If you are planning for a day site seeing Kathmandu valley, plan for four places in a day if you are visiting in a private car due to the traffic. It usually takes two days to visit all the heritage sites of Kathmandu valley and more days if you want to see some important temples and places since Kathmandu is also known as the City of Temples. Find here some one-day travel options for the Kathmandu Day Trip.
The Most Popular One!
Start the day by visiting Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, located on a hilltop in the western part of the city. The stupa is a Buddhist shrine with a white dome and a golden spire, surrounded by prayer wheels and small shrines. There are 365 steps to the top of the hill for panoramic views of the city.
After visiting Swayambhunath, head to Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Patan. The square is home to several temples, palaces, and shrines and is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Nepal. Walk around the yard and visit the different temples and palaces, such as the Patan Museum and the Royal Palace.
In the afternoon, visit the Boudhanath Stupa, one of Nepal's largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist temples. The stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular place for pilgrims and tourists. Walk around the stupa, spin the prayer wheels, and visit the monasteries and shops.
After visiting Boudhanath, head to the Pashupatinath Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. The temple is on the banks of the Bagmati River and is considered one of the holiest Hindu temples in Nepal. Only Hindus are allowed inside the main temple, but you can view the temple from the other side of the river.
A Day trip Option: Sunrise Nagarkot, Hike to Changunarayan, Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Start the day by driving to Nagarkot, a hill station located about 32 kilometers (20 miles) east of Kathmandu. Nagarkot is known for its beautiful sunrise views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest. Stay at a hotel in Nagarkot and enjoy breakfast after sunrise.
After breakfast, start your hike to Changu Narayan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the village of Changu. The temple of the Hindu god Vishnu is considered one of Nepal's oldest and most important temples. The hike from Nagarkot to Changu Narayan takes about 2-3 hours and is moderately complex. You can either hike on your own or hire a guide.
After visiting Changu Narayan Temple, visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Bhaktapur. The square is home to several temples, palaces, and shrines, including the 55-Window Palace and the Nyatapola Temple. Walk around the yard and visit the different temples and palaces.
Other options: Chandragiri Cable Car, Matatirtha Hiking, Kirtipur Visit, and Newari Community Restaurant Lahana in Kirtipur
Start the day by driving to Chandragiri, located about 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of Kathmandu. Take the Chandragiri cable car to the top of the hill, where you'll find a temple, a restaurant, and panoramic city views.
After exploring the top of the hill, start your hike to Matatirtha, a village about 2 kilometers (1 mile) from Chandragiri. The walk takes about 1 hour and is a moderate level of difficulty. You can either hike on your own or hire a guide.
After visiting Matatirtha, drive to the city of Kirtipur, located about 8 kilometers (5 miles) southwest of Kathmandu. Kirtipur is a historic city with many temples, palaces, and shrines. Walk around the town and visit the different sites.
In the afternoon, visit the Lahana Community Restaurant in Kirtipur, which serves traditional Newari food. The restaurant is a great place to try local dishes and learn about the culture and cuisine of Nepal.
After your meal, drive back to your place in Kathmandu.
Dakshinkali, Pharping, Taudaha and Kiritpur Visit
Start the day by driving to Dakshinkali, a Hindu temple located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Kathmandu. The temple is goddess Kali's temple and is a popular place for pilgrims to offer sacrifices. Only Hindus are allowed inside the main temple, but you can view the temple from the outside.
After visiting Dakshinkali, head to Pharping, a village located about 15 kilometers (9 miles) south of Kathmandu. Pharping is home to the Asura Cave, a sacred cave where the Buddhist saint Padmasambhava meditated. You can either visit the cave on your own or hire a guide.
In the afternoon, visit Taudaha, a lake located about 15 kilometers (9 miles) southwest of Kathmandu. The lake is a popular spot for picnics and birdwatching. Walk around the lake and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
After visiting Taudaha, drive to the city of Kirtipur, located about 8 kilometers (5 miles) southwest of Kathmandu. Kirtipur is a historic city with some temples, palaces, and shrines. Walk around the town and visit the different sites.
After your visit to Kirtipur, drive back to your place in Kathmandu.
In conclusion
In conclusion, there are many different sites and activities that you can enjoy during a visit to Kathmandu. Some popular places to visit include Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Changu Narayan Temple, Nagarkot, Chobhar Gorge, Taudaha, and Kirtipur. You can visit some or all of these places depending on your interests and time. It is also possible to customize your itinerary to include activities such as mountain flights, cable car rides, and hikes. This information helps you plan your trip to Kathmandu and have a memorable experience.
Let us know if you have any other questions.
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