3 days: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur
The three royal cities of the Kathmandu Valley at an unhurried pace, one per day, ending with a night in car-free Bhaktapur. Ideal for a short stopover or before a trek.
- Length
- 3 days
- Difficulty
- No trekking
- Best time
- October to April
- Ideal for
- First trips, Couples, Seniors, Solo travellers
- Places
- 3 stops
Day by day
Day 1
Kathmandu: Swayambhunath, Durbar Square and Boudhanath
Swayambhunath early while the valley is clear, then down through the old town to Kathmandu Durbar Square and the bazaars around Indra Chowk and Asan. End the day at Boudhanath as the evening kora fills with pilgrims.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Day 2
Patan: Durbar Square, Patan Museum and the Golden Temple
Across the Bagmati to Patan. The Durbar Square, two hours in the Patan Museum, then the Golden Temple and the metalworking lanes. Transfer to Bhaktapur in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Bhaktapur
Day 3
Bhaktapur: Durbar, Taumadhi and Dattatreya squares
The morning market, Nyatapola, Pottery Square and the Peacock Window, with juju dhau for lunch. Return to Kathmandu in the afternoon.
Overnight: Kathmandu
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Ask Recent Visits AI →Tips
- Each Durbar Square charges foreign visitors an entry ticket; Bhaktapur’s can be stamped for re-entry on later days.
- Dress modestly and remove shoes where asked at temples and monasteries.
- Non-Hindus may not enter the main Pashupatinath temple; the riverbank and surrounding shrines are open to all.
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