Nepal Express Tour by Encounters Travel

6 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

12 peopleMaximum group size

8 - 75 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Kathmandu, Nepal

Ends

Kathmandu, Nepal

Highlights

An immersive 6-day Nepal tour. Explore Kathmandu's culture, ancient towns, scenic Nagarkot, and experience a homestay in Panauti. Visit sacred sites and immerse yourself in Nepal's rich heritage.

Itinerary

Nepal’s rich tapestry of culture, history, and mountain vistas unfolds on the 'Nepal Express'—a 6-day guided small group tour ideal for travelers short on time but eager for authentic experiences. Starting and ending in Kathmandu, this journey weaves city sightseeing, hands-on workshops, and serene escapes into a compact itinerary.

Begin by exploring Kathmandu’s lively Thamel district, then step back in time at Durbar Square and the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa. Venture to Patan and Kirtipur for intricate architecture and local traditions, and lose yourself in Bhaktapur’s ancient streets and pottery class. Enjoy a tranquil stay in Nagarkot, soaking up panoramic Himalayan views, and trek through the Tilkot Forest Reserve to Changu Narayan Temple—Nepal’s oldest.

A homestay in Panauti offers a taste of Newari hospitality, with home-cooked meals and warm community interaction. The tour concludes with visits to the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu.

The unique selling point of this trip is its immersive blend of spiritual, cultural, and natural highlights—providing a genuine, personal connection to Nepal’s heritage in just under a week. Accommodation, transport, and meals are included, making this an effortless yet enriching getaway.

day 1 - Arrive into Kathmandu

We greet you on your arrival in Kathmandu airport today and transfer you to your hotel in the Thamel tourist disctrict of the city. Our rep will help you settle in and familiarise you with the local area before the rest of your day is free. In the evening our rep will take you on an evening walk through Thamel to check out the numerous bars, restaurants and nightlife on offer. You may have your first taste of Nepal's traditional dish tonight - Dal Bhat (rice and lentil curry).Extra day in Kathmandu - pre-tour

Accommodation:Kathmandu hotel

Extras:Single room supplement (NPSHSH)

day 2 - Thamel Rickshaw Ride. Walk around Durbar Square, visit Swayambunath Stupa

Our Nepal tour starts with an exciting Rickshaw ride through the backstreets of Thamel, to Durbar Square. We'll pass through small back streets full of numerous tiny shops, workshops, temples, and stupas to Durbar Square with its array of wooden and stone carved temples and palaces, where we'll have plenty of time to walk around and explore. After lunch at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the square, we drive to the important Swayambunath Stupa which sits on a hilltop overlooking the city, visible from miles around. Also known locally as the 'monkey temple', we'll see these nimble inhabitants scampering in and around the trees and temple.

Accommodation:Kathmandu hotel

Meals:Breakfast

Extras:Everest Mountain Flight

day 3 - Visit the ancient towns of Patan, Kirtipur and Bhaktapur, Partake in a pottery class before heading to Nagarkot

Wake up today in Kathmandu before embarking on a tour to visit the nearby towns of Patan, Kirtipur and Bhaktapur.Patan is often referred to as Lalitpur, the "City of Beauty", Patan is renowned for its rich artistic heritage and architectural marvels. The heart of Patan is its Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you'll find an exquisite collection of temples, palaces, and courtyards showcasing the intricate artistry of the Newar people. Our next stop is Kirtipur which is located on a hilltop, overlooking the Kathmandu valley, here you'll be offered a glimpse into traditional local life. Next we'll visit the centre of Bhaktapur, which has been designated a World Heritage Site, and hosts the best preserved ancient buildings and temples in the Kathmandu valley, with some great examples of traditional wooden architecture to be seen. Our tour here will really give you a taste for how life has been led in the valley for centuries, and you'll see several traditional crafts still taking place, including a whole square dedicated to pottery where you'll have the opportunity to join an included pottery class.Later, we head into the hills surrounding the valley and spend the night in the village of Nagarkot. The village is perched on a ridge and is known for having some of the best views in the Kathmandu Valley.

Accommodation:Nagarkot hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 4 - Walk to Changu Narayan Temple. Head to Panauti for your community homestay experience

This morning we hope for spectacular sunrise views from Nagarkot before walking downhill through the Tilkot Forest Reserve and along a ridge with classic terraced farmland on either side to Changu Narayan Temple, perched on a hilltop east of Kathmandu. This is Nepal's oldest temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike, it boasts a rich history dating back to the 4th century.From here we travel to nearby Panauti, nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Nepal, our homestay offers a unique and immersive cultural experience. Located in the historic town of Panauti, this experience allows you to step back in time and embrace the authentic Newari way of life. You'll reside in a traditional Newari house, have a tour of the local village, savour home-cooked meals (with the option to participate in cooking), and have lots of opportunities to interact with the warm and welcoming locals.

Accommodation:Panauti homestay

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

day 5 - Breakfast in Panauti before visiting Pasupatinath and Boudhanath

After breakfast in the village, we leave Panauti and drive back to Kathmandu, stopping en-route at two of the cities most important, and contrasting religious pilgrimage sites. Our first stop is at Pasupatinath temple, the most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal, which sits on the banks of the Bagmati River, where pilgrims come to pay homage to Lord Shiva. Witnessing the sacred rituals and cremation ceremonies can be a powerful experience, providing a glimpse into the cycle of life and death.Nearby, Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world, stands as a beacon of Tibetan Buddhism, its massive white dome and all-seeing eyes radiating peace and tranquility. The constant hum of prayers, the colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and the devout pilgrims circumambulating the stupa create a mesmerizing atmosphere.The evening is free for you to explore Kathmandu and Thamel one last time and enjoy a farewell meal together.

Accommodation:Kathmandu hotel

Meals:Breakfast

day 6 - Kathmandu, tour ends, transfer to airport for departure

Your tour ends after breakfast this morning, and your time is free until we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. If you will be staying on in Nepal, then our local rep will be happy to help you with information, advice and any onward arrangements.

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

3-star hotels in Kathmandu and NagarkotCommunity homestay experience in Panauti

Meals

Meals as indicated in the itinerary

Transport

All transfers, including 24-hour airport arrival transfer service vehicle transport

Guide

Services of a local escort throughout the tour

Others

Specialist city guides in and around KathmanduAll national park entry and activity feesAll entrance fees to sites visited in the itineraryAdded Experiences: Kathamandu Rickshaw Ride, Pottery class, Community Experience and stay in Panauti

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a good tour as it is run by a trusted travel specialist who has received 7 reviews for other tours with an average 4.6rating.

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Highlights

Itinerary

day 1 - Arrive into Kathmandu

day 2 - Thamel Rickshaw Ride. Walk around Durbar Square, visit Swayambunath Stupa

day 3 - Visit the ancient towns of Patan, Kirtipur and Bhaktapur, Partake in a pottery class before heading to Nagarkot

day 4 - Walk to Changu Narayan Temple. Head to Panauti for your community homestay experience

day 5 - Breakfast in Panauti before visiting Pasupatinath and Boudhanath

day 6 - Kathmandu, tour ends, transfer to airport for departure

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

What's Included

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Request a Private, Customizable Departure

Tour Availability

Monthly Price Comparison

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Why Book with Bookmundi

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

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What's Included

What's Excluded

Itinerary

day 1 - Arrive into Kathmandu

day 2 - Thamel Rickshaw Ride. Walk around Durbar Square, visit Swayambunath Stupa

day 3 - Visit the ancient towns of Patan, Kirtipur and Bhaktapur, Partake in a pottery class before heading to Nagarkot

day 4 - Walk to Changu Narayan Temple. Head to Panauti for your community homestay experience

day 5 - Breakfast in Panauti before visiting Pasupatinath and Boudhanath

day 6 - Kathmandu, tour ends, transfer to airport for departure

Keep Exploring Nepal

Traveler Types

Tour Types

Top activities in Nepal

Other Nepal Recommendations

Nepal tour packages departing in