Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Sichuan Café in Boudha at 8:00 AM. This cozy café offers a variety of breakfast options, from traditional Nepali dishes to continental favorites. Enjoy a hearty meal of freshly baked bread, eggs, Tibetan butter tea, or a warm bowl of soup to energize yourself for the day ahead. The peaceful ambiance of Boudhanath Stupa nearby makes it a perfect place to begin your sightseeing journey.
At 9:00 AM, head toward Bhaktapur Durbar Square, one of Nepal’s most well-preserved medieval cities. The drive from Boudha to Bhaktapur takes about 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Upon arrival, explore the stunning square filled with ancient palaces, temples, and courtyards. Start with the 55-Window Palace, a remarkable piece of Newar architecture with intricately carved wooden windows. Then, visit the Vatsala Temple, known for its stunning stone craftsmanship and the famous Taleju Bell. Stroll through Pottery Square, where artisans create beautiful clay pots using traditional methods. Don't miss the Nyatapola Temple, the tallest pagoda in Nepal, standing proudly with its five-tiered structure. Around 11:30 AM, take a short break to savor the local specialty, King Curd (Juju Dhau), a creamy and sweet yogurt that Bhaktapur is famous for.
By 12:00 PM, leave for Patan Durbar Square, a 45-minute drive from Bhaktapur. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the artistic heritage of Patan, also known as Lalitpur, the city of fine arts. The square is home to the Krishna Mandir, a masterpiece of stone architecture dedicated to Lord Krishna. Explore the Patan Museum, where centuries-old artifacts, sculptures, and royal collections tell the rich history of the Malla kings. Walk through the golden gates of the Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple), a Buddhist monastery with intricate decorations. By 2:00 PM, take a lunch break at a traditional Newari restaurant near the square. Try Newari Khaja Set, a platter that includes beaten rice, buffalo meat, spicy pickles, and other local delicacies.
At 3:00 PM, depart for Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world. It takes about 30 minutes to reach Pashupatinath from Patan. Upon arrival, explore the magnificent main temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is only accessible to Hindus. However, visitors can admire the pagoda-style architecture from the surrounding areas. Walk along the banks of the Bagmati River, where you can observe the traditional Hindu cremation rituals at the Arya Ghat. Explore the temple complex, which includes smaller shrines, ashrams, and sculptures depicting Hindu deities. If you’re lucky, you may encounter the Sadhus (holy men), dressed in saffron robes with ash-covered bodies, meditating or blessing devotees.
As the sun sets, stay to witness the evening Aarti, a mesmerizing ritual performed on the banks of the Bagmati River at around 6:30 PM. Priests chant Vedic hymns while offering lamps, flowers, and incense to Lord Shiva, creating a deeply spiritual experience. After the Aarti, conclude your day with a relaxing dinner at a nearby restaurant in Boudha or Thamel before heading back to your accommodation. This full-day tour provides a perfect mix of history, culture, and spirituality, making it a truly enriching experience in the Kathmandu Valley.