• Overall

  Everyone visits Nepal for the mountains. The Everest Base Camp, Annapurna, and the trekking trails. But our Koryo Tours Nepal tour focuses on Nepal's rich history, culture, and people.

  Nepal has never been colonised, was the world's last Hindu kingdom until 2008, and is home to over 120 ethnic and language groups packed into one of the steepest elevation changes on Earth.

  Most of that history and culture can be found within an hour of Kathmandu.

  This tour takes you through the Kathmandu Valley's must-sees and to the Newar villages of Bungmati, Khokana, and Panauti, where centuries-old crafts, festivals, and ways of life continue largely undisturbed by tourism.

  Along the way, you'll experience a momo-making class, a visit to a family-run Mandala art school, a sound bath, an afternoon volunteering at a local school, and an overnight stay at a Buddhist monastery.

  We also visit several of Kathmandu Valley's UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the National Museum, for context on everything else you'll see.

  This is Nepal for people who've already done the mountains or want to see the country properly before they do.

  See below for highlights, a full itinerary, and additional information about our Travel Nepal Tour.

  Join this trip up with our tour to Bhutan on our March Bhutan Nepal Combo Tour

  Highlights

  • Explore top UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Everest pleasure flight
  • Overnight camping and stay in a Buddhist Monastery

• Itinerary

  Day 1 of 7

  1. March 12 | Friday

     Arrival in Nepal

     Fly into Kathmandu

     • Fly into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) from major international hubs. You will be greeted with garlands, a Nepali tradition that represents the ancient philosophy of treating guests as if they were equivalent to God.
        
     • Transfer to the hotel.

     Briefing and introductory walk

     • Our group will gather for a briefing at the hotel in the afternoon to familiarise the group with the itinerary and practicalities of touring Nepal. This is also a great chance to get to know each other.
        
     • Thamel | Evening stroll around Thamel, a vibrant tourist hub. We will also spend our welcome dinner here at a traditional Nepali restaurant with a cultural performance.
        
     • Welcome dinner.

     Accommodation | Aspara Boutique Hotel, Kathmandu

     Included Meals | Dinner

  2. March 13 | Saturday

     Kathmandu Sightseeing

     Everest Flight

     • We will start early and drive to the airport.
        
     • We will take a 1-hour pleasure flight to enjoy the fabulous views of Mt. Everest and the surrounding mountain range. A window seat is guaranteed!
        
     • Please note that flights are weather-premitting and last-minute cancellations are possible.

     Kathmandu City Tour

     • Pashupatinath Temple | A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the holiest Hindu shrines. And not for the faint-hearted. Although non-Hindus are not allowed into the shrine itself, we will be able to walk around the complex and observe cremations along the riverside. An intense cultural experience like no other.
        
     • Boudhanath Stupa | We will explore Boudhanath Stupa. This is one of the largest stupas in the world and a sacred site for Buddhists. You can walk around and on top of the Stupa.
        
     • Local Gallery & Art School | We will visit a local family-run art school to observe the artists in action and learn about the process that goes into making these intricate traditional paintings, from creating the canvas to the various stages the painting goes through.
        
     • We will enjoy a scenic lunch on a rooftop overlooking one of Kathmandu's most iconic landmarks, and the second largest Stupa in the world.
        
     • Swayambhunath Stupa | Also known as the Monkey Temple, it gets its name from, you guessed it – the monkeys. The location of the stupa also offers panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley. It’s a must-visit site in Kathmandu.
        
     • Kathmandu Durbar Square | This square is a historic palace square featuring ancient temples, palaces, and courtyards. Here we will have the rare opportunity to see the Kumari, the living Goddess.
        
     • Dinner at the hotel.

     Accommodation | Aspara Boutique Hotel, Kathmandu

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. March 14 | Sunday

     Dhulikhel to Namobuddha Hike

     • National Museum of Nepal | Here we have a chance to learn about traditional life and see historic artefacts.

     Dhulikhel

     • We drive to Dhulikhel, a serene hill station offering stunning views of the Himalayas. Here there are temples, and we can relax in the mountain hotel.
        
     • Hike to Namobuddha | An accessible hike taking approximately 4 hours that will go through local villages and offer some incredible views of the surrounding hills, mountains, and farmlands. We will hike directly from Dhulikel to Namobuddha Monastery, where we will stay for the night. The hike is often met by roads, and so you will have the opportunity to leave the hike to take the car at half-hour intervals.
        
     • Namobuddha Monastery | This is a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site with breathtaking mountain views.
        
     • We will spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing amongst the monastery and getting used to life there!

     Accommodation | Namobuddha Monastery

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. March 15 | Monday

     Panauti and Bhaktapur

     • We will leave the monastery to drive back to Kathmandu. On the way, there’s lots to explore!
        
     • Panauti | Explore the historic town of Panauti featuring ancient temples and Newar architecture. A quaint area with unique architecture and a crematorium at the temple.
        
     • Bhaktapur Durbar Square | Bhaktapur is renowned for its medieval architecture, pottery, and woodwork. We will visit iconic spots like Nyatapola Temple, 55 Window Palace, and Pottery Square in Bhaktapur.
        
     • Pottery Class | Enjoy a pottery class from internationally renowned artisans in Bhaktapur, an area famous for the craft.
        
     • Changu Narayan Temple | Visit the oldest Hindu temple, estimated to be over 3,000 years old.

     Kathmandu

     • We will arrive in Kathmandu in the evening.
        
     • Dinner at the hotel; the rest of the evening is at your own leisure.

     Accommodation | Aspara Boutique Hotel, Kathmandu

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. March 16 | Tuesday

     Road trip to Bhaisepati and Volunteering

     • Khokana | Visit Khokana; this is a Newar village famous for its mustard oil production and authentic lifestyle. We can visit the original mustard oil factory and buy some straight from the source! Walking the streets of Khokana is a great way to experience the traditional way of life.
        
     • Bungmati | We will visit Bungmati, a traditional Newar village known for its woodcarving and the Rato Machhindranath Temple. In these traditional areas, we can interact with locals and observe their daily routines, traditional crafts, and farming practices. You can also spend hours admiring the woodwork crafts!
        
     • Traditional Cooking Class | We will be able to experience a traditional cooking class and make our own momo.
        
     • Drive to Bhaisepati and spend the afternoon volunteering at Shree Chuni Devi Primary School, engaging with students and assisting with educational or recreational activities.
        
     • Enjoy a community dinner and stay overnight in the camp. 

     Accommodation | Camp in Bhaisepati

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. March 17 | Wednesday

     Return to Kathmandu

     • Drive back to Kathmandu.
        
     • Patan Durbar Square | A square known for its exquisite art, temples, and the Patan Museum. This is one of the best museums in the area, where you can learn a lot about Buddhism and Hinduism and see artefacts from the area.
        
     • Sound Bath Experience | Take an hour to relax and meditate as we learn about the ancient practice of using sound and vibration for healing. We will get an explanation of the sound bowls and be able to see their various shapes and sizes, the seven metals they’re made of, and what goes into making handmade ones.
        
     • Tibetan Refugee Market & Neighbourhood | Explore the neighbourhood of Tibetan refugees and enjoy some locally brewed Tibetan tea.
        
     • We will explore the internationally-renowned carpet market where you can see Tibetan women working on their masterpieces, and even get some very unique souvenirs to take home!
        
     • Farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant.

     Accommodation | Aspara Boutique Hotel, Kathmandu

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. March 18 | Thursday

     Departure Day

     • Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) to catch your outbound flight to major international hubs.

     Included Meals | Breakfast

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • Three meals a day, unlimited bottled water throughout the day
  • Accommodation in 3* hotels, 1 night at a monastery, and 1 night camping on a twin basis
  • All transportation in Nepal
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off at Kathmandu International Airport
  • Entry fees, cultural programs, and activities as indicated on the itinerary 
  • Everest scenic flight
  • English-speaking local guide
  • Koryo Tours Tour Leader

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Nepal visa fee (from 30 USD)
  • Flight to and from Nepal
  • Tips for the local guide and the driver (15 USD per day per traveller, i.e. 105 USD in total)
  • Single room supplement (30 USD per night)
  • Personal expenses and beverages, apart from water
  • Insurance

• Notes

  Nepal Visa

  Nepal offers "On Arrival" tourist visas at designated entry points. Travellers can also obtain visas at Nepalese diplomatic missions before arrival in Nepal. For further details, please consult the Government of Nepal's official website on tourist visas.

Please apply by 15th February, 2027.