The palace square, Asan and Swayambhunath; Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath at dusk; then Patan, its Golden Temple and the Garden of Dreams.
3 days, 19 stopsBalanced paceMar to Apr, Oct to NovApproved by TravPa Editors, Nov 7, 2026
Trip at a glance
Add your first day to see each day's date, weather, sunset and closing days.
Day 1: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Asan and Swayambhunath
The palace square and the Living Goddess, old courtyards and the Asan bazaar, Swayambhunath above the city, then dinner in Thamel.
1
9:00 AMKathmandu Durbar SquareAllow about 90 min for the courtyards and the palace museums, which share one ticket. Restoration work continues in parts.About 1 hour 30 min here
NPR[fee]
Walk about 2 min
2
10:30 AMOptionalKumari GharStep into the carved courtyard of the Living Goddess; she appears at the window only at set times.About 30 min here
Inside Durbar Square
Walk about 6 min
3
11:00 AMItum BahalWalk through the two courtyards of this old Buddhist bahal, dedicated to Saraswati and to Green Tara.About 45 min here
Fee not confirmed
Walk about 8 min
4
12:00 PMAsan BazaarBrowse the spice and grocery stalls where six lanes meet at the Annapurna Temple, then eat nearby.About 2 hours 45 min here
Pay as you go
Taxi to Swayambhunath, about 20 min
5
3:00 PMSwayambhunathClimb the steep stone steps, or take the road almost to the top, for views over the whole valley.About 2 hours 45 min here
NPR[fee]
Taxi to Thamel, about 20 min
6
6:00 PMThamelPick from Nepali, Newari and international menus in the lanes of the tourist district, which stay busy late.
Pay as you go
Before you go
Carry small notesHeritage sites charge entry at the gate, and taxis expect cash. No tip is expected in taxis.
Respect temple rulesOnly Hindus may enter the main temple at Pashupatinath, and leather items and cameras stay outside it.
Agree taxi fares firstTaxis have a taxi sign and a black plate. Settle the fare before you set off.
Bring a passport photoYou need an extra passport photo to buy a local SIM card in the airport arrival hall.
Where to stay for this plan
Stay in Thamel, a short walk from Durbar Square and the Garden of Dreams, with taxis to Bhaktapur and Patan.
Map and live prices from Stay22 and its booking partners. TravPa earns a commission if you book; your price stays the same.
Plan last checked Nov 7, 2026. Check individual fee sources before you go. TravPa earns a commission when you book through a partner; your price stays the same.
