Highlights
Four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one day, with guide Krishna
Private transport and pickup from your Kathmandu hotel
Lunch on a rooftop overlooking Boudhanath Stupa
The perfect introduction to Nepal before the trail begins
Available exclusively for ABC trekkers arriving early
Price Per Person USD $50
Kathmandu Valley Tour — 28 October 2026
Kathmandu deserves more than a night and a taxi window. If you're arriving a couple of days before the Annapurna Base Camp trek, this is your chance to see the city properly, with a guide who knows it inside out.
On 28 October, the day before we leave for Pokhara, I'm hosting a guided Kathmandu Valley Tour for ABC trekkers who arrive early. Our guide Krishna from Himalayan Recreation and Treks will take us to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in a single day, with private transport and the kind of context and storytelling that transforms a sightseeing trip into something you'll actually remember.
What we visit:
Swayambhunath — The Monkey Temple
365 steps up a hill above the city, with a resident monkey population that has absolutely no interest in moving for you. At the top, the all-seeing eyes of Buddha watch over the valley and the panoramic view of Kathmandu spread out below is worth every step.
Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple. Prayer flags, the all-seeing eyes of Buddha, and a panoramic view of Kathmandu that stops you in your tracks. This is what 28 October looks like.
Read more about Swayambhunath 👉
Kathmandu Durbar Square
The ancient palace complex of the Malla and Shah dynasties, full of extraordinary wooden architecture, carved doorways, and hidden courtyards. The Kumari Ghar, home of the Living Goddess, is here. The atmosphere inside that courtyard is unlike anything else in Nepal.
The guardian lion at the entrance to the Kumari Ghar, Kathmandu Durbar Square. Behind this door lives the Living Goddess. Come and see it for yourself on 28 October.
Read more about Durbar Square 👉
Boudhanath Stupa
One of the largest stupas in the world, a place of pilgrimage for Tibetan Buddhists for centuries. You'll hear the murmur of prayers and the ring of singing bowls before you see it. Lunch on a rooftop overlooking the stupa with Krishna is the perfect way to end the day.
Boudhanath Stupa, butter lamps burning, the eyes of Buddha watching over it all. We end the day here, lunch on the rooftop, Krishna telling us the stories behind it. This is how you see Kathmandu properly.
Read more about the Boudhanath Stupa 👉
Pashupatinath Temple
Nepal's most sacred Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, on the banks of the Bagmati River. Non-Hindus observe from the ghats across the river, where cremation fires burn and pilgrims bathe and pray. It is confronting and oddly peaceful in equal measure, and unlike anything most visitors have seen before.
A Sadhu dressed as Hanuman at Pashupatinath Temple. Kathmandu is full of moments like this one. You just have to show up.
Read more about Pashupatinath Temple 👉
The Details:
Arrive in Kathmandu by 27 October to join us. The Kathmandu Valley Tour runs on 28 October with private transport and our guide Krishna. We head to Pokhara together on 29 October as the Annapurna Base Camp trek begins.
This is an optional add-on for ABC trekkers. Get in touch to secure your place.
Cost Details
Cost Includes
Private guide
Private Transports
Pick up drop off from hotel in Kathmandu
Cost Excludes
Entrances fees around the monuments
Any Food and Drinks
Tips to guide and driver