Planning for your trip to Kathmandu and wondering what the best adventure within the valley can be? The Kathmandu World Heritage Tour is the best option for you. This tour provides the beautiful architectural design of Nepal. It offers you a chance for deep cultural immersion. You can also learn about the historical significance of these places. We offer a 5-day Kathmandu World Heritage Itinerary if you book with us. You can hire a guide for a more in-depth understanding of these places. But what places do you visit for your tour of Kathmandu? You will visit old temples, palaces, and stupas to learn about their history and meaning.
Although you will have a greater chance to experience Nepal, there are certain challenges you can encounter. The first and foremost difficulty for you is navigating the Kathmandu Valley traffic. You must travel from one place to another to reach different UNESCO destinations. Although the distance between each can be relatively short, traffic jams can make travel time challenging. Also, the language barrier is another problem when visiting world heritage sites in Nepal.
Highlights
Exploring the seven Heritage Sites
Learning about the local culture
Trying local cuisine and exploring restaurants
Enjoying stunning scenery
The architecture of Hindu and Buddhist temples and shrines
Visiting Nagarkot for the best sunrise views
Difficulty Level
The difficulty level is moderate. While the tour involves visiting historical sites and walking through cultural landmarks, it does not typically require extensive physical exertion or specialized skills. Most sites are accessible by foot and involve walking on paved paths and stairs.
However, some considerations include:
Walking and Climbing: Some sites have stairs and uneven paths, such as Swayambhunath Stupa and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. You should prepare yourself for moderate walking and climbing stairs.
Altitude: Kathmandu is moderate (approximately 1,400 meters or 4,600 feet). Thus, there is a low chance you will get altitude sickness. However, if you are sensitive to this, follow some precautions.
Weather Conditions: Depending on the season of your visit, weather conditions in Kathmandu can vary from mild to hot. It’s advisable to wear comfortable clothing and carry water to stay hydrated during the tour.
January
2°C to 18°C
February
3°C to 20°C
March
6°C to 24°C
April
10°C to 27°C
May
15°C to 28°C
June
19°C to 28°C
July
20°C to 28°C
August
20°C to 28°C
September
19°C to 27°C
October
13°C to 24°C
November
6°C to 22°C
December
3°C to 19°C
Temperature Overview
Kathmandu has different temperatures in each season. The nights can be very cold in January and February, with temperatures as low as 2°C to 3°C. During the day, it is warmer, between 18°C and 20°C. Similarly, in March and April, as spring arrives, temperatures rise. They range from 6°C at night to 27°C during the day. By May, it gets even hotter, reaching up to 28°C. This marks the start of summer.
In June, July, and August, the summer months, temperatures are steady. They range from 19°C to 28°C. In September, after the monsoon, it starts to cool. The temperatures are between 19°C and 27°C. October and November are autumn months. The skies are clear, and temperatures range from 6°C to 24°C. In December, it gets colder again. Temperatures drop to between 3°C and 19°C, marking the start of winter.
5 Days Kathmandu World Heritage Tour Day-to-day-Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport – TIA)
Day 1 Facts
Trekking Time Average
20 minutes transfer to hotel from airport
Accommodation
Dwarika's hotel
Altitude
( 1295m./4273ft.)
Included meals
Breakfast
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our tour representative will meet you. We will transfer you to Dwarika’s Hotel or Hyatt Regency. It is a five-star accommodation known for its luxury and Nepali hospitality. You will receive a warm welcome from the staff there. After settling in, you can relax and prepare for the exciting journey ahead. You can also attend a brief orientation session where the tour guide will provide an overview of the upcoming tour itinerary and answer any questions.
Day 2
Full Day Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
Day 2 Facts
Trekking Time Average
06 hours city tour
Accommodation
Dwarika's hotel
Altitude
(1295m./4273ft.)
Included meals
Breakfast
Our seven-world heritage day tour of Kathmandu starts from here. After breakfast at our hotel, we will begin our full day of exploring Kathmandu Valley. Our tour guide will pick you up and take you to Pashupatinath Temple. It is one of the oldest Hindu temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will witness priests and devotees performing rituals. After that, we will visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world’s largest stupas and a major Tibetan Buddhist center. You will have the opportunity to stroll around and absorb the Tibetan community’s ambiance.
Our next stop will be Swayambhunath Stupa, the Monkey Temple. We will climb to the hilltop to enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley. After lunch, we will explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, an ancient complex of palaces and temples. We will marvel at the Kumari House, the Living Goddess’s residence. After a fulfilling day, we will return to Dwarika’s Hotel.
Day 3
Excursion to Bhaktapur/Changunarayan - Overnight in Nagarkot
Day 3 Facts
Trekking Time Average
28 km/1:30 hours
Accommodation
Club Himalaya
Altitude
(2,160 m/7,085 ft).
Included meals
Breakfast
Following breakfast, we will embark on an excursion through the Kathmandu Valley. Our first stop will be Bhaktapur Durbar Square. It is a well-preserved medieval city and a World Heritage Site. We will explore architectural marvels like Nyatapola Temple and the Palace of 55 Windows here.
Continuing our journey, we will visit Changunarayan Temple. It is atop a hill with stunning views of Kathmandu Valley. The temple boasts intricate stone and wood carvings. We will then have lunch. After that, we will drive to Nagarkot. It is a scenic hill town approximately 32 kilometers from Kathmandu. Nagarkot offers breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest. We will make our stay at Club Himalaya. Upon reaching there, you can relax and soak in the serene surroundings.
Day 4
Sunrise at Nagarkot, Patan excursion and return drive to hotel, Kathmandu
Day 4 Facts
Trekking Time Average
28km../01:30 hours drive
Accommodation
Dwarika's hotel
Altitude
(1295m./4273ft.)
Included meals
Breakfast
We will wake up early and witness the spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas from Nagarkot. We will capture unforgettable views of snow-capped peaks and take some memorable pictures for the future. After having breakfast, we will check out from Club Himalaya and return to Kathmandu.
Our next destination is Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur. It is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Durbar square is famous for its ancient palaces, temples, and shrines. We will immerse ourselves in Newari culture and marvel at the architectural splendor. After returning from there, you will have leisure time. You can explore the city independently or indulge in some last-minute shopping in bustling Thamel
Day 5
Transfer to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for your international departure
Day 5 Facts
Included meals
Breakfast
After breakfast at Dwarika’s Hotel, we will pack our bags and ensure all our essentials are well packed. Our guide will then take you to an International Airport based on your scheduled flights. Our team will assist you with check-in procedures and bid farewell, ensuring your journey concludes smoothly. You will depart Nepal with cherished memories of our cultural and natural heritage tour. Safe flights. Namaste.
What's Included
Tribhuan International Airport Transfer ( Airport – Hotel – Airport ) .
Hotel Accommodation ( Twin share basis) in Kathmandu/Nagarkot with breakfast.
Highly experienced Government licensed tour guide during the trip and his all expenses.
Private overland transport during tour as per mentioned in itinerary.
Entrance fees during city tour.
What's Not Included
Other meals as lunch/dinner during city tour.
Tips for guide/driver.
Join our group departures
Available dates.
Our scheduled group tours offer fixed departure dates, providing an excellent opportunity for travelers to join our small group trips.
Every journey we create is uniquely tailored to you. Share your interests and passions, and our travel experts will design an unforgettable adventure filled with extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experiences crafted just for you.
Taking a 5 Days Kathmandu World Heritage Itinerary is worth it despite the challenges. You will have the chance to fully immerse yourself in the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Kathmandu Valley. Rushing through the sites in one day means you might miss the depth and beauty of each location.
Spending five days on a tour, you can appreciate the heritage site more in detail. You will also have time to understand the historical significance of each site. The more time you invest, the more chances you have of connecting to the local traditions and practices.
Furthermore, on a 5 heritage site tour, you can enjoy the journey without stress. You will have time to navigate the busy streets and deal with unpredictable weather without feeling rushed. Despite the potential challenges, such as language barriers and uneven infrastructure, the enriched experience and deep connection you will gain make a 5-day heritage site of Kathmandu tour a valuable and memorable adventure.
Must Visit World Heritage Attractions in Kathmandu Tours
Swyambhunath Stupa:
Swyambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, is an ancient religious complex located atop a hill in the western part of Kathmandu. It is one of Nepal’s most revered Buddhist stupas, built over 2,000 years ago. Surrounding the central stupa are numerous smaller stupas, temples, and shrines, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
Kathmandu Durbar Square:
Kathmandu Durbar Square is in the city’s heart. The square is famous for its historical and architectural significance. It was once the royal palace of the Malla kings and later the Shah dynasty rulers. The squares the merge of palaces, courtyards, temples, and statues dating back to the 12th century. The major attractions of this place include Hanuman Dhoka Palace and the residence of the Living Goddess Kumari.
Pashupatinath Temple
The Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most religious sites in Nepal. It is the central religious site for Hindu People. Located on the bank of the Bagmati River, more than 100 people visit this place every year. It is a Lord Shiva Temple. The temple has a historic and old architectural design with gold plated on the top. It includes many small temples, ashrams, and other religious structures.
Boudhanath Stupa
It is one of the biggest stupas in the world. The Boudhanath Stupa is a significant pilgrimage place for Tibetan Buddhists. The stupa has exquisite carvings and vibrant prayer flags, purported to house Kasyapa Buddha’s relics. There are numerous Tibetan monasteries and gift shops located close to the stupa.
Patan Durbar Square
You can find another complex of palaces, temples, and courtyards from the 17th century at Patan Durbar Square. The square, now one of the Kathmandu Valley’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, was originally the seat of authority for the Malla rulers of Nepal. The Golden Temple, the Krishna Mandir Temple, and the Patan Museum are all part of the complex.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is in the old city of Bhaktapur and is home to various temples, shrines, and courtyards. The square, a UNESCO Heritage Site, is one of Nepal’s best-preserved medieval city cores. The Palace of 55 Windows, Nyatapola Temple, and Dattatreya Temple are all part of the complex.
Changunarayan Temple
This temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Nepal. It is on a mountaintop to the east of Kathmandu. The Changunarayan temple has beautiful carvings and sculptures devoted to Lord Vishnu. You can find several additional tiny temples and shrines within the temple complex.
Best Time For Kathmandu World Heritage Tour
The best time for a Kathmandu World Heritage tour can be throughout the year. Each season offers its unique charm. Spring (March to May) is an excellent time to visit. The weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures. The blooming flowers, especially the rhododendrons, add vibrant colors to the heritage sites. This season is ideal for exploring historical and cultural landmarks without the extreme heat or cold.
Summer (June to August) brings the monsoon season to Kathmandu. While frequent rain showers can be challenging, they also bring lush greenery and a clean atmosphere to the city. The rain can occasionally cause disruptions, but the reduced number of tourists during this period allows for a more intimate experience of the heritage sites.
Autumn (September to November) and winter (December to February) are also excellent times to visit Kathmandu for a World Heritage tour. Autumn is particularly popular, with clear skies, mild temperatures, and stunning mountain views. This season offers the best conditions for sightseeing and photography. Winter, although cooler with temperatures, provides a quieter atmosphere and the opportunity to explore the heritage sites without the crowds.
Meals and Accommodations
Meals and accommodations during your Kathmandu World Heritage Tour are comfortable and convenient. You will stay in well-appointed hotels in Kathmandu and Nagarkot, with rooms on a twin-share basis. This ensures a restful night’s sleep after your day’s explorations. The hotel serves breakfast each morning, allowing you to start your day refreshed and energized.
However, it’s important to note that certain aspects are not included in the tour package. While breakfast is at the hotel, meals such as lunch and dinner during the city tour will be your responsibility. This allows you to explore local cuisine at your own pace and according to your preferences. Kathmandu offers many dining options, from traditional Nepali dishes to international cuisines. You can try different delightful meals based on your preferences.
Preparation For Kathmandu World Heritage Tour
Preparing for your Kathmandu World Heritage Tour involves several key considerations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond travel dates. Obtain any necessary visas or permits required for entry into Nepal.
Consult with your healthcare provider to discuss vaccinations or medications recommended for travel to Nepal.
Pack lightweight and comfortable clothing suitable for Kathmandu’s climate, varying from mild to hot, depending on the season.
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost baggage.
Upon arrival or withdrawal from ATMs in Kathmandu, exchange currency with Nepalese rupees (NPR).
Familiarize yourself with Nepalese customs and cultural norms, especially when visiting religious sites.
Learn a few basic phrases in Nepali, such as greetings and polite expressions.
Carry a list of emergency contacts, including your tour operator, embassy or consulate, and local emergency services.
Benefits of Booking With Us
If you book your Kathmandu World Heritage Tour with us, we will ensure a seamless and enriching experience. We have a team of experienced guides. They provide you with in-depth knowledge of the historical context. We make our itinerary as per the needs and preferences of each individual.
You can quickly and confidently navigate Nepal’s cultural treasures, as we have professional guides fluent in English and well-versed in local customs. We prioritize your safety and satisfaction throughout the journey. We handle transportation and logistics to ensure quality services and transparent pricing. We deliver value for your investment. You can expect a memorable and educational journey through Kathmandu’s rich heritage by booking with us.
Frequently
Asked Questions
How many Unesco World Heritage Sites are there in Kathmandu?
The Kathmandu Valley is one of the oldest capitals globally. It boasts seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These sites encompass Nepal’s rich cultural and historical monuments spanning many years. Out of seven, 3 are the Durbar Square.
What is Kathmandu famous for?
Kathmandu is particularly well-known for its religious architecture. The city’s terrain has several temples, monasteries, and stupas, including the Pashupatinath Temple and the Changu Narayan. They are famous for their magnificent, detailed religious artworks.
Which is the first World Heritage Site in Nepal?
In 1979, the Kathmandu Valley and Sagarmatha National Park were the first two places to meet the criteria for this designation. The fourth location, Lumbini, was on the list in 1997 after the Chitwan National Park quickly followed in 1984.
What is Kathmandu's cultural heritage?
The three main centers are Kathmandu Hanuman Dhoka, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The two most significant Buddhist stupas, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath, and two well-known Hindu sanctuaries make up this valley’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What is the other name of Kathmandu?
Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is also known as “Kantipur” or “City of Glory.” This name reflects its historical and cultural significance as the region’s center of trade, art, and learning.
Why should people visit the Kathmandu district?
People should visit the Kathmandu district for its rich cultural heritage. It includes ancient temples, palaces, and monuments. All these places showcase Nepal’s history and architecture. The district also offers vibrant markets where you can experience local crafts and cuisine.
What are the seven world heritage sites in Kathmandu?
The 7 World Heritage Sites in Nepal are:
Swayambunath- The Monkey Temple.
Boudhanath Stupa
Pashupatinath Temple
The Kathmandu Durbar Square
The Bhaktapur Durbar Square
The Patan Durbar Square
Changu Narayan – Kathmandu Valley
What is the old name of Kathmandu?
Its original name was Manju-Patan; the current name refers to a wooden temple (Kath, “wood,” mandir, “temple,” or “edifice”) that was allegedly constructed in 1596 by Raja Lachmina Singh from the wood of a single tree.
We thank our guests for trekking with us, reviewing our services, and making us eligible for the prestigious awards. We also sincerely thank our dedicated staff for their unwavering commitment and continuous support of our company. Without their hard work, dedication, and passion, the awards and achievements we have received wouldn’t be possible.
My friend and I were lucky to find Tej online before visiting Nepal. We knew we wanted to do a trek, but we weren’t sure exactly which trek. Tej sent us a bunch of itineraries for different treks and we chose the Manaslu circuit. When we arrived our guide, Kumar, was waiting for us at the airport and Tej was able to get us all our permits for the trek done in less than 2 hours which was great. The manaslu trek was absolutely amazing! We were super happy with our whole trip and we were lucky to be able to make the pass even though we saw dozens of other people who had to turn back because of the weather. We are already looking forward to going back next year at the same time to trek Everest and we will definitely use Tej again!
“Nepal Alternative Trek addressed my needs according to my schedule and agenda. I stayed most of the time at his home-stay, shuttling between home and the places that I wanted to visit. Tej, the boss behind Nepal Alternative Trek, helped to make my stay in Kathmandu comfortable and productive. He walked me to the monasteries that I wanted to visit and even picked me up when I needed a ride back home.
The home-stay is hosted by his wife and I got to experience living with a Nepalese family, sharing their food, space and laughter.
For the home-stay:
1) Meals available upon request
2) Family get together and chats
3) Regular change of bed-sheets and towels
4) Free WIFI
5) Near Swayambhu and Thamel
6) Safe environment
7) Mountainous forest behind home
8) Walking distance to beautiful monasteries
9) Away from hustle and bustle of towns yet easy to get to town
Goal was achieved 4130 meter and 0 degree celsius, Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It was 6 months of preparation. It was challenging target for us. We had dense forest, mountain, and completely wilderness above the treeline, it was windy and terrain . There is a huge support team. Without them it would not be possible. We can do it , we just have to give time and practice. Mr. Gurung Ji, you with your entire 7 of team were wonderful. They were always ready to help us.
Thanks Mr. Gurung ji for all the support, and guidance that made the trip successful. While all of us focused on Mountain, big thing but there were so many beautiful things along the way, stream, flowers, flora, so many birds I took pictures. So, in summary, phenomenal, success and our confidence there. We know, we can do more and higher in next what bigger thing.
8 days non trek city tour and 21days trek to EBC and chola pass
We love nepal and made 3 time visit to this beutiful country and rich culture. This time last year we came with 6 pax and visited Kathmandu , Pohkara and chitwan with a stay of 2 night in each place. We flew to Pohkara and got the van to chitwan and flew to Kathmandu. Tej arranged all transports overland and flights for us. We did not asked for a local guide but it was all smooth and no problem. We are happy with the service provided by Tej and he made all efforts to make us happy. His company performed professional with the very reasonable pricing. We encountered some small problem with the van transporting us back from nagarkot to kathmandu airport. This van was quite small and it came to pick up quite late that we almost missed the flight to pohkara. We told Tej about this and he must take care of this outsourced van company. Anyway the van in pohkara and to chitwan was excellent , big and comfy. So he has corrected the mistake.
Part 2 was our trek to EBC and chola pass for 21 nights. Tej arranged for flight and guide plus porter. For this trekking it was only me and my wife travelling together. We are about 50 years and used the service of 2 porters cause we bought a lot of dry food plus chocolate. We are difficult persons in terms of foreign food. Our guide Ammer and 2 porters are fabulous. They took care of us very well like we are part of their family.
Overall we strongly recommend this company. They are good and not high expensive tag. We will use their service again in June to trek in Langtang. Rocky
We had a fantastic experience on the Annapurna Circuit with Nepal Alternative Treks. Tej, the manager, was helpful, professional and efficient in dealing with our requirements and amendments, the arrangements worked smoothly and the information provided to us was excellent. Our guide Kul was brilliant. He was friendly, knowledgable and experienced and took changes in our itinerary in his stride. Our trekking experience was much better with his help in everything from planning the stages of the route to organising our food and accommodation. Just one warning: he is an ace card player and will probably beat you hands down!
A wonderful & interesting trek overall. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances ( heavy snow fall & Lie ping with a bad cold) we were unable to cross the Ganja la pass. However, our guide Simbir offered us as alternative trek which took us on a difference journey of Nepal. We had the opportunity to visit & stay in many local villages and meet Tamang, Gurung people experience, their lifestyle and culture. We visited our guide’s home town of Chalishgaun and timed it right to join in with Diwali celebrations!
Attempting Everest base camp trekking for me & my group was taking it to the next level. Before this, our limits were Kedarnath, MadMaheshwar & Tunganath with max distances of 18-19 kms spread over 2-3 days. Moreover, these tracks are such that people doesn’t necessarily have to trek. They have the option of ponies. EBC involves a lot for people like us (acclimatization to altitude, strength etc.), but above all, you need someone to provide logistical support, moral support that it can be done. This is where Nepal Alternative Treks does a great job. They organized it very well, guides and porters provided were very reliable and cost is reasonable when you compare to others. They can customize your travel plan according to your need.
A few weeks ago we went on a trip to Nepal, accompanied by a couple of friends who were on their second trip with Nepal Alternative Trek. Our first goal was to trek to the village of Chalish in Ruby Valley. We decided to go with the services of Nepal Alternative Trek to take us up there. We went there partly by jeep, partly walking through the cultivated terraces, meeting the inhabitants of the different communities who worked there.
I must say that the service that Tej offered us was perfect on all lines. First of all, before our departure, months before, Tej always answered our many questions (luggage, temperature, route to be revised, etc.) Always within 24 hours, he answered with a lot of patience.
All the equipment we thought we would need was available at his office.
Our guide Ammar led us to destination with confidence and professionalism. He knew all the trails, and especially all the shortcuts to avoid us having to go up or down too much along our road. He has managed all the difficulties we have encountered: due to personal reasons, we had to change and our itinerary, and our calendar, and he made everything possible. The whole team adapted to our changes. Our guide contacted Tej who orchestrated the changes without us even having to deal with anything.
The porters were attentive and were always in front of our needs.
Our journey continued towards Bandipur with the driver who made us know the various interesting points, from sunrise to sunset, making detours to take us to the most famous places. Then a 2 days stay in Chitwan, and return to Kathmandu again where the driver carried us without calculating from one place to another – God knows that traffic in Kathmandu, Bakhtapur and Patan can be complicated.
Thanks to Tej, and the whole Nepal Alternative Trek team. We will remember forever that amazing experience.
Many thanks to Tej – well organized, Dhan + hal worked Hard, we could not have done it without there Help, they were always there when needed, worked extra to help us when we were sick. Always kind and cheerful
Need assistance? Our travel expert Tej Bahadur Gurung is here to help! Please fill out the form below to initiate a chat and get your queries resolved quickly.
