4-Day Relaxation Itinerary in Kathmandu in June 2023

1. Day 1: Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)
   20 minutes (3.9 km) from Tribhuvan International Airport

   In the morning, explore the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the stunning architecture and the beautiful views of the city. You might even spot some monkeys along the way. In the afternoon, visit the bustling Thamel neighborhood for some souvenir shopping and try some local street food. Relax in the evening with a sunset yoga session at Ashok Tree Yoga Studio.

2. Day 2: Garden of Dreams and Durbar Marg
   15 minutes (4.3 km) from Swayambhunath Stupa

   Start your day with a peaceful stroll in the Garden of Dreams, a neo-classical historical garden. Then, head to Durbar Marg, the high-end shopping district, for some retail therapy. Enjoy a traditional Nepali lunch at Nanglo Bakery Cafe. In the evening, take a restorative massage at Seeing Hands Spa, run by visually impaired locals.

3. Day 3: Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple
   30 minutes (8 km) from Garden of Dreams

   Visit the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the Tibetan culture and religion present in the area. After lunch at Roadhouse Cafe, explore the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, a Hindu temple complex located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Witness the cremation rituals and experience the spiritual atmosphere. End the day with a cooking class at Socialtours to learn how to make Nepali momos.

4. Day 4: Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur
   1 hour (14 km) from Pashupatinath Temple

   Visit Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the morning to appreciate the Newari architecture and the rich history of the area. Have lunch at Cafe Swotha before heading to the ancient city of Bhaktapur, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll around the city, visit the pottery square and enjoy the local delicacy, Juju Dhau (sweet yogurt). Return to Kathmandu for a farewell dinner at Nepali Chulo with a traditional cultural show.

Recommendations

If you are interested in hiking, visit Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park or the nearby Nagarjun Forest Reserve for a day trip. You can also try a cooking class at Backstreet Academy or volunteer at a local organization like Child Welfare Scheme. Don't forget to try some local tea and spices at the wholesale markets and explore the street art scene in the city.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Swayambhunath Stupa (2 hours, NPR 200)
• Thamel Shopping (2 hours, NPR 500)
• Ashok Tree Yoga Studio (1.5 hours, NPR 500)
• Garden of Dreams (1.5 hours, NPR 200)
• Durbar Marg Shopping (2 hours, NPR 1000)
• Nanglo Bakery Cafe (1 hour, NPR 500)
• Seeing Hands Spa (1.5 hours, NPR 700)
• Boudhanath Stupa (2 hours, NPR 400)
• Pashupatinath Temple (2 hours, NPR 1000)
• Cooking Class at Socialtours (3 hours, NPR 2000)
• Patan Durbar Square (2 hours, NPR 250)
• Cafe Swotha (1 hour, NPR 500)
• Bhaktapur (3 hours, NPR 500)
• Nepali Chulo (2 hours, NPR 1500)
• Total Estimated Costs: NPR 8,550

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