A popular vegetarian-friendly café in Thamel with Middle Eastern/Mediterranean dishes; a relaxed place to fuel up before touring. Open ~8:00am–10:00pm so it’s reliable for an early start.
Iconic hilltop stupa offering panoramic views over Kathmandu and many prayer wheels and shrines; great introduction to Newar and Buddhist culture. Site access is typically open from about 6:00am–6:00pm.
Historic royal square with palaces, temples and living Newar architecture; visit the Kumari (Living Goddess) viewing area and Taleju Temple exterior. Most museums and courtyards are open ~9:00am–5:00pm.
Atmospheric heritage house serving set Nepali thali (dal-bhat and local specialties) — excellent for tasting local flavors. Kitchen typically serves lunch around 12:00pm–2:30pm; reservation recommended at peak times.
Thamel is Kathmandu’s main tourist quarter for trekking shops, handicrafts and street snacks — ideal for buying essentials or souvenirs. Most shops stay open until evening (roughly 9:00pm–10:00pm).
Drive (~45–60 minutes from central Kathmandu) to Nagarkot for panoramic sunrise views of the Himalaya (clear days) and the Kathmandu Valley; public viewpoints are accessible very early (viewing from ~5:00am onward).
Simple breakfast at a Nagarkot café with mountain views; hotels and restaurants around the viewpoint usually open early for sunrise visitors (from ~5:30–6:00am).
Scenic short drive into one of the valley’s best-preserved medieval towns — saves travel time and keeps the route looped east-to-west. Road open and used all day; travel time varies with traffic.
Exquisitely preserved medieval square with terracotta and wooden carvings plus the towering Nyatapola Temple; a highlight for traditional Newar architecture. The square and temples are generally open 7:00am–5:00pm.
Sample Bhaktapur’s famed thick yogurt (Juju Dhau) and wander artisan lanes filled with pottery and woodwork; many small shops open mid-morning through evening.
Changu Narayan (ancient Hindu temple) sits on a small hill east of Bhaktapur and offers scenic and cultural interest — open ~8:00am–5:00pm; alternatively, explore the pottery quarter to see local craft in action.
Drive back to Kathmandu (around 30–60 minutes depending on traffic) and freshen up before dinner; this completes the east–west loop through the valley.
One of Hinduism’s most important Shiva temples and the valley’s major cremation ghats — visually and culturally powerful; the temple complex is active from pre-dawn (~4:00am) through evening (~8:00pm). Note: non-Hindus have restricted access to inner sanctums but can view many activities from designated viewing areas.
Massive Tibetan Buddhist stupa and a major center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu; circumambulate the stupa and visit monasteries — the stupa area is accessible 24 hours, shops and monasteries roughly 6:00am–9:00pm.
Popular café chain with solid international and Nepali options near Boudhanath; convenient for a midday break before heading to Patan. Usually open ~7:00am–10:00pm.
Patan (Lalitpur) has one of the valley’s richest collections of Newar architecture and Buddhist art — the museum and courtyards (Patan Museum typically open 10:00am–5:00pm) are highlights for art and history lovers.
Wander Patan’s lanes to see artisans making traditional metalwork and paubha (scroll) paintings and shop for quality handicrafts — workshops and shops are typically open through late afternoon into evening.
Final chance to pick up souvenirs, try a spa/massage, or simply relax in a café before dinner and departure. Most shops and services in Thamel remain open into the evening.
If you want a special final-night experience, Krishnarpan at Dwarika’s offers a multi-course traditional Nepali banquet with reservation required; otherwise choose a comfortable Thamel restaurant for a relaxed finale. Krishnarpan requires booking in advance and runs limited dinner sittings.