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Planning a short trip to Kathmandu? You’re in the right place!
Nepal’s buzzing capital is a chaotic, colorful mix of ancient temples, tangled alleyways, and mountain views that peek through the haze. In three days, you can visit several UNESCO-listed sites, taste incredible Nepali food, and still have time to soak up the city’s laid-back side.
We loved how each neighborhood has its own character, from spiritual hilltop stupas to busy backpacker streets filled with music and momos. This 3-day Kathmandu itinerary shows you how to fit in the highlights without feeling rushed so you can actually enjoy the magic.
Ready to get started? Let’s go!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this private UNESCO sightseeing tour! Having a guide and driver whisk us between temples and stupas made the whole city click instantly with zero stress and tons of insight.
Itinerary Overview
Getting around Kathmandu quickly becomes part of the adventure, and the good news is that it is very affordable. Rideshare apps like InDrive and Pathao are widely used, and you can choose between cars or motorbikes, which weave through traffic more easily if you are on your own. Many sights are close enough to walk between, especially around Thamel and the old city, and confident drivers can also rent a scooter, although the traffic can feel intense.
You will also see plenty of tuk-tuks for short hops, which are usually one of the cheapest options. Kathmandu generally feels safe to explore on foot, as long as you use your usual street smarts and keep an eye on your belongings.
Because the city is quite compact, you can fit a lot into three days without feeling like you are constantly in transit. We like to rely on rideshare apps for longer journeys and then walk between nearby temples, markets, and cafés. Traffic can be slow at peak times, so it is worth giving yourself a little buffer between activities, especially if you have a tour booked.
Day 1: Explore Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage sites on a private city sightseeing tour, then enjoy sunset at Durbar Square and dinner overlooking the temples.
Day 2: Choose between an Everest Base Camp helicopter flight or a relaxed morning of museums and cafés, then discover Thamel and end the day with a guided Nepali food and walking tour.
Day 3: Take a sunrise hike in Nagarkot, enjoy a laid-back afternoon of museums or pool time, and finish your trip with rooftop dining and nightlife in Thamel.
Day 1
Full-day – See Kathmandu’s UNESCO sights on a private tour
On your first full day in Kathmandu, it really helps to have someone else take the lead, especially while you are still figuring out the traffic and neighborhoods. That is why we recommend starting with this private UNESCO sightseeing tour. Instead of puzzling over maps and haggling with taxis, your driver and English-speaking guide will scoop you up from your hotel in a comfy air-conditioned car, and you can just sit back and watch the city buzz past.
Doing a tour like this means you see more in one day, but it also means you understand what you are looking at. Your guide talks you through the history, religion, and little details you might miss if you went alone, which makes every temple and stupa feel much more alive. We suggest having breakfast at your hotel and starting around 9 am if you choose the four-site option, which usually lasts about six hours and wraps up around 3 pm.
The fun bit is choosing how intense you want the day to be. The classic four-stop route is a really nice balance, often including Patan Durbar Square and Patan Museum, Swayambhu (the Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa. If you are all in on temples and palaces, you can upgrade to the seven-site version, starting closer to 8 am and finishing between 5 and 7 pm.
By the time you are dropped back at your hotel, you will feel like you have really “met” Kathmandu—no logistics, no stress, and an experience that clearly earns the tour its impressive 5-star reviews.
You can check your dates and read over 700 5-star reviews here!
Evening – Catch the sunset at Durbar Square
After a full day of sightseeing, we like to keep the evening gentle and atmospheric rather than packing in another big tour. Freshen up at your hotel, then wander out from Thamel toward Durbar Square, which is about a 20-minute walk at a relaxed pace.
If you have a little extra time, detour via Asan Street, where the local market spills through the alleys with spices, vegetables, and everyday goods. It feels much more “real” than the souvenir-focused stalls in Thamel and gives you a fun glimpse of daily life in the city.
You will already have visited Durbar Square on your UNESCO tour, but sunset is a completely different mood! Check the sunset time for your visit and aim to arrive around 30 minutes before, so you can watch the temples slowly light up in the golden glow.
This is a lovely moment to explore at your own pace, revisit a few of your favorite corners, sit on the steps, and soak up the atmosphere now that you already know a bit of the history.
Dinner – Festive Fare Restaurant
Once the light has faded in Durbar Square, head up to Festive Fare Restaurant for dinner with a view. The restaurant overlooks the square, so you can even come up a little earlier for a pre-dinner drink and watch the last of the sunset colors slip behind the temples from above. It is a really pretty way to see the area you were just walking through from a totally different angle. You don’t always need a reservation, but it’s worth making one if you want a front-row sunset table.
The menu leans into cozy Nepali and Indian favorites, with dumplings, curries, and plenty of rice and veggie dishes to share. The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly, which is exactly what you want tonight. You have an early start tomorrow with a 6 am pickup, so enjoy the views, linger over dinner, and then stroll back to your hotel before it gets too late!
Day 2
Morning Option 1 – Take a helicopter flight to Everest Base Camp
If you want to turn your time in Nepal into a full-on tell-the-grandkids-about-it story, this Everest Base Camp helicopter flight is the way to do it! You will be picked up from your hotel bright and early for a 6:15 am departure from Kathmandu, joining a small group of up to five passengers plus the pilot.
From there, you fly across the Himalayas with front row views of glaciers, tiny mountain villages, and the legendary routes climbers use to reach the summit. There is a quick stop in Lukla to refuel, which is fun in itself since this is where trekkers usually start the classic Everest Base Camp hike.
The helicopter continues up toward the base camp area for incredible aerial views, then lands at Everest View Hotel, one of the highest hotels in the world, where you can sit down to breakfast with a horizon full of mountains. Breakfast and national park fees are not included, so don’t forget to bring enough cash for those extras and anything you want to drink.
The whole experience usually wraps up around 11 am, which means you are back in Kathmandu in time for a relaxed lunch and a very smug feeling. It is definitely a splurge, but if seeing Everest has always been on your list, this is one of the most memorable ways to do it.
Check availability for this unforgettable Everest helicopter flight here!
Morning Option 2 – Explore Kathmandu at your own pace
If the helicopter flight is out of budget, fully booked, or heights just are not your thing, you can still have a really special morning right in the city. Start with a slow breakfast at French Creperie in Thamel, which opens at 8 am and has a leafy little patio that feels like a mini escape from the traffic outside. We like it for great coffee and delicious crepes, especially if you are in the mood to take a tiny break from Nepali food for one meal!
From there, it is about a 15-minute walk to Narayanhiti Palace, the former royal residence that is now a museum. The palace opens around 10:30 am every day except Wednesdays, when the museum is closed, and you will want roughly two hours to wander through the rooms and exhibits, which tell the story of Nepal’s monarchy and more recent political history.
Entry for foreign visitors is about 1,000 Nepali rupees (around $7 USD), paid in cash at the ticket counter. It is a fascinating, slightly eerie place at times, but it gives you a lot of context for the country you are exploring and makes a nice contrast to all the temples and stupas you saw yesterday.
Afternoon – Check out the Thamel District
No matter which morning adventure you chose, this is where we all come back together! Thamel is the main tourist hub in Kathmandu, and it has a very different feel during the day compared to its neon nightlife. In daylight, it is a maze of narrow streets filled with shops, travel agencies, and market stalls.
There is a lot of outdoor gear for sale if you are in the mood for a knock-off Patagonia at a fraction of the price, along with plenty of fun Nepali souvenirs. It can feel chaotic, so take it at your own pace and do not worry if you get a little lost; that is part of the experience.
Thamel also has a huge food scene, which makes it a great area to stop for lunch! We suggest heading to Bagaan Thakali Kitchen for comforting Nepali dishes like momos and thukpa, which are especially good if you have had an early start. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, and it is an easy spot to linger over a late lunch before you dive back into the streets outside.
When you are ready for a breather from the honking and bargaining, wander over to the Garden of Dreams just on the edge of Thamel. This restored historic garden feels like a calm little bubble away from the city, with lawns, fountains, and shaded corners where you can sit and read or scroll through your photos. You can stay as long as you like, and there is enough to see that you could easily spend a couple of hours here. Admission is around 400 Nepali rupees, which is roughly $3 USD, and it is absolutely worth it for a dose of peace and quiet.
Dinner/Evening – Discover Nepali cuisine on a food and walking tour
After a peaceful break in the Garden of Dreams, it is time to switch gears and let your taste buds do the sightseeing. Your Kathmandu Food and Drink Walking Tour meets at the Kaiser Library, which is conveniently right next door! We recommend booking the 4:45 pm departure, which finishes around 7:45 pm. It is the perfect window: early enough that you are not out all night, but late enough to catch the evening buzz in the city.
Led by a local expert, you will wander through Thamel, Asan, Jyatha, and Chhetrapati, stopping at hidden eateries, tiny tea stalls, and street food spots you would almost certainly walk past on your own.
Along the way, you might taste momos, spicy chaat, sweet treats, and steaming cups of chiya, while your guide explains what everything is and how it fits into everyday life in Kathmandu. This tour focuses on quality over quantity, so each stop feels thoughtful rather than rushed, with plenty of stories and chances to chat with vendors.
By the time you loop back toward the starting area, you’ll have a much better feel for Nepali flavors and the neighborhoods you’ve been exploring over the last two days. It’s easy to see why this tour has earned so many glowing 5-star reviews—every stop feels intentional, personal, and packed with stories you wouldn’t hear on your own.
Grab your spot on this seriously tasty tour with FREE cancellation here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Day 3
Morning – Go for a sunrise hike in Nagarkot
For your final morning in Nepal, it’s time to trade the bustle of the city for fresh mountain air! It’s an early one, with hotel pickup at around 4 am, but watching the sky brighten over the Himalayas on this guided sunrise hike makes the alarm feel completely worth it. You’ll drive for about 1.5 hours in a private vehicle up to Nagarkot View Point, where you’ll find a spot to watch the perfect sunrise over layer after layer of peaks.
On a clear day, you may see several Himalayan ranges and even a distant glimpse of Everest, but there is always a chance of clouds, so think of the mountain views as a beautiful bonus rather than a guarantee.
After sunrise, you stop in Nagarkot for breakfast at a local restaurant (paid on the day), then start your hike down toward Changu Narayan. The trail is mostly downhill and winds through pine forest, terraced fields, and small villages, which makes it manageable for older travelers and kids who are comfortable walking.
It is still around 13 kilometers (8 miles) in total, so you will definitely feel like you have stretched your legs by the time you finish. Your guide will point out village life along the way and can explain more about the different communities that call this area home.
The hike ends at Changu Narayan Temple, one of the valley’s quieter UNESCO World Heritage sites, where you can admire detailed wood and stone carvings without big crowds. This is a private tour and includes your guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and entrance fees. Plan on being back at your hotel around 1 pm, with the whole afternoon free to rest and refuel.
Blink in the most beautiful sunrise on this tour—secure your space here!
Afternoon – Relax or explore more historic sites
After a 4 am start and a full morning on the trails, this afternoon is all about taking it easy. Head back to your hotel, grab a shower, and put your feet up for a while. If you booked a place with a pool, now is the perfect time to enjoy it, catch up on your book, or scroll through your sunrise photos with something cold to drink.
If you still have a little sightseeing energy left, you can use this time to wander back to any spots that really caught your eye earlier in the trip. There are so many UNESCO sites in and around Kathmandu that it is impossible to see every detail in one go.
Bhedasingh is easy to reach right in town, or you can hop in a taxi to Patan Museum, which is about a 20-minute drive from Thamel and usually opens until around 6:30 pm. It is a great place to dive deeper into Nepali art and history at your own pace before your final evening in the city.
Dinner – Nepalaya Rooftop Restaurant
For your final night in Kathmandu, we think a rooftop is non-negotiable, and Nepalaya Rooftop Restaurant is one of the top spots in Thamel! Perched on top of Hotel Nepalaya, it has panoramic views over the city and surrounding hills, plus lots of plants and twinkly lights that make it feel extra cozy. It’s worth calling ahead to reserve a table outside so you can watch the sky fade while the city lights slowly switch on below you.
The menu is a mix of traditional Nepali dishes and international favorites, so you can go all in on dal bhat and momos or share a few curries, biryani, and something a little more familiar. There are plenty of veggie options and a relaxed, friendly vibe, which feels perfect after a few big days of sightseeing. Order a drink, toast your time in Nepal, and soak up those last rooftop views.
Evening – Enjoy Thamel
Since it is your last night in Kathmandu and there is no sunrise wake-up call tomorrow, you can lean into Thamel’s nightlife a little. This neighborhood is the hub for bars and live music, but you do not have to dive into the full budget backpacker scene if that is not your vibe.
After dinner, why not wander through the lanes and follow the music to Sam’s Bar for a laid-back drink? It is a long-running favorite with a friendly, slightly scruffy feel, cheap drinks, and plenty of people-watching. If you are in the mood for something a bit more refined, make your way to BlackBird (closed Tuesdays), a cozy cocktail bar known for creative drinks that often use local ingredients in surprising ways.
Between a casual beer at Sam’s and a fun, elevated cocktail at BlackBird, you can easily craft a last night that feels celebratory without getting too wild. When you are ready, stroll back through Thamel’s neon streets to your hotel and say goodnight to Kathmandu!
Where to Stay in Kathmandu
Thamel is our top pick for where to stay in Kathmandu, because it puts you right in the middle of the action, close to the best restaurants, shops, and tour meeting points. It does have a reputation as a backpacker hub, but don’t worry, there are plenty of lovely hotels tucked into quieter side streets where you can escape the chaos whenever you need a break! Just be sure to book ahead so you don’t miss out on the best spots, especially during busy seasons.
Luxury – $$$
A stay at Aarya Hotel and Spa – Eternal Heritage feels like the perfect slice of luxury in the middle of Kathmandu! This 5-star hotel has a rooftop swimming pool with city views, a full spa with sauna and hot tub, a fitness center, and even a free airport shuttle to keep things easy! You will find a huge range of food at the on-site restaurant, from Nepali specialties to Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and familiar Western dishes, plus cocktails and high tea.
Rooms usually range from about $100 to $250 USD per night, depending on your dates. Check prices and book your stay on Booking.com!
Mid-range – $$
If you like small hotels with personality, Dalai-La Boutique Hotel is such a lovely pick in Thamel. Rooms come with air conditioning, a comfy seating area, and thoughtful touches like bathrobes, an electric kettle, and free toiletries, so it feels cozy rather than basic. There is a leafy terrace and a laid-back bar for evening drinks, plus a shared lounge if you want a quiet corner to read or plan your next moves.
Rooms typically hover around $100 USD per night, which is a great value for the setting. See current deals and book your stay on Booking.com!
Budget – $
If you want a little oasis without leaving the city center, Nirvana Boutique Hotel is a really sweet option. Rooms are comfortable and modern with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and balconies that look out over the garden, plus free WiFi and a small desk if you need to catch up on emails.
A one-night stay here usually starts around $70 USD, which is fantastic value for what you get. Check prices and book your stay on Booking.com!
Want even more great options? Check out all the hotels listed for Kathmandu here!
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Thanks for reading!
If you’re dreaming of a city filled with temples, mountain views, and a whole lot of character, Kathmandu will sweep you up fast. This 3-day itinerary brings together everything that makes the capital so memorable. We love how it mixes the big highlights with slower neighborhood moments, giving you space to actually enjoy Kathmandu without feeling rushed. It’s the kind of trip where every day feels different, yet everything flows together beautifully.
Before you pack your bags, make sure to check out our other Asia guides here for even more tips, tours, and itinerary ideas to help you shape an unforgettable adventure. Or keep the inspiration going with a few related blogs below!
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