Kathmandu & Nagarkot Scenic Tour – 5 Days Nepal

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport & Transfer to Hotel

You are welcome in Nepal, "The Land of Faith, Tranquillity, and Ageless Beauty".  Situated at the heart of South Asia, Nepal is a landlocked country neighboring China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. Famous for the world's highest mountains, Nepal is a destination filled with charisma, time-honored ways of life, and spiritual prosperity. Nepal is known for its Temples and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, to its lively cultural heritage and generous hospitality. Nepal offers an exceptional journey experience into a world where serenity and adventure are in perfect harmony.

when you arrive at Kathmandu airport (Tribhuvan International Airport), our team will be available to welcome you at the airport and move to your hotel. There is free time scheduled for the rest of the day, so you're free to relax at your own pace or head out and immerse yourself in the energy of the bustling cities. If you’d like, purchase items for your trip in the local markets for any things you need or have a calm and restful time at the hotel.

Day 02: Kathmandu city sightseeing tour- Cultural Heart of Nepal

After having a satisfying breakfast at the hotel, initiate a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city's most renowned and spiritually remarkable landmarks, each revealing aspects of Nepal's diverse heritage and each providing a window into Nepal's lively culture.

Before the city sightseeing tour starts, our guide will share the clear schedule for the day and provide full details about what to expect. You will then get on comfortable transport that will be arranged by Levinly Travel and set off on a cultural expedition to explore the spiritual core of Kathmandu. The most interesting places you'll be exploring today include:

• Pashupatinath Temple:  Pashupatinath is the holiest and most important temple, as per Sanatana Dharma's (Hinduism) temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pashupatinath is the head of the body, while the twelve Jyotirlingas in India are believed to form the body of Lord Shiva. located along the sacred Bagmati River. This grandiose temple complex serves as a centre point for spiritual practices during times of spiritual significance like Maha Shivaratri, Haritalika Teej, Balachaturdashi, Ekadashi and Full Moon Days (Purnima), and Shivaratri (Monthly Observance). Witness the age-old practices, observe sadhus (holy men) saffron-robed, holy ash-covered Aghoris sadhus, and absorb the holy aura that surrounds this revered site. For details on Pashupatinath Temple, click here
• Boudhanath Stupa: One of the most renowned and spiritually charged places in Nepal, Boudhanath Stupa (also called Boudhnath or Bouddhanath) rises gracefully more than the Kathmandu Valley as a sign of wisdom, compassion, and the order of the universe. Having outstanding universal value as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a sacred destination, meditation and Cultural diversity, especially for practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism. Boudhanath’s architectonic is deeply symbolic, reflecting Buddhist cosmology and Tantric meanings. such as he Massive Mandala Design, The White Dome, The Gilded Spire with 13 Steps, The All-Seeing Eyes of Buddha, The Nose-like Symbol, Prayer Flags and Surrounding the stupa are 108 small niches with Buddha statues, prayer wheels, and monasteries (gompas) where rituals, teachings, and spiritual activities are routinely performed.  For more details on Boudhanath Stupa, click here
• Kathmandu Durbar Square
  In the heart of Kathmandu lies a timeless masterpiece - the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a living symbol of Nepal's royal and spiritual heritage. Home to more than 50 temples, shrines and palaces, this "museum of temples" combines sacred tradition with stunning Newari architecture. Once the seat of kings and the center of grand festivals, the city has survived centuries of change and the earthquake of 2015. Today, ongoing restoration ensures that its stories continue to inspire generations to come. For more details on Kathmandu Durbar Square, click here

Day 03: Patan & Kathmandu Cultural Tour

Start your day with a guided tour of Patan (Lalitpur), a city known for its extraordinary blend of history, art and spirituality. Patan is one of the oldest cities in the Kathmandu Valley and is famous for its ornate temples, royal courtyards and exquisite Newari craftsmanship.

• Patan City: At the heart of Patan lies its crown jewel – the Patan Durbar Square, an architectural masterpiece, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, where stunning temples, palaces and intricate courtyards come together to reflect the city’s rich history, cultural significance and artistic splendor. This magnificent square, which was once the royal courtyard of the Malla kings, is an unrivalled example of the brilliance of Newari architecture, with ornate temples, intricately carved wooden windows and majestic palaces that reflect the height of artistic and architectural achievements during the Malla dynasty. The square is a wonderland of grand palaces, layered temples, intricate sculptures and serene courtyards, each element telling stories of age-old devotion, mythological symbolism and unparalleled artistic mastery that have been carefully preserved and celebrated for generations.

After your exploration of Patan, head back to Kathmandu to visit the Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, which sits on a hill above the valley. This iconic Buddhist temple, believed to be over 2,500 years old, offers stunning panoramic views of Kathmandu and beyond. Walk clockwise around the stupa, spin the prayer wheels and witness the harmonious coexistence of Hindu and Buddhist elements in the site's architecture and rituals.

• Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): Swayambhunath, popularly known as the Monkey Temple, is one of the well-known and spiritually significant historical sites in Kathmandu, Nepal. situated on a hilltop with a panoramic view of the city, this ancient stupa, believed to be centuries old, over 1,500 years, is a sacred site for both Buddhists and Hindus. Its lustrous white dome, golden spire, and the ever-watchful eyes of the Buddha represent peace, wisdom, and the path to enlightenment. surrounded by the wind-blown prayer flags, small shrines, and Mischievous monkeys, Swayambhunath offers visitors not only a deep sense of serenity but also a breathtaking panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley, making it an Unmissable and must-visit destination that seamlessly interweaves spirituality, culture, and history. For more details on Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), click here

Conclude your cultural tour with a visit to the Narayanhiti Palace Museum, which was once the royal residence of Nepal's monarchy. This former palace is now open to the public and showcases the grandeur and tragic history of Nepal's royal family. Wander through its royal halls, banqueting rooms and private chambers, where royal life is vividly depicted through an impressive collection of furniture, photographs, clothing and personal artefacts.

Optional: If time allows, end your day with a stroll through Thamel or Asone, where you can shop for handicrafts, sample local street food or relax in a traditional tea house.

Day 04: Bhaktapur and Nagarkot Tour

Start your day with a beautiful trip to Bhaktapur, one of the three ancient cities of Kathmandu Valley, famous for its rich cultural heritage, timeless architecture and traditional Newari lifestyle. As you stroll through Bhaktapur Durbar Square, admire centuries-old temples, royal courtyards and intricately carved wooden windows that tell the story of the city’s glorious medieval past.

• Bhaktapur City: The name "Bhaktapur" originates from the Newar word "Khwopa", which refers to the people of Bhaktapur, a community deeply rooted in cultural and religious traditions, highlighting the central role of the local Newar population in shaping the city's identity. In Malla tradition, the term "Lāyakū" refers to the palace square, reflecting its importance as the centre of royal power and the focus of political, religious and social activities. The layout of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which is divided into Kvathū Lyākū, Dathū Lyākū, and Thanthū Lyākū, reflects the careful urban planning of the Malla kings, where architecture and space were designed not only for practical use but also to express divine and royal authority. Today, the square is a profound symbol of Bhaktapur's rich history, preserving the legacy of the Malla dynasty while serving as a dynamic space that blends the past with the present.

After visiting Bhaktapur, continue your journey to Nagarkot, a serene hill station located at an altitude of over 2,100 meters. Along the way, enjoy the changing scenery of urban life such as terraced fields, pine forests and getting lost in the fresh mountain air.

Upon reaching Nagarkot, check-in at your hotel or observation point and get ready to witness some of the most captivating views of the Himalayas in Nepal. On clear days, views extend from the Annapurna Range in the west to Mount Everest in the east, making Nagarkot a favourite spot for sunrise and sunset photography.

Depending on your timing, you can either relax and enjoy the golden hues of the sunset over the snow-capped peaks, Or wake up early the next morning to witness the spectacular sunrise, when the hills are bathed in the soft morning light – an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Alternative walking trails around Nagarkot also offer short hikes through pine forests and local villages, giving a closer look at the natural beauty and rural lifestyle of the area.

Day 05: Departure Day

Enjoy a relaxed morning in the peaceful surroundings of Nagarkot before our team representative escorts you to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for your onward journey. The drive from Nagarkot to the airport typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and route conditions, ensuring a smooth and timely transfer for your departure.