See the sights of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal on a 6-hour tour of an area that covers 218 square miles (350 kilometers). Kathmandu Valley contains 3 fabulous cities of great historic, religious, and cultural interest: Kathmandu (Kantipur), Patan (Lalitpur), and Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur). The Kathmandu Valley has often been described as an open-air art gallery with thousands of sacred shrines in brick, stone, metal, and wood scattered throughout it. On your tour, you will not be able to see the entire valley, but you will be taken to some of the most important and monumental sites. Many of these are squares or temples that are also designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kathmandu Durbar Square This square is home to a house full of woodcarvings of different gods and goddesses. In this 3-story palace you will also find the living Goddess Kumari. Both Hindus and Buddhists venerate her, and she serves as an illustration of the harmony between the Hindu and Buddhist people. One of the popular temples of Kathmandu Durbar Square is Kashamandap, locally known as Maru Sattal. It is believed that the name of Kathmandu City is derived from the name of this temple, and it is said that this temple is built by one single Sal (sorea robusta) tree. At the center of this temple, one can see the statue of a Hindu god Gorakhnath and in the 4 corners of the temple one can see Ganesh statues. The most visited temple of Kathmandu is Maru Ganesh. The people of Kathmandu Valley believe that the 4 Ganesh statues in the 4 corners of Kathmandu Valley protect the people living in Kathmandu. Every day people go to worship this temple, and especially on Tuesdays, you can see a long line of people waiting for hours to worship. Other interesting things to see here are Mahadev Temple, Shiva Parvati Temple, Bhagwati Temple, Old Palace, Saraswoti Temple, Krishna Octangular Temple, Big Drums, Kal Bhairav, Jagannath Temple, and Tal. Swayambhunath/Monkey Temple Swayambhunath / Monkey Temple is a 2,500-year-old Stupa situated overlooking Kathmandu Valley. Its name comes from the holy monkey living in part of the complex. The painted eyes on 4 sides symbolize the all-seeing eyes of Buddha, and the site is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Pashupatinath Temple Pashupatinath is a temple of Lord Shiva and the most sacred of the 275 Shiva temples worldwide. It is also the oldest temple in Kathmandu. The Bagmati River runs alongside the temple, and is the site not only of pilgrims who bathe in the river, but also contains a special area where members of the royal family are cremated. Boudhanath Stupa Boudhanath Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also one of the biggest in the world. It is the most important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists, who come here by the thousands during the winter festival to pay their respect. Patan Durbar Square Patan Durbar Square is home to the former Patan Royal Family. The most photographed of Kathmandu’s 3 Durbar Squares, it features a remarkable display of Newari architecture. Its main attractions include the Krishna Temple, with its 21 golden pinnacles, Rudra Varna Mahavihar, a Buddhist Monastery that houses local treasures, and the central courtyard of Mul Chowk.

Discover 4 different UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley including the Pashupathinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, Swyambhunath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Learn the history from an English-speaking guide and embark on a 6-hour sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu Durbar Square Begin the tour at Kathmandu Durbar Square, one of the royal palaces and known as one of the cultural and political hubs of Nepal. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kathmandu Durbar Square is also one of three Durbar Squares in Kathmandu Valley. Though a few buildings collapsed after the devastating earthquake on April 25th, 2015, you can observe the spectacular art and architecture of the ancient Malla and Shah dynasties. Swayambhunath Temple Continue the tour and head to the Swayambhunath Temple, also known as the “Monkey temple”. Situated on a small hillock on the west of Kathmandu city, it is a sacred place for Buddhist pilgrimages from all over the world. The painted eyes on the 4 sides of the main stupa represent wisdom and compassion. One can still observe the art and architecture at Swayambhunath which is believed to date back to the beginning of the 5th century. Boudhanath Stupa Boudhanath Stupa is one of the biggest UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world and a sacred site for Buddhist pilgrimages. Boudhanath is located on the ancient trade route between Nepal and Tibet. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of the Kassapa Buddha. Pashupatinath Temple On the last stop of the tour, you will visit the Pashupatinath Temple. The sacred Hindu shrine Pashupatinath is located on the bank of the Bagmati River on the eastern side of Kathmandu. The main temple of Pashupatinath was built using Pagoda-style architecture with four main doors. Though some of the buildings in the Pashupati area were damaged, the main building remained intact during the 2015 earthquake.

Immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of the Kathmandu Valley on this guided tour. After getting picked up from your hotel, head to Kathmandu Durbar Square. Here, marvel at the architecture of the Royal Palace and admire several other buildings of religious and cultural importance including 3rd-century temples and courtyards. Continue your tour with a visit to Swyambunath Stupa. Here, get up close and personal with the site's resident monkeys and admire a range of shrines and temples before heading to your next stop, Bouddhanath Stupa. At Bouddhanath, pay your respects at the temple, which is considered to be the holiest temple in the world outside of Tibet, and marvel at the architecture at one of the world's largest stupas. Finally, visit Pashupatinath temple, which is one of the biggest Hindus temples in Nepal and believed to be the oldest in the country. Here, immerse yourself in Hindu traditions and learn more about why this temple is frequented by up to 7,000,000 devotees each year on the day of the Mahashivratri Festival. Get dropped off back at your hotel at the end of the day.

In the morning you’ll be picked up from your hotel for a full-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the “city of glory.”  First stop is Durbar (Palace) Square, the epicenter of religious and cultural life. The square is full of temples and old buildings in the Newari architectural style, such as the Hanuman Dhoka and Taleju Temple.  Afterwards, you’ll visit Swoyambhunath Stupa. Said to be one of the oldest Buddhist shrines in the world, it is set high on a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley.  Next stop is Pashupatinath Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This massive temple complex sits alongside the banks of the holy Bagmati River.  Finally visit Boudhanath, a Buddhist shrine said to be one of the largest in the world. This massive structure stands tall with four pairs of eyes, each facing the four cardinal directions.  At the end of the day you’ll be dropped back to your hotel in Kathmandu.

Start your tour by walking from your hotel to the nearby busy Ason, the oldest market place in Kathmandu, where you can witness the daily lives of the locals. As you walk, pass along busy streets, shops, squares, and ancient temples. Next, head to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historical and religious location where many temples, palaces, shrines are located. Take a trip to the nearby famous Freak Street, the most popular junction during the Hippy era. Afterward continue to the Monkey Temple, Swayambhunath, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, located at the top of a hill that will give you the most spectacular panoramic view of the entire Kathmandu Valley. Then, walk back to Thamel or alternatively, you can take a taxi from Swayambhunath to Thamel.

As the sun goes down discover the myriad sights, sounds, and smells of nighttime Kathmandu. Sit back and relax as your cycle rickshaw is expertly navigated through the buzzing backstreets and atmospheric laneways of this energetic place. Leaving Thamel behind, head towards Durbar Square. Be sure to keep an eye out en route for many of the bustling local markets including Asan, a vegetable and spice market. This is also the oldest market square in all of Kathmandu. Continue on to Durbar Square filled with age-old temples, palaces and shrines that are bound to enchant. Park yourself in one of the temple squares to witness the world go by– a truly special experience. Or perhaps sip on some local chai, be bold and taste fiery rakshi (local brew) at one of the local stalls or taverns, or simply hang out in one of the hippie era pie shops on Freak Street. It will never be a dull moment here. After the sights and sounds of this magical place have been absorbed, climb up onto your rickshaw for the return ride back to Thamel.

Get picked up from your hotel in Kathmandu and head straight to Kathmandu Durbar Square. Explore this incredibly diverse and historic city with your expert guide and take some time to marvel at the breathtaking Newari architecture of the Kumari Temple and Taleju Bhawani Temple. Then travel 13 kilometers east to the city of Bhaktapur where you can see the world-famous Golden Gate of Bhaktapur for yourself. Wander through massive royal courtyards and admire some fine displays of craftsmanship in Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Finally, visit Patan, also known as the City of Beauty, and experience its unique Durbar Square where you can visit the museum famous for its traditional sacred Nepalese art pieces. Sample some traditional cuisine here and experience the hospitable nature of the locals. At the end of your tour, get dropped off back at your hotel just in time for dinner.

Day 1: Arrival to Kathmandu Following your arrival to Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel to check in. Following that, begin some city sightseeing which includes the Pashupatinath Temple - the most sacred of the Hindu temples in Nepal. Moving on, discover the Boudha Nath Temple, which is the world’s largest stupa. Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing Your morning city sightseeing tour visits highlights of the city, including Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka, the ancient royal residential quarter, Mahadev, and the Parvati Temple. Later, explore the Swayambhunath Stupa, before moving on to Patan City and Bhaktapur City. Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara Following breakfast, check out from your hotel before driving to Pokhara. Enjoy the beautiful 5 to 6-hour drive to Pokhara, where once having arrived you check in to your hotel. Following check-in, enjoy a boating tour of Phewa Lake - the second-largest lake in Nepal. That evening, make the most of free time for personal activities/shopping at the lake-side market, before spending the night in Pokhara. Day 4: Pokhara Sightseeing Before breakfast, drive to Sarangkot for a hike. This area is a popular hilltop which offers superb panoramic view of Annapurn, Machhapuchhre, and the Dhaulagiri Himalayas. Hike to places within the rim of the Pokhara Valley, and walk to the surroundings which offer captivating glimpses of rural life. After traveling back to your hotel, enjoy breakfast before exploring the Bindyabasini Temple, International Mountain Museum, the Seti River, Devi’s Fall, and the Gupteshowre Mahadev Cave. Day 5: return to Kathmandu Following breakfast, begin your 5-hour trip to travel back to Kathmandu or opt instead to take a morning flight. At the conclusion of your day, receive a welcome-back dinner accompanied by a Nepali cultural program. Day 6: Depart from Kathmandu Following collection from your accommodation, your guide drops you off to the airport where your tour concludes.

This off-the-grid trek will take you 3365 meters above sea level through picturesque rural regions of Nepal. You'll see stunning views while experiencing the local culture and camping in this less-visited part of the country. You'll meet your trek leader and be transferred to your hotel when you get to Kathmandu. After a night of rest and breakfast, you'll drive out to your starting point and to get ready for your trek the following day. After a hike up to 2800 meters, you'll get a chance to catch your breath and admire the view from your campsite above a Sherpa village. Spend the next few days hiking through the majestic Himalayas for about 5 or 6 hours each day. On day 6, you'll be taking on a steep ascent for 3-4 hours to reach the highest point of the trek at 3300 meters. Experience the most spectacular panoramic views of the trek over the next few days as you explore this out-the-way area. By day 10 you'll be flying back to Kathmandu to rest up and check out your amazing photos. Top off your Nepal trip with a walking tour of Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), a UNESCO World Heritage site.