• Altitude: Kathmandu 1,350 m | Nagarkot 2,175 m
• Sightseeing Duration: Approximately 6 to 7 hours
• Drive Duration: Approximately 2 to 3 hours including sightseeing transfers
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Three-Star Hotel or Similar in Nagarkot

After breakfast, begin the cultural part of the journey at Pashupatinath Temple, one of Nepal’s most important Hindu pilgrimage sites on the banks of the Bagmati River. The temple complex is not simply a monument to photograph; it remains an active religious centre, with shrines, courtyards, pilgrims, sadhus, and riverside ghats forming part of everyday life. Pashupatinath is one of the major pilgrimage sites and UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Kathmandu Valley.

Continue to Boudhanath Stupa, where the atmosphere changes from Hindu pilgrimage to Tibetan Buddhist tradition. The enormous white dome is surrounded by monasteries, shops and rooftop cafés, while pilgrims and local residents walk clockwise around the stupa turning prayer wheels. It is one of the most important Buddhist centres in the valley and provides a very different cultural experience from Pashupatinath.

After lunch, leave the central Kathmandu area and drive toward Nagarkot. The city gradually gives way to terraced hillsides, small settlements and quieter rural surroundings as the road climbs toward the eastern rim of the valley. At approximately 2,175 metres, Nagarkot feels noticeably cooler and more peaceful than Kathmandu and is particularly known for its sunrise and sunset views. On clear days, the Himalayan panorama can extend across several major peaks, although visibility naturally depends on weather conditions.

Spend the evening at Nagarkot rather than rushing back to Kathmandu. After sunset, the hill station becomes quiet, giving you a chance to enjoy dinner and the surrounding countryside before an early night for the following morning’s sunrise.

• Altitude: Nagarkot 2,175 m | Bhaktapur 1,400 m | Kathmandu 1,350 m
• Sightseeing Duration: Approximately 7–8 hours
• Drive Duration: Approximately 2–3 hours including transfers
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Standard Three-Star Hotel in Kathmandu

You begin your tour before sunrise at Nagarkot. From the viewpoint, watch the first light spread across the surrounding hills and gradually illuminate the distant Himalayan skyline. The experience is particularly atmospheric in the early morning, when the hill station is quiet and the layers of valleys below are often still covered in mist. Nagarkot is best for sunrise, sunset, Himalayan scenery and short excursions toward Changu Narayan.

After breakfast, continue toward Changu Narayan, one of the oldest temples in the Kathmandu Valley and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple sits on a hilltop overlooking the surrounding countryside, and the approach provides a much quieter experience than the major urban sightseeing sites. Its stone and wood sculptures, inscriptions, and religious importance make it an excellent link between the rural hill environment and the historic cities of the valley.  Changu Narayan is among the valley’s major World Heritage monuments.

From Changu Narayan, continue to Bhaktapur, where the character of the day changes again. Entering the historic city means leaving the open hill landscape behind and stepping into a dense medieval urban environment shaped by Newari art and craftsmanship. Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square, including Nyatapola Temple, the Golden Gate, the Palace of 55 Windows and the surrounding courtyards and streets. Allow time to notice the smaller details as well, such as carved windows, brick façades, traditional workshops and local food rather than simply moving from monument to monument.

After the sightseeing program, return to Kathmandu and check into your hotel. The evening is free for dinner, shopping or a relaxed walk through Thamel.

• Altitude: Kathmandu 1,350 m | Kirtipur approximately 1,400 m
• Sightseeing Duration: Approximately 6–7 hours
• Drive Duration: Approximately 2–3 hours including transfers
• Meal: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Standard Three-Star Hotel in Kathmandu

Today’s program explores a quieter side of the Kathmandu Valley. Begin with Kirtipur, an old hilltop settlement whose traditional streets, temples, courtyards and Newari architecture provide a different experience from the larger tourist centres. Rather than focusing only on major monuments, the visit gives you time to observe the old urban layout and everyday life that continues within the historic settlement.

Continue to Chobhar, where the landscape opens around the Chobhar Gorge and the surrounding hills. The area is associated with the geography and traditional legends of Kathmandu Valley and provides a welcome change from the dense city centre. The surrounding hills and river landscape also make the area interesting for travellers who want to see how the valley changes beyond the main heritage squares.

In the afternoon, continue to Swayambhunath, one of Kathmandu’s most recognisable Buddhist monuments. The stupa stands on a hill west of the city and is surrounded by shrines, monasteries, prayer wheels and smaller religious structures. The climb through the complex is part of the experience, and reaching the main stupa gives you a broad view across Kathmandu. Swayambhunath is one of the valley’s most eminent Buddhist monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

End the day with a relaxed evening in Kathmandu. Depending on the group’s preference and timing, you can enjoy traditional Nepalese food or a farewell cultural dinner before returning to the hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy your final breakfast in Kathmandu and use the remaining time according to your international flight schedule. There is no rushed sightseeing planned today, allowing you to pack comfortably, complete last-minute shopping, or take one final walk around the city. At the appropriate time, a Nepal Royal Tourism Holiday representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.

Your five-day Glimpse of Nepal concludes after experiencing Kathmandu’s Hindu and Buddhist heritage, the hilltop scenery of Nagarkot, the historic temple of Changu Narayan, the medieval streets of Bhaktapur, the traditional character of Kirtipur and Chobhar, and the hilltop spirituality of Swayambhunath.