Kathmandu 6 Day Itinerary
Here is a 6-day itinerary for traveling in Kathmandu:
Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization
Places to Visit:
- Thamel: This historic neighborhood is the heart of Kathmandu’s tourism scene. It’s famous for its vibrant nightlife, with plenty of shops selling souvenirs, local handicrafts, and trekking gear. Thamel also boasts a wide variety of restaurants serving international cuisine.
- Dum Duma Square (Durbar Square): This historic square is filled with temples, palaces, and courtyards that date back centuries. It’s a perfect place to get an insight into Nepal’s rich history.
Activities:
- Explore Thamel: Take your time to wander through the streets of Thamel. Don’t forget to visit its main street for some shopping or dining.
- Visit Durbar Square: This is one of three royal palace squares in Kathmandu Valley. The square, known as Basantapur, hosts a number of ancient temples and museums.
Where to Eat:
- Orchid Cafe & Restaurant: It’s located in the heart of Thamel and serves Nepali, Indian, Italian dishes.
- New Orleans Cafe & Restaurant: Known for its great breakfast options, it is also a popular spot for lunch and dinner.
Where to Stay:
- Hotel Mummy Guest House: This guest house offers comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. It’s located near Thamel, making it easy to access the main tourist spots.
- Hotel Blue Diamond: For those looking for a bit more luxury, this hotel is just a short walk away from Durbar Square.
Things to Know:
- Altitude Sickness: Kathmandu is at an altitude of 1,400 meters. This can cause altitude sickness in some people, especially if they ascend too quickly.
- Language: Nepali (official language) and English are widely spoken here.
Transportation:
- Taxis and Rickshaws: These are the most common modes of transport within Kathmandu. You can find them on almost every street corner.
- Buses: For those who want to experience the local culture, taking a bus is an excellent option. They run frequently between different parts of the city.
Tips:
- Respect Local Customs: Nepal is a conservative country. Dress modestly when visiting temples or attending cultural events.
- Stay Hydrated: Kathmandu’s climate can be hot and dry during summer months, so drinking plenty of water is essential to stay hydrated.
Day 2: Explore Thamel
Places to Visit:
- Thamel Tourist Police Station: For assistance with any issues you might encounter during your visit.
- Indra Chowk: A lively shopping area with a variety of shops and restaurants. It’s also known as the ‘Indian Market’.
Activities:
- Visit Indra Chowk: This is one of the busiest areas in Thamel, filled with people from all walks of life.
- Explore Thamel’s Shopping Streets: Take your time to discover different types of products available.
Where to Eat:
- Orchid Cafe & Restaurant: It offers a wide selection of Nepali and international dishes.
- New Orleans Cafe & Restaurant: Known for its delicious breakfast options, it also serves lunch and dinner.
Tips:
- Be Prepared to Haggel: When shopping at local markets, be prepared to haggle over prices.
- Try Local Cuisine: Nepal is famous for its Nepali cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to try some of these dishes while in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Visit Durbar Square
Places to Visit:
- Durbar Square: A historic square filled with temples, palaces, and courtyards that date back centuries.
- Hanuman Dhoka (Monkey Temple): Located inside Durbar Square. It’s one of the oldest buildings in Kathmandu.
Activities:
- Explore Durbar Square: Take your time to wander through the streets of Durbar Square. Don’t forget to visit its main temples for some insight into Nepal’s rich history.
- Visit Hanuman Dhoka: This ancient temple is known for being home to a large population of monkeys, hence its nickname ‘Monkey Temple’.
Where to Eat:
- Orchid Cafe & Restaurant: It offers Nepali and international cuisine options.
- New Orleans Cafe & Restaurant: Known for its delicious breakfast options, it also serves lunch and dinner.
Day 4: Explore Kathmandu
Places to Visit:
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square: This historic square is filled with temples and palaces that date back centuries. It’s a perfect place to get an insight into Nepal’s rich history.
- Changu Narayan Temple: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is the oldest temple in Kathmandu Valley.
Activities:
- Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Take your time to wander through the streets of Bhaktapur. Don’t forget to visit its main temples for some insight into Nepal’s rich history.
- Visit Changu Narayan Temple: This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in Hinduism.
Where to Eat:
- Orchid Cafe & Restaurant: It offers Nepali and international cuisine options.
- New Orleans Cafe & Restaurant: Known for its delicious breakfast options, it also serves lunch and dinner.
Day 5: Visit Patan Durbar Square
Places to Visit:
- Patan Durbar Square: A historic square filled with temples and palaces that date back centuries. It’s a perfect place to get an insight into Nepal’s rich history.
- Kathesimbhu Temple: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is known for its beautiful architecture.
Activities:
- Explore Patan Durbar Square: Take your time to wander through the streets of Patan. Don’t forget to visit its main temples for some insight into Nepal’s rich history.
- Visit Kathesimbhu Temple: This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in Hinduism.
Where to Eat:
- Orchid Cafe & Restaurant: It offers Nepali and international cuisine options.
- New Orleans Cafe & Restaurant: Known for its delicious breakfast options, it also serves lunch and dinner.
Day 6: Departure
Places to Visit:
- Thamel Tourist Police Station: For assistance with any issues you might encounter during your visit.
- Indra Chowk: A lively shopping area with a variety of shops and restaurants. It’s also known as the ‘Indian Market’.
Activities:
- Visit Indra Chowk: This is one of the busiest areas in Thamel, filled with people from all walks of life.
- Shopping for Last-Minute Items: Take your time to discover different types of products available.
Tips:
- Stay Hydrated: Kathmandu’s climate can be hot and dry during summer months, so drinking plenty of water is essential to stay hydrated.
- Be Prepared to Haggel: When shopping at local markets, be prepared to haggle over prices.