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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Around The Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Nearby Destinations

The Kathmandu Valley is compact, making its other historic cities and religious sites easily accessible from Patan.

Explore locations like Kathmandu Durbar Square (approx. 7 km), an UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the Hanuman Dhoka and Kumari Ghar. Boudhanath Stupa (approx. 12 km), one of the world's largest Buddhist stupas, is also an UNESCO site. Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple, approx. 9 km), an ancient Buddhist stupa on a hilltop, offers panoramic views. Bhaktapur Durbar Square (approx. 15 km), the valley's best-preserved Durbar Square, showcases intricate architecture and traditional pottery. Changu Narayan Temple (approx. 22 km, near Bhaktapur), the oldest standing temple in Nepal, presents intricate carvings and historical significance.

Accessible Locations & Travel Time

  • Kathmandu Durbar Square: 20-40 mins by taxi (NPR 500-1000), 30-60 mins by local bus (NPR 30-60). Half- to full-day visit.
  • Boudhanath Stupa: 30-60 mins by taxi (NPR 800-1200). 2-3 hours visit.
  • Swayambhunath: 25-50 mins by taxi (NPR 600-1000). 2-3 hours visit.
  • Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Taxi (NPR 1000-1500 one-way) or local bus. Half- to full-day visit.
  • Changu Narayan Temple: Often with Bhaktapur by taxi, or local bus plus walk. 2-3 hours visit.

Explore Beyond Patan

Consider how much time you have and what truly interests you to select your ideal excursions from Patan.

Organized Tours

Organized tours offer ease and structure for exploring multiple sites.

Considerations

  • Convenient with transport and knowledgeable guides.
  • Less flexible on time at each site.
  • Can be more expensive.

Independent Travel

Independent travel provides freedom to explore at your own pace.

Considerations

  • More flexible for personal pacing.
  • Potentially cheaper with local transport.
  • Requires more planning and navigation.

Natural Escapes & Cultural Villages

Natural Escapes

  • Nagarkot / Dhulikhel (30-40 km east): Famous for Himalayan sunrise/sunset views. Half- or full-day trip.
  • Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park (northern Kathmandu Valley): Offers hiking and birdwatching. Half-day trip.
  • Phulchowki (approx. 20 km south): Highest hill, for hiking and birdwatching. Half-day trip.

Cultural Excursions

  • Bungamati and Khokana (approx. 10 km south): Traditional Newari villages known for rural life and mustard oil production. Half-day trip.
  • Dakshinkali Temple (approx. 22 km south): Significant Hindu temple dedicated to Kali. Half-day trip.

Multi-Day Extensions

  • Pokhara: Nepal's adventure capital, for Phewa Lake, paragliding, mountain views.2-3 days
  • Chitwan National Park: Wildlife safaris, canoe rides, cultural programs.2-3 days
  • Lumbini: Birthplace of Lord Buddha, UNESCO World Heritage Site.2 days
  • Gorkha: Historical town, ancestral home of Shah dynasty.1-2 days
  • Logical Next: Pokhara (nature/adventure), Chitwan (wildlife), Lumbini (spiritual).
  • Transport: Tourist buses from Kathmandu, or domestic flights (quicker, more expensive).
  • Suggested Route: Kathmandu Valley → Pokhara → Chitwan → (Lumbini) → Kathmandu Valley.

Booking Tip

Consider booking popular day trips in advance via GetYourGuide to secure your spot and streamline travel plans.
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