuisine with a Nepali twist ( approx. NPR 1500-3000 per meal)
  • Take a walk around the square, enjoying the street performers and live music

Accommodation: Same as previous night or similar

Tips:

  • Wear comfortable shoes for the day’s walking tour
  • Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions

Day 3: Bhaktapur and Nagarkot

Morning

  • Take a bus or taxi to Bhaktapur ( approx. 1 hour, NPR 1000-2000 return)
  • Explore the ancient city’s many temples, palaces, and squares (entry fee NPR 1500)

Afternoon

  • Head to Nagarkot, a scenic hill station with stunning Himalayan views (entry fee NPR 300)
  • Watch the sunset at Nagarkot, one of the most breathtaking experiences in Nepal

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Bhaktapur Kitchen, serving traditional Nepali cuisine ( approx. NPR 1000-2000 per meal)
  • Return to Kathmandu and rest at your hotel

Accommodation: Same as previous nights or similar

Tips:

  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for the day’s outdoor activities
  • Respect local customs and traditions in Bhaktapur
  • Be prepared for steep climbs and uneven terrain in Nagarkot

Day 4: Patan and Tibetan Refugee Camp

Morning

  • Take a bus or taxi to Patan ( approx. 30 minutes, NPR 500-1000 return)
  • Explore the ancient city’s many temples, palaces, and squares (entry fee NPR 1000)

Afternoon

  • Visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp, home to thousands of Tibetan refugees (free entry, but donations welcome)
  • Learn about their struggles, culture, and traditions at the camp’s museum and shops

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at The Lazy Grub, serving international cuisine with a focus on local ingredients ( approx. NPR 1500-3000 per meal)
  • Return to Kathmandu and rest at your hotel

Accommodation: Same as previous nights or similar

Tips:

  • Bring comfortable shoes for the day’s walking tour
  • Respect local customs and traditions in Patan
  • Be prepared for an emotional experience at the Tibetan Refugee Camp

Day 5: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring a local market
  • Check-out of your hotel and head to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) for your departure flight ( approx. 30-40 minutes, NPR 500-1000)

Transportation:

  • Taxi: easily available at airports, hotels, and popular tourist spots ( approx. NPR 500-1000 per ride)
  • Bus: regular services connect major tourist areas, including Thamel, Bhaktapur, Patan, and Nagarkot ( approx. NPR 100-300 per ride)

Things to Know:

  • Nepal is a cash-based economy, with limited ATM access and credit card acceptance
  • Power outages are common, be prepared with a portable charger and adapter
  • Respect local customs, traditions, and dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites

Other Tips:

  • Try to learn some basic Nepali phrases, such as “Namaste” (hello) and “Dhanyabaad” (thank you)
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas
  • Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at filtered water stations to reduce plastic waste

This itinerary provides a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty, showcasing the best of Kathmandu. However, feel free to customize it based on your preferences and interests!