See the sights of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal on a 6-hour tour of an area that covers 218 square miles (350 kilometers). Kathmandu Valley contains 3 fabulous cities of great historic, religious, and cultural interest: Kathmandu (Kantipur), Patan (Lalitpur), and Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur). The Kathmandu Valley has often been described as an open-air art gallery with thousands of sacred shrines in brick, stone, metal, and wood scattered throughout it. On your tour, you will not be able to see the entire valley, but you will be taken to some of the most important and monumental sites. Many of these are squares or temples that are also designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kathmandu Durbar Square This square is home to a house full of woodcarvings of different gods and goddesses. In this 3-story palace you will also find the living Goddess Kumari. Both Hindus and Buddhists venerate her, and she serves as an illustration of the harmony between the Hindu and Buddhist people. One of the popular temples of Kathmandu Durbar Square is Kashamandap, locally known as Maru Sattal. It is believed that the name of Kathmandu City is derived from the name of this temple, and it is said that this temple is built by one single Sal (sorea robusta) tree. At the center of this temple, one can see the statue of a Hindu god Gorakhnath and in the 4 corners of the temple one can see Ganesh statues. The most visited temple of Kathmandu is Maru Ganesh. The people of Kathmandu Valley believe that the 4 Ganesh statues in the 4 corners of Kathmandu Valley protect the people living in Kathmandu. Every day people go to worship this temple, and especially on Tuesdays, you can see a long line of people waiting for hours to worship. Other interesting things to see here are Mahadev Temple, Shiva Parvati Temple, Bhagwati Temple, Old Palace, Saraswoti Temple, Krishna Octangular Temple, Big Drums, Kal Bhairav, Jagannath Temple, and Tal. Swayambhunath/Monkey Temple Swayambhunath / Monkey Temple is a 2,500-year-old Stupa situated overlooking Kathmandu Valley. Its name comes from the holy monkey living in part of the complex. The painted eyes on 4 sides symbolize the all-seeing eyes of Buddha, and the site is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Pashupatinath Temple Pashupatinath is a temple of Lord Shiva and the most sacred of the 275 Shiva temples worldwide. It is also the oldest temple in Kathmandu. The Bagmati River runs alongside the temple, and is the site not only of pilgrims who bathe in the river, but also contains a special area where members of the royal family are cremated. Boudhanath Stupa Boudhanath Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also one of the biggest in the world. It is the most important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists, who come here by the thousands during the winter festival to pay their respect. Patan Durbar Square Patan Durbar Square is home to the former Patan Royal Family. The most photographed of Kathmandu’s 3 Durbar Squares, it features a remarkable display of Newari architecture. Its main attractions include the Krishna Temple, with its 21 golden pinnacles, Rudra Varna Mahavihar, a Buddhist Monastery that houses local treasures, and the central courtyard of Mul Chowk.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Bhaktapur, known for its rich culture, temples, and wood, metal and stone artworks. Meet the local Newari community and learn about their culture and customs. Admire the incredible architecture of the palaces and temples around Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Get picked up form your accommodation in Kathmandu and drive for about an hour to Bhaktapur. Discover Bhaktapur Durbar Square with your experienced guide, who will tell you the history of the 30 meter tall Naytpola Temple, the 55 Window Palace, and more of what you see in the old city. Admire the 55 Window Palace with its unique architectural design and beautiful details on the handcrafted wooden windows and doors. Meet the Newar community living here and learn about their culture and traditions.

On this full day trip from Kathmandu, explore the city of Bhaktapur and the village of Panauti. The tour begins with sightseeing at Panauti village, a historical Newari town which is around 32 kilometers southeast of Kathmandu on the confluence of the Rosi and Punyamati rivers. In Nepali society, such rivers are considered to be sacred. Panauti, once a major trading center with its own royal palace, today consists of a variety of Buddhist and Hindu religious monuments, and is considered to be one of the area's most important medieval sites. Panauti is one of the oldest towns in Nepal, with many temples dating back to the 15th Century or earlier. Visit the Indreshwar Temple, one of the largest and tallest pagoda style temples in Nepal dating back to 13 century. Next, visit Brahmayani Temple, another important monument constructed in the 17th century to honor Brahmayani, the goddess of the town. Stroll around the complex and admire the beauty of the historic architecture, and watch the locals paying respect to their idols. Finally, visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a museum of medieval art and architecture with many examples of sculptures, woodcarvings and colossal pagoda temples consecrated to different gods and goddesses. Witness a unique culture here, and admire some of the finest displays of craftsmanship. Bhaktapur is the only place in Nepal that has remained untouched by western culture. 

Get picked up from your hotel in Kathmandu and head straight to Kathmandu Durbar Square. Explore this incredibly diverse and historic city with your expert guide and take some time to marvel at the breathtaking Newari architecture of the Kumari Temple and Taleju Bhawani Temple. Then travel 13 kilometers east to the city of Bhaktapur where you can see the world-famous Golden Gate of Bhaktapur for yourself. Wander through massive royal courtyards and admire some fine displays of craftsmanship in Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Finally, visit Patan, also known as the City of Beauty, and experience its unique Durbar Square where you can visit the museum famous for its traditional sacred Nepalese art pieces. Sample some traditional cuisine here and experience the hospitable nature of the locals. At the end of your tour, get dropped off back at your hotel just in time for dinner.

Visit the most important historical, cultural, and religious sites in the countryside around Kathmandu. Visit Nagarkot and capture its stunning views of the Himalayas and Mount Everest at sunrise and sunset. Day 1 Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport and take a transfer to the hotel. Participate in an orientation program at 5:00 PM. In the evening, socialize at a welcome dinner and spend the night at the Himalayan Suite Hotel. Day 2 After breakfast, venture off on a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu in a private vehicle. See attractions such as Swaymbhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Patan Durbar Square. Spend your second night at the Himalayan Suite Hotel. Day 3 Have breakfast and drive to Bhaktapur, around an hour-long drive. Enjoy sightseeing in the oldest city in Nepal for around 2 hours. Then drive to Nagarkot to see breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range. Nagarkot is one of the best places to enjoy the sunrise, sunset, and stunning views of the mountains of eastern Nepal, including Mount Everest. Spend the night at Hotel Himalayan Villa. Day 4 Enjoy the sunrise over the Himalayas early in the morning. Have breakfast and drive back to Kathmandu at around 10:00 AM. Relax during some free time in Kathmandu and roam around Thamel in the evening. Spend the night at the Himalayan Suite Hotel. Day 5 Your trip ends after breakfast at 8:00 AM. After your meal, you will be transferred to the airport or your desired address.

After being collected from your hotel, you will begin your day exploring the beautiful city of Patan, which lies in the Lalitpur district. The best point to start your sightseeing is Patan Durbar Square, which includes the Royal Palaces. These are temples which depict the amazing skills of the area's ancestors. Bhimsen Temple is dedicated to Bhimsen, the god of trade and business, and from there you will explore the Vishwanath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Krishna Mandir is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. You will then explore the Golden Temple, a unique monastery which is a few minutes’ walk from Durbar Square. Your next destination will be Bhaktapur, which is the third-most major town in the valley and the best place to start sightseeing in Bhaktapur. It covers a larger area than the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu and Lalitpur, and is far less crowded. After this exploration you will encounter the Mahaboudha Temple and Rudra Varna Mahabihar, before you end your sightseeing for the day and drive back to Kathmandu.