Kathmandu – Bhaktapur – Nagarkot
Embark on a spiritually enriching and culturally immersive 4-day journey through Nepal’s most iconic destinations—Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Nagarkot. This short yet meaningful tour is designed to give you a glimpse into Nepal’s deep-rooted traditions, ancient temples, artistic heritage, and scenic natural beauty.
Kathmandu – City of Temples
Your journey begins in Kathmandu, the vibrant capital city of Nepal, known as the “City of Temples.” Here, you will explore a fascinating mix of Hindu and Buddhist spiritual landmarks that date back centuries and are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include:
Pashupatinath Temple
One of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. Pilgrims from all over South Asia come here to seek blessings, and visitors can observe traditional Hindu rituals, including open-air cremations.
Boudhanath Stupa
One of the largest spherical stupas in the world, surrounded by colorful prayer flags and monasteries. This serene Buddhist site is the spiritual center for Nepal’s Tibetan community and radiates a peaceful energy ideal for reflection.
Swayambhunath Stupa
Also known as the Monkey Temple, perched a top a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. This ancient religious complex offers a panoramic view of the city and combines Buddhist and Hindu symbolism, with fluttering prayer flags and sacred statues lining the steps.
Jal Narayan Temple
Also known as Budhanilkantha, a unique and mesmerizing site featuring a large reclining statue of Lord Vishnu resting on a bed of serpents in a pond. This open-air temple is especially peaceful and is a significant pilgrimage site for followers of Hinduism.
Tour Highlights
- Explore the sacred Hindu and Buddhist temples of Kathmandu
- Visit iconic sites like Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Buddhanilkantha and Swayambhunath
- Stroll through the historic alleys of Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- Enjoy a peaceful hill-station retreat in Nagarkot with views of the Himalayas
- Private guided sightseeing and comfortable accommodations
From the spiritual and historical center in Kathmandu, you head out towards Bhaktapur, an ancient royal city with well-preserved medieval architecture and artistic courtyards with intricate woodwork, followed by a visit to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, where you will be transported back in time to the golden age of Newari culture. The tour ends at Nagarkot, a hilltop village famed for its scenic views of sunrise and sunset over the Himalayan mountain range; on clear days, Mount Everest is even visible. With spiritual experiences, heritage sites, and nature combined into one tour, this is an excellent choice for first-time travelers or anyone looking for a soulful short getaway. After immersing yourself in the spiritual and historical heart of Nepal, you will travel to Bhaktapur, the ancient royal city with well-preserved medieval architecture and artistic courtyards with intricate woodwork; the tour then takes you through Bhaktapur Durbar Square, where you are transported back to the golden age of Newari culture. The tour ends in Nagarkot, a peaceful hilltop village famed for its sunset and sunrise views over the Himalayan mountain range on clear days, providing the perfect wrap-up to your trip. This carefully designed tour
Bhaktapur, Historic Heritage Town - The City of Devotees
Bhaktapur is a medieval city located approximately 13 km east of Kathmandu and is sometimes referred to as an open-air museum. The narrow streets lined with traditional Newari houses and decorative temples make it one of the most beautifully preserved cities in Nepal, giving you a glimpse into its past.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is famous for its majestic palaces, intricately carved wooden windows, centuries-old pagodas, and numerous architectural masterpieces, such as 55-Window Palace built in the 15th century with exquisite wood carving.
- Vatsala Temple constructed of sandstone and features a Shikhara-style architecture.
- Nyatapola Temple, also made of sandstone and the tallest temple in the valley, is topped by a five-tiered roof and guarded by huge stone sculptures.
- Pottery Square where local artisans continue to handcraft clay pots—providing visitors with an opportunity to watch them at work.
Nagarkot, The Himalayan Viewpoint
Nagarkot is a small hill station 2,100 meters (6,800 feet) above sea level and 32 km from Kathmandu, famed as one of the best places in the Kathmandu Valley for sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas. The view here stretches from Annapurna in the west to Everest in the east on a clear day. It is especially peaceful at sunrise or sunset, when you can watch the sky turn golden above the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Surrounded by pine forests, farmlands, and tranquil trails, it provides an excellent respite from the hectic city life. For short hikes and walks, there are several walking trails that provide fresh mountain air and a view into rural village life and terraced landscapes. Whether you are traveling as a couple or family with kids or looking for a romantic retreat, Nagarkot offers an idyllic setting to unwind in nature, enjoy stunning views of the mountains, and get away from it all.
