Newari towns: Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, Dhulikhel and Bandipur
8 days, 7 nights: Kathmandu (3N), Dhulikhel (2N), Bandipur (2N) + Bhaktapur, Patan day trip. Best time to go: Oct–Apr.
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Kathmandu
- Boudhanath Stupa evening kora · 2 h. Join the clockwise kora at dusk when pilgrims light butter lamps; rooftop cafés overlook the dome. Foreigner entry about NPR 400.
- Thamel and Asan bazaar walk · 2 h. Walk from Thamel via Kathesimbhu Stupa to Asan and Indra Chowk; spice, bead and brass stalls. Bargain politely for souvenirs and trekking gear.
Local tip: Join the clockwise kora at dusk when pilgrims light butter lamps; rooftop cafés overlook the dome. Foreigner entry about NPR 400.
Day 2: Patan Durbar Square, Patan Museum & Golden Temple
Kathmandu
- Patan Durbar Square, Patan Museum & Golden Temple · 5 h. Foreigner ticket about NPR 1,000 for the square; check at the counter whether Patan Museum is included. The Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar) has a small separate fee — shoes and leather items off inside.
Local tip: Foreigner ticket about NPR 1,000 for the square; check at the counter whether Patan Museum is included. The Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar) has a small separate fee — shoes and leather items off inside.
Day 3: Bhaktapur Durbar Square & Pottery Square day trip
Kathmandu
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square & Pottery Square day trip · 6 h. Foreigner entry about NPR 1,800 (lower SAARC rate), covering Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square with the Nyatapola Temple and Dattatreya Square. Try juju dhau before you leave.
Local tip: Foreigner entry about NPR 1,800 (lower SAARC rate), covering Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square with the Nyatapola Temple and Dattatreya Square. Try juju dhau before you leave.
Day 4: Kathmandu → Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel · Kathmandu to Dhulikhel, Taxi ~1.5h
- Kali Temple viewpoint at sunrise · 1.5 h. A 30–40 min climb from the old town; views from Langtang to the Rolwaling range on clear mornings.
- Dhulikhel old town walk · 1.5 h
Local tip: A 30–40 min climb from the old town; views from Langtang to the Rolwaling range on clear mornings.
Day 5: Explore Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel
- Panauti old Newari town · 3 h. 20 min from Dhulikhel; riverside temples at the confluence and a small museum. Foreigners pay a small entry fee.
- Community homestay cooking session in Panauti · 2.5 h. Arrange a day ahead through the Panauti community homestay network or your hotel.
Local tip: 20 min from Dhulikhel; riverside temples at the confluence and a small museum. Foreigners pay a small entry fee.
Day 6: Dhulikhel → Bandipur
Bandipur · Dhulikhel to Bandipur, Private car ~5h
- Bandipur old bazaar walk · 1.5 h. The main street is car-free; 18th-century Newari trading houses, temples and cafés. Evenings are quiet after day-trippers leave.
- Thani Mai Temple sunrise hike · 1.5 h. A 30-min climb above town; the best panorama in Bandipur.
Local tip: The main street is car-free; 18th-century Newari trading houses, temples and cafés. Evenings are quiet after day-trippers leave.
Day 7: Explore Bandipur
Bandipur
- Tundikhel viewpoint · 1 h. A short walk from the bazaar; Himalayan views from Dhaulagiri to Langtang at sunrise or sunset on clear days.
- Ramkot village hike · 4 h. About 2h each way along the ridge to a Magar village with round houses.
Local tip: A short walk from the bazaar; Himalayan views from Dhaulagiri to Langtang at sunrise or sunset on clear days.
Day 8: Depart from Bandipur
Bandipur
Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.
Where to stay
- Kathmandu (3 nights): Thamel edges and Lazimpat. Quieter streets with gardens, 10 min from Thamel and the Garden of Dreams.
- Dhulikhel (2 nights): Ridge hotels above the highway. Mountain-view rooms and the trailhead for Namobuddha.
- Bandipur (2 nights): Restored Newari houses in the bazaar. Wooden balconies over the street and valley views at the back.