Kathmandu ValleyHeritage
5
Day Itinerary •
Nepal
Five days in the Kathmandu Valley and Nepal's heritage gives you the full extraordinary depth of the finest concentration of UNESCO World Heritage sites in Asia, from the remarkable Pashupatinath burning ghats and the extraordinary Boudhanath stupa to the fine Patan Durbar Square, the remarkable Nagarkot Himalayan sunrise and the extraordinary Chitwan National Park with the finest Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros wildlife in South Asia. This extended route covers Kathmandu Valley and Nepal's extraordinary lowlands. The Kathmandu sacred sites and heritage circuit across Days 1 and 2, the Nagarkot sunrise and Bhaktapur on Day 3, the extraordinary Chitwan National Park arrival and Tharu culture on Day 4, and the remarkable dawn tiger safari and return with the hidden Kirtipur Newar city on Day 5.
Best Time To Visit
October to November and March to May
Getting There
Fly into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
Getting Around
Taxi in Kathmandu, bus or tourist bus to Chitwan
Budget Per Day
Approx 50 to 130 USD per person per day
Difficulity
Easy, some walking on heritage sites
DAY 1
SACRED SITES
MORNING
PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE AND BAGMATI GHATS
The most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal and one of the holiest Shaivite sites in the world, the extraordinary Pashupatinath Temple complex on the banks of the holy Bagmati River where the remarkable open-air cremation ghats burn continuously and the fine sadhus in saffron robes meditate on the extraordinary stone steps. The remarkable temple precincts, the fine lingam shrines and the extraordinary atmosphere of living Hindu religious practice on the Bagmati river ghats are unlike any other religious site in Asia. Non-Hindus approx 1,000 NPR entry to outer precincts. 20 min drive
MIDDAY
BOUDHANATH STUPA
The most extraordinary Buddhist monument in Nepal and one of the largest stupas in the world, the remarkable Boudhanath rising 36 metres from the extraordinary mandala-shaped platform. The fine all-seeing eyes of Buddha painted on each face of the remarkable white dome watch over the extraordinary Tibetan Buddhist community that surrounds the stupa. The remarkable circumambulation of the fine stupa on the extraordinary circular road lined with Buddhist monasteries and the fine prayer wheel spinning devotees creates the most extraordinary Buddhist atmosphere outside Tibet. 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE
The extraordinary Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing the remarkable Kumari Ghar where the living goddess Kumari resides, the fine Kasthamandap pavilion from the 12th century whose extraordinary wooden construction gave Kathmandu its name, and the remarkable Hanuman Dhoka old royal palace. The extraordinary Taleju Temple towering above the fine square and the remarkable 17th-century stone temples create the finest medieval religious complex in the Kathmandu Valley. Entry approx 1,000 NPR.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Rato Machhendranath Temple in Patan, the most remarkable chariot festival temple in the Kathmandu Valley, is dedicated to the rain-bringing deity pulled through the streets in an extraordinary 60-metre bamboo chariot during the remarkable Rato Machhendranath festival in April and May. The fine temple complex is the most extraordinary example of Newar Buddhist-Hindu syncretic architecture in Nepal.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Cafe du Temple, Pashupatinath Simple good breakfast near the extraordinary Pashupatinath before the early morning cremations and sadhus. | Lunch: Boudhanath cafes Outstanding Tibetan food in the remarkable Boudhanath monastery restaurants. Extraordinary tsampa, momos and fine butter tea. | Dinner: Thamel House Restaurant The finest traditional Newar restaurant in Kathmandu. Extraordinary thakali set meal and remarkable local raksi grain spirit.
DAY 2
VALLEY HERITAGE
MORNING
PATAN DURBAR SQUARE AND PATAN MUSEUM
The most extraordinary Durbar Square in the Kathmandu Valley, the remarkable Patan Durbar Square with its extraordinary concentration of Newari temples, the fine Krishna Mandir from 1637 with 21 spires, the remarkable Bhimsen Temple and the outstanding Golden Temple. The extraordinary Patan Museum in the former royal palace wing is the finest museum of Newar art in Nepal, with remarkable bronzes, extraordinary stone sculptures and the fine collection of Tantric art objects. Entry approx 1,000 NPR for Patan, approx 500 NPR for museum. 30 min drive
MIDDAY
SWAYAMBHUNATH MONKEY TEMPLE
The extraordinary Swayambhunath, the oldest Buddhist monument in Nepal on its remarkable hilltop above Kathmandu with the fine all-seeing eyes on the great white stupa visible from across the valley. The remarkable 365-step climb through the extraordinary Buddhist monument complex past stone Buddhas, fine prayer flags and the remarkable resident monkey troops leads to the most extraordinary elevated view of the Kathmandu Valley and the distant Himalaya on clear mornings. Entry approx 200 NPR. 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE AND POTTERY SQUARE
The extraordinary Bhaktapur, the finest medieval city in the Kathmandu Valley, where the remarkable 55-Window Palace, the outstanding Nyatapola Temple with its remarkable five-tiered pagoda and the extraordinary Dattatreya Square create the finest Newari urban heritage in Nepal. The fine Pottery Square in Bhaktapur where remarkable traditional potters still work at their wheels in the extraordinary open square with the fine pagoda above is the most extraordinary living craft tradition in the Kathmandu Valley. Entry approx 1,800 NPR.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Changu Narayan Temple on the hilltop above Bhaktapur, the oldest Hindu temple in Nepal with a remarkable documented history from the 4th century CE, is the finest and most overlooked UNESCO heritage site in the Kathmandu Valley. The extraordinary Licchavi-era stone carvings from the 5th to 7th centuries CE are the finest ancient sculpture accessible in Nepal. Entry approx 300 NPR.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Hotel breakfast or Patan cafe Good breakfast before Patan Durbar Square. Arrive early before the tour groups at the museum. | Lunch: Cafe de Patan Outstanding modern Nepali restaurant in the extraordinary Patan museum courtyard. Fine set lunch. | Dinner: Bhojan Griha, Kathmandu The finest Newar dining experience in Kathmandu in a remarkable 100-year-old mansion. Extraordinary traditional Newar feast.
DAY 3
HIMALAYAN VIEWS
MORNING
NAGARKOT HIMALAYAN SUNRISE
The extraordinary Nagarkot, the finest sunrise viewpoint in the Kathmandu Valley, 32km east of Kathmandu at 2,175 metres where the remarkable panorama of the Himalayan range stretches from Dhaulagiri in the west to Kangchenjunga in the east on clear mornings. The extraordinary view of the entire central Himalayan arc including the remarkable profiles of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and the fine Annapurna massif simultaneously from the Nagarkot tower is the finest mountain panorama accessible by road in Nepal. Leave by 5am from Kathmandu. 1 hour drive
MIDDAY
DHULIKHEL AND NAMOBUDDHA
The extraordinary Dhulikhel, the finest traditional Newar hill town in the Kathmandu Valley, with the remarkable Himalayan views from the old town streets and the fine 13th-century temples. The remarkable Namobuddha hilltop monastery 10km east of Dhulikhel, one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal where the remarkable legend of the compassionate prince who gave his body to feed a starving tigress took place, is the finest monastery setting in the valley with the extraordinary Himalayan backdrop. 1 hour drive
AFTERNOON
THAMEL QUARTER AND DEPARTURE
The extraordinary Thamel quarter, the finest trekking supply and cultural bazaar in Asia, where the remarkable concentration of trekking gear shops, fine traditional Thangka painting studios, the outstanding gem and craft markets and the fine rooftop restaurants create the most extraordinary travellers' neighbourhood in the Himalayan region. The remarkable Freak Street adjacent, Nepal's extraordinary 1970s hippie trail quarter, retains the finest authentic Kathmandu character.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Kopan Monastery on the hill north of Boudhanath, a remarkable Tibetan Buddhist monastery offering extraordinary meditation retreats from one day to one month, is the finest meditation experience accessible from Kathmandu. The remarkable daily puja ceremony at sunrise is open to visitors and the extraordinary monastery garden viewpoint gives the finest panorama of the Kathmandu Valley. Free entry to the monastery grounds. ourhiddenearth.com
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Nagarkot lodge Extraordinary dawn breakfast at the Nagarkot viewpoint with the remarkable Himalayan range turning gold at sunrise. | Lunch: Dhulikhel village Outstanding traditional dal bhat tarkari set meal at a fine Dhulikhel local restaurant with Himalayan views. | Dinner: Fire and Ice Pizzeria or OR2K Fine Thamel farewell dinner. Extraordinary Kathmandu pizza or remarkable Middle Eastern food before departure.
DAY 4
CHITWAN
MORNING
CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK ARRIVAL AND JUNGLE WALK
The extraordinary Chitwan National Park in the Terai lowlands 6 hours south of Kathmandu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the finest wildlife reserve in Nepal, where the remarkable one-horned rhinoceros, the extraordinary Bengal tiger, the fine gharial crocodile and the remarkable elephants live in the extraordinary sal forest and grassland ecosystem of the inner Terai. The fine morning jungle walk with a naturalist guide gives the most extraordinary wildlife encounter in Nepal. 6 hours bus
MIDDAY
ELEPHANT BREEDING CENTRE AND RAPTI RIVER
The extraordinary Chitwan Elephant Breeding Centre, the finest conservation project in Nepal, where the remarkable conservation breeding of the Asian elephant has produced extraordinary results in the park elephant population. The fine Rapti River canoe trip through the extraordinary grassland and forest gives the finest water-level view of the remarkable Chitwan wildlife including the extraordinary one-horned rhinoceros drinking at the river bank. 20 min walk
AFTERNOON
THARU CULTURAL PROGRAMME AND VILLAGE WALK
The extraordinary Tharu indigenous community cultural programme in the remarkable Sauraha village adjacent to the park, where the fine Tharu stick dance, the extraordinary traditional music and the remarkable village walk through the fine Tharu houses give the finest cultural experience in the Terai lowlands. The outstanding Tharu people have lived alongside the remarkable Bengal tiger for generations and their extraordinary relationship with the forest is the finest indigenous ecological knowledge in Nepal.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Indian peafowl in Chitwan National Park, so common in the remarkable Sauraha buffer zone that they walk freely through the lodges and village paths, and the fine Greater one-horned rhinoceros which can be encountered at very close range on foot with a guide, are the finest wildlife highlights of Chitwan for visitors who may not see a tiger on a short visit.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Chitwan lodge Outstanding Terai breakfast at the extraordinary Chitwan jungle lodge. Fine dal and remarkable fresh jungle herbs. | Lunch: Sauraha riverside Outstanding Nepali thali at a fine Sauraha riverside restaurant with remarkable Rapti river views. | Dinner: Chitwan lodge dinner Outstanding traditional Tharu feast at the extraordinary jungle lodge. Fine wild boar curry and remarkable local rice.
DAY 5
WILDLIFE AND RETURN
MORNING
RHINO AND TIGER WILDLIFE SAFARI
The extraordinary Chitwan National Park jeep safari at dawn, the finest wildlife experience in Nepal, when the remarkable Bengal tiger, extraordinary one-horned rhinoceros and fine sloth bear are most active in the extraordinary sal forest and tall grassland. The remarkable chance of seeing the extraordinary Royal Bengal tiger in the wild in Chitwan is the finest in South Asia outside Ranthambore. The outstanding birdwatching includes the extraordinary Greater Adjutant stork and the fine Bengal Florican. 30 min drive
MIDDAY
RETURN TO KATHMANDU
The extraordinary return journey from the remarkable Terai lowlands back through the fine Mahabharat hills to the Kathmandu Valley, passing through the remarkable Prithvi Highway along the extraordinary Trishuli River gorge with outstanding views of the fine Himalayan foothills. The remarkable change in landscape from the extraordinary tropical Terai jungle to the remarkable Himalayan hill country and the fine Kathmandu Valley is the finest single journey in Nepal. 1 hour walk
AFTERNOON
KIRTIPUR HIDDEN CITY WALK
The extraordinary Kirtipur, the most remarkable and least visited medieval Newar city in the Kathmandu Valley, perched on a remarkable twin-peaked ridge 5km southwest of Kathmandu with the finest view of the valley floor below. The remarkable old city of Kirtipur resisted the Gorkha conquest for years and retains an extraordinary pride and the finest intact Newar urban fabric in the valley. The outstanding Chilancho Stupa and the fine Bagh Bhairab Temple are the finest hidden heritage in Kathmandu Valley.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Kopan Monastery on the hill north of Boudhanath, a remarkable Tibetan Buddhist monastery offering extraordinary meditation retreats from one day to one month, is the finest meditation experience accessible from Kathmandu. The remarkable daily puja ceremony at sunrise is open to visitors and the extraordinary monastery garden viewpoint gives the finest panorama of the Kathmandu Valley. Free entry to the monastery grounds.
������ WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Dawn safari breakfast Simple tea and biscuits before the early morning extraordinary tiger safari. | Lunch: Highway stop en route Fine dal bhat at a remarkable roadside Nepali restaurant on the extraordinary Prithvi Highway. | Dinner: Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu The finest farewell dinner in Nepal at the extraordinary heritage hotel with remarkable Newari architecture.
Where To Stay
Thamel, Kathmandu Hotel Yak and Yeti or Dwarika's Hotel. Approx 60 to 300 USD per night. Chitwan, Night 4 Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge or Jungle Safari Camp. Approx 80 to 250 USD per night. Budget Kathmandu Guest House or Chitwan budget lodges. Approx 15 to 50 USD per night.
Top Tips
1. Book Chitwan jeep safari 24 hours ahead through your lodge. Tiger sightings are not guaranteed.
2. Visit Pashupatinath between 6 and 8am for the most extraordinary Hindu ritual activity.
3. The Bhaktapur entry fee is among the highest in Nepal. Allow a full half-day for the extraordinary city.
4. Nagarkot sunrise requires leaving Kathmandu by 4:30am. Arrange the taxi the evening before.
5. Chitwan malaria prophylaxis is recommended during monsoon season. Consult a travel health clinic.
6. The Dwarika's Hotel in Kathmandu is the finest hotel in Nepal. Book well ahead.
Total Budget
60 to 450 USD/day