Around Kathmandu Valley
985,00 €
From the historic cities of the Kathmandu Valley to the ridges of the hills surrounding the Kathmandu Valley, this journey will take us to all the high places of the cultural heart of Nepal, whether it is the unmissable palaces of the capitals of the kingdoms of the valley, the ancient temples Hindus or Buddhist stupas and the more intimate discovery of unknown sites such as Panauti or the Namo Buddha monastery, and the possibility of admiring the Himalayan range from Nagarkot or Namo Buddha again.
The landscapes misted by monsoon clouds add a touch of mystery and mysticism to these enchanting and peaceful places after the tumult of Kathmandu.
We are going to meet urban and rural Nepal, its craftsmen, and its inhabitants for 2 days in a host family of the Newar or Tamang ethnic groups.
- Nepal Country
- Culture and discovery Thématique
- Easy Difficulté
- 9 days Duration
- Yes Guide
- Homestay, Hôtel Hébergement
- Kathmandu → Patan Departure / Arrival
Itinerary
Flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to Thamel House Hotel. This hotel is located right in the heart of downtown and the tourist district of the vibrant capital. First short briefing by our tour officer.
Night at the Thamel House Hotel in BB basis
Visit Durbar Square of Kathmandu, its old town, and the local walk of Ason tol, and in the afternoon we leave to visit the stupa of Swyambhunath (also known as Monkey Temple). Beautiful view of the valley from the stupa located on the hill.
Night in the same hotel in BB basis
Early in the morning, the guide will pick you up and drive you to Kirtipur located 4 km from the city center of Patan. After a short visit to Kirtipur (1414 m): a city rich in history, nature, and culture which is only 30 minutes from Kathmandu and offers a glimpse of the real Nepal. It is always better to start earlier to relax during the hike. We start the day with small settlements around Kirtipur off the beaten track. You will cross a viewpoint named Maison Blanche and proceed toward the Champadevi temple. As you ascend as you go, the view of the Kathmandu Valley as well as the Himalayan ranges will be visible. Taudaha is also visible from Hattiban. After a short break descends through the lush jungle of Hattiban 1850 m). The vehicle will pick you up on the main road of Chalanakhel and drive you to your hotel. If you are not exhausted, you can visit Taudaha Lake on the way to Kathmandu.
From 7 am to 3 pm ; Private vehicle, 1h30 drive / 45 km ; 5 hrs walk ; Night in the same hotel in BB basis
Day of discovery of the jewels of the Kathmandu Valley: Pashupatinath, a Hindu site dating from the 12th century, a cremation site dedicated to Shiva where pilgrims come to bathe in the sacred Bagmati river. Then short transfer to the great stupa of Bodhnath, a symbol of Kathmandu surrounded by many Buddhist monasteries. Visit the monastery of Sechen on which Mathieu Ricard depends. Late afternoon short transfer to Nagarkot: a panoramic station of the Himalayan ranges on the horizon at sunset and sunrise.
Accommodation on Half Board in Nagarkot
In the morning we go up to the tower for a magnific view then after breakfast transfer to Bhaktapur via Changunarayan (with our guide on site according to your desire and form of making the easy and optional walk between Telkot and Changnarayan) to the Chagunarayan temple which is the very ancient and artistic Nepal and listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, then after visiting the temple and transfer to the sumptuous pedestrian city Bhaktapur, 15 km from Kathmandu, the most beautiful of the three imperial cities of the valley. Lunch and visit, Night in a guest house in Bhaktapur to enjoy the city when all the visitors are left.
In the morning, stroll through the alleys of Bhaktapur then transfer to the Newar town of Panauti, located at the confluence of 2 rivers and which houses a rich cultural heritage because it was the capital of an independent kingdom and hosts a large “Mela” fair which then attracts a crowd of pilgrims. A night with a Newar host family who will be able to introduce us to a cooking workshop with the typical dishes of this ethnic group.
Day of hiking from Panauti: through a rural setting we reach the monastery, a Buddhist pilgrimage of Namo Buddha which houses a small stupa commemorating the sacrifice of Buddha who donated his body there to a hungry tigress and his small. Visit the monastery of Namo Buddha then through the forest we descend and cross a suspension bridge to go up to the village of Balthali beautiful view of the Himalayas and the surrounding countryside and finish in Khopasi then return to Panauti.
Transfer to Patan: one of the three ancient imperial cities of the valley, mainly Buddhist, known for its craftsmen founding statues. Transfer to the hotel in Kathmandu and late afternoon free.
Accommodation at the Thamel House Hotel in BB
Transfer to the airport for an international flight back
Practical Info
– In Kathmandu, we use hotels of good category ***, well located in the centre of Kathmandu. – The stay in Kathmandu is always done in B&B to give you your choice of restaurants that offer you traditional and continental cuisine according to your choices. – During the trek, you will be on full board and accommodation according to the itinerary.
What is included
- Transfers by comfortable private vehicle according to the itinerary
- 4 nights in Thamel House pension on BB basis
- 1 night at Shiva guest house on half board
- 2 nights in Panauti with locals on full board
- 1 night at The Fort Hotel on half board in Nagarkot
- A English-speaking cultural guide from day 2 to 8
- Entrances to the sites according to visits to Kathmandu
What is not included
- Meals not included
- Nepal visas 30 USD for 15 days and flights
- Compulsory rematch insurance
- Drinks, tips, and other personal expenses
- Single room supplement option: 185$
FAQ
The historical and cultural cradle of Nepal, the Kathmandu Valley concentrates an exceptional heritage listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the majesty of Durbar Square, heart of the former Nepalese monarchy, to the fervour of Swayambhunath stupa, each sacred place reveals a piece of the country’s thousand-year history. You discover a fascinating mix of Newar architecture, Hindu symbolism and Buddhist spirituality. This tour takes time to explore these places unhurriedly, to better feel the unique atmosphere of these living cities, between ancestral rites, stone carvings and colourful frescoes.
Away from the bustle of the capital, the trails linking Nagarkot, Changunarayan, Namo Buddha and Balthali reveal another face of Nepal: a deeply rural country shaped by farming seasons and village traditions. These easy walks wind between rice terraces, wooded hills and small perched hamlets where time seems to stand still. On clear days, the snowy peaks of the Himalaya stand out in the background. Far from the great high-altitude treks, this gentle, contemplative immersion lets you enjoy the natural beauty of Nepal without intense physical effort.
Staying with a local family in Panauti, a charming Newar town off the classic circuits, is a deeply human experience. Welcomed into a local home, travellers share the daily life of the inhabitants: preparing meals, talking about culture and discovering local rites. This authentic immersion gives meaning to the journey by creating a direct bond with the Nepalese people. In Panauti, hospitality is a living tradition, and the town’s heritage — ancient temples, medieval squares, cobbled lanes — is discovered with fresh eyes, in step with local life.
