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Itinerary Suggestions

Itinerary Suggestions

Around The Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Time-Based Itineraries

These suggestions structure your visit based on the time available, from a brief layover to an in-depth two-week exploration.

Choose the duration that suits you best for an enriching experience in Patan and the Kathmandu Valley.

Select Your Duration

  • 24-hour Layover: Focus on Patan's core.
  • Weekend Getaway (2-3 days): Patan & Kathmandu Valley highlights.
  • One-week Comprehensive: Deep dive into Kathmandu Valley.

Detailed Itineraries

Plan your days with these specific suggestions based on your visit's length.

-Hour Layover

Focus on Patan's core for a brief, impactful visit.

Highlights

  • Morning: Patan Durbar Square, Krishna Mandir, Patan Museum.
  • Lunch: Rooftop restaurant overlooking Durbar Square.
  • Afternoon: Old city alleys, Golden Temple, Mahabuddha Temple, artisan workshops.
  • Evening: Sunset at Durbar Square, dinner in Jhamsikhel or traditional Newari cuisine.
Perfect for a concentrated cultural immersion.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

Expand your exploration to include sites in Kathmandu.

Extended Exploration

  • Day 1: Full day in Patan, add a craft workshop.
  • Day 2: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, dinner in Thamel.
  • Day 3: Bhaktapur Durbar Square, last-minute shopping or departure.

One-Week Comprehensive

A week invites exploration into the valley's cultural and natural highlights.

Valley Immersion

  • Days 1-2: Explore Patan, cultural workshops, local neighborhoods.
  • Days 3-4: Kathmandu City, Garden of Dreams, Thamel, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath.
  • Day 5: Day trip to Bhaktapur and Changu Narayan Temple.
  • Day 6: Nature & Villages, Nagarkot or Bungamati/Khokana.

Two-Week In-Depth

Combine the one-week Kathmandu Valley itinerary with extensions to other parts of Nepal.

Nepal's Best

  • Week 1: Follow the One-Week Comprehensive itinerary for Kathmandu Valley.
  • Week 2: Add 3-4 days to Pokhara (adventure, nature) and 2-3 days to Chitwan National Park (wildlife safaris).
  • This route often follows: Kathmandu Valley → Pokhara → Chitwan → (Lumbini) → Kathmandu Valley.

Interest-Based Routes

Tailor your Patan itinerary based on your main interests for an unique journey.

Historical & Heritage Focus

Concentrate on Patan Durbar Square, Patan Museum, Golden Temple. Extend to Kathmandu & Bhaktapur Durbar Squares, Changu Narayan Temple.

Food & Culinary Experiences

Prioritize traditional Newari restaurants, cooking classes, and local markets for street food.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Plan day trips for cycling or hiking hills like Shivapuri. Consider multi-day trips to Pokhara for paragliding or Chitwan for safaris.

Book Experiences

Discover and book experiences for your itinerary on GetYourGuide.

Tailored Travel

Patan offers options for every budget and each season presents an unique travel experience.

Budget-Based Plans

Patan provides options for every budget, from frugal backpacking to luxurious escapes.

Choose Your Budget

  • Backpacker's Guide: Hostels, local eateries, public transport, free attractions.
  • Mid-range Traveler: Comfortable guesthouses, mixed dining, taxis, guided tours.
  • Luxury Experience: Boutique hotels, fine dining, private cars, exclusive tours.
Maximize your experience according to your financial plan.

Interest-Based Routes

Tailor your Patan itinerary based on your main interests.

Focus Your Journey

  • Historical: Patan Durbar Square, Patan Museum, Bhaktapur, Changu Narayan.
  • Food: Newari restaurants, cooking classes, local markets, street food.
  • Adventure: Cycling/hiking nearby hills, paragliding in Pokhara, jungle safaris in Chitwan.
  • Family-Friendly: Patan Durbar Square, cultural performances, Swayambhunath, Godawari Botanical Garden.

Specialized Routes

Further customize your trip based on specific interests like art or spiritual journeys.

Art & Architecture

  • Deep dive into Patan Museum and its artistic legacy.
  • Visit metal and wood carving workshops.
  • Explore thangka painting galleries and contemporary art spaces.

Spiritual & Wellness

  • Explore Buddhist Vihars and Hindu temples for spiritual ambiance.
  • Seek out yoga and meditation centers for classes or retreats.
  • Spend time at Boudhanath Stupa for its serene atmosphere.

One-Week Overview

A detailed week-long itinerary for the Kathmandu Valley.

Day-by-Day Breakdown

  • Days 1-2: Patan Exploration.
  • Days 3-4: Kathmandu City Exploration.
  • Day 5: Bhaktapur and Changu Narayan Temple trip.
  • Day 6: Nature & Villages trip.
  • Day 7: Departure or leisure.

Two-Week Extension

Beyond the Kathmandu Valley, experience Nepal's diverse landscapes.

Beyond the Valley

  • Add 3-4 days to Pokhara for adventure and nature.
  • Include 2-3 days in Chitwan National Park for wildlife safaris.
  • Consider adding Lumbini for a spiritual journey.

Planning Your Route

This helps create a comprehensive cultural and natural itinerary across Nepal.

Seasonal Considerations

Each season in Patan offers an unique experience, impacting activities and crowd levels.

Autumn Oct-Nov Highlights

This season features ideal weather for sightseeing.

Autumn Activities

  • Mild temperatures and clear skies.
  • Clearest mountain views from nearby viewpoints.
Perfect for scenic views and comfortable exploration.

Spring Mar-May Highlights

Pleasant weather during spring makes it a good time for outdoor exploration.

Spring Activities

  • Enjoyable weather for exploring outdoors.
  • Opportunity to witness the Rato Machhindranath Jatra, Patan's grand chariot festival.

Monsoon Jun-Aug Strategies

Fewer tourists visit during the monsoon, creating a quieter experience.

Monsoon Planning

  • Landscapes become lush and green.
  • Bring appropriate waterproof gear.
  • Focus on indoor activities like museums and craft workshops.
  • This season may present lower prices for accommodation and flights.

Winter Dec-Feb Strategies

Winter days are often clear but cold, especially mornings and evenings.

Winter Planning

  • Fewer crowds.
  • Enjoy hot teas and local warming foods.
  • Pack warm clothing, including layers, a good jacket, and a hat.
  • Clear winter days offer good visibility for distant views.

Other Interest-Based Routes

Family-Friendly

Engaging environment at Patan Durbar Square. Include cultural performances, Swayambhunath for kids. Focus on comfortable transport.

Art & Architecture

Deep dive into Patan Museum, metal/wood carving workshops, thangka painting, and contemporary art galleries.

Spiritual & Wellness

Explore Patan's Buddhist Vihars/Hindu temples, seek yoga/meditation centers, spend time at Boudhanath Stupa.

Seasonal Travel

Planning your trip according to the season makes for a unique experience in Patan.