Location > Nepal > Kathmandu
Overview
The Monsoon season may wash out hiking trails in the hills and veil the mighty Himalayan peaks behind clouds and occasional rain, bringing Nepal’s trekking season to a temporary pause. Yet with thoughtful planning and a flexible mix of indoor and outdoor experiences, low-season travellers can enjoy the quieter months from June through mid-October while discovering Nepal’s ancient Hindu temples, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, colourful bazaars, and lively food markets.
Travelling in comfort in a private vehicle, step into the cultural heart of Nepal on our fully guided 6-day tour. Explore the beguiling capital of Kathmandu and the beautifully preserved medieval cities of Patan (Lalitpur) and Bhaktapur - each packed with UNESCO World Heritage sites, museums, former royal palaces, Buddhist chortens (stupas), roadside Hindu shrines, and charming cafés and restaurants.
Day 1: Arrival & the Sacred ‘Monkey Temple’
Your cultural odyssey begins the moment you touch down in Kathmandu. After checking into your hotel in the heart of Nepal’s capital and meeting your private guide, the magic starts at golden hour. Head to the iconic Swayambhunath on a lush hill to the west of Thamel district for a guided sunset stroll around the great Buddhist stupa. Join pilgrims as they walk around the base of the stupa’s white dome, with colourful prayer flags fluttering overhead. Enjoy sweeping valley views of Kathmandu (alongside the monkeys that give the pilgrimage site its nickname) as dusk settles. Sample the diverse culinary traditions of Nepal at a rooftop restaurant.
Top: Monkeys mingle with visitors to Swayambhunath, also known as the ‘Monkey Temple’; Left: View of Kathmandu from Swayambhunath; Right: The eyes of Buddha on the central spire of the Swayambhunath stupa
Day 2: Royal Squares & Vibrant Markets
Wake to a leisurely hotel breakfast before diving into the historic heart of Kathmandu. Your guide leads you through Kathmandu Durbar Square, exploring the sprawling royal palace complex of Hanuman Dhoka and the mysterious Kumari Ghar, home of one of Kathmandu’s living goddesses. Pause for a breezy rooftop lunch on Freak Street, the former haunt of marijuana-smoking hippies in the 1960s. Continue your exploration of Kathmandu’s winding streets and alleys in the waning afternoon light as you head to the colourful chaos of Asan Tole’s markets.
Top left: Carpets, trinkets, fresh vegetables can be found at Kathmandu’s bazaars; Top right: Busy roadside stores at Asan Tole northeast of Kathmandu’s Durbar Square; Bottom: Hindu devotees at Kathmandu’s Durbar Square;
Day 3: Cooking, Boudha & Café Culture
After breakfast, your guide drops you at one of Kathmandu’s best cooking schools for a hands-on class where you learn to prepare authentic Nepali dishes such as dal bhat, Nepal’s national dish. Afterwards, enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour of Boudha — circling the great stupa of Boudhanath under the watchful eyes of Buddha atop its spire, visiting Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and soaking in the spiritual energy radiating from the monument. Cap the day with sunset drinks and a rooftop dinner at one of the many modern restaurants.
Left: Entrance to Boudhanath, a site sacred to Tibetan Buddhists; Top Left: Buddhist monks prostrate themselves as they circumambulate the Boudhanath stupa; Bottom Right: View of the Boudhanath stupa from a roof-top restaurant
Day 4: Patan’s Royal Heritage & Nepal’s Best Museum
Breakfast at the hotel sets the tone for a full day in Patan (also known as Lalitpur, the City of Beauty), a medieval city less than an hour from Kathmandu. Arrive at Patan Durbar Square to explore its exquisite temples and royal architecture before stepping inside the Patan Museum, possibly Nepal’s best museum. Enjoy lunch at the museum’s charming café. The afternoon features a guided walk north of the square, including the must-visit Buddhist Golden Temple. As evening falls, your guide escorts you to the trendy Jhamsikhel district for drinks and dinner.
Clockwise from Top Left: Historic gateway to Patan from Kathmandu; Door to a Buddhist shrine; a Buddha statue at the centuries-old Golden Temple; a Hindu temple honouring Shiva; outside the Patan Museum; a Buddha statue in the museum
Day 5: Bhaktapur’s Medieval Charm & Cremation Rites
Start with hotel breakfast, then journey to the medieval city of Bhaktapur, about an hour east of Kathmandu. Marvel at the three royal squares of Bhaktapur, filled with centuries-old Hindu temples, followed by coffee and people-watching at the pagoda-like Café Harati. Savour lunch at De Temple Café before the scenic drive back to Kathmandu. The day culminates with a late afternoon visit to Pashupatinath, where you reflect on the meaning of life as you witness fiery Hindu cremation rites by the murky Bagmati River. The evening is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace.
Clockwise from Left: Triple-roof Bhairabnath Temple dedicated to the fearsome incarnation of Shiva; tourists at the western gate of Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square; Bhaktapur is popular with tourists, domestic and foreign alike; narrow alleyways in Bhaktapur, which was founded in the 8th century; a cremation rite on the ghats of Pashupatinath in Kathmandu
Day 6: Ethical Shopping & Departure
Enjoy one last breakfast at the hotel. With time permitting, indulge in last-minute shopping at Dhukuti or Mahaguthi for scarves, home furnishings, and bags produced by family-based makers before your departure from Kathmandu.
Safe travels – and Namaste!
START/END Kathmandu
LODGINGS Hotel
MEALS Breakfast
TRANSPORTATION Private vehicle
SEASON June to mid-October
TOUR DURATION 6 days
TOUR GRADING Very easy
How Big is Your group?
Just myself……….$700
Two people……….$500 each
Three people……$470 each
Four people………$430 each
For larger groups, just ask us!
TOUR INCLUDES
Pick up from airport on day of arrival
Hotel stay in Kathmandu for 5 nights
Private vehicle to all locations on the itinerary
English-speaking and government-trained guide
Tickets to all locations on the itinerary
TOUR EXCLUDES
Lunch and dinner (though we will recommend options that complement the itinerary and your experience)
Visa fees and cost of international travel to and from Kathmandu
Personal expenses
Travel insurance