Kathmandu Itinerary 5 Days

5 Days in Kathmandu - Perfect Vacation Guide

As the capital city of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, Kathmandu is colorful and chaotic. There are modern buildings, then there is out-worldly ancient architecture, and this is what makes Kathmandu unique. 5 days in Nepal is ideal if you are looking at covering all the places near the capital. Here are a few of the places that you can visit in Nepal.

What to see in Kathmandu in 5 days?

Kathmandu City Sightseeing

The rich culture of Kathmandu can be best experienced by visiting its many cultural sights. Durbar Square also called the Basantapur Darbar Kshetra, this square is located in front of the old royal palace and is one of the three durbars in the Kathmandu valley. Here you will see some of the best temples, idols, monuments, open courts, and water fountains depicting the rich history of Nepal. Kathmandu Valley’s oldest and most sacred shrine, Swayambunath Stupa is a beautiful white dome with a glittering golden spire that is visible from far. Also called the Monkey Temple, it’s a long climb up. A visit to the Bouddhanath and Pashupatinath is a must while visiting Kathmandu. Bouddhanath Stupa is the largest stupa in the valley and also one of the largest in the world. Here you can mingle with the many monks and learn about the rich Buddhist culture. A scared Hindu worship place, Pashupatinath Temple is located on the banks of Bagmati River and is often referred to as the Temple of Living Beings. This temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva and is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in Nepal. You can also visit Patan Durbar Square that is located in Lalitpur. A massive treasure trove of visually stunning Newari temple architecture is a site you will cherish even after you have left. As one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal, Namo Buddha is about 40 kilometers from Kathmandu. Situated on a slightly elevated land, this place has fresh air, clear skies, and great food.

Nearby Towns & Cities

Kathmandu has many towns and cities nearby that make for a great day trip. After you are done exploring the city, we suggest you head out. You can visit Bhaktapur, one of the three major cities of the Kathmandu Valley. Located about 15 kilometers east of Kathmandu, this city literally translates into Place of Devotees. The city has many pagoda style sky high temples, some of them which are believed to be the stairway to heaven. Apart from the temples, the city is best known for its elegant art & culture, colorful festivals, and traditional dances. A little further away, Dhulikhel is another city worth visiting. The city has a rather relaxing tone to it, and it is from here that you can observe the high Himalayas. Known as the town of 40 temples and 28 festivals, Panauti is located at the site of the confluence of Roshi and Punyamati rivers. Perfect for a day trip from the capital, this town has numerous temples and monuments that are made of terra-cotta and beautifully carved wooden columns.

Wildlife

For the wildlife enthusiast, Kathmandu has many natural reserves that are worth visiting. Located at about 160 kilometers, Chitwan National Park is one of the most visited parks in the country. Also the country’s first national park, this park has many forests, marshlands, and grasslands that house many wild animals. Among the many animals here, the single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros are the rare ones. Located towards the Nepal-China border, the Langtang National Park is perfect for adventure seekers. The park has many rare species of plants and animals apart from some of the most unspoiled belts of nature. Shivpuri Nagarjun National Park is another place that will take you right into the lap of nature. Located just outside Kathmandu, this place is perfect for nature seekers.

Adventure

For all the adventure seekers, a visit to Pokhara is a must. A trekking gateway to the Annapurna's, Pokhara is many adventure activities. You can come here to enjoy trekking, boating, hiking, pony riding, paragliding, or to simply relax. The panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks are absolutely stunning and not to be missed. Nepal is home to Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world. And what better way to experience it than seeing it up from high above. Everest Flight is a one-hour flight that has been termed as the easiest way to see Mt. Everest.