Kathmandu valley; the capital of Nepal is well known for its culture and tradition, art and architecture, many heritage sites which holds historical and religious importance. We have designed this tour as one of the finest tour option of the valley.
Having seven heritages enlisted by the UNESCO World heritage sites inside or to a little distance (with 30 km) of the Kathmandu valley, exploring this city is actually not just fun but educational as well. If you are here for research work, to know about the art and architecture or to collect the historical artifacts of this place then it is a really great option for you to carry out your research.
As to this, you will be able to glance over the statues, temples and monasteries which have been there from the medieval era. These cultural heritage sites are protected by the government as these places were built hundreds of years back and had eventually flourished since the Lichhavi and Malla dynasty in Nepal. These cultural heritages comprising of three durbar squares, two stupas (monasteries) and two temples not only have cultural and religious significance but the temples and stupas have religious significance as well.
Besides this, if you are in Kathmandu solely for a trip and not to have much insights of the historical era then also you can have fun in your own ways by exploring the locals, local food, their customs, market, etc.
Having seven heritages enlisted by the UNESCO World heritage sites inside or to a little distance (with 30 km) of the Kathmandu valley, exploring this city is actually not just fun but educational as well. If you are here for research work, to know about the art and architecture or to collect the historical artifacts of this place then it is a really great option for you to carry out your research.
As to this, you will be able to glance over the statues, temples and monasteries which have been there from the medieval era. These cultural heritage sites are protected by the government as these places were built hundreds of years back and had eventually flourished since the Lichhavi and Malla dynasty in Nepal. These cultural heritages comprising of three durbar squares, two stupas (monasteries) and two temples not only have cultural and religious significance but the temples and stupas have religious significance as well.
Besides this, if you are in Kathmandu solely for a trip and not to have much insights of the historical era then also you can have fun in your own ways by exploring the locals, local food, their customs, market, etc.
Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrival at Kathmandu
You will arrive to Kathmandu, as it is the only International Airport. After you land out from the Airport, you will find our staff member who will then escort you to your hotel via a private car or a tourist bus. The staff will then leave you to your hotel and after that you could just relax for the day or roam about the hotel or some nearby places as per your choice. -
Day 2
Sightseeing around the valley
We begin our journey as a tour of sightseeing around the Kathmandu valley from the second day onwards. First of all, we go to visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square where you can see the ancient architecture and how the environment is there with the market places. Then we will be boarding towards Pashupatinath Temple as it is one of the most important cultural heritages in Nepal especially to the Hindus. Here, you can take photographs of the temple from outside and further look at the architecture. Then, on the same day, we will visit Baudhanath Stupa; a Buddhist monastery which is open to all religions. The stupa is indeed one of the largest stupas in South Asia. Here you can view the way the stupa is built as it is renovated after the 2015’s earthquake and notice how the form is made more nicely. Then, on the same day, later on, we will move to Swayembhunath Stupa which is another Buddhist monastery in Kathmandu. Here too you can look at the way the stupa is built, the environment, view the huge statues, and look at the whole valley in a wide angle. Also popularly known by the name Monkey Temple, you can find a lot of monkeys inside the premises of Swayembhunath Stupa.
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Day 3
Sightseeing around Lalitpur and Bhaktapur and further heading towards Nagarkot
On the third day, we start our journey for the tour to Patan Durbar Square, Lalitpur and further view the art and architecture from the ancient era. Then after exploring the statues, the museum, etc. inside the premises of Patan Durbar Square, we further head towards Bhaktapur Durbar Square for the same purpose. In both the durbar squares you can find the narrow alleys with wide courtyards and the tourists and local people gathering just to roam about or to see the view from there. While in Bhaktapur, you can see some really old temples and the courtyard as in Patan Durbar Square was quite damaged by the earthquake of 2015 and has been further been maintained. In Patan Durbar square, the museum is famous while in Bhaktapur Golden gate, Nyatapola Temple and 55 window palace are famous. Then, after that we will further move on towards our other destination i.e. Nagarkot. We go to Nagarkot directly from Bhaktapur and reach there before sunset as we can see amazing sunset from there. Then we will take a short walk to Nagarkot view point from where you can see the valley nicely. Then, after that we head up to a hotel at Nagarkot and spend a night at there itself. Then as we can see amazing views of sunrise as well and not just sunset, we will be waking up early to see the sunrise and then head up to Kathmandu. -
Day 4
As we had planned out, we wake up early in the morning and see the sunrise
Then, after that we will have our breakfast and head up to Kathmandu crossing through Bungmati, Khokana and Kirtipur. We then, go to Kirtipur; Kathmandu and visit some temples and look at the locality there Most of the indigenous people here are the Newars. So, this makes it the place to have been known for Newari culture and food. As to the history of Kirtipur, especially during and after the 12TH Century, it was known to be one of the strongest kingdoms of Nepal. At that time there used to be separate kingdoms in Nepal. So, the art and architecture along with the artifacts dates t that time where you can still find the fortified walls and 12 of the original gates. Then, after visiting Kirtipur, we head up to Chovar and panga as well. In Chovar, we will be visiting Dakshinkali temple and the further go to visit other temples on the way. Then, we will further head up to Hattiban where we will be having our lunch at a resort there as we can see really good views from there of the Kathmandu valley as it is located in a little height. Then, we will go to Khokana and Bungamati where you can see the traditional way of having their own customs and culture. Most people here are involved in oil making and wood carving. Then, later on you will be going to your hotels where you will have ended the tour of Kathmandu valley. -
Day 5
If you plan to go further to other cities in Nepal then you could contact us
otherwise, as you won’t be having any sightseeing around the valley anymore as the package, you will then depart from Nepal where our staff member will take your luggage and drop you till the Airport. And you go back to your own country or wherever you have planned to go.
Trek Info
Here are some of the Trekking accessories that you require for the easy and convenient journey-
In general you will need four sleeping bags (we could provide you one for the trek), a duffel or a trekking bag of 70-80 liters (we can provide one), down jacket (this too we can provide one if needed for the trek) and a normal travel bag of 25-30 liters.
For clothing, you will require the following-
Upper body- For this-shirts, waterproof jacket, fleece jacket or pullover, water proof jacketare needed. Wind proof jacket are optional but preferred. For T-shirts, baggy cotton T-shirts are the best especially for warm days in lower altitudes. Moreover, we recommend synthetic T-shirts as they quickly absorb the moisture. Then, for the waterproof jacket, we recommend you to have nylon which is light.
Lower body- For this, you need hiking shorts, trekking pants, soft shell and hard shell pants, cotton pants or jeans. For hiking shorts, buy the fabric which dries quickly. For trekking pants, go for the ones which have zipper in the middle of the knees so that you can take off the bottom part when necessary. Forsoft shell pants, buy a synthetic fiber. Then, for hard shell, buy a waterproof one. Full zipper from top to bottom is preferred for both soft and hard shell pants. For extra wearable, have a pair of jeans or cotton pants.
Inner wears- Regarding inner wears, you need lightweight underwear which is preferably made up of synthetic. For women, own synthetic sports bras. You could also have swimsuit if you would like to.
Footwear- For this, you need a trekking boot, gaiters and sandals. For Trekking boots, get a hard sole lug-cleated boots for good performance for every kind of landscape. We then recommend you to have a pair as it helps keep your feet dry quickly and keeping dust, rocks and snow out of your shoes. We also suggest you to have a pair of sandals as it helps while you are in the lodge. Then, for socks, you require 4 pairs of synthetic and 3 pairs of woolen socks.
Hand wears- The hand essentials are gloves, mittens and hand warmers. For warm weather, buy synthetic or thin woolen gloves. For cold weather, buy a woolen or fleece gloves. While for mittens, Gore-Tex mittens are the best. Regarding hand warmers, it’s completely your choice whether you want to have or not.
Face protection- For protecting the face against the snowfalls, heavy wind, direct sun, etc. we recommend you to have a cap or a hat, a synthetic woolen hat, a lightweightedbalaclava, glacier glasses having 100% UV protected lens with side shields and hard-sided storage, headlamp, ear muffs, neck warmer, etc. Ear muffs and neck warmers are not necessary but are up to your choice.
First Aid Kit- Though the trekking guides will be carrying a first aid kit box, we suggest you to have one as well. So, for this, you will need to have basic emergency equipment. You can discuss with us regarding what all to take along with you.
Personal care- The personal care products that you will require while trekking are tooth brush, tooth paste (biodegradable is preferred), towel, soap, hand wash, sanitizers, wet wipes, deodorants, crèmes, etc. along with your other needs.
Miscellaneous but important- These include valid passport, passport size photos, airline ticket (and its copy), luggage locks, thick garbage bags, water bottle, small bag for travel documents, passport, wallet/purse, etc., pocket knife, sunscreen lotion (SPF 40 recommended) and lip balm of at least SPF 20.
Extras- The extras include trekking poles, snacks, books, games, chargers, binoculars, batteries, camera, guide book, extra glasses (if you wear), notebook/pen, sleeping bag liner, hydration bladder with drinking tube, pee bottle for men and pee funnel for women, thermos, etc.
Note- Tight fitting clothes especially made out of fabrics like lycra, especially to women can be offensive to the local villagers. So, make sure that you pack something to wear on top of them if you want to pack them.
In general you will need four sleeping bags (we could provide you one for the trek), a duffel or a trekking bag of 70-80 liters (we can provide one), down jacket (this too we can provide one if needed for the trek) and a normal travel bag of 25-30 liters.
For clothing, you will require the following-
Upper body- For this-shirts, waterproof jacket, fleece jacket or pullover, water proof jacketare needed. Wind proof jacket are optional but preferred. For T-shirts, baggy cotton T-shirts are the best especially for warm days in lower altitudes. Moreover, we recommend synthetic T-shirts as they quickly absorb the moisture. Then, for the waterproof jacket, we recommend you to have nylon which is light.
Lower body- For this, you need hiking shorts, trekking pants, soft shell and hard shell pants, cotton pants or jeans. For hiking shorts, buy the fabric which dries quickly. For trekking pants, go for the ones which have zipper in the middle of the knees so that you can take off the bottom part when necessary. Forsoft shell pants, buy a synthetic fiber. Then, for hard shell, buy a waterproof one. Full zipper from top to bottom is preferred for both soft and hard shell pants. For extra wearable, have a pair of jeans or cotton pants.
Inner wears- Regarding inner wears, you need lightweight underwear which is preferably made up of synthetic. For women, own synthetic sports bras. You could also have swimsuit if you would like to.
Footwear- For this, you need a trekking boot, gaiters and sandals. For Trekking boots, get a hard sole lug-cleated boots for good performance for every kind of landscape. We then recommend you to have a pair as it helps keep your feet dry quickly and keeping dust, rocks and snow out of your shoes. We also suggest you to have a pair of sandals as it helps while you are in the lodge. Then, for socks, you require 4 pairs of synthetic and 3 pairs of woolen socks.
Hand wears- The hand essentials are gloves, mittens and hand warmers. For warm weather, buy synthetic or thin woolen gloves. For cold weather, buy a woolen or fleece gloves. While for mittens, Gore-Tex mittens are the best. Regarding hand warmers, it’s completely your choice whether you want to have or not.
Face protection- For protecting the face against the snowfalls, heavy wind, direct sun, etc. we recommend you to have a cap or a hat, a synthetic woolen hat, a lightweightedbalaclava, glacier glasses having 100% UV protected lens with side shields and hard-sided storage, headlamp, ear muffs, neck warmer, etc. Ear muffs and neck warmers are not necessary but are up to your choice.
First Aid Kit- Though the trekking guides will be carrying a first aid kit box, we suggest you to have one as well. So, for this, you will need to have basic emergency equipment. You can discuss with us regarding what all to take along with you.
Personal care- The personal care products that you will require while trekking are tooth brush, tooth paste (biodegradable is preferred), towel, soap, hand wash, sanitizers, wet wipes, deodorants, crèmes, etc. along with your other needs.
Miscellaneous but important- These include valid passport, passport size photos, airline ticket (and its copy), luggage locks, thick garbage bags, water bottle, small bag for travel documents, passport, wallet/purse, etc., pocket knife, sunscreen lotion (SPF 40 recommended) and lip balm of at least SPF 20.
Extras- The extras include trekking poles, snacks, books, games, chargers, binoculars, batteries, camera, guide book, extra glasses (if you wear), notebook/pen, sleeping bag liner, hydration bladder with drinking tube, pee bottle for men and pee funnel for women, thermos, etc.
Note- Tight fitting clothes especially made out of fabrics like lycra, especially to women can be offensive to the local villagers. So, make sure that you pack something to wear on top of them if you want to pack them.
FAQs
When is the ideal time to trek in Nepal an?
The ideal time to trek in Nepal whether it is either in Autumn- from September to November or in Spring- from March to May. These two seasons are considered to be the best time due to good weather and moderate temperate suitable for trekking.
Is it difficult to trek in Nepal?
In regard to the difficulty of trekking in Nepal, it depends upon the mountain range. Not all the trekking routes are that difficult to climb but there are places where you can find trekking most challenging as well.
How can I prepare myself to be fit for trekking?
In order to be fit for trekking, you need to start walking more and possibly go for hiking or even short distance trekking before you trek for long distance like this. You can go for hiking in your own place nearby before coming to Nepal as well.
What are the necessary documents that I need to bring along with me?
The documents that you will require for trekking in Nepal will be your passport which should be valid at least till next 6 months, a copy of your insurance, 2 or more passport sized photographs, flight tickets of course along with emergency contact number in case of any emergency.
Is travel insurance really necessary?
Yes, travel insurance is necessary and while getting the insurance, make sure that the company covers the altitude that you are trekking at. And the other thing, it is even better if you get the insurance from your own country.
What happens in case of any emergency or even altitude sickness?
For altitude sickness, as it is quite common problems in higher altitude, we provide you with some of the guideline regarding what you can do at your own level if it is not much. But if the sickness continues to get worse then you should immediately get down to lower region. In case of emergency, our guides will take care of it as they are well trained with using first aid and have basic knowledge of physical injuries or some other problems. But if the injury, altitude sickness or any other problem arises then the rescue team will be contacted. For this reason, you insurance helps a lot.
Should we really need to have a trekking guide?
Yes, you need to have a trekking guide if you are a new trekker as you may not know about so many things like mountaineering or altitude sickness or even about the topography, weather, etc. And most importantly you will be able to know about the place that you are travelling; the exact location and can also have a company. But if you have travelled and especially trekked a lot of places in Nepal trekked earlier as well for many times and think you don’t need a guide then you may proceed. But for this also, make sure that you have the permission from the local and government authorities as trekking guide is mostly compulsory in many parts of the Himalayan region.
And what about porters? Do I need them as well?
This however is not a compulsion in many of the trekking routes but it is better if you take a porter along with you as you can enjoy your travelling experience without having to carry a lot of loads- your backpack. And the other reason the local people will get a work to earn for their daily requirements and as the people in High Himalayas don’t have riches and live a simple normal life, it will perhaps be a great help.
What permits do I need for the trek?
The permits that you need for the trek will be done by our company and need not worry about it. But however, for your information, you will need to have a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card- this is a basic permit for trekking in Nepal along with the necessary permits of where exactly you are trekking if needed. You can also have FIT (Free Individual Trekker) if you are a solo trekker. But this is not valid for the restricted areas where you cannot go forward for solo trekking. The other necessities will be Valid passport with at least six month remaining before it expire, a valid Nepal visa, e-copy of passport sized photo. The other necessities will be done by the company itself.
Can I solo trek/travel in Nepal?
Yes, you can solo trek or travel in Nepal. However, for trekking in higher altitudes where the regions are known as Restricted Areas, there you are not allowed to go alone as you will have to buy at least two permits. But the interesting thing is that in most of the areas you also need to carry a guide along with you. So, if you can manage to trek with your guide paying for his permit and being with him throughout the trek, then you possibly might be able to trek in that way. Otherwise, you can get along with someone who also wants to trek solo and go together instead.
How will the food and water be during the trek?
The foods are usually served in the teahouses which will be plain but good and hygienic as they cook the vegetables nicely. They even soak iodine in water before cooking the vegetables so that you can get good and healthy food. Whereas if you are camping then you can get local foods that you can cook it. Since in higher altitudes, you won’t find refrigerators and frequent power cut; you will have to be vegetarian during the trek even if you are not. Then, regarding water facilities, bottled water is available up to the most of the Base Camp itself which will cost around US$1-4. But however, you should not drink water from the tap or streams.
What all can I buy as souvenirs in Nepal and how much amount is good for extra expenses?
For souvenirs, you can get good hand knitted woolen goods, hats, cashmere shawls, pashminas, Buddhist memorabilia, carved masks, puppets, wood carvings, jewelry, etc. as these are the things which are frequently bought by the tourists. You can get the souvenirs mostly at Thamel area when you are in Kathmandu. So, for all of the extra expenses including souvenirs, food and drinks other than what the Hotel/ Teahouse provides you, or perhaps some clothing or equipment for yourself then we recommend you to have around US$200-350 along with you. Besides that, you can withdraw money from ATMs while in Kathmandu as well.
Can I buy the trekking equipment in Kathmandu or should I bring it along with myself?
Yes, you can buy trekking equipment in Kathmandu and it may even cost a little less amount but the quality of the product can’t be guaranteed. So, for this reason, we recommend you to bring the very necessary equipment like the trekking shoes along with you. But for other additional needs, you can buy it in Kathmandu itself.
What all do I need to carry to the trek?
You need to carry warm as well as cool clothing as there might be hotter in some of the places along the way or even in Kathmandu during summer season. Then, you have to have a sleeping bag as you might need it at times if the teahouses are unavailable or so in some places. The other things we recommend are small portion of snacks like chocolate bars, water proof wearable, cap, lotion, sunglasses, hand sanitizers, water bottle, first aid kit, etc. along with your daily necessities.
Are Ice axe and Crampons necessary while trekking in Nepal?
We don’t think you will need Ice axe or Crampons during trekking even in the Himalayas as the trails are marked nicely until and unless you go to trekking in the winter. Then, you will need them as there will be much more snowfall and will also be easy for you while trekking. In other season, instead of Crampons, we recommend you to have Micro spikes as they are not heavy and you can carry it easily. Plus, Micro spikes are comparatively less expensive as well. And regarding the Ice axe, we will provide you with one if it is really necessary though it’s not that necessary, as we will know more about the size and shape along with light weighted one.
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Our Team
Rupa Khanal Tiwari
Pramod Khanal
Franziska Thiel
Maksim Titarev
Valeriia Trifilceva
Dr.Mohamed Hasan Abdulla
Ceprem
Rasik Khanal