Best Day Tours in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is the gateway to the Himalayas. Aside from being the capital, Kathmandu is a warm and diverse city where people from different religions and backgrounds live in harmony. It is actually the whole of Kathmandu Valley.

It houses three medieval cities, such as Kathmandu, Patan (the city of fine arts), and Bhaktapur (the city of devotees). It is called an open museum. The town displays centuries of history and rich culture.

Being the first and the last stop during your Nepal journey, you can’t miss the exploration around the Kathmandu Valley. And when talking about the must-do activities, cultural Heritage Tours are at the top of the list of things to do in Kathmandu Valley. However, this quaint city has a lot to offer and caters to tourists of all kinds. You can do anything from a few hours of heritage tours to days/week-long hiking. While the cultural and historical tours lead to discovering the different stories, cultures, and religions of Kathmandu, the hiking options are a chance for those who aren't avid trekkers or are running out of time to devote to trekking.

The one-day tour trips in and around Kathmandu are most popular among tourists. These day tours cover specific areas of Kathmandu in one day, giving people enough time to roam and feel what the places have to offer. Not just that, these trips also include visits to cultural heritage sites, hill stations, sunset points in the Himalayan backdrop, historical monuments, etc., present in Kathmandu.

Therefore, if you are willing to explore the beauty of Kathmandu but have only one day and are confused about what to do and where to go, you can select one from the list below or combine any of them. The best part is that you will learn about Nepal’s different cultures and experience the trekking route. Learn about the urban as well as rural lifestyle in a single day without breaking the bank.

Best One-Day Trips in/around/from Kathmandu

One-day tour of Kathmandu Heritage Sites

The grandest and most satisfying tour of the Kathmandu valley has to be the Seven World Heritage Sites tour. Out of 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal, Kathmandu Valley houses 7 within a few kilometers. This makes the visits possible in a day.

Those seven sites are:

• Kathmandu,

• Bhaktapur,

• Patan Durbar Square

• Swayambhunath

• Pashupatinat

• Boudhanath

• Changunarayan temple.

This list comprises cultural places, architectural temples, and museums. Therefore, this is an all-inclusive tour that allows people to enjoy every element of Kathmandu in one day! However, for a laid-back exploration of those cultural sites, two/three days would be more perfect and fruitful.

One-day Patan Durbar Square Tour

Patan Durbar Square is located at the center of the city of Lalitpur and is one of the seven World Heritage sites. It was ruled by the Malla dynasty and contains its impressions even today. The major attractions of this place include the Patan Museum and the Patan Golden Temple. Tourists can get evidence of the intricate architectural skills of the Newari people in this Durbar Square.

The square is itself built in the Newari style. There are several idols, houses, monuments, and temples around this square, which also represent the Newari art style.

The Patan Museum, in Patan Durbar Square, preserves old paintings, artifacts, coins, statues, carvings, and manuscripts of the Malla period.

If you are planning to opt for the Patan Durbar Square tour in a day, your day would be filled with interesting activities. Firstly, your tour will start at the UNESCO World Heritage site, Patan Durbar Square. Roam around and see various temples, museums of art, artistic courtyards, and whatnot.

One-day Nagarkot Trip from Kathmandu

Another day tour worth considering is a tour to Nagarkot, a hill station in the Bhaktapur district known for its glorious sunrise and sunset views. A day tour to Nagarkot would be a perfect blend of nature and culture as it traverses via Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Changunarayan Temple. Nagarkot Tour is not only limited to tours but also offers diverse options such as a 1-Day Hike to/from Nagarkot, and a Mountain Biking trip to/from Nagarkot. Whichever day package you choose, you get the golden opportunity to feel the serenity of the place.

One can hike up to the viewpoint and behold the view of the sun rising/setting over the Langtang, Jugal, and Ganesh ranges. If you are lucky enough and the weather is perfect, you might get to see all 8 Himalayas from here, including Mount Everest!

Once you are in Nagarkot, you can also opt to stay there. From cheap lodges to luxurious 5-star and heritage hotels, Nagarkot offers diverse accommodation services. It is also one of the best camping spots in Kathmandu Valley. So, if you decide to experience camping, you can think of this place.

One-day trip to Shivapuri Hill with Budhanikantha Tour

This one-day tour is the best for adventurous tourists who wish to witness the majestic views of the mountains surrounding the valley of Kathmandu. On this tour, one has to participate in hiking amidst the rich flora and fauna of the valley, which makes the tour more exciting. This hiking trail is extremely popular among adventure seekers as it leads you to the most amazing, unforgettable views of the Himalayan ranges.

This tour starts from the popular Hindu pilgrimage center, Budhanilkantha Temple, which comprises a huge statue of the sleeping Lord Mahavishnu. After paying homage, one proceeds to hike through the forest of Shivapuri hills. While hiking, one can see different species of birds while enjoying the silence and serenity of the forest. There's a Buddhist monastery mid-way, called the Nagi Gumba, which is why this trip is also called Shivapuri Nagi Gumba Day Hike. After reaching the final point of the hike, you would be spellbound to witness the aura of the Langtang range!

One-Day Hiking Trips from Kathmandu

If you want to freshen your mind, get a day off from the busy city environment, want nature to play in your day, or want to experience soft adventures, day hiking trips around Kathmandu would be perfect for you. Most of the lush, picturesque hills surrounding the Kathmandu Valley are likable within a few hours.

Those hiking hills give not only hiking experiences but also offer some great views of Kathmandu and the surrounding landscapes, and some of the world’s highest mountain vistas on clear days. Some of the famous one-day hiking journeys are Namobuddha Day Hike, Champadevi Day Hike, & Phulchowki Day Hike.

One-day trip to the old Newari towns of Kathmandu Valley

Newar/Newari People are the indigenous people of the Kathmandu Valley. They have unique cultures, traditions, customs, and lifestyles. Much different from other ethnic groups of Nepal. Spending a few hours or a day at the ancient Newari towns of Khokana and Bungamati allows you to experience the local lifestyle of the Newari people.

You can witness their traditional ways of life and get a hint of their cultural essence, beliefs, and everything else. The day trip to these Newari towns usually starts with a drive to Bungamati Village. It is home to the rain god/protector of the valley, Rato Machindranath. He spends half the year living in the sizable shikhara-style temple in the center of town. And, every year Rato Machindranath Festival is held, which includes a chariot parade between Patan and Bungamati. While exploring Bungamati, you will pass by several traditional Newari homes where woodworkers may be seen creating sculptures and masks by hand.

From Bungmati, it is a short transfer to Khokana, a farming village. It is recognized for the cultivation and manufacture of mustard oil.

On top of that, Khokana and Bungamati are considered must-visit places in Kathmandu. It is to see the ancient Newari culture and tradition. Also, Khokana is a nominated destination for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

One-day tour from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp

Every year, thousands of travelers visit Nepal to be at the base camp of the world’s highest mountain. It is to witness the beauty and serenity of the Everest region. It usually takes a minimum of 10 days to reach the Everest Base Camp by trekking. However, for those who have the desire to experience the grandeur of the Everest Base Camp but have limited time or can’t trek for days, you can take the one-day Everest Base Camp tour from Kathmandu.

But, is it really possible to reach Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu in one day? Yes, definitely if you opt for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. The helicopter tour to Everest is the biggest opportunity to experience Everest Base Camp, explore the surroundings, and enjoy the beauty of the Everest Region in just 4-5 hours. The tour also lets you enjoy a luxury breakfast at the highest-located hotel in the world, named Everest View Hotel, surrounded by the giant Himalayas.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Kathmandu?

Ideally, the best time to visit Kathmandu is the spring and autumn seasons. Therefore, the months from March to May and September to November are best suited to explore the beauty of Kathmandu without facing problems. The weather is clear, the skies are blue, and the temperatures are pleasant during these seasons. However, one can also visit Kathmandu and its surroundings even in the summer/monsoon and winter seasons.

Read More: Weather & Climate in Kathmandu

For those who plan to come to Nepal for a few days or have a few spare days left after their trip, one-day tours in/around/from Kathmandu are great ways to explore the place and get insight into many things. With these day tours, one can get a hint of the cultural essence of Kathmandu.

One can also witness the natural beauty and the historic richness of the place. If you are looking for a short trip to get rid of boredom and your monotonous lifestyle, planning a gateway trip to Kathmandu would be an ideal solution. So, what are you waiting for? Check the above list of one-day tours and contact us to organize a perfect tour for you in Kathmandu.