Nepal 3 Day Itinerary

Nepal 3-Day Itinerary: Exploring Kathmandu Valley

Day 1: Arrival & Sightseeing in Kathmandu

  • Visa Requirements: Visitors require a valid passport and a Tourist Visa, which can be obtained online or upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport. The visa fees depend on the duration of stay. (Check the latest updates on the Nepal Department of Immigration website.)

  • Transportation: Taxis are widely available at the airport; ensure they use the meter for a fair fare. Alternatively, pre-book a private car or van for convenience.

  • Activities:

    1. Pashupatinath Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Non-Hindus can only observe from the main courtyard’s eastern bank.
    2. Boudhanath Stupa: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Boudhanath is a large stupa with Tibetan-style Buddhism paintings and sculptures. It’s an essential stop for understanding Buddhism in Nepal.
    3. Thamel: A lively district packed with shops, restaurants, and street vendors offering authentic Nepalese food, souvenirs, and adventure gear.

  • Things to Know:

    • Nepali currency is called the Nepalese rupee (NPR). Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels and high-end establishments but cash remains king in local markets.
    • English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Nepali words can be helpful and appreciated by locals.
    • Tap water is generally not safe to drink; bottled water is readily available.

Day 2: Kathmandu Durbar Square & Patan

  • Transportation: Use public transport, taxis, or rented vehicles for the day.

  • Activities:

    1. Kathmandu Durbar Square: Explore the Durbar Square’s palaces, temples, and courtyards that reflect centuries of Nepalese history and culture. Highlights include the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Kumari Ghar (House of the Living Goddess), and Taleju Temple.
    2. Patan (Lalitpur): Known as the city of fine arts, Patan is home to the Patan Durbar Square with its intricately carved temples, like Krishna Mandir and Vishwanath Temple. Don’t miss the Mahabouddha Stupa and Patan Museum.

Day 3: Bhaktapur & Departure

  • Transportation: Taxis or shared jeeps are available for visiting Bhaktapur.

  • Activities:

    1. Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Marvel at the beautiful architecture, woodcarvings, and sculptures of this ancient city. Visit attractions like the Lion Gate, Nyatapola Temple, and the 55 Window Palace.
    2. Pottery Squares: Learn about traditional pottery-making techniques by watching artisans at work in Bhaktapur’s Pottery Squares.

Departure: Head back to Kathmandu for your onward journey. Ensure enough time for airport check-in, security procedures, and last-minute shopping or dining.