Here's a travel package that gives you a glimpse of what Nepal has to deliver in a week: a short trek paired with a visit to the historical sites of Bhaktapur and Patan with fantastic views of the Himalaya. You'll remain a reasonable distance away from Kathmandu.
Itinerary
- Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
- Day 02: Kathmandu (1,400 m) to Nagarkot (2,175 m)
- Day 03: Stay in Nagarkot (2,175 m)
- Day 04: Bhaktapur (1,401 m) and Patan (1,324 m)
- Day 05: Choosing Local Activities
- Day 06: Shopping in Kathmandu
Itinerary in Brief
The itinerary mentioned above has been described below:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive and move to your hotel in Kathmandu to get checked in. Afterwards, take a brief stroll around Thamel to check out the new sights and sounds before going for your first meal at a traditional Nepali restaurant.
Day 02: Kathmandu (1,400 m) to Nagarkot (2,175 m)
Travel to Sankhu from Kathmandu for the beginning of your hiking to Nagarkot. Sankhu is a traditional village and, depending on your pace, the hike from here to Nagarkot takes around 3-4 hours (it's a little uphill).
Nagarkot: Panoramic Hills Embrace Tranquility
Credit:nepalvisitinfo.com
Nagarkot is situated on top of one of the east ranges outside Kathmandu and provides some of the finest views of the Himalaya from the Kathmandu Valley on a clear day. There are a variety of hotels that we can pick from for tonight with excellent views.
Day 03: Stay in Nagarkot (2,175 m)
Continue the trek to Dhulikhel after breakfast on a rooftop terrace enjoying the valley and hill stations below, following the mountain with continued mountain scenery.
Later, after lunch, for an overnight at the Peacock Guest House, a 700-year-old structure that was renovated in the 70s and thankfully survived 2015's earthquake, you'll head to the heritage town of Bhaktapur.
Established in the 12th century and renowned for it is remarkably well-preserved heritage sites and monuments, Bhaktapur is amongst the three cities in the Kathmandu Valley. When you stroll about until your evening meal, it's easy to get lost amid its alleys, small markets and temple grounds.
Day 04: Bhaktapur (1,401 m) and Patan (1,324 m)
Enjoy the sunrise at Bhaktapur. This is the best moment to visit this historic site and the only time in the day when, as they did centuries ago, the locals go about their everyday duties.
Caption: World heritage site
Later, go to visit the humans of Bhaktapur to hear tales of endurance and strength through the tragedy that hit Nepal, a yoghurt manufacturer or a paper producer. We will make our way to Patan after lunch, one of the other ancient civilisations in the valley, known for its arts and crafts.
At Karma Cafe, a luxury coffee shop that recycles and upcycles all about coffee, our first stop at Patan will be to grab a cup of an organic coffee-the perfect start to an afternoon of visiting the local markets of Patan. You will travel back to Kathmandu in the evening, where you will rest overnight.
Day 05: Choosing Local Activities
Using this day to take part in one of the local events that Kathmandu will have to offer, such as knowing how to prepare Nepali food in a cook like a local course, making a Buddhist monk or Hindu priest take you around the ancient sites of Swayambhu, Boudha, or Pashupatinath, or visiting Vespa Valley to Kathmandu.
Caption: Aerial view of Kathmandu Valley
Take some time to walk on your own later during the day and capture the hustle and bustle of local markets, evening rituals, and watch the world pass by while sipping a chai from the stairs of Durbar Square in Kathmandu.
Day 06: Shopping in Kathmandu
Your last day in Kathmandu Valley. You've had such a busy week, so take the time to chill now, indulge yourself in last-minute shopping, and soak up the Kathmandu experience before head back to the Tribhuwan International Airport. Hopefully, you'll be planning your next journey back before long.