How many days do you need in Kathmandu?

Two or three days covers Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur.

When can you see the Himalayas from Kathmandu?

On clear days from October to November and in early spring. Nagarkot and Chandragiri give the best views near the city.

Can tourists go inside Pashupatinath?

Non-Hindus cannot enter the main temple, but can visit the wider complex and watch from the river bank. Be respectful near the cremation ghats.

Can my agent plan the trek itself?

It can compare routes, trekking agencies and permits with links, and write a packing list. You book the trek and permits yourself.

Kathmandu itinerary: the valley's stupas, temples and old towns

Most people pass through Kathmandu on the way to a trek or Pokhara, but the valley holds seven UNESCO-listed sites within an hour of Thamel. Dust, traffic and festivals affect each day. This prompt has your todo.is agent plan the stupas, Durbar Squares and a mountain viewpoint, and fit them around your trek or flight.

The prompt

Plan [NUMBER OF DAYS] days in Kathmandu for [WHO IS TRAVELLING] in [MONTH], before or after [MAIN TRIP]. We're staying in [AREA]. Include Swayambhunath, Boudhanath at dusk, Pashupatinath (respectfully, with notes on what visitors can and can't do), Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan and Bhaktapur. Add [EXTRA] if there's time. Tell me about entry fees to check, festivals in our dates, and the best way to get around (taxi apps, walking, a driver). Suggest momos, dal bhat and newari food to try. Include a list of what I still need for the trek (permits, gear to rent in Thamel). Email me a PDF and a WhatsApp summary. Don't book anything.

What to change

[NUMBER OF DAYS]: E.g. "3". Two to three days covers the valley highlights.
[WHO IS TRAVELLING]: E.g. "two friends", "solo traveller", "couple in their sixties".
[MONTH]: E.g. "October". October to November and March to April have the clearest mountain views.
[MAIN TRIP]: E.g. "the Everest Base Camp trek", "Annapurna Circuit", "a week in Pokhara", or "nothing else".
[AREA]: E.g. "Thamel", "Patan", "near Boudhanath".
[EXTRA]: E.g. "sunrise at Nagarkot", "Everest mountain flight", "Chandragiri cable car".

Example result

Kathmandu in 3 days, two friends in October
Before the Everest Base Camp trek · staying in Thamel
Day 1: Stupas and Pashupatinath
• Morning: Swayambhunath, the hilltop stupa. Climb the east stairway past the monkeys for the view over the valley.
• Afternoon: Kathmandu Durbar Square: Hanuman Dhoka palace, Kumari Ghar, wood-carved temples.
• Late afternoon: Pashupatinath, the Hindu temple on the Bagmati. Only Hindus enter the main temple; visitors watch the cremation ghats from the far bank. Be quiet and don't photograph mourners.
• Dusk: walk to Boudhanath (about 20 minutes) and join the clockwise kora around the great stupa as the butter lamps are lit.
Day 2: Patan and trek prep
• Morning: Patan Durbar Square and the Patan Museum, one of the best in South Asia. The Golden Temple is a short walk.
• Afternoon: back in Thamel: rent a sleeping bag and down jacket, buy snacks and water purification tablets.
• Evening: newari dinner: bara (lentil pancakes), choila, and yomari if it is in season.
Day 3: Bhaktapur and Nagarkot
• Morning: Bhaktapur (about 1 hour): Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square and the five-tiered Nyatapola temple. Try juju dhau, the "king of curd".
• Afternoon: drive up to Nagarkot (about 45 minutes) and stay the night.
• Next sunrise: Himalayan views on clear days, then back to Kathmandu for your Lukla flight.
Trek checklist
• Permits: check the current permits and local fees for your region on official sources, or arrange them through your trekking agency.
• Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation.
• Buffer day: Lukla flights are often delayed by weather.
Good to know
• Walk clockwise around stupas and spin prayer wheels with your right hand.
• Dust and traffic are heavy; a mask helps.
• Check site entry fees on official sites before you go.

How to do it with todo.is

Copy the prompt and fill in your days, month, main trip, area and extras.
Paste it on the Today screen in todo.is or send it to your agent on WhatsApp or Telegram.
You get a PDF with the valley sights by day, a festival note and a trek checklist.
Ask for changes like "add a mountain flight" and book hotels and flights yourself.

Tips for a better result

Visit Boudhanath at dusk. The kora is busy with pilgrims and the lamps make it the best time of day.
Keep a spare day before an Everest trek. Lukla flights get cancelled for weather and you don't want to miss your start.
Ask your agent to check festival dates like Dashain and Tihar. They are wonderful to see but close some offices and fill transport.
Stay a night in Bhaktapur or Patan if you can. Both are calmer than Thamel and beautiful in the early morning.

Kathmandu itinerary: FAQ

How many days do you need in Kathmandu? Two or three days covers Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur.
When can you see the Himalayas from Kathmandu? On clear days from October to November and in early spring. Nagarkot and Chandragiri give the best views near the city.
Can tourists go inside Pashupatinath? Non-Hindus cannot enter the main temple, but can visit the wider complex and watch from the river bank. Be respectful near the cremation ghats.
Can my agent plan the trek itself? It can compare routes, trekking agencies and permits with links, and write a packing list. You book the trek and permits yourself.

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