Kathmandu: The City of Gods
In the heart of the Sacred Valley, between thousand-year-old temples and living traditions
Duration
6 days
From
€622/pers.
Ideal seasons
Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, With friends
The spirit of travel
The Kathmandu Valley, at the crossroads of ancient Asian civilizations, brings together numerous monuments and Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites. It also features ancient palaces dating from the 17th century as well as the Changu Narayan temple, considered the oldest in the valley. Throughout this program, you discover several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the royal squares of Durbar Square, the stupas of Swayambunath and Boudhanath, as well as the sacred site of Pashupatinath. Between traditional architecture, ancient sculptures and religious rituals, you immerse yourself in the history, spirituality and daily life of the Kathmandu Valley, at the gateway to the Himalayas.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Visit to the Heart of the City of the Gods
This morning, you discover Katmandou through its gastronomy. For two hours, you walk through the city streets, taste local specialties and meet with local merchants. An experience that engages all five senses and allows you to discover Nepalese traditions through their cuisine. This activity is suitable for vegetarian and gluten-allergic people. The afternoon is dedicated to discovering the main sites in the Katmandou Valley. You first visit the Swayambunath stupa, also called the "monkey temple". Built on a hill overlooking Katmandou and surrounded by several other temples, it offers a clear view of the city.
You then head to Patan, located south of Katmandou. The valley's second largest city, formerly called Lalitpur, "the Beautiful City", it is considered a cradle of Newar arts and architecture. Patan is particularly renowned for its crafts and metalwork, whose creations also make for travel souvenirs.
Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees
Today, you continue discovering the main sites of the Kathmandu Valley. You visit Pashupatinath, one of the sacred temples of South Asia, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. On the banks of the river, you can observe the cremation rituals, which may remind you of those in Varanasi, India. You then discover the famous Boudhanath stupa, one of the main Buddhist sanctuaries in the region, surrounded by many monasteries and Tibetan shops.
The day continues in Bhaktapur, a medieval city and former royal palace. Predominantly populated by Newars who are mainly Hindu, the city is home to many historical sites and monuments of significant artistic value.
Panoramas on the Himalayan range
You discover Changu Narayan, a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnou. Considered the oldest temple in the Kathmandu Valley, it is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage.
After lunch, you walk towards the hill of Nagarkot, while your vehicle transports your belongings to your hotel. Once there, you enjoy a clear view of the Himalayan mountain range. At the end of the day, admire the sunset and enjoy the fresh air before heading to your hotel.
Trekking in the Himalayan foothills
At dawn, you enjoy the sunrise from Nagarkot. After your breakfast, you begin your hike towards Dhulikhel, another privileged viewpoint over the Himalayas. This hike of around 5 hours, without particular difficulty, takes you through Nepalese countryside and small paths in the heart of the forest. Upon your arrival, your driver awaits you to take you to your hotel in Kathmandu.
This afternoon, you'll enjoy your free time to stroll through Kathmandu at your own pace. You also have the opportunity to participate in an immersive activity with a traditional craftsperson. Depending on your preferences, choose from various experiences: cooking class, sculpture, painting, music or other craft activities. A fun and friendly moment to share with family.
Good to see you again and until next time!
According to your flight schedule, you are transferred to the international airport approximately three hours before your departure for your return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Travel insurance: cancellation / repatriation / trip interruption / baggage loss
- International flights.
- Visa fees 30 USD for 15 Days
- Entrance fees for paid monuments and temples.
- Personal expenses: souvenirs, drinks, spa, phone, etc.
- Tips
- Lunch and dinner not included.
Included
- Overland movements described in the program by private vehicle.
- 3 nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Bhaktapur with breakfast.
- 1 night in a 4-star hotel in Nagarkot with breakfast and dinner.
- Guidance by a Nepali cultural guide who speaks English.
- Daily fees and insurance for local Népal teams.
- Airport-hotel transfer.
- Food tour.
- Your travel advisor's assistance 24/7.
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Nepal for a tourist stay. Since entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Nepal, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into the country and must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist visa
Unlike some destinations, Nepal does not grant visa exemptions to nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada. A tourist visa is mandatory to enter the territory.
This visa can be obtained in two ways:
On arrival (visa on arrival): available at the main entry points, notably Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and certain land border crossings. It is strongly recommended to complete the application form online before departure to facilitate procedures on site.
Online before departure: via the official online visa system of the Nepalese government (online visa application), allowing you to obtain prior authorization to present upon arrival.
Official rates are as follows:
15 days: 30 USD
30 days: 50 USD
90 days: 125 USD
Payment is generally made in cash (USD, EUR, or other accepted currencies) or by credit card depending on the entry points. It is advisable to have US dollars in cash for payment on site.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward journey),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Online arrival form
Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival form available on the official portal of the Nepalese government. This form allows you to provide immigration authorities with:
passport information
flight details
the address of your first accommodation in Nepal
A digital confirmation or a reference code may be requested when passing through immigration or at the visa issuance counter upon arrival.
Special permits for trekking areas
Certain regions of Nepal require additional permits in addition to the tourist visa:
the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System): mandatory for most trekking itineraries,
national park or conservation area permits (e.g., Sagarmatha for Everest, Annapurna Conservation Area),
restricted zone permits for certain specific destinations such as Mustang, Dolpo, or Manaslu.
These permits are generally obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara from the relevant offices.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Nepal, except in case of arrival from a country at risk of yellow fever. However, several vaccinations are strongly recommended by health authorities:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis (DTP),
rabies (especially for extended stays or in remote areas),
Japanese encephalitis (depending on areas and season).
Preventive antimalarial treatment may be recommended for certain low-altitude regions (Terai). It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as their own tourist visa.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Nepal in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be covered for emergency assistance, repatriation and foreign medical expenses.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the full policy detailing all coverage and claims reporting procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claims reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Yes, a tourist visa is required, issued upon arrival at Kathmandu airport or at land borders (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, USD 125 for 90 days). A valid passport for at least 6 months beyond entry and an identity photo are required.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, plan between 110 and 190 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. Himalayan treks require a dedicated budget (permits, porters, lodges).
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Kathmandu Valley
Himalayan pathfinder, based in Katmandou (Naxal)
Nepal is a country that naturally teaches patience and humility. Even a simple trip can become a very profound experience there.
— Nirmala
