This trip generates 13 kg of CO2-e per person per day. Learn more about our climate commitment.
Nepal Independent Short Break: Kathmandu Valley & Himalayas
Discover the Himalayan beauty of Nepal on a Short Break from Kathmandu
Travel to Nepal and enjoy a four-day adventure through some of the spectacular countryside surrounding Kathmandu. Trek from Shivapuri to Bhaktapur and meet with monks, watch a spectacular sunrise and explore medieval towns, always in view of the vast Himalayas. Along the way, stay in simple yet comfortable teahouses, and get an up-close look at Nepalese life.
4.9
73 reviewsStart: Kathmandu, Nepal
End: Kathmandu, Nepal
- Duration
- 4 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 12 years old
- Style
- Basic
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Independent - Short Breaks, Walking & trekking
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
From
CAD $458
Why you'll love this trip
- Take a Short Break Adventure in Nepal that focuses on low-altitude hikes, rewarding with views of the Himalayas, Shivapuri National Park and sunrise in Nagakot.
- Explore the beautiful Kathmandu Valley on foot and visit Changu Narayan – the oldest temple in Nepal!
- See the many historic and holy sites of Nepal and discover the cultural roots of the Nepalese people with locals who know best.
- Gain an insight into what local life is like in the rural areas of Nepal outside Kathmandu.
- Get a taste of trekking in Nepal without the long commitment and high altitudes of an Everest Base Camp trek, enjoying diverse styles of accommodation and the ability to see all the different aspects of life in Nepal.
Itinerary
Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Your Short Break Adventure begins straight away at Hotel Marshyangdi at 8.30 am. Drive to the outskirts of Kathmandu to Sundarijal. When you arrive, you’ll head out for your first hike, starting with a long flight of steps. Follow the water pipeline to the entrance of the Shivapuri National Park, passing the water reservoir. Continue up more stairs to the strung-out village of Mulkharka. After a simple lunch at one of the wayside shops, you’ll pass an abandoned school and head into the woods. The shade will bring some welcome relief, and with weather on your side, you'll get your first glimpse of the mountains. Emerging out of the woods, you’ll make your way to your guesthouse in Chisapani.
Accommodation
- Teahouse (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
- Sundarijal to Chisapani trek
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour. Your hiking time will be approximately 5 hours or 12 km with an elevation gain of about 1100 m.
If you can arrive before today, please make your way to the Hotel Marshyangdi by 5 pm the evening prior to Day 1 so that we can register that you have arrived and answer any questions you have about the trip.
You’ll need to leave your large luggage in Kathmandu and just take the essentials that you need for the three days. A porter is available to carry your bag, but please pack as light as you can (10 kg is the absolute max).
It’s a long walking day today through beautiful countryside, including Shivapuri National Park – home to over 300 species of birds as well as rarely sighted bears, leopards and several species of deer. You’ll hike through settlements, lush vegetation and dirt tracks today, uphill and downhill to Nagarkot. When you arrive, enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the Himalayas.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
- Shivapuri National Park
Special information
Your hiking time today will be approximately 8 hours or 23 km with an elevation gain of about 870 m.
Relish the sunrise view over the distant Himalayas that Nagarkot has built its reputation on. After breakfast, hike downhill to visit the oldest temple in Nepal – Changu Narayan. Legend suggests a temple has been on this spot since 325 AD. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is revered by Hindu's all over Nepal. Continue by public bus along a scenic route through terraced paddy fields, villages and pine forests to the medieval town of Bhaktapur. This afternoon, wander the cobble stone streets of this 'city of devotees' and maybe try a delicious bowl of homemade yoghurt (a local specialty) before watching the comings and goings in ancient Durbar Square.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
- Bhaktapur - Changu Narayan Temple
- Bhaktapur - Leader-led walking tour
- Bhaktapur - Durbar Square
- Changunarayan Temple to Bhaktapur by public bus
- Nagarkot to Changunarayan Temple trek
Special information
Your hiking time today will be approximately 4 hours or 14.5 km with an elevation gain of about 172 m.
You have a free morning to explore Bhaktapur at your own pace before returning to Kathmandu. Your Short Break Adventure comes to an end in Kathmandu at approximately 1 pm this afternoon. No accommodation is included tonight, but if you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent.
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
Be sure to check out an Urban Adventure in Kathmandu if you have time at the end of your trip.
Inclusions and activities
Destinations
NepalTransport
Private vehicle
Accommodation
Guesthouse (1 nightt), Hotel (1 night), Teahouse (1 night)
Included activities
- Sundarijal to Chisapani trek
- Shivapuri National Park
- Bhaktapur - Changu Narayan Temple
- Bhaktapur - Leader-led walking tour
- Bhaktapur - Durbar Square
- Changunarayan Temple to Bhaktapur by public bus
- Nagarkot to Changunarayan Temple trek
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Why choose us
We’ve led travellers around the world to share in the real, rare and remarkable, since 1989.
Over 35 years of adventure
We’re adventure travel experts with decades of experience and proud to run trips in over 100 countries.
Small groups
We keep our group sizes small and our experiences big, so you can get more out of your travels.
Locally based leaders
Leaders don’t just show off a destination, they’re the heart and soul of our trips.
Travel that gives back
The Intrepid Foundation gives back globally and our B Corp status is proof that we're dedicated to creating a positive impact.
Before you book you should know
- The included activities and transfers will operate on a join-in basis, which means that you could have your Adventure all to yourself, or others may join you along the way. If you would prefer to travel in a group just get in touch with your booking agent and they will take you through some alternatives.
- While nowhere near as challenging as a multi-day trek at an altitude such as Everest Base Camp, you will still need excellent fitness for this trek as you will be trekking 5 to 7 hours a day on Days 1 to 3.
- Take note of the time of year you are trekking to know what to expect weather wise. While June-August is monsoon, weather conditions can be unpredictable at any time of the year including rain and fog which can make views cloudy and the ground muddy.
- A duffel bag is provided on this trip, along with a porter. Your porter can carry up to 8 kg per traveller. Other luggage can be left in Kathmandu.
- Please review the Transport section of the Essential Trip Information for details about plane travel in Nepal, associated risks and the safety measures we have in place.
1. This trip starts in Kathmandu on day 1 at approx 8.30am and finishes in Kathmandu on day 4 at approx 1.00pm. Please meet at our Kathmandu office the day prior to the tour start at 5.00pm for a pre-departure meeting.
2. This is a join-in trip rather than a scheduled group trip, so if other travellers have booked on the same date you will share included activities.
3. If you have booked on this trip by yourself and without other travel companions, then you will be assigned a single room on this trip on Days 2 & 3. Other nights will be in shared accommodation.
4. This trip was previously called Inside-Out Kathmandu.
5. Please be aware that in the event of an emergency evacuation, Intrepid does not have control over which helicopter service may be used. Some helicopters are not in regular use with Intrepid and have not passed our internal safety auditing.
Visa information is provided by Sherpa, a third-party. The "Add connection" feature shows transit visa requirements only and does not include full entry visa needs. Please note, additional service fees apply if you choose to purchase a visa through Sherpa.
Travel and visa requirements
Guesthouse (1 nightt), Hotel (1 night), Teahouse (1 night)
TEAHOUSES:
Accommodation at local lodges - better known as teahouses - are simple but comfortable. Toilets and washing facilities are shared and rudimentary, and the food is plain and filling. In a teahouse, travellers are provided with small twin share rooms with twin beds, mattresses and pillows. At times, in high seasons, and in places where there are limited number of teahouses, travellers may have to make do with dormitories. In some places, teahouses don't have access to electricity, depending on solar powered lighting instead. In more remote regions, teahouses don't have running water and toilets can mean just a hole in the ground. Hot shower facilities are available in some teahouses for a price but occasionally a hot shower means a bucket of hot water, enough to wash your body. Electricity to charge devices as well as WiFi is usually for an additional fee when available.
Hotel Marshyangdi Travel Information Desk
Lobby of the Hotel Marshyangdi Chaksibari Marg
Thamel
Kathmandu
NEPAL
Phone: +977 14700105
Instructions
There are two pre-paid taxi booths inside the terminal, one on each side as you exit the baggage claim area. They have fixed rates of NPR1000 to anywhere in the Thamel area from 6am-8pm and NPR1200 from 8pm-6am. Otherwise you will need to bargain hard from the taxi rank outside of the airport - aim for NPR800.The drive into Thamel takes 30 to 40mins dependent on the traffic.
Please be aware that there may be porters outside the terminal offering their services for a fee. If you do not wish to use their services, be ready to kindly but firmly let them know.
Alternatively Intrepid offer a pre-arranged transfer service option. Enquire with your agent and advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your trip departure. For your confirmed arrival transfer, a representative holding an Intrepid sign will meet you inside the arrivals hall at Kathmandu Airport after you have collected your luggage.
Normal check in time at the hotel is after 12:00.
If you have any problems and cannot locate our representative, or if your flight is delayed, please call the following 24-hour number:
+977 9700055557
Intrepid offer a pre-arranged transfer service option.
Inquire with your agent and advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your trip departure.
For your confirmed arrival transfer, a representative holding an Intrepid sign will meet you inside the arrivals hall at Kathmandu Airport after you have collected your luggage.
Alternatively, there are two pre-paid taxi booths inside the terminal, one on each side as you exit the baggage claim area. They have fixed rates of NPR1000 to anywhere in the Thamel area from 6am-8pm and NPR1200 from 8pm-6am. Otherwise you will need to bargain hard from the taxi rank outside of the airport - aim for NPR 800-1200.The drive into Thamel or to your hotel takes 30 to 40mins dependent on the traffic.
Please be aware that there may be porters outside the terminal offering their services for a fee. If you do not wish to use their services, be ready to kindly but firmly let them know.
Normal check in time at the hotel is after 12:00.
If you have any problems and cannot locate our representative, or if your flight is delayed, please call the following 24-hour number:
+977 9700055557
Dates and prices
Prices can change anytime
Our prices drop or increase based on demand, seasonality, availability and market conditions.
Learn more about pricing
Learn more about pricing
Loading trip dates and availabilities...
Prices can change anytime
Our prices drop or increase based on demand, seasonality, availability and market conditions.
Learn more about pricing
Learn more about pricing
Prices can change anytime
Our prices drop or increase based on demand, seasonality, availability and market conditions.
Learn more about pricing
Learn more about pricing
Loading trip dates and availabilities...
July 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Almost full
Lowest price
Choose a departure to explore
Check dates, prices, availability, room options and more.
NEW
Explore departures by month
Reviews
4.9 . 73 reviews
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.
Filter by rating
67
5
1
0
0
Sarah
Traveled April 2026
Minjoo
Traveled March 2026
Trey
Traveled March 2026
Deirdre
Traveled March 2026
Christopher
Traveled November 2025