Kathmandu 5 Day Itinerary

Kathmandu 5-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Thamel

  • Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Shangri-La Kathmandu or similar. (Thamel, Kathmandu)
  • Breakfast: Cafe du Mónier, New Road. Enjoy traditional Nepalese dishes with a French twist.

Activities:

  1. Settle in and get acclimated to the city.
  2. Explore the vibrant Thamel district, known for its bustling streets filled with shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
  3. Visit the Narayanhiti Palace Museum, the former royal palace of Nepal.
  4. Evening stroll around Freak Street, once a hub for hippies, now a popular spot for souvenir shopping.

Day 2: Kathmandu Durbar Square & Swayambhunath

  • Breakfast: Pondey’s Nepalese Crepe House, Thamel.

Activities:

  1. Morning visit to the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witness ancient temples, palaces, and the living goddess Kumari.
  2. Lunch break at Seto Machan Cafe, Kathmandu Durbar Square. Offers traditional Nepalese cuisine with a scenic view of the square.
  3. Afternoon visit to Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple. Climb up for panoramic city views and explore the Buddhist stupa.
  4. Evening at leisure in Thamel.

Day 3: Pashupatinath & Boudhanath

  • Breakfast: Roti Cafe, New Road. Serves delicious Nepalese, Indian, and continental dishes.

Activities:

  1. Early morning visit to Pashupatinath Temple, a famous Hindu temple on the banks of the Bagmati River.
  2. Lunch break at Garden of Dreams. A beautiful oasis in the heart of Kathmandu, featuring cafes and restaurants.
  3. Afternoon visit to Boudhanath Stupa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest stupas in the world.
  4. Evening at leisure. Enjoy local street food around Boudhanath or head back to Thamel for dinner.

Day 4: Patan (Lalitpur)

  • Breakfast: Newa L’Atelier, Patan. Offers traditional Newari cuisine in a charming setting.

Activities:

  1. Morning visit to Patan Durbar Square, known for its rich Newari architecture and intricate woodcarvings.
  2. Explore the Golden Temple (Hiranya Verna Mahavihar) and Krishna Mandir within the square.
  3. Lunch break in Patan, followed by exploration of the local markets and art galleries.
  4. Return to Kathmandu for dinner and rest.

Day 5: Departure

  • Breakfast: Last morning at your hotel.

Activities:

  1. Spend the morning at leisure, shopping for souvenirs or visiting any remaining sights of interest.
  2. Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for departure.

Transportation: Taxis are widely available in Kathmandu and can be hailed on the street or booked through apps like Tootle or Pathao. Alternatively, you can use local buses which offer a more authentic experience but may take longer due to traffic.

Things to Know:

  • Nepalese Rupee (NPR) is the official currency. Credit cards are accepted at most tourist establishments and ATMs are widely available in Kathmandu.
  • Electricity in Nepal operates on 230V and uses type C, D, and M plugs.
  • Respect local customs and traditions while traveling in Nepal. This includes dressing modestly and removing shoes when entering temples.

Tips:

  • Haggle for souvenirs at the markets to get a fair price.
  • Carry cash as not all places accept credit cards.
  • Stay hydrated, especially during the hotter months from March to June. Bottled water is readily available.
  • Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.