Destination: Nepal
LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION
Itinerary: The Kathmandu Valley
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ONE WEEK / KATHMANDU TO KATHMANDU
Surprisingly few visitors discover the impressive sites of the Kathmandu Valley; cycle half an hour outside of Kathmandu and you'll meet fewer tourists than at Everest Base Camp. From the temple squares in Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur to the stupa complexes of Swayambhunath and Bodhnath, these world-class sites should not be missed.
With a week you could get to grips with the cultural highlights of the Kathmandu Valley, though you'd have to prise yourself away from Thamel’s culinary delights first. Take the walking tour south from Thamel to the impressive Malla architecture of Durbar Sq.
On day two, walk to the Monkey Temple of Swayambhunath and then visit the quirky National Museum.
A day trip out to the excellent museum, backstreet courtyards and impressive Durbar Square of Patan is a must. Top off your trilogy of former royal kingdoms with a full day visit to medieval Bhaktapur, where you should seriously consider overnighting.
From Bhaktapur, get your Himalayan kick from the dawn mountain views at Nagarkot or Dhulikhel before returning to Kathmandu the next morning.
Burn off all that Thamel comfort food by mountain biking out to the sacred Hindu and Buddhist sites around Pharping, or to the traditional Newari village Bungamati.
Finally, head to the Hindu temples and cremation ghats of Pashupatinath before continuing on foot to the Tibetan community at Bodhnath. Lastly return to Kathmandu for some serious shopping in Thamel.
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