Kathmandu City Tour and Hiking

Kathmandu City Tour and Hiking promises an unforgettable and flawless journey for travellers.

You can expect to visit some of the promising UNESCO World Heritage Sites, stupas, ancient temples, and more. Exploring all these monuments, you will learn the rich culture, traditions, craftsmanship and history of Nepal.

Walking through the vibrant streets of Ason, Indrachok, New Road, and Thamel offers endless shopping opportunities and also allows you to admire the unique Newari architecture and shrines.

At sacred sites like Swayambhunath, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple, you will experience the rich diversity of religion and the profound spiritual value.

The day hiking will be enjoyable, though it is not strenuous, and equally rewarding like other popular treks of Nepal. All through the journey, you will pass through terraced fields, farmlands, lush forests and rural villages. These short treks are moderate and can be accomplished by the traveller who has reasonable fitness. Reaching the top of the hill, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the mountains and the landscapes of Kathmandu Valley.

Aside from this, you will also explore the stunning places like Nagarkot, Panauti, Namo Buddha and Balthali.

Beyond the monuments and hiking, you will enjoy a wide variety of dishes, including Nepali, Newari, Indian, and international cuisines.

Eventually, you will enjoy the trip, which is more than sightseeing and hiking. It offers a balance of learning, exploring and relaxing. After concluding the tour, it leaves you with a bundle of memories.

Trek Preparations

To make the journey enjoyable, safe and comfortable, proper preparation is necessary for the visitors. While this trip does not involve high-altitude hiking, it is a sightseeing and gentle day hike; basic preparation is sufficient.

During the trek, you have to walk 3 to 6 hours through a lush forest, terraced fields and rural villages; therefore, you need an average level of fitness. Regular light exercises and walking will be fruitful before the trip.

It’s a city tour and light hike; therefore, packing is essential. You can wear a light jacket, hat, and sunglasses to make your journey more comfortable. Aside from this, take sunscreens, refill water bottles and a lightweight rain jacket in your backpack. The evenings and mornings are colder; therefore, you need warm jackets.

Keep your travel documents, travel insurance, permits and some cash during a heritage site exploration and day hikes. A small medical box (first-aid kit) is necessary, which includes antiseptics, band-aids and some basic medicines like ibuprofen, paracetamol and cetirizine.

Remember, the weather can be unpredictable during the day hikes and sightseeing; flexibility and patience will make the trip more pleasant.

Best time for the Kathmandu Tour and Hiking

The Kathmandu city tour and hiking can be done all the year around, but the Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the highly recommended.

Spring (March-May) – Spring is one of the most comfortable times for the Kathmandu city tour and hiking. There is a warm and moderate climate which makes it perfect for outdoor activities.

The valley comes alive with the blooming flowers everywhere. This season is also promising for cultural festivals like Holi (festival of colour) and Buddha Jayanti.

Autumn (September-November) – Autumn is another option for city exploration and short hikes around the Kathmandu Valley. The monsoon has just ended, leaving behind blue skies and crisp & clear mountain views.

The temperature is mild – neither too hot nor too cold – making it incredible to visit the heritage and monuments. Furthermore, you will also learn the culture & traditions of Nepal through the major festivals, Dashain (worshipping Goddess Durga), Tihar (festival of light), and Chhath (worshipping Sun God).

Winter (December to February) – Winter in the Kathmandu Valley is calm, sunny and absolutely dry. The morning and evening can be chilly, dropping to 2–3°C (36°F). However, the daytime is perfect for sightseeing and hiking, and the visitors will get flawless views of the mountains. Additionally, hiking trails are less crowded compared to autumn and spring.

Monsoon (June-August) – The monsoon brings heavy rain. However, it is a good time for city exploration. Sometimes, it creates obstacles for short hiking due to the mudflow from the mountains. During this time, the trails are peaceful than autumn and spring.

Availability of Accommodations

During the Kathmandu Valley Tour and Hiking – 9 days, you will enjoy the mix of 3-star hotels, resorts, comfortable lodges and home stays, depending on the destinations.

When you are in the Kathmandu Valley, you will stay in 3-star hotels with the amenities of air-conditioned rooms with attached bathrooms, in-house restaurants, luggage storage space, room services, laundry and hot showers.

During the Nagarkot visit, you will stay in luxurious resorts offering panoramic views of the Himalayas and mountains. From your hotel, you will get stunning views of sunrise over the mountains.

During the day hikes – Shivapuri, Phulchoki and Champadevi, you will comfortably return to the Kathmandu hotel and rest at night.

Availability of Food & Meals

Tastier & healthier foods are the heart of any trekking or traveling. You will enjoy a wide variety of food options during your 9 days Kathmandu City Tour and Hiking.

Breakfast – Breakfast is a morning body charger’s meal. It usually serves in the hotel where you stay. You can expect a mix of Nepali, Intercontinental, local and Indian foods which includes – Eggs dishes, Yomari, Chatmari, Puri, Tarkari and Jalebi, porridge, muesli, bread, butter, jam, fruits and more.

Lunches – During the sightseeing, we usually take lunches at the local authentic restaurants. On hiking days, the lunches can enjoy in tea shops, local eateries or small hotels. The meals generally included Dal, Bhat, Tarkari, Mo:Mo (dumplings), Thukpa, Burger, Pizza and more.

Dinner –In Kathmandu, you can choose a wide range of restaurants like Indian, Chinese, Nepali, Thai and Intercontinental. You will have several options of foods during the dinner that includes – Thakali Meal, Newari Khana/Khaja set, Chicken/Mutton/Fish with steamed rice, Biryani, Spaghetti and more.

Special Dietary foods – The special dietary foods like Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals are widely available in the Kathmandu. If you need special dietary meals, they can be available with prior notice.

Drinks & Beverages – You will be familiar with the local drinks and lot of international flavors during your 9 days tour. The drinks and beverages are – tea (milk, lemon, black), coffee (black, milk, cappuccino), local drink chang, soft drinks (fanta, sprite, coke), fresh fruit juices and more.

Travel Insurances and its significance

The Kathmandu City Tour and hiking will be a journey of sightseeing and moderate day hiking. Whether it is high-altitude hiking or a city tour, having travel insurance is vital for all. It ensures that travellers enjoy their vacation peacefully.

Medical Emergencies – Although Kathmandu valley and surroundings are at lower altitudes compared to high elevation treks. During the journey, there is a chance of uneven accidents. In such circumstances, travel insurance is reliable and manages all your hospital costs, treatments, medicines and more.

Trip Cancellations – Harsh weather conditions, natural disasters or political unrest can affect your vacation, and then your insurance will cover all costs, including insurance, transport and accommodations.

Loss of luggage or belongings – In the busy city area, theft or loss is possible. Having insurance reimburses all your losses and expenses.

Financial Solution – Having Travel insurance is a complete financial solution for your trip.

Last but not least, a peace of mind while enjoying the Kathmandu city tour and hiking.

Extra Expenses

Kathmandu City Tour and Hiking covers almost everything that you need during the trip, which includes accommodations, transportation, breakfast and other core activities. There are certain additional expenses that the vacationers should prepare to pay.

One of the most common expenses is meals, which are not included in the package. The hotels provide the morning meals. However, you will need to pay for the lunches and dinner.

Another item you must pay for is drinks and beverages. Bottled water, alcohol, and special drinks are usually not included in the itinerary cost.

The visitors should also be liable to pay for the UNESCO Heritage sites such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and for other monuments.

Shopping and buying souvenirs are your personal choice and not included in the itinerary packages. Similarly, extra transportation and personal rides are not included in the tour package as well.

Laundry services and phone calls are generally not included in the itinerary.

While tipping the guides, hotel staff, and driver is not mandatory, it is highly appreciated.

Private Trip vs. Group Trip

While planning a Kathmandu tour and hiking, you may be in dilemma whether to choose private trip or group trip. Both offer you an unforgettable experience.

A private trip is designed for the visitors more attention and comfort. In this option, you have the flexibility to customize the sightseeing, itinerary as per your pace and interests. For instance, can take as much time to explore the heritage sites, take breaks during the hikes, or adjusts the lunch and dinner as per your schedule.  You will also get the private guide and driver which ensure more comfort to your journey. This trip is ideal for the couples, small group and families with children’s. Usually, it is far expensive than the Group trek.

A group trip is structured with the fixed itinerary, time and schedule. You have less flexibility compared to the private trip. This type of the trip is less economical. Furthermore, you also get chances to interact with the new travelers.

In essence private trip offers more flexibility, freedom, and privacy, while a group trip provides more affordability, social interactions, shared experiences to the visitors. Both trips are promising way to enjoy the beauty of Kathmandu Valley.

Modes of Transportation Services

The Kathmandu City Tour and hiking combine cultural tours, outdoor activities, sightseeing and short hours of moderate hiking.

Most sightseeing within the Kathmandu Valley is conducted on a private vehicle, including a jeep, car, or van. If there is a large group, then we will arrange a minibus for the visitors.

While exploring the heritage sites, you may stroll around the monuments – Kathmandu Durbar, Bhaktapur, Patan, Swayambhu, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and more. Similarly, hiking to Phulchoki, Champadevi, and Shivapuri can be enjoyed on foot.

Walking is not only good for your health. It brings you quite close to the serene environment. Furthermore, you may also interact and socialise with the local communities and learn about their lifestyles and values.

In a group tour, the transport is shared with fellow visitors. While in a private group, you will have personalised transport with more flexibility and freedom.

Medical & Health Facilities

During the Kathmandu City Tour and Hiking, the visitors will get a reliable health & medical facilities. Being the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu is the home to several world class hospitals, private clinics, pharmacies that offers general and emergency care.

Popular hospitals and clinics like Norvic, Vayodha, Clinic One are famous for catering the international patients with the excellence care.

Since the tour focuses on sightseeing and day hikes around the Kathmandu Valley; that means you will be not far away from the medical services. Unlike, it’s not a remote high-attitude mountain treks; you will not be isolated from the health facilities for longer times. Small pharmacies are almost available each nooks and corners of the city.

Even though the hikes are not strenuous; we still suggesting take a small first aid kit in your daypack including medicines of stomachache, headache, body ache, paracetamol, cottons, small bandages, and antiseptics.

As we also mentioned above; for the more safer trip a travel insurance is highly recommended. It covers all your medical emergency medicine, medical treatment, trip interruptions and more.