# Day Tours in Nepal

## Day tours and short trips in Nepal

Not every adventure needs a week. Our **day tours in Nepal** fit into a free day before or after your trek, or make a short holiday on their own: the UNESCO monuments of **Kathmandu**, **Patan** and **Bhaktapur**, hikes to **Nagarkot**, **Shivapuri** and **Champadevi**, sunrise at **Sarangkot**, a **paragliding** flight over Phewa Lake, white-water **rafting**, a **food tour** or an **Everest mountain flight**.

Every day tour includes hotel pick-up, a licensed guide and transport, and most can run privately on any date.

- **From Kathmandu:** heritage sightseeing, valley-rim hikes, food tours, Everest flight
- **From Pokhara:** Sarangkot sunrise, city tour, paragliding, cycling
- **Flexible:** private tours on your dates

## Trips
- [Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour](https://himalayanhiking.com/everest-base-camp-helicopter-tour.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 5,545 m / 18,192 ft (landing near Kala Patthar), from US$1,100. The Everest Base Camp helicopter tour is a morning flight from Kathmandu into the heart of the Everest region, landing near Kala Patthar (5,545 m) or Everest Ba...
- [Pokhara ZipFlyer Adventure](https://himalayanhiking.com/pokhara-zipflyer-adventure.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 1,600 m / 5,250 ft (Sarangkot launch), from US$85. The Pokhara ZipFlyer adventure is one of the biggest adrenaline rushes in Nepal. From the hillside of Sarangkot, you fly about 1.8 km down to Hemja, dropping ab...
- [Pokhara Tandem Skydive](https://himalayanhiking.com/pokhara-tandem-skydive.md): 1 days, Easy, max Jump from about 11,000–13,000 ft, from US$890. The Pokhara tandem skydive is one of the rarest adventures in Nepal. Strapped to a qualified instructor, you jump from about 11,000–13,000 feet and free-fall wi...
- [Bhote Koshi Bungee Jump Trip](https://himalayanhiking.com/bhote-koshi-bungee-jump-trip.md): 2 days, Easy, max About 1,200 m / 3,940 ft, from US$190. The Bhote Koshi bungee jump trip takes you about 3 hours from Kathmandu to The Last Resort, where you leap 160 m from a steel suspension bridge into a forested...
- [Jalbire Canyoning Trip](https://himalayanhiking.com/jalbire-canyoning-trip.md): 2 days, Moderate, max About 600 m / 1,970 ft, from US$170. The Jalbire canyoning trip is one of the most fun adventures near Kathmandu. Drive about 3–4 hours to Jalbire, in the Trishuli valley near Mugling, and spend th...
- [Pokhara Hot Air Balloon Flight](https://himalayanhiking.com/pokhara-hot-air-balloon-flight.md): 1 days, Easy, max Flight altitude varies with conditions, from US$180. The Pokhara hot air balloon flight is a peaceful way to see the Himalaya. In the calm of early morning, the balloon rises over the Pokhara Valley and Phewa Lake...
- [Godawari and Phulchowki Butterfly Tour](https://himalayanhiking.com/godawari-phulchowki-butterfly-tour.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 1,500–2,000 m / 4,920–6,560 ft, from US$60. The Godawari and Phulchowki butterfly tour explores some of the richest forests near Kathmandu. Start at the National Botanical Garden in Godawari, then walk th...
- [Shamanic Traditions Cultural Day Tour](https://himalayanhiking.com/shamanic-traditions-cultural-day-tour.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 1,500–2,000 m, from US$70. The shamanic traditions cultural day tour introduces Nepal's living dhami-jhankri (shaman and faith healer) traditions. With a local guide, visit a hill village...
- [Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour](https://himalayanhiking.com/annapurna-base-camp-helicopter-tour.md): 1 days, Easy, max 4,130 m / 13,550 ft (Annapurna Base Camp), from US$650. The Annapurna Base Camp helicopter tour is a morning flight from Pokhara into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Fly up the Modi Khola valley past the sacred...
- [Everest Mountain Flight from Kathmandu](https://himalayanhiking.com/everest-mountain-flight.md): 1 days, Easy, max Flies at about 7,500–8,000 m (cabin pressurised), from US$240. The Everest mountain flight is a one-hour scenic flight from Kathmandu along the Himalaya to Mount Everest (8,848.86 m) and back. From a guaranteed window seat...
- [Trishuli River Rafting](https://himalayanhiking.com/trishuli-river-rafting.md): 1 days, Easy to moderate (Grade III rapids), max About 500 m / 1,640 ft, from US$85. Trishuli River rafting is the most popular white-water day trip in Nepal and the easiest way to add some adventure to your holiday. Drive about three hours from...
- [Pokhara Paragliding](https://himalayanhiking.com/pokhara-paragliding.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 1,600 m / 5,250 ft (Sarangkot take-off), from US$95. Paragliding in Pokhara is one of the most memorable things you can do in Nepal. Ride up to Sarangkot, the hill above the city, run a few steps with your license...
- [Nagarkot to Changunarayan Day Hike](https://himalayanhiking.com/nagarkot-changunarayan-day-hike.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 2,175 m / 7,136 ft (Nagarkot), from US$65. The Nagarkot to Changunarayan day hike is the classic walk on the rim of the Kathmandu Valley. Drive to Nagarkot (about 2,175 m) for views stretching, on clear...
- [Kathmandu Valley Mountain Bike Tour](https://himalayanhiking.com/kathmandu-valley-mountain-bike-tour.md): 1 days, Moderate, max About 1,450 m / 4,757 ft, from US$75. The Kathmandu Valley mountain bike tour is a one-day ride away from the traffic, along back roads, village lanes and farm tracks in the south of the valley. Rid...
- [Kathmandu Sightseeing Day Tour](https://himalayanhiking.com/kathmandu-sightseeing-day-tour.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 1,400 m / 4,593 ft, from US$75. The Kathmandu sightseeing day tour covers four of the Kathmandu Valley's UNESCO World Heritage monuments in one full day with a licensed guide and private vehic...
- [Kathmandu Food Tour and Cooking Class](https://himalayanhiking.com/kathmandu-food-tour-cooking-class.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 1,400 m / 4,593 ft, from US$65. The Kathmandu food tour and cooking class is a delicious way to spend a day in the city. In the morning, walk through the old bazaars of Asan and Indra Chowk wi...
- [Shivapuri and Nagi Gompa Day Hike](https://himalayanhiking.com/shivapuri-nagi-gompa-day-hike.md): 1 days, Moderate, max About 2,300 m / 7,546 ft (Nagi Gompa); 2,732 m optional (Shivapuri Peak), from US$60. The Shivapuri and Nagi Gompa day hike is the best forest walk from Kathmandu. Start at Budhanilkantha, home of the great sleeping Vishnu, enter Shivapuri Nagarj...
- [Bhaktapur and Patan Day Tour](https://himalayanhiking.com/bhaktapur-patan-day-tour.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 1,400 m / 4,593 ft, from US$80. The Bhaktapur and Patan day tour visits two of the three old royal cities of the Kathmandu Valley in one full day with a licensed guide. In the morning, explore...
- [Nagarkot Sunrise Overnight Tour](https://himalayanhiking.com/nagarkot-sunrise-overnight-tour.md): 2 days, Easy, max About 2,175 m / 7,136 ft, from US$140. The Nagarkot sunrise overnight tour is the easiest way to see the Himalaya from the Kathmandu Valley. Spend the afternoon in Bhaktapur, drive up to Nagarkot (ab...
- [Pokhara Countryside Cycling Tour](https://himalayanhiking.com/pokhara-countryside-cycling-tour.md): 1 days, Easy to moderate, max About 900 m / 2,950 ft, from US$55. The Pokhara countryside cycling tour takes you away from Lakeside on quiet roads and village lanes through the green Pokhara valley, past rice fields, farms and...
- [Sarangkot Sunrise Tour](https://himalayanhiking.com/sarangkot-sunrise-tour.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 1,600 m / 5,250 ft, from US$25. The Sarangkot sunrise tour is the classic start to a day in Pokhara. Leave Lakeside before dawn, drive up to the Sarangkot viewpoint at about 1,600 m, and watch...
- [Pokhara City Day Tour](https://himalayanhiking.com/pokhara-city-day-tour.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 1,100 m / 3,600 ft (World Peace Pagoda), from US$55. The Pokhara city day tour shows you the best of Pokhara in one day: row across Phewa Lake to Tal Barahi Temple, walk up to the World Peace Pagoda, visit Davis F...
- [Chandragiri Cable Car Tour](https://himalayanhiking.com/chandragiri-cable-car-tour.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 2,550 m / 8,366 ft, from US$45. The Chandragiri cable car tour is the easiest way to see the Himalaya from the Kathmandu Valley. Drive to Thankot, ride the cable car to Chandragiri at about 2,...
- [Pashupatinath Evening Aarati and Boudhanath Tour](https://himalayanhiking.com/pashupatinath-evening-aarati-tour.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 1,400 m / 4,593 ft, from US$45. The Pashupatinath evening aarati and Boudhanath tour shows Kathmandu at its most atmospheric. Walk the evening kora around Boudhanath stupa as the butter lamps...
- [Champadevi Day Hike](https://himalayanhiking.com/champadevi-day-hike.md): 1 days, Moderate, max About 2,280 m / 7,480 ft, from US$55. The Champadevi day hike climbs through pine and oak forest on the south-western rim of the Kathmandu Valley to a hilltop shrine at about 2,280 m, with views acr...
- [Kirtipur, Bungamati and Khokana Village Tour](https://himalayanhiking.com/kirtipur-bungamati-khokana-tour.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 1,400 m / 4,593 ft, from US$60. The Kirtipur, Bungamati and Khokana village tour explores the traditional Newar world just beyond Kathmandu. Visit the hilltop town of Kirtipur, the Chobhar Gor...
- [Bandipur Overnight Trip](https://himalayanhiking.com/bandipur-overnight-trip.md): 2 days, Easy, max About 1,030 m / 3,380 ft, from US$150. The Bandipur overnight trip takes you to one of Nepal's most charming towns, a car-free Newar bazaar on a ridge above the Prithvi Highway. Wander the old lanes,...
- [Daman Overnight Trip](https://himalayanhiking.com/daman-overnight-trip.md): 2 days, Easy, max About 2,300 m / 7,546 ft, from US$140. The Daman overnight trip follows the winding old Tribhuvan Rajpath south-west of Kathmandu to Daman, at about 2,300 m, for one of the widest Himalayan panoramas...
- [Lumbini Day Tour](https://himalayanhiking.com/lumbini-day-tour.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 150 m / 490 ft, from US$70. The Lumbini day tour explores the birthplace of the Buddha with an expert guide: the Maya Devi Temple with its marker stone, the Ashoka Pillar, the sacred pool,...
- [Kakani Day Trip](https://himalayanhiking.com/kakani-day-trip.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 2,000 m / 6,560 ft, from US$50. The Kakani day trip escapes the city to a quiet ridge north-west of Kathmandu at about 2,000 m, with views of Ganesh Himal and Langtang on clear days, forest wa...
- [World Peace Pagoda Hike](https://himalayanhiking.com/world-peace-pagoda-hike.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 1,100 m / 3,600 ft, from US$30. The World Peace Pagoda hike is the best short walk in Pokhara. Cross Phewa Lake by boat, climb through forest to the white World Peace Pagoda, and enjoy views o...
- [Patan Heritage Walk](https://himalayanhiking.com/patan-heritage-walk.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 1,350 m / 4,430 ft, from US$40. The Patan heritage walk explores Patan, the city of fine arts, on foot with a local guide: Patan Durbar Square, the Patan Museum, the Golden Temple, hidden Budd...
- [Swayambhunath Sunrise Walk](https://himalayanhiking.com/swayambhunath-sunrise-walk.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 1,420 m / 4,660 ft, from US$25. The Swayambhunath sunrise walk takes you to Kathmandu's oldest Buddhist stupa at the most beautiful time of day. Climb the steep eastern stairway past stone Bud...
- [Bhaktapur Half-Day Tour](https://himalayanhiking.com/bhaktapur-half-day-tour.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 1,400 m / 4,590 ft, from US$40. The Bhaktapur half-day tour explores the best-preserved of the Kathmandu Valley's three royal cities. Walk through Bhaktapur Durbar Square with its 55-Window Pa...
- [Begnas Lake Boating and Village Walk](https://himalayanhiking.com/begnas-lake-boating-village-walk.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 900 m / 2,950 ft, from US$35. The Begnas Lake boating and village walk shows you a quieter side of Pokhara. Drive about 45 minutes east of Lakeside to Begnas Lake, the second-largest of Pokh...
- [Dhulikhel Overnight Trip](https://himalayanhiking.com/dhulikhel-overnight-trip.md): 2 days, Easy, max About 1,550 m / 5,085 ft, from US$120. The Dhulikhel overnight trip is an easy escape from Kathmandu. About 30 km east of the city, the old Newar town of Dhulikhel sits on a ridge with views of the H...
- [Kathmandu Old-Town Walking Tour](https://himalayanhiking.com/kathmandu-old-town-walking-tour.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 1,350 m / 4,430 ft, from US$30. The Kathmandu old-town walking tour follows the ancient trade route from Thamel to Kathmandu Durbar Square through the busiest, most atmospheric bazaars in the...

## 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](/kathmandu-sightseeing-day-tour) covers [Swayambhunath](/places/swayambhunath), [Kathmandu Durbar Square](/places/kathmandu-durbar-square), [Pashupatinath](/places/pashupatinath-temple) and [Boudhanath](/places/boudhanath-stupa) 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](/bhaktapur-patan-day-tour).
- **Old villages:** [Kirtipur, Bungamati and Khokana](/kirtipur-bungamati-khokana-tour), 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](/pashupatinath-evening-aarati-tour).
- **Food:** taste momos, Newari snacks and street food, and cook dal bhat on our [food tour and cooking class](/kathmandu-food-tour-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](/nagarkot-changunarayan-day-hike): a gentle downhill walk from the famous viewpoint to one of the oldest temples in Nepal.
- [Shivapuri and Nagi Gompa](/shivapuri-nagi-gompa-day-hike): forest trails and a nunnery in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.
- [Champadevi](/champadevi-day-hike): a ridge walk above the south-west of the valley.
- [Chandragiri cable car](/chandragiri-cable-car-tour) and [Kakani](/kakani-day-trip): mountain views without much walking.

Read our guide to [Kathmandu day hikes](/blog/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](/sarangkot-sunrise-tour) over Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhre.
- [Pokhara city tour](/pokhara-city-day-tour): Phewa Lake, Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, the International Mountain Museum and the Tibetan settlement.
- [World Peace Pagoda hike](/world-peace-pagoda-hike) above the lake.
- [Tandem paragliding](/pokhara-paragliding), the [ZipFlyer](/pokhara-zipflyer-adventure) and [hot air balloon flights](/pokhara-hot-air-balloon-flight).
- [Countryside cycling](/pokhara-countryside-cycling-tour) and [Begnas Lake boating](/begnas-lake-boating-village-walk).

## Flights and adventure in a day

You can see Everest in a morning on an [Everest mountain flight](/everest-mountain-flight), or land near Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp on a [helicopter tour](/everest-base-camp-helicopter-tour). For adrenaline, try [Trishuli rafting](/trishuli-river-rafting), a [mountain bike tour](/kathmandu-valley-mountain-bike-tour) of the valley, or drive out to the Bhote Koshi for a [160 m bungee jump](/bhote-koshi-bungee-jump-trip).

## Overnight trips

Some places are best with one night: [Nagarkot](/nagarkot-sunrise-overnight-tour) and [Dhulikhel](/dhulikhel-overnight-trip) for sunrise, the hill towns of [Bandipur](/bandipur-overnight-trip) and [Daman](/daman-overnight-trip), [Kalinchowk](/kalinchowk-trip) for snow, and a quick [Chitwan safari](/chitwan-2-day-safari). See our [weekend getaways](/category/weekend-getaways-from-kathmandu).

## 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](/blog/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](/blog/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](/contact-us) and we will build a custom day around your interests.

## Frequently asked questions
### What is the best day tour from Kathmandu?
A guided tour of **Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath**, or **Patan and Bhaktapur**. For mountain views, take the Everest mountain flight or hike from Nagarkot.

### What can I do in a day in Pokhara?
Watch sunrise at **Sarangkot**, go **paragliding**, boat on Phewa Lake, visit the caves and waterfalls, or cycle to Begnas Lake.

### Are entry fees included?
Entry fees for listed sites are included in most day tours; check each tour page.

### Can day tours be private?
Yes, all our day tours can run privately.

### Do day tours include hotel pick-up?
Yes, from hotels in Kathmandu or Pokhara (Lakeside).


Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/category/day-tours-in-nepal