Rara Lake Trek
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Kathmandu Valley Cultural Tour
Seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in three unforgettable days
Overview
The Kathmandu Valley is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites packed into an area of just 30 km across - a concentration of cultural and historical treasures unmatched anywhere in the world. Our 3-day cultural tour visits all seven sites, taking you deep into the heart of Newar civilization, the medieval kingdoms of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, and the most sacred Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal.
Day 1 covers the Kathmandu Durbar Square, the hilltop monkey temple of Swayambhunath, the great stupa of Boudhanath and the Hindu cremation ghats of Pashupatinath. Day 2 visits the medieval city of Patan with its stunning Durbar Square and Golden Temple, then the ancient town of Kirtipur. Day 3 explores the best-preserved medieval city of Bhaktapur and the hilltop temple of Changu Narayan, the oldest Hindu temple in the valley.
Rated Easy, this tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. You stay at a comfortable 4-star hotel in Thamel, and a licensed cultural guide accompanies you throughout. Perfect as a standalone tour or as the cultural bookends to a Himalayan trek.
Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Max Altitude
1,400 m
Difficulty
Easy
Group Size
2 - 16 travellers
Best Season
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Accommodation
4-star hotel
UNESCO Sites
7 World Heritage Sites
Start/End
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Trip highlights
Visit all 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley
Wander the medieval Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur
Watch Hindu cremation rituals at the sacred Pashupatinath temple
Spin prayer wheels at the great Boudhanath and Swayambhunath stupas
Explore the medieval Newar city of Bhaktapur, frozen in time
Visit Changu Narayan, the oldest Hindu temple in the valley
Sample Newari cuisine at a traditional feast
Licensed cultural guide throughout
Itinerary
3 days1
Day 1: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath 1,400m
Visit Kathmandu's Durbar Square with its 16th-century palaces and the Kumari (living goddess) house. Climb to the hilltop monkey temple of Swayambhunath for panoramic valley views. After lunch, visit the Hindu cremation ghats at Pashupatinath, then end the day at the great stupa of Boudhanath, encircled by Tibetan monasteries.
Highlights
Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhu, Pashupati, Boudha
Dress modestly at Hindu and Buddhist sites - cover shoulders and knees.
2
Day 2: Patan Durbar Square, Golden Temple and Kirtipur 1,400m
Cross the Bagmati river to Patan, the city of fine arts. Explore Patan Durbar Square with its stunning Krishna Mandir, the Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar) and the traditional metalworking quarter. After lunch, drive to the hilltop town of Kirtipur, with its traditional Newari houses and the Bagh Bhairab temple.
Highlights
Patan Durbar Square, Golden Temple, Kirtipur
Try traditional Newari cuisine at lunch - the chatamari (rice crepe) is excellent.
3
Day 3: Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nyatapola Temple and Changu Narayan 1,541m
Drive east to Bhaktapur - the best-preserved medieval city in the valley. Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the five-roofed Nyatapola Temple, the pottery square and the peacock window. After lunch, drive up to Changu Narayan (1,541 m), the oldest Hindu temple in the valley, dating to the 4th century. Return to Kathmandu for a farewell dinner.
Highlights
Bhaktapur, Nyatapola, Changu Narayan
Try Bhaktapur's famous juju dhau (king curd).
Elevation profile
What's included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in a private vehicle
- Hotel accommodation on twin-share basis with breakfast
- Licensed English-speaking cultural guide
- All ground transportation in a private vehicle
- All monument and temple entrance fees
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- Government taxes and service charges
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Lunch and dinner (except farewell dinner)
- Personal expenses, beverages and tips
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Trip options
Choose the option that suits you best.
Extra services
Add extras to your trip. Select quantities in the booking form.
Airport Pickup
Private vehicle airport transfer each way
$35
Single Supplement
Private single room throughout the trip
$250
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive trekking insurance covering helicopter rescue up to 6,000 m
$145
Meet your guides
👤
Himal Basnet
Cultural Guide
<p>Himal is a Kathmandu-based cultural guide with a degree in Nepali history. He has guided UNESCO World Heritage tours for over a decade and is passionate about Newari architecture and Hindu-Buddhist syncretism.</p>
Departure dates
Mar 10, 2026 Mar 12
Seats: 12/16
Guaranteed
$280
Apr 7, 2026 Apr 9
Seats: 10/16
Guaranteed
$280
May 5, 2026 May 7
Seats: 4/16
Guaranteed
$280
Jun 2, 2026 Jun 4
Seats: 6/16
Guaranteed
$280
Jun 30, 2026 Jul 2
Seats: 4/16
Guaranteed
$280
Jul 28, 2026 Jul 30
Seats: 0/16
Full
$280
Pricing
Per person
$280
Based on 1 adult
Children (under 12)$196
InfantsFree
Group discounts
Automatically applied at checkout:
5+ travelers
-5%
8+ travelers
-8%
10+ travelers
-10%
12+ travelers
-12%
Early bird: book 60+ days ahead for extra 10% off, 90+ days for 15% off.
Route map
🗺
Map coordinates not set for this trip.
🟢 Start point: Kathmandu
🔴 End point: Kathmandu
🟠 Trek route
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Frequently asked questions
What should I wear when visiting temples in Kathmandu?
Dress modestly. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees - long trousers and a shirt with sleeves are appropriate. Leather items (belts, bags, shoes) are not allowed inside some Hindu temples, particularly Pashupatinath. You may be required to remove your shoes before entering temple sanctums. A hat and sunscreen are recommended for the sunny Durbar Squares.
Can I take photographs at all the sites?
Photography is allowed at most sites, but there are some restrictions. Photography is not allowed inside the Kumari (living goddess) house, inside some temple sanctums, and at the main cremation ghats at Pashupatinath (out of respect for the bereaved families). Your guide will advise on local rules at each site. Always ask permission before photographing people, especially sadhus (Hindu holy men).
Is the Kathmandu Valley tour suitable as a pre-trek extension?
Yes, very suitable. Most of our Himalayan trek packages include 1-2 buffer days in Kathmandu before and after the trek, which is the perfect opportunity to add this 3-day cultural tour. The tour is easy-paced and gives you a deep appreciation of the cultural context of the country you are about to trek through. We can also customize the itinerary to fit your schedule.
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Kathmandu Valley Cultural Tour
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