Day tours in Nepal: the complete guide
Not every traveller has two weeks for a trek, and even those who do usually have a day or two to spare in Kathmandu or Pokhara. A day tour is the best way to use that time well: a guided visit to the great temples and royal squares of the Kathmandu Valley, a sunrise over the Annapurnas, a short hike on the valley rim, a morning on the river or a flight past Everest, all back in time for dinner.
This guide explains the best day tours and short trips in Nepal, how to choose between them, what is included, when to go and how to combine them with a longer holiday. It is written by the Himalayan Hiking team in Kathmandu, who run these trips every week of the year.
Why take a day tour?
Nepal's best sights are close together but not always easy to reach on your own. Traffic in Kathmandu is slow, signage is limited, and the temples and squares are far more rewarding when someone explains the gods, festivals and history behind them. A day tour solves all of that: a private vehicle picks you up from your hotel, a licensed guide shows you around, entry fees are arranged, and you see more in a day than you would in two on your own.
Day tours also suit travellers who want something active but short: a half-day of rafting, a tandem paragliding flight, a walk through terraced villages or a ride around the valley on a mountain bike.
Kathmandu Valley day tours
The Kathmandu Valley has seven monument zones on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and most of them can be seen in one or two full days.
- Kathmandu sightseeing: our Kathmandu sightseeing day tour covers Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath in one day.
- Bhaktapur and Patan: the two other royal cities, with their palaces, pagodas and craft workshops, on our Bhaktapur and Patan day tour.
- Old villages: Kirtipur, Bungamati and Khokana, Newar towns where daily life has changed little in centuries.
- Evening aarati: watch the fire ceremony by the Bagmati River on the Pashupatinath evening aarati tour.
- Food: taste momos, Newari snacks and street food, and cook dal bhat on our food tour and cooking class.
Day hikes and viewpoints near Kathmandu
The hills around the valley rise to over 2,000 m, with forest trails, monasteries and, on clear days, views of the Himalaya from Langtang to the Everest region.
- Nagarkot to Changunarayan: a gentle downhill walk from the famous viewpoint to one of the oldest temples in Nepal.
- Shivapuri and Nagi Gompa: forest trails and a nunnery in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.
- Champadevi: a ridge walk above the south-west of the valley.
- Chandragiri cable car and Kakani: mountain views without much walking.
Read our guide to Kathmandu day hikes for more ideas.
Day tours from Pokhara
Pokhara is Nepal's adventure capital, and almost everything is within an hour of Lakeside.
- Sarangkot sunrise over Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhre.
- Pokhara city tour: Phewa Lake, Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, the International Mountain Museum and the Tibetan settlement.
- World Peace Pagoda hike above the lake.
- Tandem paragliding, the ZipFlyer and hot air balloon flights.
- Countryside cycling and Begnas Lake boating.
Flights and adventure in a day
You can see Everest in a morning on an Everest mountain flight, or land near Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp on a helicopter tour. For adrenaline, try Trishuli rafting, a mountain bike tour of the valley, or drive out to the Bhote Koshi for a 160 m bungee jump.
Overnight trips
Some places are best with one night: Nagarkot and Dhulikhel for sunrise, the hill towns of Bandipur and Daman, Kalinchowk for snow, and a quick Chitwan safari. See our weekend getaways.
What is included
Our day tours are private, so they run on the day you choose and at your pace. Prices normally include hotel pick-up and drop-off in a private vehicle, a licensed English-speaking guide, and entry fees where listed. Meals are included only where stated, though your guide will take you somewhere good for lunch. Adventure activities include the operator's equipment and safety briefing.
Best time for day tours
Cultural tours run all year. Mountain views are clearest from October to April, especially in the early morning. In the monsoon (June–August), mornings are often clear and the valley is green, but clouds usually hide the peaks by midday. Spring (March–May) brings warmer weather and some haze. Check our month-by-month guides, such as Nepal in October.
Tips for day tours
- Start early: traffic grows heavier through the day, and light and views are best in the morning.
- Dress modestly at temples and remove shoes where asked.
- Carry small notes for donations and snacks.
- Walk clockwise around stupas and temples.
- Ask before photographing people, and never photograph cremations at Pashupatinath closely.
Combining day tours with a trek
Most travellers spend one or two days in Kathmandu before a trek, which is the ideal time for a sightseeing tour, and a day in Pokhara afterwards to relax. Tell us your dates and we will slot day tours around your flights and trek. For a full plan, see our Nepal itinerary guide.
Book a day tour with Himalayan Hiking
All our day tours are organised by our own team in Kathmandu and Pokhara, with licensed guides and reliable drivers. Choose a tour above, or contact us and we will build a custom day around your interests.