Discover Kathmandu, Nagarkot & Bhaktapur Luxury Tour

Let me tell you about my favorite Nepal adventure – the one I keep going back to and recommend to everyone. It’s the kind of trip where you get the real Nepal—stunning views, rich culture, and warm people—without any of the stress.
My first morning in Kathmandu was pure magic. I woke up to temple bells ringing and the sweet smell of jasmine in the air. The city has this incredible energy—ancient but alive. One minute you’re walking past a 500-year-old temple, the next you’re sipping coffee in a cozy café. The locals go about their daily rituals like nothing’s changed, and yet, there’s a buzz of modern life all around.
Then comes the drive to Nagarkot—still one of my favorite moments. Just when you think you’ve seen enough beauty, the road turns, and BAM—the Himalayas fill the horizon. I always make the driver stop because no photo does it justice. And waking up at sunrise there? Worth every second of lost sleep. Pro tip: Get masala tea delivered to your room. Sipping that spicy-sweet goodness while the mountains turn pink? Pure bliss.

But Bhaktapur… oh, Bhaktapur steals your heart. Walking into Durbar Square feels like stepping into a living museum. The potter Raju, whose family has worked the same wheel for generations, always waves when he sees me. And the woodcarvers? Watching them turn blocks of wood into gods and goddesses is like watching history unfold.
What I love most about this trip is the balance. You get enough time in each place to really feel it—no rushing. The hotels are comfy (no sketchy hostels here), the guides actually tell you the stories behind the sights, and the rides between cities are smooth (no crammed buses, thank god). I’ve done this exact trip three times with different friends, and every time, we find something new—a hidden courtyard café in Kathmandu, a secret sunrise spot in Nagarkot, a tiny pottery shop in Bhaktapur. That’s Nepal for you—always surprising you.

And the food? Don’t get me started. Fluffy Newari bread straight from the oven, momos stuffed with yak cheese so rich you’ll dream about them… I’m drooling just thinking about it. The people are even better—kind, proud, and happy to share their world with you. My first guide, Santosh, still sends me holiday cards!

If I could tweak one thing? Maybe add an extra day in Bhaktapur. There’s something magical about watching the sun set over those ancient bricks, turning everything gold. But honestly, even as it is, this trip is the perfect way to see Nepal’s heart.
Here’s the funny thing—you don’t realize how deep Nepal gets under your skin until it’s too late. By day two, you’re saying "namaste" without thinking, haggling in the markets like a pro, and craving that perfect cup of chai. It stays with you long after you leave.
So if you want a Nepal trip that’s more than just ticking off tourist spots—one that lets you live the country—this is it. All the wonder, none of the stress. Just a heads-up: You’ll leave a piece of your heart there. I did. And that’s why I keep going back.

Want a deeper look into Nepal’s iconic sites? Our UNESCO World Heritage Sites Sightseeing Tour focuses on the most treasured landmarks in Kathmandu Valley — perfect for history lovers.

Why Choose Explore Nepal Trekking For This Tour?

✔ Experts Who’ve Been There – Their guides aren’t just trained—they’ve led this exact tour dozens of times. They know the best sunrise spots, hidden temples, and where to get the tastiest momos. Plus, they speak great English (and other languages) and treat you like a friend, not just a tourist. 
✔ Small Groups, Big Attention – No crowded buses or rushed tours. explore keeps groups small so you get personalized service. Want to linger longer at a pottery workshop? No problem. Need extra coffee before that sunrise? They’ve got you. 
✔ Luxury Without the Crazy Price – Fancy hotels, private AC rides, and VIP treatment—but at a fair cost. explore has tight connections with the best hotels and drivers, so you get top-notch comfort without overpaying. 
✔ No Headaches, Just Fun – Lost luggage? Hotel mix-up? explore handles everything. They’re local pros with deep ties in Kathmandu, Nagarkot, and Bhaktapur, so if something comes up, they fix it fast. 
✔ Real Local Experiences – This isn’t a cookie-cutter tour. explore takes you behind the scenes—whether it’s a family-run pottery studio in Bhaktapur or a secret viewpoint in Nagarkot. You’ll see Nepal through a local’s 

Best Season for this Tour

● Spring (March-May) 
Imagine perfect sunny days where the Himalayas shine crystal clear against blue skies. This is when Nepal comes alive with colorful flowers blooming everywhere - from city gardens to mountain trails. The weather's warm but not too hot, ideal for exploring temples and taking 
stunning photos. Just be ready for more travelers around, as everyone wants to enjoy this beautiful season. 
● Autumn (September-November) 
After the monsoon clears the air, autumn brings Nepal's most reliable weather. Days are comfortably warm, nights are cool, and you'll get those picture-perfect mountain views Nagarkot is famous for. Bonus - you might experience exciting local festivals like Dashain, where you can see Nepali traditions come alive with celebrations across the cities. 
● Monsoon (June-August) - Not Recommended 
Heavy rains turn this into the least ideal time for travel. Roads get muddy and slippery, landslides can disrupt travel plans, and those famous Himalayan views often disappear behind thick clouds. Many outdoor activities become difficult, and you'll spend more time dodging raindrops than enjoying sights. 
● Winter (December-February) 
While colder mornings require an extra layer, winter can still work for this tour. Sunny days offer beautiful (if occasionally hazy) mountain views, and you'll enjoy smaller crowds at popular sites. Just know some mornings might be too cloudy for Nagarkot's famous sunrise, and higher areas feel quite chilly.

Preparation for this Tour 

Clothing Tips: 
• Pack light layers - mornings in Nagarkot can be chilly (10-15°C) while Kathmandu days are warmer (20-25°C) 
• Bring: 
● 1 warm jacket/fleece 
● 2-3 comfortable shirts (quick-dry material is best) 
● 1 pair of sturdy walking shoes (cobblestone streets in Bhaktapur!) 
● A sunhat and sunglasses (mountain sun is strong) 
● A small umbrella (just in case) 
Must-Have Items: 
✓ Passport + copies (keep one in your bag, leave one at hotel) 
✓ Basic meds (headache pills, motion sickness tablets if needed) 
✓ Power bank + universal adapter (Nepal uses Type C/D/M plugs) 
✓ Refillable water bottle (we provide purified water) 
✓ Camera/phone - you'll want to capture everything! 
Nice-to-Haves: 
• Small backpack for daily excursions 
• Protein bars/snacks (though we'll feed you well!) 
• Hand sanitizer/wet wipes 
• A journal - you'll want to remember these moments 
Physical Prep: 
No training needed! Just be ready for: 
● Light walking (2-3 hours/day max) 
● Some stairs at temples 
● Short uphill paths in Nagarkot 
Mental Prep: 
• Embrace "Nepali time" - things may move slower than you're used to 
• Keep an open mind - you'll see amazing cultural differences 
• Prepare to fall in love with momo dumplings! 
xplore Trek provides: 
✔ Quality hotels with laundry service 
✔ All transportation 
✔ Expert guides to handle any needs

🧭 Alternative Tours & Packages

• Nagarkot Sunrise & Bhaktapur Day Tour – 10 Hour
  Start your day with a stunning Himalayan sunrise at Nagarkot, then explore the medieval charm of Bhaktapur, famous for its ancient temples and vibrant Newari culture , all packed into one unforgettable day trip.
• Chandragiri Hills Cable Car Tour in Kathmandu
  Take a scenic cable car ride up to Chandragiri Hills and enjoy sweeping Himalayan panoramas. This brief yet rewarding outing includes peaceful surroundings and a visit to a tranquil temple, just a short drive from the city.
• Day Hike to Shivpuri National Park
  Escape the city hustle with a refreshing day hike through the lush forests of Shivpuri National Park. Breathe in the fresh air, enjoy wide-ranging views, and reconnect with nature just outside Kathmandu.