Mid-rangeeasy

5-Day Cultural Heritage Tour of Kathmandu Valley

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Kathmandu Valley with this comprehensive 5-day tour. Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, experience authentic Nepali cuisine, participate in traditional ceremonies, and interact with local artisans. This itinerary perfectly balances guided tours with free time for personal exploration.

5 Days
$450-$650 per person
2-8 people

Highlights

  • Visit 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Traditional Newari cooking class
  • Sunrise at Swayambhunath Temple
  • Pottery workshop in Bhaktapur
  • Evening Aarti ceremony at Pashupatinath
  • Authentic Newari feast in Patan

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Thamel Exploration

Welcome to Kathmandu! After airport pickup, check into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant Thamel district.

Estimated Cost
$50-$70
10:00 AM

Airport Arrival and Hotel Check-in

transfer

Meet your guide at Tribhuvan International Airport. Transfer to hotel in Thamel (approximately 30 minutes depending on traffic). Complete check-in and freshen up.

Tribhuvan International Airport to Thamel2 hoursIncluded in package
1:00 PM

Thamel Walking Tour

cultural

Guided walking tour of Thamel's bustling streets. Visit local bookshops, trekking gear stores, handicraft shops, and cafes. Learn about the history of this tourist hub.

Thamel2 hours$10 (guide tip)
4:00 PM

Garden of Dreams Visit

relaxation

Relax in this beautifully restored neo-classical garden. Built in 1920, it's a peaceful oasis in the heart of Kathmandu.

Garden of Dreams, Thamel1.5 hours$3 entry fee
6:30 PM

Welcome Dinner with Cultural Show

cultural

Enjoy traditional Nepali dinner while watching live cultural performances featuring traditional dances from different ethnic groups of Nepal.

Traditional Nepali Restaurant, Thamel2 hours$25-$30Booking Required
Breakfast

On flight or airport

$10-$15

Lunch

Local restaurants in Thamel

$8-$12

Dinner

Traditional Nepali Restaurant

$25-$30

Tips for Day 1
  • -Exchange some currency at the airport for immediate expenses
  • -Ask your hotel to arrange an early morning wake-up call for Day 2
  • -Don't drink tap water - stick to bottled water
  • -Keep your room key safe as many hotels charge for replacements

Day 2: Kathmandu's Spiritual Heart

Experience the spiritual essence of Kathmandu by visiting its most sacred sites: Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath temples, plus the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa.

Estimated Cost
$60-$80
6:00 AM

Sunrise at Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

spiritual

Watch the sunrise from this ancient hilltop temple complex. Observe morning rituals, spin prayer wheels, and enjoy panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. Watch out for the resident monkeys!

Swayambhunath Stupa2 hours$3 entry fee
10:00 AM

Kathmandu Durbar Square Tour

cultural

Explore the ancient royal palace complex, home to stunning temples, courtyards, and the living goddess Kumari. Marvel at intricate wood carvings and pagoda-style architecture.

Kathmandu Durbar Square2.5 hours$15 entry fee
2:00 PM

Boudhanath Stupa Visit

spiritual

Visit one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk clockwise around the stupa, observe Tibetan monks in prayer, and shop for authentic Tibetan handicrafts.

Boudhanath2 hours$3 entry fee
5:00 PM

Pashupatinath Temple Evening Aarti

spiritual

Witness the sacred evening Aarti ceremony at Nepal's holiest Hindu temple. Observe cremation ceremonies along the Bagmati River (from a respectful distance) and learn about Hindu death rituals.

Pashupatinath Temple2 hours$15 entry fee
Breakfast

Hotel

Included

Lunch

Local restaurant near Durbar Square

$10-$15

Dinner

Tibetan restaurants around Boudhanath

$12-$18

Tips for Day 2
  • -Bring small bills for temple offerings and donations
  • -Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip
  • -Dress modestly - cover shoulders and knees
  • -Bring water and snacks
  • -Respect photography restrictions at religious sites

Day 3: Patan - City of Fine Arts

Explore the ancient city of Patan, known for its exceptional craftsmanship, beautiful temples, and the finest collection of Nepali art.

Estimated Cost
$80-$100
9:00 AM

Patan Durbar Square

cultural

Visit this architectural marvel featuring intricately carved temples, palaces, and courtyards. The square is less crowded than Kathmandu's and offers better preserved structures.

Patan Durbar Square2 hours$10 entry fee
11:30 AM

Patan Museum Tour

cultural

Explore one of the finest museums in Asia, housed in a restored palace. Discover exquisite collections of bronze statues, religious art, and traditional Nepali metalwork.

Patan Museum1.5 hoursIncluded in Durbar Square ticket
2:00 PM

Traditional Newari Cooking Class

culinary

Learn to prepare authentic Newari dishes including momo, bara, and chatamari. Shop for ingredients at a local market, then cook and enjoy your creations with the host family.

Local family home in Patan3.5 hours$45-$55 per personBooking Required
6:00 PM

Artisan Workshop Visits

cultural

Visit local metalwork and thangka painting workshops. Watch master craftsmen at work and learn about traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Patan artisan district1.5 hoursFree (optional purchases)
Breakfast

Hotel

Included

Lunch

Patan Museum Café or local restaurant

$10-$15

Dinner

Cooking class

Included in cooking class

Tips for Day 3
  • -Bargaining is expected when shopping for handicrafts
  • -Ask permission before photographing artisans at work
  • -The museum café has excellent views - great for a coffee break
  • -Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets

Day 4: Bhaktapur - The Living Medieval City

Step back in time in Bhaktapur, an ancient city that has preserved its traditional way of life, architecture, and craftsmanship.

Estimated Cost
$60-$80
8:00 AM

Drive to Bhaktapur

transfer

Scenic drive to Bhaktapur, the best-preserved medieval city in Nepal. The journey takes you through rural landscapes and traditional villages.

Kathmandu to Bhaktapur1 hourIncluded
9:30 AM

Bhaktapur Durbar Square Exploration

cultural

Wander through this UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the 55-Window Palace, Golden Gate, and numerous temples. The square is less touristy and more authentic than Kathmandu's.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square2.5 hours$18 entry fee (valid for entire day)
12:00 PM

Pottery Square Workshop

artisan

Visit the famous Pottery Square where potters still use traditional wheels. Try your hand at pottery making and watch craftsmen create beautiful clay pots and figurines.

Pottery Square, Bhaktapur1.5 hours$20 for workshop participationBooking Required
2:30 PM

Juju Dhau (King Curd) Tasting

culinary

Taste the famous Juju Dhau, Bhaktapur's legendary sweet yogurt served in traditional clay pots. Visit a local dairy to learn how it's made.

Local dairy, Bhaktapur30 minutes$3-$5
3:30 PM

Nyatapola Temple and Taumadhi Square

cultural

Visit Nepal's tallest pagoda temple and explore the vibrant Taumadhi Square. Climb to the top for stunning views and observe local life in the surrounding cafes.

Taumadhi Square, Bhaktapur1.5 hoursIncluded in Durbar Square ticket
Breakfast

Hotel

Included

Lunch

Traditional restaurants in Bhaktapur

$8-$12

Dinner

Back in Thamel, Kathmandu

$12-$20

Tips for Day 4
  • -Bhaktapur entry ticket is valid for the entire day
  • -Try local specialties like Bara and Wo
  • -Best light for photography is in the morning
  • -Many handicraft shops offer better prices than Kathmandu
  • -Consider extending your stay if you love traditional culture

Day 5: Leisure Morning and Departure

Enjoy a relaxed morning for last-minute shopping or personal exploration before your departure.

Estimated Cost
$20-$40 (depending on shopping and meals)
8:00 AM

Leisure Breakfast and Hotel Check-out

leisure

Enjoy your final breakfast in Kathmandu. Complete hotel check-out and prepare for departure. Store luggage at hotel if needed.

Hotel1.5 hoursIncluded
10:00 AM

Last Minute Shopping and Exploration

leisure

Free time for souvenir shopping in Thamel, revisiting favorite spots, or relaxing at a café. Options include visiting the local supermarket for Nepali tea, spices, and snacks to take home.

Thamel2-3 hoursAs per shopping
As per flight

Airport Transfer

transfer

Private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. Arrive at least 3 hours before international flights. Say goodbye to Nepal with wonderful memories!

Thamel to Airport45 minutes to 1 hour (traffic dependent)Included in package
Breakfast

Hotel

Included

Lunch

Thamel restaurants or airport

$10-$15

Dinner

Airport or on flight

$15-$25

Tips for Day 5
  • -Keep your flight documents easily accessible
  • -Save some local currency for airport expenses
  • -Arrive at airport 3 hours before international flights
  • -Double-check you have all your belongings from the hotel
  • -Get to the airport early as traffic can be unpredictable

Cost Breakdown

accommodation$150-$250
food$75-$125
transport$50-$80
activities$100-$150
shopping$50-$100
miscellaneous$25-$45
Total$450-$650 per person

Trip Details

Best SeasonOctober to April
Group Size2-8 people

Packing List

  • -Comfortable walking shoes
  • -Light jacket
  • -Sun hat and sunscreen
  • -Modest clothing for temples
  • -Camera
  • -Reusable water bottle
  • -Small backpack
  • -Basic first-aid kit

Required Documents

  • -Valid passport
  • -Nepal tourist visa
  • -Travel insurance
  • -Hotel bookings
  • -Emergency contact information