Globe Explorer: Nepal 1-Week Itinerary: Experience Durbar Squares, Stupas & Himalayas

This is a suggested one-week travel itinerary to explore Nepal's Kathmandu Valley.

Why Travel To Nepal

Magnificent Buddhist stupas and Hindu temples
Numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Fantastic hiking and adventure activities
Stunning views of the Himalayas
Biodiverse wildlife
Rich local culture
Delicious cuisine
Friendly locals
Value for money

Kathmandu Valley Travel Map

A:Kathmandu B:Bhaktapur C:Patan(Lalitpur) D:Nagarkot E:Dhulikhel

Kathmandu Valley Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 2: Explore Kathmandu
Day 3: Explore Bhaktapur
Day 4: Nagarkot to Changu Narayan Hike
Day 5: Explore Patan
Day 6: Dhulikhel to Namobuddha Hike
Day 7: Depart

If you've got few more days then consider visiting Pokhra to enjoy stunning scenery and adventure sports.

Best Time To Visit Kathmandu Valley (Nepal)

The best time to visit Nepal is between October and December when the skies are a clear and the views are spectacular. Fall and spring are the most popular times to visit for hikers, climbers and mountaineers.

Kathmandu Valley Top Experiences

Atmospheric Boudhanath Stupa
Historic Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square
Stunning views of the Himalayas from Nagarkot
Amazing Namobuddha monastery
Sights, sounds and smells in Kathmandu local markets

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Day 1: Arrive In Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital and the most populous city of Nepal. It is located in the Kathmandu Valley, which is a large valley in the high plateaus in central Nepal at an altitude of 1,400 meters (4,600 feet). It's a good idea to take it slow on your first day in Kathmandu to help your body adjust to the elevation.

Best area to stay in Kathmandu: Thamel is the best area to stay in Kathmandu, which is filled with hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops, services, etc.

After arriving in Kathmandu settle into your hotel/hostel. It you're not too tired then walk to Kathmandu Durbar Square. It is one of the three Durbar (royal palace) Squares in the Kathmandu Valley, all of which are UNESCO world heritage sites. Kathmandu Durbar Square is an important site for Buddhist/Hindu rituals, royal events, kingly coronations, and holy ceremonies.

In the evening, have a nice dinner at one of the many restaurants in Thamel.

Maju Dega (Kathmandu Durbar Square)

(Above photo by © Vyacheslav Argenberg / http://www.vascoplanet.com/, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=103055239)

Basantapur Tower (Kathmandu Durbar Square)

Day 2: Explore Kathmandu

Start your day by visiting Swayambhunath, which is an ancient religious complex on a hill in the Kathmandu Valley. It is one of the most sacred among Buddhist pilgrimage sites. The complex consists of a stupa as well as several shrines and temples. The stupa has Buddha's eyes and eyebrows painted on.

After Swayambhunath visit The National Museum of Nepal which is close by. The museum has an interesting collection of Nepalese paintings, murals, statues, weapons, plants, etc.

After a nice lunch in the afternoon visit Boudhanath Stupa. It is one of the largest stupas in the world and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Try to spend some time around the stupa soaking in the captivating surroundings and the spiritual atmosphere. Also consider coming to Boudhanath in the evening when is it very atmospheric under the lights.

Swayambhunath Stupa (Kathmandu)

(Above photo by Nabin K. Sapkota - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=73238737)

Swayambhunath (Kathmandu)

National Museum of Nepal (Kathmandu)

Boudhanath (Kathmandu)

Day 3: Explore Bhaktapur

After a nice morning breakfast, travel to Bhaktapur which is another one of the main cities of the Kathmandu Valley and is about 13 km from Kathmandu. Bhaktapur is a major Newar settlement of the country and is known for its Newari tradition, cuisine and artisans.

Start your exploration at Bhaktapur Durbar Square which is a former royal palace complex. It housed the kings of Nepal from the 14th to the late 18th century.

Next, head to Taumadhi Square, home to Nepal's tallest pagoda-style temple, the Nyatapola Temple, along with several other notable temples.

Then visit the Pottery Square close by, which is filled with potter's wheels and numerous sun-dried clay pots. After visiting the Pottery Square you can enjoy delicious Nepali cuisine for lunch at one of the restaurants near the square.

Once back into the Kathmandu city in late afternoon, talk a stroll and relax at the lovely Garden of Dreams, which is a neo-classical garden.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Taumadhi Square (Bhaktapur)

Pottery Square (Bhaktapur)

(Pottery Square photo by Vitbaisa, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)

Garden Of Dreams (Kathmandu)

Day 4: Nagarkot and Changu Narayan

Take a break from the cultural and heritage sites of the Kathmandu Valley and travel to Nagarkot in morning, which is located 32 km from Kathmandu. Nagarkot is at an elevation of 2,195 meters and offers one of the broadest views of the Himalayas in the Kathmandu Valley. Nagarkot also offers a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. The scenic beauty of the place makes it a very popular for hiking.

Sign up for Nagarkot to Changu Narayan Day Hike Guided Tour. The guide will drive you to Nagarkot for the views and then also take you on the famous trail from Nagarkot to Changu Narayan. Along the way while hiking you'll experience the village life, local culture, and stunning mountain views. The hike ends at the beautiful Changu Narayan Temple which is an ancient Hindu temple and an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

View of Himalayas from Nagarkot

Nagarkot to Changu Narayan Hike

Changu Narayan Village

Changu Narayan Temple

Changu Narayan Village

Day 5: Explore Patan (Lalitpur)

Start your day by travelling to Patan which is another one of the main cities of the Kathmandu Valley. It is best known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly its tradition of arts and crafts.

Start your exploration at Patan Durbar Square which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the ancient royal palace where the Malla Kings of Lalitpur resided. There are many temples and statues in the area.

After the Darbar Square, visit the captivating Patan Museum which displays the traditional sacred arts of Nepal and is located inside an old residential court of Patan Durbar (palace).

In the afternoon return back to the Kathmandu city and visit Pashupatinath Temple, which is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple's origin go back at least to the 5th century. This temple is not only a spiritual hub but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists annually. The temple complex includes over 500 temples, ashrams, and shrines, spreading across both banks of the Bagmati.

Patan Durbar Square

Patan Musuem

Pashupatinath Temple

(Photo by Nabin K. Sapkota, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)

Day 6: Dhulikhel and NamoBuddha

Dhulikhel is located 30 km from Kathmandu. It is at an elevation of 1550 m above sea level and provides amazing views of the Himalayan ranges.

Sign up for Dhulikhel to NamoBuddha Day Hike Guided Tour. The guide will drive you to Dhulikhel and also take you on the trail from Dhulikhel to NamoBuddha. Along the way while hiking you'll experience the village life, local culture, temples and stunning mountain views. The hike is approximately 10 kms and takes around 3-4 hours. The hike will end at the beautiful NamoBuddha Monastery (Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery). The monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located at the top of the hill in Namobuddha.

Dhulikhel to NamoBudhha Hike

NamoBudhha Stupa

NamoBudhha Monastery

Namobuddha Monastery

(Above monastery photo by simpl3punk - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58808351)

Day 7: Depart

This being your last day in Kathmandu Valley, spend time doing last minute shopping in Thamel. Then depart to your destination from Kathmandu.

Thamel (Kathmandu)

(Above Thamel photo by Raimond Klavins on Unsplash)

What to Shop In Nepal

Nepal is known for Pashmina shawls, singing bowls, rice paper products, handicrafts, jewelry, and Thangka paintings.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this itinerary! Feel free to share your questions or suggestions in the comments section below.

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Nepal 1-Week Itinerary: Experience Durbar Squares, Stupas & Himalayas