3-Day City Experiences Itinerary for Katmandu in August 2023

1. Day 1: Swayambhunath Stupa
   20 minutes (5.4 km) from Tribhuvan International Airport

   Also known as the Monkey Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal. Start your day early to catch the sunrise over the city from the top of the hill. Explore the complex and observe the daily rituals of the monks. Take in the panoramic views of the Kathmandu valley from the top. Afternoon, head to the nearby Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see the ancient palace and temples. In the evening, visit the bustling Thamel district for shopping and dining.

2. Day 2: Patan Durbar Square
   25 minutes (6.8 km) from Thamel

   Visit Patan Durbar Square, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see the ancient palace, temples and the famous Krishna Mandir. Take a stroll through the charming alleys of Patan to see the traditional Newari architecture and enjoy a cup of tea at one of the many rooftop cafes. In the afternoon, visit the Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu site located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Witness the cremation rituals and observe the sadhus (holy men) meditating. In the evening, head back to Thamel for dinner and drinks.

3. Day 3: Bhaktapur Durbar Square
   40 minutes (13 km) from Thamel

   Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the third and final UNESCO World Heritage Site on this itinerary. Admire the intricate wood carvings and stone sculptures on the temples and the palace. Take a pottery-making class or shop for traditional handicrafts in the narrow streets. In the afternoon, visit the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world and a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Join the locals in circumambulating the stupa and chanting mantras. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant in Thamel.

Recommendations

Other local attractions and experiences you should consider include:

• Visit the National Museum in Chhauni
• Hike to the Shivapuri National Park
• Take a cooking class to learn how to make momos

For side trips, consider visiting:

• Bungee jumping in The Last Resort
• Exploring the ancient city of Bhaktapur
• Going on a helicopter tour of the Himalayas

To maximize your fun, try these tips:

• Get up early to beat the crowds and see the sunrise
• Try the street food, but make sure it's cooked and fresh
• Hire a local guide to learn more about the history and culture

Other suggestions:

• Respect the local customs and dress modestly in religious sites
• Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it to reduce plastic waste
• Be mindful of your surroundings and keep your belongings safe

Time and Costs Estimates

• Swayambhunath Stupa (2 hours, free)
• Kathmandu Durbar Square (2 hours, NPR 1000)
• Thamel shopping and dining (2 hours, NPR 2000)
• Patan Durbar Square (2 hours, NPR 1000)
• Pashupatinath Temple (2 hours, NPR 1000)
• Boudhanath Stupa (2 hours, free)
• Farewell dinner in Thamel (2 hours, NPR 3000)
• Total Estimated Costs: NPR 8000 (excluding side trips and optional activities)

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