Kathmandu Valley Tour
Trip Duration:
08 Days
Trip Code:
TKV
Trip Grade:
Moderate
No. of Pax:
2 - 16
From
$ 675/person
Overview
Kathmandu Valley Tour is specially designed package tour focuses on the cultural, historical and religious sites of the Kathmandu Valley. It is home to seven UNESCO declared World Heritage Sites (Cultural), consisting of countless temples, historical buildings, and monasteries. In Bhaktapur, you will visit the National Art Gallery—the museum, Taleju Temple, a number of artistically designed chowks (courtyards) including the Royal Bath, Yaksheswor Mahadev Temple, Siddhi Laxmi Temple, Indrayani Temple, Balakhu Ganesh Temple, Tripura-Sundari Temple. After lunch in Bhaktapur and in the late afternoon, you will drive to Nagarkot and stay overnight in hotel.
During the tour, you will visit the typical Newari villages of Chapagaon and Khokana and explore fascinating local cultures, immerse yourself in the stunning mountain views and walk through rice terraced fields. You will also have an opportunity to experience Nepal’s unity in diversity in all spheres. From Nagarkot, you will witness sunset view and the Himalayan Mountain Range. Then, you will hike to Changu Narayan, located on a high hilltop. It is ideal for beginning trekkers who want to try a day hike. This tour takes in a private vehicle, a multi-lingual tour guide, hotel accommodations with breakfast, lunch and dinner and entrance fees.
Itinerary:
Visit medieval cities of Kathmandu-Lalitpur & Bhaktapur Observe artistic exposition of graceful temples, elegant palaces, brick paved courtyards & narrow streets
Important Note:
The above itinerary is a guideline pattern which we offer tour of this type. But, unforeseen events such as weather, local politics, transportation etc., is beyond Trek Himalayan’s control could be resulted in a change of program. It is very unlikely to have such circumstances occurs but our effort is to minimize its effect, however Trek Himalayan is not responsible for the result of delays or changes.
Arrive at the (TIA) Tribhuwan International Airport where you will be welcomed by Trek Himalayan representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free until evening when you’ll enjoy a welcome drinks with your guide and introduce each other. Overnight in Kathmandu
Hotel Accommodation (Kathmandu)
Harati Manor Inn [or similar standard]This is an example of the hotel we may use in Kathmandu city. Your actual hotel will be specified when your booking is confirmed. Please check your email or booking confirmation.
After breakfast sightseeing tour begins which include all the religious, cultural & historical sites within the Kathmandu valley. Overnight in hotel
Pashupatinath (World Heritage Site):
One of the holiest Hindu shrines in the world, the temple of Pashupatinath is the focus of pilgrims from all over from Nepal and India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and built in the familiar pagoda Style. Chronicles indicate the temple’s existence prior to 400 A.D. It lies 5 kms east of the city centre. This holy place is picturesque collection of temples and shrines. All the dying persons are brought to Pashupatinath for cremation. Only the Hindus are allowed to go inside the temple.
Bouddhanath (World Heritage Site):
It is the world’s biggest stupa located about two km to the north of Pashupatinath temple. This colossal stupa is known by the name of Bouddhanath, the god of wisdom. It is difficult to assign a period to it as some believe that it was built during the reign of either Shiva Deva or Anshu Verma in the 17th
century A.D. The design is much like the Swoyambhu stupa, except that the final consists of receding squares instead of circles. Bouddhanath attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world.Swoyambhunath, Monkey Temple (World heritage Site):
The Swoyambhunath Stupa crowns a hillock to the west of Kathmandu. A massive white dome surrounded by a 13 stage spire, is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal. It is said to be 2000 years old. Its origins are linked to the founding of the Kathmandu Valley by draining the water of the
lake by Bouddhisattva Manjushree. Swoyambhunath manifested in the lake as a brilliant light emanating from a lotus, Manjushree let the water out of the valley paying homage to Swoyambhu, thus making the valley inhabitable.Kathmandu Durbar Square (World Heritage Site):
It is the nine-storied palace structure built around 1770 AD. This palace square was a residence to Nepal’s royal family. The house of the living goddess (Kumari), the ferocious Kal Bhairav, the red Monkey God and hundreds of erotic carvings are a few examples of the sights at the square. All woodcarvings,
statues and architectures in this area are exceptionally fine. Most parts of the palace premises are open for tourists thoughout the week during office hours.After breakfast you will visit Kirtipur, a medieval town located at the hilltop. This town is said to be established in the 12th century. The temples of Bagh Bhairava, Uma Meheswor, Chiancho Stupa are the highlights of the town. Dakshinkali is another destination of your tour where you will visit Dakshinkali
a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Kali the Goddess of power where various religious ceremonies held almost on daily basis. Basically, in Dashain festival people sacrifice many animals in the name of Goddess Kali. In the evening we drive back to Kathmandu for overnight in hotelAfter breakfast you will visit Patan the city of fine art and architecture. In this medieval city, you will visit Patan Durbar Square, Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Krishna Temple and Golden Temple. Then, we drive to Chapagaon – an ideal place to see the typical Newari lifestyle and their culture.
Bungamati – a typical Newari village, located 5km south of Patan, encircled by terraced rice fields and tightly clustered against a hilly slope. You will also visit Khokana Village which is famous for manufacturing mustard oil. Then, you will visit Karya Binakya which is 20 minute walking distance from
Khokana. In the evening we drive back to Kathmandu for overnight in hotelAfter breakfast we drive you to Bhaktapur to explore different cultural, religious and historical sites. In Bhaktapur you will visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Lion Gate, Golden Gate, Art Gallery, Statue of King Bhupatindra, Nyatapola Temple and fifty-five windowed Malla Palace. Here you will find unique culture and finest display of craftsmanship. Then, we drive you to Nagarkot for overnight stay in resort.
You wake up early in the morning to view nature at its best, as the most heavenly sight of sunrise rejuvenates your senses. You spend your day amidst the natural surroundings at Nagarkot. After breakfast we hike to Changu Narayan. It is just three hours downhill walk covering 10 km. During the hike you will have a chance to view the Himalayan mountain range, visit villages and temples. The trail is wide and easy to walk. It is an ideal trip for those with limited time but wish to experience a short hike in Nepal. After visiting Changu Narayan temple you will be picked up by our driver and taken back to Kathmandu.
On this pleasant day you may have a full day at leisure either relax at hotel or explore the around Thamel. Or, you may do your last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives.
Our airport representative will come to pick you up and transfer you to the International Airport according to your flight time…
NOTE: If you have booked Add On Package(s), your schedule will be conducted from tomorrow according to provided itinerary.
Trip Map:
What is included
What is Excluded
Kathmandu Valley Tour 2024/2025 Cost and Departure Dates
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Nitty Gritty
General Information
Nepal
Nepal is a small landlocked country of highly diverse and rich geography, culture, and religions. The mountainous north has eight of the world’s ten highest mountains, including Mount Everest. It contains over 240 peaks more than 20,000 ft (6,096 m) above sea level. The fertile and humid south is heavily urbanized. By some measures, it is a land of different arts and indigenous cultures well preserved since time immemorial. Hindu and Buddhist shrines found in the country are enriched with wood carving and bronzes, century’s old statues standing along the wayside and three popular historic cities – Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan have preserved their medieval splendor and architectural flavor till date.Geography
Nepal is located in South Asia between China in the north and India in the south, east and west. While the total land area is 147,181 sq. km including water area of the country that is 3,830 sq. km. The geographical coordinates are 28°00′N 84°00′E. Nepal falls in the temperate zone north of the Tropic of Cancer. Nepal’s ecological zones run east to west about 800 km along its Himalayan axis, 150 to 250 km north to south, and are vertically intersected by the river systems. The country can be divided into three main geographical regions: Himalayan region, mid hill region and Terai region. The highest point in the country is Mt. Everest (8,848 m) while the lowest point is in the Terai plains of Kechana Kalan in Jhapa (60 m). (Source NTB)Nepal Visa
All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points. It can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fee. People willing to get entry Visa at the airport or any of the land entry points are required to fill a visa form with passport photograph.
* Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January – December).Government Office Hours & Holidays
Sunday to Thursday: 1000hrs – 1700hrs (during summer)
Sunday to Thursday: 1000hrs – 1600hrs (during winter)
Friday: 1000hrs – 1500hrs.
Saturday: HolidayLanguage
Nepali, written in the Devanagari script, is the official language of Nepal. However, most people living in the city areas can understand and speak English fluently. Hindi language is widely understood across the country.Pre-Trip Meeting
On arrival in Kathmandu, our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our pre-booked hotel. There won’t be any activity on this day. We will host a pre-trip meeting at the hotel lobby on the 2nd day of your itinerary in the evening. It will be an opportunity for you to meet your trekking guide and introduce each other. The guide will brief you about the trek and check your gear to ensure the smooth running of your trekking trip.Tea House Lodge Trek & Meals
All accommodations will be on a twin sharing basis during the trek in family-run teahouse (lodge), with a large sociable central dining area and a cozy chimney burning fire. We recommend you to use your own sleeping bag. A typical lodge in Annapurna region offers muesli, porridges, Pancakes, bread with jam or eggs, fried eggs on toast, tea/coffee in breakfast and in dinner Dal, Bhat, lentil soup and other cuisines.Bathroom facilities
Most lodges offer hot showers and in the ones that don’t a bucket of water. In Annapurna, we find many western toilets and in some places there are usually just the Asian squat type toilets.Small Groups
Small groups provide a more intimate atmosphere allowing you to get to know your Sherpa guide/Tour Guide better and to develop lifelong friendships. Therefore, the maximum group size for this trek is 16 people. The minimum is 2 people.Weather Information
The main tour season in Nepal begins from early October to mid-May. During this period temperatures at most altitudes are generally comfortable for walking. Daytime temperatures will vary from 15ºC to 35ºC in the Kathmandu Valley to around 10ºC above higher altitudes. Different seasons offer different advantages for trekking.Post Monsoon/autumn: Mid-September to November
This is the main trekking season in Nepal. While trekking in mountains weather will be sunny and mild with clear mountain views. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping as low as to minus 10ºC at the highest altitudes.Winter: December to end February
Even it is cooler conditions this is an ideal time to trek in Nepal. Skies are usually very clear especially in December and the mountain views are at their best. Nights will be very cold with temperatures down to negative 12ºC to negative 20ºC at the highest altitudes but days are pleasant and sunny. The trails are also much less busy at this time of yearPre-monsoon/spring: March to May
Both day and night temperatures will be warmer in general but cloudiness will be occurred up in the afternoons. Seasonal flowers bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to trek in spring.INSURANCE
Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take out a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation. Please send us the following details such as your full name, policy number and the insurance company’s 24 hour emergency contact number prior to departure. We also strongly recommend that your policy must cover personal liability, flight/trip cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.Safety
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home – you don’t need it while travelling. Many of hotels in Nepal have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage
FAQ
- Nepal is a land of ancient history, colorful cultures and multi- religions found nowhere else on the planet! There are many festivals and cultural events celebrated throughout the year in the various regions by different Nepalese ethnic groups who follow their own way of religious practice, lifestyle, language, culture, and tradition keeping peace and harmony in society.
- Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu is the only international airport in Nepal. The national flag carrier, Nepal Airlines, and other international airlines directly connect Kathmandu with major cities around the world. Via Land All visitors coming to Nepal by land can enter through any of these entry points on the India- Nepal Border: Pani Tanki | Kakarbhitta Raxual | Birgunj Sunauli | Belahiya Rupaidiya | Nepalgunj Mohana | Dhangadi Banbasa | Mahendranagar, Gaddachauki and Khasa,Liping | Tatopani Overland tourists entering the country with their vehicles must possess an international carnet or complete customs formalities.
- A valid passport and one passport size photo with a light background. Immigration Department has not specified the size of the passport-size photo. Visa can be obtained only through payment of cash in the following currency: Euro, Swiss Franc, Pound Sterling, US dollar, Australian dollar, Canadian dollar, Hong-kong dollar, Singapore dollar and Japanese Yen. Note: Credit Card, Indian currency or Nepalese currency are not accepted for payment of Visa fee.
- There are ATMS in Kathmandu, Pokhara and other big cities in Nepal that accept AMERICAN EXPRESS, VISA and MASTERCARD.
- Major hotels, restaurants and curio shops accept AMERICAN EXPRESS, VISA and MASTERCARD. You can contact the banks for credit card services.
- Although specific immunization is not required to enter Nepal, it is; however, best to protect yourself against diseases such hepatitis, meningitis and Japanese encephalitis. Malaria has been reported in the Terai plains of Nepal, so take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes. Please notify the authorities or the hotel of any symptoms of bird or swine flu or any endemic.
- This Tour can be extended and there are many options and choices to extend your holiday before or after your main trip. Tour In-Charge will suggest for your holiday extensions. The extensions trip cost based on your request and itinerary.
