Long weekend: Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Nagarkot and Dhulikhel
5 days, 4 nights: Kathmandu (2N), Nagarkot (1N), Dhulikhel (1N) + Bhaktapur day trip. Best time to go: Oct–Mar.
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: 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 3: Kathmandu → Nagarkot
Nagarkot · Kathmandu to Nagarkot, Taxi ~1.5h
- Sunrise from the Nagarkot view tower · 1.5 h. Leave around 5–5:30am with a torch; clear views of Langtang and, on good days, Everest are most likely Oct–Feb.
- Tamang village walk and ridge sunset · 2 h
Local tip: Leave around 5–5:30am with a torch; clear views of Langtang and, on good days, Everest are most likely Oct–Feb.
Day 4: Nagarkot → Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel · Nagarkot to Dhulikhel, Taxi ~1h (or a 5–6h ridge hike)
- 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: Depart from Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel
Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.
Where to stay
- Kathmandu (2 nights): Thamel edges and Lazimpat. Quieter streets with gardens, 10 min from Thamel and the Garden of Dreams.
- Nagarkot (1 night): View hotels along the main ridge. Room balconies facing the Himalaya and restaurants with fireplaces.
- Dhulikhel (1 night): Ridge hotels above the highway. Mountain-view rooms and the trailhead for Namobuddha.