Welcome to the magical Kathmandu Valley, the cultural heart of Nepal. Here, every stone has a story, every festival has a meaning, and every meal is a celebration of life.
At Adventure Himalaya Nepal Pvt. Ltd., we invite you to explore this beautiful valley: Walk through ancient streets, meet living legends, taste heavenly food, and feel the soul of Nepal.
Discover the Three Historic Cities
1. Kathmandu – A City of Temples and Tales
Kathmandu is busy, colorful, and deeply spiritual. It is a mix of ancient traditions and modern life.
Must Visit Places:
Kathmandu Durbar Square: Home to old palaces and temples. Here, you’ll also meet the Kumari, the Living Goddess of Nepal.
Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): A peaceful Buddhist shrine with stunning city views.
Pashupatinath Temple: The most sacred Hindu temple, located on the banks of the Bagmati River.
Boudhanath Stupa: One of the largest stupas in the world, with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
Don’t Miss: Watching monks chant prayers around Boudhanath during sunset, it feels magical.
2. Patan (Lalitpur) – City of Fine Arts
Patan is quieter but full of treasures. It is famous for its stunning craftsmanship and religious harmony.
Must Visit Places:
Patan Durbar Square: Home to the incredible Krishna Mandir (stone temple) and golden fountains.
Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar): A beautiful Buddhist monastery with golden roofs.
Art Workshops: You can see artists making traditional paintings (paubha) and metal statues by hand.
Tip: Buy handmade souvenirs directly from local artists.
3. Bhaktapur-The City of Devotees
Bhaktapur feels like stepping into a living history book. Here, time slows down and tradition shines everywhere.
Must Visit Places:
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Home to the 55-Window Palace and Vatsala Temple.
One of the world’s rarest traditions lives here- the Kumari, Nepal’s Living Goddess. A young girl, believed to be the physical form of divine energy, is chosen and worshipped.
You can see her briefly at Kumari Ghar in Kathmandu Durbar Square. Her calm presence and traditional makeup will leave you speechless.
Note: Visitors are expected to be respectful. Photography is usually not allowed during her appearance.
Dive into Nepali and Newari Culture
Culture in Kathmandu Valley is alive and celebrated every day through food, festivals, art, and daily life.
Major Festivals
Indra Jatra: Celebrated in Kathmandu, honoring the rain god Indra. Kumari is paraded in a grand chariot procession.
Dashain: Nepal’s biggest festival, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Tihar: Festival of lights, where homes glow with candles and flowers.
Gai Jatra: Bhaktapur’s fun filled festival remembering the departed loved ones with music and humor.
Bisket Jatra: Bhaktapur’s traditional New Year celebration with massive chariot pulls.
Tip: Plan your trip around a festival time to experience the valley’s colorful energy!
A Delicious Food Journey You Can’t Miss
Newari Khaja Set (Samay Baji)
A feast of different flavors on one plate:
Chiura (beaten rice)
Choila (spicy grilled meat)
Bara (fried lentil pancake)
Aalu Tama (potato and bamboo shoot curry)
Black soybeans, spicy potato salad, and pickles
Best Place to Try: Traditional Newari restaurants in Patan or Bhaktapur.
Thakali Khana Set
An upgraded Dal Bhat served with:
Fluffy rice
Lentil soup (dal)
Seasonal vegetables
Meat curry (usually chicken or mutton)
Pickles (achar)
Gundrk Sandheko
Ghee
Tip: Try Thakali Khana in Kathmandu or Pokhara for an authentic taste.
Juju Dhau-The King of Yogurt
Bhaktapur’s Juju Dhau is world famous. Made from buffalo milk, it’s thick, rich, creamy, and slightly sweet. Served in clay pots, it tastes even better.
Don’t Miss: Eating Juju Dhau while walking the ancient alleys of Bhaktapur.
Indrachowk’s Famous Lassi
Indrachowk, a busy market near Kathmandu Durbar Square, serves delicious lassi:
Sweet, thick, creamy yogurt drink
Topped with dry fruits and nuts
Super refreshing after a day of exploring
Fun Tip: You might need to push through crowds to find the hidden lassi shops\but it’s 100% worth it.
Other Foods to Try:
Momo: Nepali dumplings filled with meat or vegetables. Available steamed or fried.
Sel Roti: Sweet, crispy, homemade rice-flour donuts, often enjoyed during festivals.
Yomari: Newari sweet dumplings filled with molasses and sesame seeds, a treat during Yomari Punhi festival.
Gundruk: Fermented leafy greens, used to make delicious soups and sides.
Chatamari: Known as ‘Nepali Pizza,’ a thin rice flour pancake topped with meats and veggies.
Tip: Street food tours around Ason, Indrachowk, and Patan will give you the full flavor of the valley.
Best Time for Kathmandu Valley Tour
Kathmandu Valley welcomes you all year round, but the best times are:
Spring (March–May): Warm days and blooming flowers.
Autumn (September–November): Clear skies and festive energy.
Winters (December–February) are great too, especially if you love quieter tours and sunny winter days.
Final Thoughts: Feel the Heartbeat of Nepal
Kathmandu Valley is more than sightseeing :
Feeling the magic of ancient cities,
Tasting foods made with love,
Dancing with festivals,
Discovering the deep soul of Nepal.
With Adventure Himalaya Nepal Pvt. Ltd., your Kathmandu Valley Tour will be full of wonder, laughter, flavors, and memories you’ll never forget.