Kathmandu Heritage Tour – 2 Days

Trip Overview

• Country: Nepal
• Duration: 2 Days
• Trip Level: Easy
• Max Altitude: 1,400 m/4,593 ft
• Activity: Cultural Tour & Sightseeing

• Best Season: Jan-Jun, Sep-Dec

Trip Highlights

• Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley.
• Spend quality time at the world’s largest Buddhist stupa- Boudhanath.
• Explore the ancient Changu Narayan Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in the valley, renowned for its stone inscriptions and rich history.
• Visit the royal palaces, pagodas, and traditional Newari architecture in Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
• Admire Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu site dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Bagmati River.
• Visit Patan Durbar Square, the Golden Temple, showcasing exquisite Newar craftsmanship.
• Climb to the panoramic views and explore the Buddhist culture in Swayambhunath Temple.

Trip Description

Embark on an amazing two-day Kathmandu Heritage Tour and experience Nepal’s rich history like never before. Nepal is famous for its wonderful cultural treasures, and Kathmandu, the capital city, is a special place filled with ancient temples, peaceful monasteries, and charming old cities

During this journey, you’ll get to explore three medieval cities: Bhaktapur, Kathmandu (also known as Kantipur), and Patan (also called Lalitpur). Imagine walking down streets that have seen centuries of stories unfold, a real-life time machine taking you back in time.

Begin your journey with the exploration of Bouddhanath, a massive and awe-inspiring stupa, stands tall, watching over the city with its big, kind eyes. This place has an incredible power to bring people together in harmony and reflection. Continue to the ancient Changu Narayan Temple, renowned for its rich history and intricate carvings, and conclude your day exploring the medieval charm of Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Explore Pashupatinath Temple, where people have been coming to worship for ages. The prayers, the rituals, and the peaceful surroundings will fill your heart with a sense of wonder.

One of the highlights of this journey is exploring the majestic Durbar Squares of Kathmandu and Patan, built by the Malla kings. Their ancient palaces and temples still echo the grandeur of a royal past.

End your journey climbing up to Swayambhunath, known as the ‘Monkey Temple’, situated on a hill. From there, you’ll see a breathtaking view of the Kathmandu city. It is a perfect spot to reflect on your unforgettable Nepal adventure.

So, get ready for a fantastic adventure that takes you through Nepal’s history, spirituality, and vibrant local culture. As you explore Bhaktapur, stand in awe at Durbar Squares, and feel the magic of Boudhanath, Changu Narayan, Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath, you’re not just a tourist – you’re a part of Nepal’s incredible story.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 – Guided sightseeing of Boudhanath, Changu Narayan Temple, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Max. Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft)

Today, your guide will lead you on a cultural journey to explore some of Nepal’s renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The sightseeing of the first day includes the following heritage sites:

Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. The white domed stupa stands on a giant mandala. Built during the 5th century, Boudhanath stupa is an important center of Tibetan Buddhism.  Legend has it that the bones of Kasyapa Buddha (one of Buddha’s incarnations) lies at the base of this stupa.

Changu Narayan Temple

Changu Narayan Temple is the oldest UNESCO World Heritage site, situated on a hilltop close to Bhaktapur. Believed to have been originally built in the 4th century, the temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu, also known as Vishnu-Narayan. The temple is a masterpiece of Lichhavi-era architecture and is renowned for its exquisite stone, wood, and metal carvings.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square lies in Bhaktapur, one of the three medieval cities in Kathmandu Valley. The royal square, which was built by the Malla royals, houses some of the best examples of ancient Newari art and architecture.  The five-tiered pagoda temple  Nyatapola, Palace of 55 Windows, Vatsala Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, Duttaraya Temple, Pujari Math, Golden Gate etc, are all cultural treasures of this beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Meals not included

Day 02 – Guided sightseeing of Pashupatinath, Patan, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath Stupa.

Max. Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft)

On the second day of the heritage tour, enjoy a guided exploration of the historical cities of Kathmandu and Patan, discovering their rich culture and timeless architecture.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the holiest Hindu shrines in the world. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple lies 5 km east of the city center. The richly ornamented pagoda houses the sacred Linga, or phallic symbol, of Lord Shiva.

Patan Durbar Square

Located in the heart of Lalitpur, Patan Durbar Square is renowned for its stunning Newar architecture and rich artistic heritage. The square is home to ancient temples, intricately carved wooden windows, and the Golden Temple, a revered Buddhist monastery.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

This complex of palaces, courtyards, and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece here is the 17th-century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. The Durbar Square is the social, religious, and urban focal point of the city. There are also three museums inside the palace building.

Swayambhunath Stupa – The Monkey Temple

Perched atop a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhunath is one of the oldest and most revered religious sites in Nepal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site holds deep significance for both Buddhists and Hindus. The central white dome and gilded spire of the stupa are adorned with the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha.  Swayambhu is also known as Samhengu and the Monkey temple because of the countless monkeys living in the premises.

• Overnight at a Hotel
• Breakfast and farewell dinner included

Trip Note

Our standard itinerary might differ slightly due to unpredictable happenings and events out of our control. Factors such as flight cancellation/delay, unfavorable weather, natural calamities, newly implemented government rules, political affairs, transport, etc., are possible. Evaluating the situation’s possible solutions allow the tour to resume as much as possible based on the best alternatives. In these times, we look for your cooperation and flexibility.

It is advised you arrive one day before the trip starts date so you can rest and it also gives you time to buy some local wear for the tour. Moreover, Ace the Himalaya is one of the prime supporters of the social organization Sambhav Nepal. There are several ongoing projects in a village called Arupokhari (Gorkha district) which you are more than welcome to visit or even volunteer at. You will be able to gain a different insight into the lives of the people in the hills and also make a difference!

Price Includes

Guided City Tour

• Guided city tour in and around Kathmandu Valley as mentioned in the itinerary

Transportation

• Hotel pick up and drop off in a tourist vehicle
• All ground transportation by private tourist vehicle

Guide and Staff

• Government licensed Ace the Himalaya’s English-speaking guide
• The required number of ground staff during the tour like Driver, Helpers etc.
• Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff

Permits

• Entry permits and fees for all temples, parks, monasteries, and cultural or historical sites.

Administrative & Taxes

• All administrative expenses and government taxes

Price Excludes

Excludes

• Accommodation in Kathmandu
• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu – about USD 15 to USD 20 per person per day.
• International flight fare and airport departure tax
• Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 30 for 15 days visa, USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa)
• Your travel insurance.
• Any beverages including bottled and boiled water
• Tips for tour guide and driver. (Tipping is expected).
• Any expenses other than the Price Include section.

Gears and Equipment

All you need to bring for this tour is simply some comfortable clothes. There is no requirement for special equipment on the tour. However, for your ease, the following gives you a general idea about the personal items you need to manage for the trip.

The personal items referred to here are optional and depend upon your choice. The most important factor to be considered while choosing the equipment and your backpack is the time of the year you are traveling.

We will supply complimentary water to hydrate yourself during the tour.

Therefore, this list is only a guide. You can use the list as a reference. There are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of clothing and equipment. Use your experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you. Some of the above equipment can be easily found in stores in Kathmandu.

(Please note that winter wears are only necessary if in case you’re traveling in the months of Nov – Dec)

General

• Rucksack bag or suitcase
• A warm wool or synthetic hat that covers your ears
• A pair of pair warm gloves
• T-shirts, cotton pants (loose jeans/khakis), shorts, and a waterproof shell jacket (preferable if you are traveling in the rainy season from June to September)
• Lightweight long underwear/thermals
• Light camping shoes or sneakers
• Sandals/flip-flops (Optional)
• Sunglasses
• Neck gaiter
• Daypack (35-45 liters recommended) with rain cover
• Wool or technical fabric liner gloves
• Liner socks (optional such as silk)

Medicines And First Aid Kits

(Please note our guide will also carry the first-aid bag during the tour. However, we still recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well.)

• Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
• Immodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
• One small-sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as mole skin, band-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc

Other Essentials

• Passport
• Extra copies of passport-sized photos
• Reusable water bottle
• Toiletry kits
• Lip balm
• Sunscreen
• Waterproof/dry bags for carrying important documents and money
• Airline tickets (Please leave a copy at our office in Kathmandu. This can be useful if there is a change in the date of the flight.)

Optional

Once in Nepal, if you have the time, you can purchase supplies you need while touring. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hub, is home to many shops where you can get a variety of reasonably priced equipment.

• Power bank or extra batteries
• Cameras and mobile phone
• Binoculars
• Cards/book

• We give you a free duffel bag and baseball cap during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffel bag will be used to pack your touring supplies.
• This list is only a guide. You can use the list as a reference.
• There are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of clothing and equipment.
• Use your experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you.
• Some of the above equipment can be easily found in stores in Kathmandu.

Note: Some clothing, especially form-fitting, figure-hugging items made of elastic material (like yoga pants), may offend locals. Therefore, if you choose to wear these clothes for comfort, please make sure to wear something over them.

FAQs for Kathmandu Heritage Tour

General

Why travel with Ace the Himalaya?

Ace has a reputation for successfully leading treks with knowledgeable leaders and staff taking care of all your travel needs. We are a certified sustainable travel company that also endorses the idea of giving back to the community by participating in various philanthropic activities. Here are 17 reasons to hike with Ace the Himalaya.

Is Nepal open to travelers following the Covid-19 pandemic?

Indeed, Nepal is entirely open. Travelers are welcome in Nepal without any restrictions. Arriving travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at the Kathmandu airport as well.

What are the conditions to travel to Nepal post Covid-19?

Traveling to Nepal is now hassle-free. You don’t need a vaccination certificate or negative PCR test, but check with your airlines and transit countries for any specific requirements.

We suggest you look at the Nepal immigration site https://www.immigration.gov.np for the most up-to-date information.

What additional documents do I need?

• Two passport-sized photos (2×2 inch) to give to our office staff
• A copy of your international flight ticket to give to our office staff
• A copy of travel insurance to give to our office staff

Do we book our own international flights to and from Nepal?

Yes, you need to book your own international flights. We are a local agent and it would cost you significantly higher to book through us. Please find more information in the International Flight page.

Can the guide speak English?

Yes, our city guides for this tour are certified professionals with comprehensive knowledge of the sites you’ll visit. They are fluent in English and skilled at sharing fascinating insights and stories about the history, culture, and significance at each place. This guarantees a memorable and insightful travel experience.

Is hiring a guide necessary?

You can explore on your own, but having a guide makes the experience even more enjoyable. Our qualified tour leaders offer valuable knowledge and insights about each site, enriching your sightseeing journey.
When talking about their trip, our guests frequently remark on how much fun they had and how crucial their guide was to make it successful.

Weather and Temperature

What is the best season for Kathmandu heritage tour?

The best season for this heritage tour is anytime between January to June and September to December.

What kind of weather and temperature can I expect in Tour?

It depends on the season you’re traveling. During winter (December to February), it is colder at night and relatively warmer during the day, with the temperature ranging from 4°C at night to 22°C. Between March and May, the weather stays perfect as the temperature averages 25°C during the day.

From September to December, following the monsoon, the temperature gets cooler and allows for a great time to travel. The average temperature during this season is 20°C. The vehicles and the hotels during the trip will be air-conditioned, making your travel very comfortable.

Arrival and Visas

Is it possible to obtain a visa for Nepal upon arrival at the airport?

Yes, you can obtain a Nepal visa upon your arrival at the airport. There are kiosks in the arrival hall that you use to complete the necessary forms.  The cost is USD 30 for a 15-day tourist visa, including numerous entries, or USD 50 and USD 125 for a 30-day or 90-day tourist visa including numerous entries respectively. You should carry cash (USD) with you to pay your visa fees quickly and easily, as digital payments are frequently unavailable.

To save time, we recommend filling out the online visa application form in advance. Applying online 2 weeks before your arrival will expedite the process at the airport. For detailed guidelines, please refer to our blog titled Guidelines for Online Tourist Visa Form in Nepal.

Payments and Extra Costs

How much additional money do I need per day?

Typically, USD 50 to 100 a day will be enough to buy lunch, dinner, chocolates, and a few drinks. Expenses other than this depends on your spending habits.

Is it possible to reserve a trip now and pay a deposit later, or do I have to pay a deposit at booking/reservation?

When you book, you must pay a 30% deposit to secure your itinerary. The remaining balance can be paid upon your arrival at Kathmandu or before arrival. US Dollars cash and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express) are accepted once in Nepal. Please note a 4% transaction fee will be added for all credit card transactions.

How do I pay the remainder of my balance upon arrival in Kathmandu? US Dollars cash or credit card?

You can make payments via US Dollars cash or credit card (Visa, Master, and American Express). A 4% transaction fee is added if paying with a credit card. Thus, we encourage you to pay with USD cash if you are planning to pay upon your arrival in Kathmandu.

We prefer you pay with larger bills (USD 50 or 100).  Please note that the cash should not be older than 2009 and in good condition, as banks do not accept worn, torn, or crumpled bills.

Can I use credit cards in the places I visit?

Yes, you can use major credit cards in most places you visit, especially in Kathmandu. However, be aware that a 4% bank levy is usually applied to credit card transactions, which can make paying in cash more economical. ATMs are widely available throughout the city, so it’s easy to withdraw local currency when needed.

How are the ATM and money exchange facilities in Kathmandu?

There are ATM and money exchange facilities widely available in Kathmandu. You can easily use your cards to cash out a limited sum of money, with a minimum charge deducted by the ATM facility itself. You can also exchange your foreign currencies in currency exchange centers for an exact rate.

Physical Fitness

How fit do I need to be for this tour? Is this trip for me?

This Kathmandu heritage tour is suitable for any kind of person; no previous experience is required.

Kathmandu Heritage Tour Preparation and Packing

What are the procedures after I make my deposit?

After making the deposit, one of our staff will email you for further information. We will require a copy of your passport photo page and your arrival/departure flight details. We will also provide you with additional trip information.

What are the necessary items that I should pack for my trip?

You can find the necessary items to pack for the trek here on the Equipment section. Gear and equipment can be bought or rented upon your arrival in Kathmandu. If you plan on buying or renting gear in Kathmandu, please allow extra time.

What about my passport, medications, and belongings?

Bring copies of your passport, insurance papers, and other essential items in your carry-on during your flight. If you need to take medications daily, keep them in your daypack with your other essential possessions. Items not needed during daily sightseeing (such as extra luggage or valuables) can be safely stored in the office of Ace the Himalaya or at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Accommodation

What sort of food can I expect in the tour?

Any meals/food items, including breakfast, lunch and dinner are to be paid for by yourself.

You’ll have varied options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as many restaurants in Kathmandu provide Continental, Chinese, Mexican, and American-based cuisines with some local influences.

Can I charge my electronic equipment during the trip?

These facilities are available in all the places in your hotel. Remember to bring your adapters!

Will it be possible to get any clothes washed/laundry?

Laundry service is easily available at your hotel and there are many laundry stores in Kathmandu.

Please note that laundry service is not included in the package price.

Is the water fine to drink? Do I need to bring purifying tablets/filter?

Bottled water is available in all places. If you wish to drink normal water, you are suggested to use a purifying aid, which you need to bring with you.

Health and Safety

Do your guides have Tour guide certificates from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center?

Yes, they have all received a 45-days training from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center in Nepal. The guides have also received high altitude first aid training from KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project). Please check Ace the Himalaya’s team page

Is Ace the Himalaya’s staff insured?

Our company insures all our staff members, including tour guides. Please browse through our legal document page to view insurance details.

What vaccinations will I need?

While no vaccinations are strictly mandatory for travel to Nepal, it is highly advisable to take precautionary measures to protect your health. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, we recommend the following vaccinations: Routine Vaccines, Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies, Cholera, etc.

It is also helpful if you inform us of any medical condition that is relevant so we may convey this information in the event of an emergency. Ace the Himalaya keeps your medical condition confidential unless treatment is necessary.

Practical Matters

What is your cancellation policy?

Notice should be provided 20 days before the trip start date in case of cancellation. The trip can be canceled for justifiable reasons. Once the trip is canceled, a fee of 30% of the trip cost is retained for administrative costs.

However, the trip amount is entirely non-refundable if the cancellation is not made before the 20 days as per our terms and conditions. For submitting a claim to your insurance company after the cancellation, we can assist with documentation such as a receipt of monies paid. Refund will not be provided for unused accommodation in case of trip cancellation caused by personal reasons/sickness/weather.

More information about our cancellation policy can be found here in Terms and Conditions page.

Are there any volunteer projects that we could visit after the tour?

Is there any communication while we are on tour?

Yes, you will have access to telephones and internet facilities throughout the tour, making it easy to stay in touch with your family and friends during your travels.

Do I need to tip my guide and driver? How much could that be?

Tipping is expected and appreciated. You can tip your tour guides and driver based on your satisfaction and enjoyment. It is a small gesture of thanks to the field staff towards the end of the tour USD 20 per guide and USD 10 per driver per day is recommended per group, but it is entirely up to your wishes.

Does it cost an extra amount if I am a solo traveler?

If you are a solo traveler and book one of our published dates, there is no additional fee. If you sign up for a private trip or change the trip date from one of our published trip dates, you will be charged an additional fee.

Who else will be joining my touring group?

If there are any, you will be allocated to a touring group. The details of the personal data of your group members cannot be disclosed.

However, feel free to contact us if you have queries about other travelers in the group and we shall give you a general idea of the ages, nationalities, and sex of your group members. Chances are you will be touring with others unless you have booked a private trip.

Can I add extra days to my trip?

Sure, you can add days as per your convenience only you might be charged a little extra for a day’s extension.

I want to extend my holiday, any recommendations?

Yes, you can extend your holiday. Ace the Himalaya offers many options and alternatives for your holiday extension. For more information, you can visit our Day trips pages.

Transportation and Flights

Do I need to book my international flights for the travel to Nepal?

Yes, you must book your international flights. We are a local agency and do not make international flight arrangements. You can easily browse through flight tickets in airlines sites to book ones most feasible for you.

What form of transportation do you utilize?

We utilize private tourist vehicles for touring, city visits, and airport pickups. Based on the group size, we use cars, minibuses, or vans. We use 4WD when necessary.

Contact Us

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Trip Map