Popular short-day tours around Kathmandu Valley are suitable for travelers with limited time. It is also best for spending a quality day with family and loved ones. We have plentiful places around Kathmandu Valley for travelers. But, here we present you with places rich in both culture and nature. The destinations are a few kilometers far from the capital Kathmandu. Our popular destinations for short-day tours are Bhaktapur, Changu Narayan, Nagarkot, and Namo Buddha.

Why Short Day Tours?

Short-day tours are a great way to get a sight of new locations and explore new areas or a city. You may or may not be familiar with that place. A fun way to check out a local attraction or explore a different culture. It is a great way to get a quick overview of a destination. It also provides a more intimate and personalized experience than larger group tours. The best part of this short-day tour is that you can customize this tour. Usually, these short day tours’ duration is a maximum of 6 hours.

Let’s learn in detail about our popular short-day destinations:

Bhaktapur

An ancient city with several well-preserved temples, courtyards, and palaces that showcase the rich Newari culture of the Kathmandu Valley. The Newari architecture and culture are impressive. The vibrant history, tradition, and customs display this city as a living museum. The city is also famous for its pottery, woodcarving, and Thangka painting. They all are important aspects of the local culture. The Durbar Square is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. It takes an hour to reach here from Thamel.

Visit Duration: 4-5 hours
Distance: 15 km
Elevation: 1346 km
Transport: Public or private vehicle (price depends on the mode of vehicle & starting point)
Durbar Square Entry Fee: NPR 1500 (Foreigners) NPR 500 (SAARC)

Note: Free entry for children under the age of 10.

Major Attractions in Bhaktapur:

1. Bhaktapur Durbar Square
2. Nyatapola Temple
3. Siddha Pokhari
4. Dattatraya Square
5. Pottery Square
6. The Golden Gate
7. The Art Gallery

Why should we visit Bhaktapur?

• Ancient temples, palaces, and lakes
• Well-preserved rich history and culture
• Impressive Newari Architecture and Art
• Local Markets with traditional handicrafts, pottery, spices, and local goods
• Authentic Newari cuisine, beverages, and famous Juju Dhau ( Curd)

Changu Narayan

One of the oldest Hindu temples in the Kathmandu Valley is Changu Narayan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It lies on a hilltop and has a temple of Lord Vishnu. Experience a rural life around traditional Changu villages.

Visit Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 20 km
Elevation: 1600 m
Transport: Public or private vehicle (price depends on the mode of vehicle & starting point)
Museum Entry Fee: NPR 300 (Foreigners) 

Major Attractions in Changu Narayan:

1. Ancient intricate carvings and sculptures
2. An ancient stone tap from the medieval period
3. The rich architecture and artistic works
4. Temples of Lord Shiva, Astha Matrika, Chhinamasta in the courtyard
5. Huge guarded lions, griffins, elephants at the entrance gates
6. Private museum (has a collection of ancient coins, tools, arts, & architecture)

Why should we visit Changu Narayan?

• One of the oldest Hindu temples in Nepal
• Stunning architecture and sophisticated carvings around its complex
• Great Historical and Cultural Significance
• Impressive reflection of Nepal's artistic and cultural heritage
• Scenic Views, traditional villages, and picturesque beauty
• Try local cuisine

Nagarkot

A popular hill station near Kathmandu that is famous for its scenic beauty. It offers a peaceful and scenic retreat from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu. Enjoy the amazing sunrise view over the stunning Himalayan range, including Mount Everest. It is also a popular destination for hiking.

Visit Duration: 6 hours
Distance: 32 km
Elevation: 2175 m
Transport: Public or private vehicle (price depends on the mode of vehicle & starting point)
Entry Fee: Not required

Major Attractions in Nagarkot:

1. Breathtaking sunrise & sunset view over stunning Himalayan ranges from View Tower
2. Nagarkot Buddha Peace Park
3. Peaceful environment and natural greenery scenery
4. Beautiful trails for hiking
5. Yoga activities in the beautiful surroundings (visit Nagarkot Yoga Homestay)

Why should we visit Nagarkot?

• Relish Mesmerizing sunrise and sunset view over the Himalayan ranges
• Breathtaking and Panoramic views of snow-covered mountains such as Mount Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, and Ganesh Himal
• Awesome photography of nature in its real form
• Peaceful environment and retreat by spending quality time here
• Many trails for hiking in the countryside
• Visit local farms, observe traditional culture, and interact with friendly locals

Namo Buddha

A sacred Buddhist site that offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere for visitors. The famous Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery features beautiful architecture. The stunning views of the surrounding landscape are breathtaking. The peaceful place, cool fresh air, far from the busy streets of Kathmandu Valley. It is also a popular hiking destination and has many trails in the surroundings.

Visit Duration: 3-4 hours
Distance: 40 km
Elevation: 1750 m
Transport: Public or private vehicle (price depends on the mode of vehicle & starting point)
Entry Fee: Not required (But your donations are appreciated)

Major Attractions in Namo Buddha:

1. Namo Buddha Temple
2. Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery
3. Replica of a prince feeding his flesh to the tigress at the hilltop
4. Stunning Himalayan peaks from the hilltop
5. Natural greenery and beautiful landscapes

Why should we visit Namo Buddha?

• Essential Buddhist Pilgrimage Site
• Peaceful environment, fresh breathing air, and no pollution
• Natural Scenic Beauty with beautiful landscapes, terraced fields, and lush green forest
• Phenomenal Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery with its impressive architecture
• Some insights about Buddhism and its practices in the monastery
• Best place for meditation practice
• Organic farming especially mustard oil production

The visit to these places is worthwhile although they are a little farther from the Kathmandu Valley. The best part about these destinations is that you can easily combine the two destinations and travel. If you have inadequate time, this combined tour is perfect for you. Some options are Bhaktapur & Nagarkot or Namo Buddha, Changu Narayan & Bhaktapur or Nagarkot. You can customize this tour and make it a full-day trip with an overnight stay. If you don’t like to travel with other groups, you can also privately travel. Don’t miss out on exploring these popular destinations for your short-day tours.