Heritage, Hiking & Local Life in Nepal - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, Explore the Capital, Welcome Dinner

Welcome to Nepal's bustling capital, Kathmandu! Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer 30 minutes to your hotel in Thamel, a lively district packed with shops, cafés, and market stalls. After checking in, you have some free time to relax or explore the area on your own before dinner. A good place to start is the UNESCO-listed Kathmandu Durbar Square. This historic area is filled with centuries-old palaces, temples, courtyards, and statues that reflect the grandeur of Nepal's Malla period. 

Walking through the square, you'll find intricately carved wooden architecture, like Kasthamandap, a Hindu temple that's believed to have been built from a single tree and gave Kathmandu its name. Consider a visit to the nearby Hanuman Dhoka, a fascinating complex of ancient royal palaces with a museum showcasing artifacts, traditional royal attire, and personal items of past rules. In the evening, meet your guide and the rest of your group for a welcome dinner and trip briefing. Enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine while you discover what to expect from the rest of the week.

Day 2: Market Walk, Discover Boudhanath Stupa & Pashupatinath Temple

Today you'll start with a market walk for a glimpse into daily life in Kathmandu. You may visit popular markets like the Thamel Bazar or Ason Bazar, where you can peruse the array of Nepalese ingredients, trekking gear, and pashmina scarves. Pick up any last-minute items you need for your upcoming hike or souvenirs that catch your eye while you learn about the local culture. Then, set off on another tour of some of the city's landmarks, starting at Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Admire the massive mandala-like structure adorned with colorful prayer flags and observe the pilgrims and monks spinning prayer wheels and chanting mantras as they walk. After walking around the stupa yourself, head to Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva on the banks of the Bagmati River. The temple complex is a blend of ancient architecture and religious rituals, with its pagoda-style roof and ornate carvings. Only Hindus are allowed inside the main temple, but you can explore the surrounding area teeming with devotees, priests, and sadhus (holy men).

Day 3: Local Cooking Class, Enjoy a Free Afternoon in Kathmandu

Immerse yourself in Nepalese culture through its rich and flavorful cuisine as you start your day with a local cooking class. Learn how to make momos (steamed dumplings filled with minced meat or vegetables) or dal bhat (a flavorful lentil soup typically served with steamed rice). While you cook, you'll also gain an understanding of Nepalese food culture, culinary traditions that have been passed down for generations, and typical ingredients used in daily cooking. When everything is ready, sit down to enjoy it as a group.

From there, you're free to explore more of the capital on your own. Head to Swoyambhu Mahachaitya, an ancient stupa perched atop a hill overlooking the city and Kathmandu Valley. Climb 365 steps to reach the stupa, passing playful monkeys that give the site its nickname, the "Monkey Temple." At the top, discover the large central stupa with the all-seeing eyes of Buddha, as well as numerous shrines, monasteries, and prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Take in panoramic views of the surrounding hills and mountains before descending.

Day 4: Transfer to Sundarijal, Hike to Chisapani 

Say goodbye to Kathmandu for now as you transfer one hour to the village of Sundarijal, your gateway to Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. When you arrive, stretch your legs and start the 5-6-hour hike to Chisapani. Begin with a gradual ascent through lush forests with a mix of oak, rhododendron, and pine trees alongside bubbling streams. Through the branches, you'll get glimpses of the Kathmandu Valley and the distant Himalayan peaks. When you reach the village, perched at an altitude of 7,545 feet (2,300 m) within the national park, you'll be rewarded with views of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges.

Day 5: Hike to Nagarkot with Views of Mount Everest

Explore more of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park on today's 5-6-hour hike to the hill station of Nagarkot. Start with a gentle downhill walk through terraced fields and alongside tranquil streams. Stop in the small village of Jhule for lunch, overlooking the surrounding forests, fields, and mountains. Back on the trail, pass through several villages dotting the hillside before conquering the steep ascent to the hill station. The climb will be worth it as you take in the snowcapped peaks of Mount Everest in the distance.

Day 6: Transfer to Bhaktapur, Guided City Tour, Transfer to Lalitpur

After two days of hiking, it's time to return to city streets with a 30-minute transfer to Bhaktapur, known for its grand architecture, intricate wood carvings, and vibrant squares. Start at the UNESCO-listed Bhaktapur Durbar Square to admire the medieval Newar architecture and visit the Bhaktapur Museum. Peruse the impressive collection of artifacts highlighting the art, history, and daily life of the Newar people before continuing to Pottery Square. The square is aptly named as you'll see plenty of potters shaping clay on their wheels, firing pieces in their kilns, and selling their finished pieces.

Your next stop is Nyatapole Temple, the tallest pagoda-style temple in the country, as it rises five stories high. Get a close-up look at the wood carvings and sculptures of gods and goddesses that reflect the craftsmanship of the Malla period. End the tour with a taste of the city's specialty, juju dhau (buffalo milk curd flavored with sugar). Then, meet your driver for a 30-minute transfer to Lalitpur, also known as Patan. The city is located just across the Bagmati River from the capital and is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, narrow streets, and bustling markets.

Day 7: Explore Bungamati & Khokana, Guided Tour of Lalitpur

Your penultimate day in Nepal takes you to two traditional Newari villages to learn about the culture of the rural residents who have thrived in the region since antiquity. Start with a 20-minute transfer to Bungamati, where you can meet the local woodcarvers and tour their showrooms to gain an appreciation for the traditional craft. You'll also visit the Rato Machhendranath Temple, which is dedicated to the god of rain and good harvest, who was believed to have been born in the village. The temple is famous for the annual festival held here, which features a chariot procession that starts in Lalitpur.

Day 8: Transfer to Kathmandu, Depart

Enjoy your final moments in Lalitpur with breakfast at a charming café or a leisurely city stroll. If you still need to pick up souvenirs, visit a local market like Lalitpur Bazaar and peruse the array of traditional handicrafts. You'll find handmade jewelry, wood carvings, metalwork, and colorful textiles, which all make great souvenirs or gifts. When it's time, a driver will meet you back at the hotel for a 20-minute transfer to the airport in Kathmandu for your flight home. Safe travels!