Kathmandu Valley
Seven UNESCO-listed monument zones, living Newar cities and sacred stupas, all within a short drive of each other.
About the region
Kathmandu Valley
Trips & Tours
Choose Your Kathmandu Valley Adventure
Guided heritage tours of the Durbar Squares, stupas and hill stations, easy to combine with any trek.
View all trips
Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour
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8 Days
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Easy
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1,600 m (5,249 ft) at Sarangkot
Eight days across Nepal's highlights: Kathmandu's World Heritage temples, Pokhara's lakes and mountain views, and...
$890
/Person
Kathmandu Pokhara Tour
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6 Days
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Easy
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1,600 m (5,249 ft) at Sarangkot
Six easy days pairing the temples and stupas of the Kathmandu Valley with Pokhara's lakes,...
$650
/Person
Your queries answered
Kathmandu Valley FAQs
Entry fees, timing and etiquette for sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley.
Ask our team
02
Do the heritage sites charge entry fees?
Yes. Each major site charges foreign visitors separately, from around NPR 200 at Swayambhunath to around NPR 1,800 for Bhaktapur. Fees are paid in Nepali rupees at the gate. They are included on our guided tours.
03
Is it worth hiring a guide for sightseeing?
We think so. The squares are dense with temples and symbolism that are easy to miss, and a licensed guide explains the history, festivals and etiquette as you go. Guides also make it easy to cover several sites in one day.
04
What should I wear when visiting temples?
Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, and wear shoes that are easy to slip off. Remove footwear before entering shrines, walk clockwise around stupas, and ask before photographing people at prayer.
05
Was the valley badly damaged in the 2015 earthquake?
Several monuments were damaged or destroyed, but most have now been restored or rebuilt, including Kasthamandap and the temples of Patan. A few restoration projects continue, and all the main sites are open to visitors.
06
When is the best time to visit Kathmandu?
October to December and February to April are pleasant and dry. Major festivals such as Dashain and Tihar fall in autumn and add colour, though some businesses close for a few days. The monsoon brings afternoon rain but greener surroundings.
