7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Kathmandu in December 2023

1. Day 1: Swayambhunath Stupa
   30 minutes (5.5 kilometers) from Tribhuvan International Airport

   In the morning, visit the Monkey Temple, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. Enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the top of the hill. In the afternoon, explore the narrow alleys of Thamel and shop for souvenirs. In the evening, savor traditional Nepali cuisine at Bhojan Griha while enjoying a cultural dance performance.

2. Day 2: Kathmandu Durbar Square
   20 minutes (4 kilometers) from Swayambhunath Stupa

   In the morning, visit the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the intricate architecture of the palaces and temples. In the afternoon, learn about Nepalese history and culture at the National Museum. In the evening, catch a movie at QFX Cinemas.

3. Day 3: Pashupatinath Temple
   30 minutes (7 kilometers) from Kathmandu Durbar Square

   In the morning, visit Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Witness the cremation rituals on the banks of the Bagmati river. In the afternoon, go on a shopping spree at the Kathmandu Mall. In the evening, try momos and thukpa at Roadhouse Cafe.

4. Day 4: Patan Durbar Square
   30 minutes (8 kilometers) from Pashupatinath Temple

   In the morning, visit Patan Durbar Square, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the Newari architecture of the palaces and temples. In the afternoon, learn about traditional Nepalese handicrafts at the Patan Handicraft Center. In the evening, watch a cultural show at the Nepali Chulo.

5. Day 5: Bhaktapur Durbar Square
   45 minutes (12 kilometers) from Patan Durbar Square

   In the morning, visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the third and final UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu. Marvel at the ancient temples, courtyards, and shrines. In the afternoon, learn about Nepali art at the Nepal Art Council. In the evening, dine at The Old House Restaurant and Bar.

6. Day 6: Chitwan National Park
   5 hours (162 kilometers) from Bhaktapur Durbar Square

   Spend the day in Chitwan National Park, home to tigers, rhinos, elephants, and crocodiles. Enjoy a jungle safari, bird watching, and a canoe ride. In the evening, relax at the Barahi Jungle Lodge.

7. Day 7: Everest Mountain Flight
   30 minutes (7 kilometers) from Tribhuvan International Airport

   In the morning, take a mountain flight to see Mount Everest and other peaks of the Himalayas. In the afternoon, visit the Garden of Dreams, a neo-classical historical garden in the heart of Kathmandu. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at Thamel House Restaurant.

Recommendations

Other must-see places in Kathmandu include the Boudhanath Stupa, Narayanhiti Palace Museum, and the Kopan Monastery. For day trips, consider visiting Nagarkot for a stunning sunrise view of the Himalayas or hiking to the Shivapuri National Park. To maximize your fun, hire a local guide who can provide you with insights into Nepali culture and history.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Swayambhunath Stupa (2 hours, free)
• Bhojan Griha (2 hours, NPR 2,000)
• Kathmandu Durbar Square (2 hours, NPR 1,000)
• National Museum (2 hours, NPR 200)
• QFX Cinemas (2 hours, NPR 500)
• Pashupatinath Temple (2 hours, free)
• Kathmandu Mall (2 hours, varies)
• Roadhouse Cafe (2 hours, NPR 500)
• Patan Durbar Square (2 hours, NPR 1,000)
• Patan Handicraft Center (2 hours, varies)
• Nepali Chulo (2 hours, NPR 1,500)
• Bhaktapur Durbar Square (2 hours, NPR 1,500)
• Nepal Art Council (2 hours, free)
• The Old House Restaurant and Bar (2 hours, NPR 1,000)
• Chitwan National Park (10 hours, NPR 10,000)
• Barahi Jungle Lodge (overnight stay, NPR 5,000)
• Everest Mountain Flight (1 hour, NPR 25,000)
• Garden of Dreams (2 hours, NPR 200)
• Thamel House Restaurant (2 hours, NPR 1,500)
• Total Estimated Costs: NPR 51,100 (excluding flights and accommodations)