Nepal · Days 8–10 (or days 4–6 on the 6-day trip)

Kathmandu Valley

The sacred fires of Pashupatinath on the Bagmati River and the brick squares of Bhaktapur, where potters still turn their wheels in the open air.

Altitude about 1,400 m (4,590 ft)
Highlights Pashupatinath · Bhaktapur
On the trip Days 8–10

See the 10-day journey What we do here

Why go

Where the journey comes full circle

After the mountains you return to the valley for two of Nepal’s great sacred and royal places. Pashupatinath is one of the holiest Hindu temples in the world, a place of pilgrims, sadhus and riverside rituals.

Bhaktapur is the best preserved of the valley’s three old royal cities, with temples, courtyards and a slower pace than Kathmandu.

What you’ll see

Two places to end on

Pashupatinath Temple

A sacred Hindu complex on the Bagmati River, dedicated to Shiva. Non-Hindus watch from the riverbank terraces.

Bhaktapur

The old royal city, with Durbar Square, five-story temples and the potters’ square.

Last afternoon in Kathmandu

Time to rest, shop for singing bowls and textiles, and say goodbye.

On our trip

The last days of the journey

On the 6-day trip, these visits come on Days 4 and 5, right after Kathmandu.

Day8

Morning flight from Pokhara back to Kathmandu.
Afternoon at Pashupatinath Temple.

Day9

Morning in Bhaktapur, the old royal city.
Afternoon to rest and shop in Kathmandu.

Day10

Prepare for departure.
Afternoon flight home.

KathmanduDays 1–3 BandipurDay 4 Annapurna trekDays 5–7Kathmandu ValleyDays 8–10 · you are here

Good to know

Before you go

Respect at Pashupatinath

Cremations take place on the riverbank. Watch quietly from the far side, and do not photograph mourning families.

Entry fees

Pashupatinath and Bhaktapur charge entrance fees for foreign visitors. Check what your trip includes before you go.

Dress

Modest clothing with shoulders and knees covered. Leather items may not be allowed inside some Hindu temple areas.

Shopping

Bhaktapur is known for pottery and woodcarving. Bargaining politely is normal in markets.

Questions

Frequently asked

Can non-Hindus enter Pashupatinath?

Visitors can explore the grounds and riverbank, but the main temple is open to Hindus only.

Is it sad to see the cremations?

Many travelers find it moving rather than upsetting. Your guide explains the rituals, and you can step away at any time.

Is this part of the 6-day trip?

Yes. The 6-day trip covers Kathmandu and these valley visits, without the mountains.

Spirit of the Himalayas · 2027

Walk this part of Nepal with a small group

The Kathmandu Valley is part of our 10-day journey: Kathmandu, Bandipur, a gentle Annapurna trek and the Kathmandu Valley, with yoga, temple visits and a local guide. Short on time? The 6-day trip stays in the Kathmandu Valley.

DeparturesFeb 15 · Mar 1, 2027
Group size6 to 12 travelers
From$1,795 per traveler
To reserve$300 deposit

See dates and book Plan your trip

Early-bird pricing ends December 1.

Kathmandu Valley

Where the journey comes full circle