Kathmandu Valley Tour – 3 Days

Trip Information

What to expect in the Kathmandu Valley Tour?

Our Kathmandu Valley tour provides you with a unique opportunity to witness an astounding city surrounded by green hills and distant snow-capped Himalayas. Overall, you can learn about the ancient history and legend regarding the valley. You can observe the rich, colorful, and incredibly diverse culture. You can experience the friendliness of amazing Nepalese people and magnificent nature at the same time.

On your 3 days in Kathmandu trip, you can visit Swaymbhunath, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Swayambhunath, also popular as Monkey Temple among tourists, lies at the top of the hill. You will climb 365 stairs leading to this Stupa. Reaching the top, you will see an increasingly spectacular panoramic view of Kathmandu, making you forget your fatigue.

The next stop of your 3 days in Kathmandu tours is Boudhanath. It is the largest Buddhist stupa in the country. The stupa symbolizes the architectural grandeur. It denotes a man’s journey from a materialistic world to spiritual enlightenment.

We will then head to Pashupatinath temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple stands at the banks of the Bagmati river, where cremation rituals take place. You can also encounter several Sadhus and monks giving their blessings.

The tour to Kathmandu Durbar square, on the other hand, will immerse you in ancient culture and tradition of the valley. The impressive face of Bhairava and the majestic palace of the living goddess Kumari will greet you here.

You will head to Patan, Bhaktapur, and Nagarkot the following day of the Kathmandu Valley tour. The elegant temples and pagodas embroidered with ancient Newari culture will welcome you to Patan. Whereas, Bhaktapur will take you to Medieval Nepal as it still has maintained and preserved its original appearance. The Golden Gate, the palace of 55 windows, and the temples of Batsala Devi, Nyatapola, and Bhairavnath will leave you in awe.

We will then drive you to Nagarkot, the village renowned for its beautiful sunrise over spellbinding Mountains. You can clearly view the magnanimous Dhaulagiri, Everest, and Kanchenjunga from the hill.

A 3-4 hour trek will then take you to the serene Changunarayan Temple, a historical temple of Lord Vishnu. The detailed stone sculptures and wooden carvings decorate this temple, from where you can see the entire Sankhu and Bhaktapur.

In short, through your 3 days on the Kathmandu Tour, you can admire nature, ancient architecture, culture, and spirituality simultaneously.

Weather and Season

Kathmandu Valley has a subtropical climate as it is surrounded by mountains and the Himalayas. There are four seasons in the valley: winter, summer/monsoon, spring, and autumn seasons. The summer/rainy season occurs in June, July and August. Despite heavy rainfall, the average temperature in Kathmandu during monsoon can be between 30 to 40 degrees Celsius.

The days during winter months from December to February can be cold with a minimum morning temperature between 2 to 5 degree Celsius. As the day progresses, it gets warmer at 15 degrees Celsius.

Likewise, March, April, and May are the spring season, and September, October, and November are the autumn season. The days during spring and autumn are dry, the weather pleasant, temperature cool with little humidity and precipitation.

Unlike the higher altitude trekking in Nepal, you can indulge in the Kathmandu Valley tour all year round. Still, the most favorable time to take a Kathmandu Valley tour is during the dry period from October to February.

The days not only offer clear views and pleasant weather, but the moths also coincide with some of the remarkable and colorful festivals of Nepal. In October, you can celebrate the ethnic Dashain and sparkling Tihar while during February, you can get entertained in the colorful Holi festival.

Difficulty of Kathmandu Valley Tour

The Kathmandu Valley tour is an easy 3-day tour that travelers of all ages and backgrounds can be involved in. You can immerse in the cultural, and natural expedition of Kathmandu without the need of any trekking experience. Unlike other treks in Nepal, anyone can easily access this trip regardless of their fitness level.

Kathmandu is situated at an altitude of 1400 m above sea level. Meanwhile, Nagarkot lies at an elevation of 220 m above sea level. You will gain the highest altitude gain in Nagarkot. However, this altitude is considered relatively low altitude therefore, there is no risk of altitude sickness.

The physically exhausting days can be when you take a tour of Swayambhunath Stupa and trek to Changunarayan temple. When taking a tour of Swayambhunath Stupa, you need to climb 365 stairs to reach the top. While a 3 to 4-hour trek will take you to the legendary Changunarayan temple.

Both the climb and trek require moderate physical fitness, so this tour is appropriate for every traveler intending to visit this amazing country.

Passport and visa for 3 days in Kathmandu Tour

For our Kathmandu Valley tour, you need to have a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity period. Your passport must have adequate blank pages for the Visa Stamp at the airport.

As you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, you need to obtain a Nepal Tourist Visa. For the visa, you need your passport, two passport-size photographs with a light background, and a Visa Fee. The process of acquiring a Nepal Tourist Visa is simple, approach the Visa processing counter in the airport.

You need to fill out an application form, attach your photos, pay the fee, and you will receive the Visa. If you also have children who are under the age of 10 years, you need to apply for Gratis Visa. This Visa is free of cost.

You can pay for the Nepal Tourist Visa in different foreign currencies, such as Swiss Francs, Euro, US Dollars, Pound Sterling, Japanese Yen, Canadian Dollars, Singapore Dollars, Australian Dollars, and Hong Kong Dollars. However, Indian and Nepalese rupees and credit cards are unaccepted for Visa fees.

It is also possible to apply for a Nepal Tourist Visa online before your tour to Nepal. You can complete an online form by visiting https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/entry-visa-processing.

After filling up the form, download it and print the filled form, which you should present upon arrival at the airport. Also, present your original and photocopy of your passport at the visa processing counter. The form is valid for two weeks only, so you must complete the online form a maximum of 14 days before departure.

Generally, travelers to Nepal obtain a tourist Visa for 30 days or 90 days. If you are staying for less than a month, you can also obtain a Visa for 15 days. If somehow, you wish to extend your days in Nepal more than your tourist Visa duration, you can do so easily. Please visit the Department of Immigration office in Kathmandu to extend your tourist Visa.

Visa fee for Foreign Nationals

Unfortunately, citizens from certain nations are not eligible for Nepal Tourist Visa upon arrival. They must obtain the visa in advance from the Nepal embassy of their respective countries. These countries are:

• Nigeria
•  Ghana
•  Zimbabwe
•  Swaziland
•  Cameroon
•  Somalia
• Liberia
•  Ethiopia
•  Iraq
• Palestine
•  Afghanistan

Insurance for the Kathmandu Valley Tour

Travel insurance is not mandatory for our 3-day Kathmandu Valley tour. However, we highly recommend you purchase one. You never know what you will encounter during your trip, from luggage loss to medical emergencies, to unpredictable weather conditions (chances of adverse weather conditions are minimal in Kathmandu).

If you obtain travel insurance, you can travel at peace, knowing you are well protected financially from any unforeseen events. There are numerous options available, you can purchase the most suitable plan for you when you are opting for this trip in Kathmandu.

Food and drinks during the Kathmandu Valley Tour

Our 3 days in Kathmandu trips don’t include your meals except for breakfast and dinner during your accommodation in Nagarkot. However, there are several restaurants and cafes in Kathmandu where you can choose to dine. These restaurants are known for serving several types of delicious cuisine from Nepalese, Italian, Indian, Mediterranean, etc.

Some reputed restaurants you can try for lunch or dinner are

•  KGH Dream Garden Café at Saatghumti, Thamel
•  The garden of dreams, Keshar Mahal
•  Forest and plate at Mandala Street
•  The old house, Durbar Marga
•  New Orleans Coffee, Chaksibari Marg

Kathmandu Valley is known not only for Newari’s ancient traditions but also for its dishes. So when you visit Kathmandu, it is worth trying the following dishes such as:

• Bara: it is a pancake made from black lentils
• Yamari: it is a cone shaped dessert made from rice flour Chaku, jaggery, or Khuwa
•  Samaya Baji: it is a typical Newari dish that contains Chiura (beaten rice), black soybean, Chhoila (marinated buffalo meat), raw garlic, fried boiled egg, ginger

Other Nepali dishes that you can try apart from Rice, Lentil and Vegetable include:

•  Momos: dumplings with meat (buffalo, chicken, mutton)
•  Thukpa: Nepalese hot noodle soup with meat and vegetables
• Dhindo: traditional Nepalese food made from corn and buckwheat flour
• Sel Roti: it is like a doughnut made from rice flour, water, sugar, cooking oil and ghee

As for drinks and beverages, you can have:

•  Masala Tea: a national drink of Nepal served Indian style (sweet, with milk) or Tibetan style (salty, with yak butter)
• Lassi: a yogurt-based drink served plain, sweet, or savory, sometimes flavored
• Chhang: Nepali alcohol made from fermented rice
•  Tongba: Tibetan alcohol made from fermented millet or barley

Transportation during the Kathmandu Valley Tour

During your entire trip to Kathmandu Valley, we will take care of all your transportation based on your needs and comfort. We will provide you with a private car with a driver who will take care of all your navigation during the trip. You can explore the entire Kathmandu valley at your own leisure, taking breaks whenever you desire.

So feel free to take a pleasant and stress-free tour of the valley without having to deal with the hassle of public transportation. Our car is well maintained and equipped with modern facilities. We guarantee you will have an enjoyable journey during your trip to the valley.

In addition, we will also provide the most friendly tour guide for the trip. He will accompany you and provide you with all the information related to the place you are visiting. Whether you are going to Swayambunath, or Changunarayan, whether you are visiting Pashupatinath temple or Nagarkot, we ensure you the most comfortable and memorable tour.

Option to add short hiking around Kathmandu

If you have enjoyed our trip we have organized for you in Kathmandu and choose to stay a few more days; we have several options available for short hikes around Kathmandu. Such as:

• Kakani Hike
  Kakani has become a popular picnic destination among Nepalese and foreign travelers. Lying just 29 km from Kathmandu, you can reach here within 4 to 5 hours of hiking. You can experience a part of Nepal that many visitors miss. From dense pine forest to the amazing views of the Ganesh Himal mountain range, Gaurishankar, Choba Bhamre, and Manaslu; Kakani has a lot to offer.
• Namo Buddha
  Situated on a hill overlooking Panauti, Namo Buddha is considered the most sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists in Nepal. You can easily get to Namo Buddha by car, or bus or take a long walk on foot. The 20 m long stupa is decorated with all seeing eyes of Buddha. This trip is easy leading you through the less crowded trek trail along a river on a hillside.
• Chandragiri Hills
  Chandragiri Hills has now become a popular tourist spot over the years. It is mainly known for its cable cars, views, hiking, and temples along with the scenic views of Mount Everest and other Himalayas. You can visit Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple, and indulge in recreational activities such as picnic in lush green surroundings.
• Shivapuri
  Shivapuri is the nearest national park to Kathmandu city that is enriched with luscious dense green forest. The trail to the park will take you to Shivapuri peak which offers magical views of Kathmandu valley. The park is also an abode to various animals, birds, and vegetation. It is a popular destination for travelers to get the opportunity to explore the hills near the capital.
• Chobhar
  Chobhar is a small town lying around 9 km from Kathmandu. The place is renowned for its cultural and spiritual importance. Chobhar is home to the sacred Adinath Lokeshwar Temple, an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Travelers can also visit the well-known Chobhar Gorge and forget themselves in the tranquil environment.
• Dhulikhel
  Another charming town near Kathmandu, Dhulikhel, has also become the most popular tourist destination over recent years. The place is known for the remarkable views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Mount Everest. It also resembles Kathmandu and Bhaktapur for the town is adorned with traditional Newar architecture, narrow streets, and ancient temples.
• Godawari
  Godawari is a suburban town located in the southern border of Kathmandu city. It is the perfect place for nature lovers and botanical enthusiasts as it has the famous Godawari Botanical Garden. The garden is home to various species of plants native to Nepal. The town offers a calm and charming environment best for a picnic and leisurely hike.
• Phulchowki
  Phulchowki is a prominent hill located 14 km away from Kathmandu. The rich biodiversity found in this hill has made it an excellent abode for many bird species. Therefore, the place has also become a perfect destination for bird watchers.

The trekking trail to Phulchowki leads through rich dense forests. Travelers can spot wildlife walking leisurely at their own pace. The hill is also an excellent destination to watch the panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and the Himalayan mountains, making it a paradise for nature lovers.