Culture Trip / Kathmandu Valley / Nepal

Sacred Souls Heritage

8±1 hrs

Easy

USD 100

Explore the cultural treasures of Kathmandu with a journey through Kapan Monastery’s serene views, Boudhanath Stupa’s spiritual ambience, and the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, immersing yourself in Nepal’s rich heritage and vibrant spiritual traditions.

Overview

8±1 hrs Total Duration

Kathmandu Trip Start Point

Kathmandu Trip Finish Point

Easy Difficulty Level

Kapan Monastery- A Tibetan Buddhist monastery set on a hill, Kapan draws global visitors for meditation and teachings. Its peaceful setting and spiritual programs provide an ideal retreat for those interested in Buddhist practices, making it one of the valley’s centers for meditation and spiritual growth.

Bouddhanath Stupa- After exploring Kapan, we drive to Bouddha for a kora, a peaceful walk around this stunning Buddhist monument. Join monks, locals, and pilgrims as you soak in the spiritual atmosphere filled with the scent of incense and spinning prayer wheels. If you wish, we can also visit the serene Shechen Monastery nearby. We’ll visit a rooftop restaurant overlooking the stupa, where the soft glow of lights and fluttering prayer flags create a magical setting to enjoy a delicious meal and reflect on the day.

Pashupatinath- Pashupatinath is Nepal’s holiest Hindu temple, drawing pilgrims year-round, especially during Maha Shivaratri. Located by the Bagmati River, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its sadhus, ceremonies, and sacred atmosphere, which offer a profound look into Hindu spirituality and tradition.

Highlights

	Meditation and Spiritual Learning Hub: Nestled on a serene hilltop, Kapan Monastery is an ideal retreat offering meditation classes and Tibetan Buddhism teachings. Visitors can participate in guided sessions, experiencing peace and reflection.
	Scenic Vantage Point: Enjoy panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley, adding a touch of natural beauty to the spiritual experience.
	Iconic Pilgrimage Site: As one of the world’s largest stupas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Boudhanath radiates cultural richness and spiritual devotion, drawing Buddhist pilgrims and travelers alike.
	Immersive Tibetan Culture: Surrounding the stupa, you'll find vibrant monasteries, prayer wheels, and Tibetan marketplaces, offering an authentic glimpse into Buddhist life.
	Holy Hindu Shrine on the Bagmati River: Pashupatinath is Nepal's most revered Shiva temple and a significant pilgrimage destination, especially during major festivals like Maha Shivaratri.
	Witness Sacred Rituals: Visitors can observe traditional Hindu rituals, evening aarti ceremonies by the riverside, and cremation rites, providing a unique cultural insight.
	OPTION TO ADD ON: A unique and authentic Nepalese gastronomic adventure at one of the most architecturally marvelous hotels in Nepal with menus ranging from six to twenty-two courses, each dish highlights Nepal’s regional flavors and cultural diversity, using fresh ingredients from organic farms.

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

JanFebMarAprMayJun

JulAugSepOctNovDec

Outdoors in the Kathmandu valley is amazing in spring (March to May). The average daytime temperature is 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). The forests are green, and rhododendrons bloom, making the trail vibrant.

Kathmandu valley receives a lot of rainfall in monsoon, so it will be very wet, humid, slippery and leechy. Nonetheless, the valley will be gorgeously green and beautiful during monsoon. Temperatures range from around 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). While early June and late September are still advisable for trekking, July and August are not very ideal.

It is the most popular time of the year to visit with clear skies and stable weather conditions. The monsoon rains will have subsided, and visibility of the mountain ranges is excellent. The temperatures range between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). As the region is very accessible, trails and hotels can be busy this time around.

Winter is a great time to be outdoors in Kathmandu valley. The far-off mountains on the horizon look sparkling white on clear days. The temperatures go between 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) during daytime and can go lower at night. It is very pleasant and not very cold. The trails are not very busy and lodges are operational.

Group size	Price per person
4 -7 pax	USD 100
8 pax & above	USD 75

	n/a
	Reserved vehicle

Valid until Dec 31st, 2024

50% for children below 10 years. Note: For smaller group sizes, taking taxis instead of a reserved vehicle can help reduce the cost.

Scroll to price details

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Itinerary

Download Map

45mins (Approx)	Pick up from residence/hotel and drive to Kapan
1hr	Explore Kapan Monastery and Phulari Monastery
20mins	Drive to Bouddha
2hrs	Explore Bouddha Stupa and nearby monasteries
15mins	Drive to Pashupatinath
1hr	Explore Pashupatinath and crematorium (with evening prayer if timing permits)
30mins (Approx)	Drop off at residence/hotel

This is a tentative schedule and subject to change depending on your preference, road traffic, departure time and so forth. Duration to first site depends on pickup location.

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Prices

Group size	Price per person
4 -7 pax	USD 100
8 pax & above	USD 75

Valid until Dec 31st, 2024

Includes

Transportation

Reserved transfers according to the itinerary (incl holding charge for full day)

Crew

Experienced and knowlegeable tour guide with medical kit
Assistant guide (depending on group size)

Misc

All heritage sites permits
13% Government Taxes

Excludes

Food and beverage
Tips for the crew
Any item not mentioned in Price Includes

Important Details

Distance, duration and pace Our foot tours are generally between 4kms (2.5mi) to 7km (4.3mi), depending on the area. The total walking time, including breaks, will be 4 to 5 hours. The tours maintain a leisurely pace, catering to people of all fitness levels. The leading tour guide will set the pace. We need to ensure we move as a group and that nobody is left behind or worse, lost.

Transportation We provide reserved private vehicles to drive you around for pick-ups and drop-offs as per the itinerary. Opt-out options are available for one or both journeys if you prefer arranging your own transfer or live nearby, with corresponding price reductions.

Pickup locations and schedule For convenience, we have several pick up locations (see Itinerary). Pickup schedule will be finalized and updated on the website on Friday night, around 7pm. (This is because we cannot make the schedule until sign ups are sealed.)

Breaks Short breaks (5-10 minutes) will be provided every hour, along with a tea break at a restaurant halfway through the tour. Additionally, there will be a longer break (1-1.5 hours) at a restaurant for lunch/dinner and drinks before heading back home.

Loo While you will find Western-style toilets in hotels and proper restaurants, squat toilets are common in public places and near heritage sites. Rest assured, we will guide you to restaurants with clean facilities during breaks. Remember to bring your own toiletries.

Finish point Our tours end at a cafe or restaurant, so you can unwind, have lunch/dinner, buy a drink or two and use the loo. Based on what everybody prefers this leisure time can be between 1-1.5 hours.

Food There’s one stop for lunch/dinner at the end and a smaller tea break half way through the tour. You’re welcome to purchase additional food from shops along the way. We provide light munchies like cookies, crisps, sour candies and water.

Water We provide light munchies like cookies, crisps, sour candies and water. Besides, there’s one stop for lunch/dinner at the end and a smaller tea break. You’re welcome to purchase additional food from shops along the way.

Tour Guide One licensed lead tour guide with in-depth knowledge of the local culture and additional assistant guides (depending on the group size) will accompany you on the trip.

Expenses Additional expenses may include lunch, drinks, and shopping. Please bring change if you plan to make purchases from shops along the way.

Dress code for entering heritage sites Dressing in a respectful manner is important while entering heritage sites. Kindly avoid half pants/skirts or any kind of revealing clothes. When encircling temples, monasteries and stupas, always remember to walk in a clockwise direction.

Photography and Drones It’s advisable to ask the guide or look for a sign before taking photos inside museums and heritage sites, as there are strict photography policies in several places.

Tipping Tipping is optional. If you like the guides’ services, you are welcome to set aside a few hundred rupees as tips. This can be centrally collected and handed over before you get on the vehicle on the way back.

No Handouts of any kind Giving money or handouts of any kind to beggars and children is strictly prohibited, as it only promotes begging culture.

Leave no Trace Please don’t litter, and also dispose any trash properly (you can hand them to your guide). We’ll leave the beautiful trails and sites as we found them.

Checklist

Please don’t forget your passports.

What to pack

•	Original passport (for permits)
•	Comfortable walking shoes
•	Full sleeved clothes for entering heritage sites
•	Small backpack
•	Water bottle
•	Sun hat or cap
•	Sunscreen
•	Sunglasses
•	Toiletries
•	Rain gear
•	A warm layer (for mornings and evenings)
•	Trail snacks and energy bars (optional)
•	Extra cash (for food, drinks, shopping, etc)

How to pack

Sign Up

1. Fill up the Booking Form

Please print and fill up the Booking Form. It’s pretty simple and short, please let us know if we can help you with it.

2. Pay to confirm

We’ll send terms and conditions, along with payment details. To confirm your spot, please pay 50% of the trip cost in advance.

Note: Full payment to be made at least 7 days before trip departure.

A few days before the trip, the lead guide will host a small briefing to discuss logistics and safety matters, and also answer any questions you have.

3. Prepare for mountains

Do some light training and set your gears. Then off to the mountains we go!

Sacred Souls Heritage