Kathmandu and Lumbini Tours

5.0/5 from 835 reviews
The 5-day Kathmandu and Lumbini Tour combines one of Nepal’s important spiritual destinations and the historic capital in one journey. This trip is designed for explorers who want to experience Nepal’s scenic beauty and rich religious and cultural heritage without high-altitude trekking.
  • Destination
    Nepal
  • Duration
    5 Days
  • Trip Difficulty
    Easy
  • Activities
    Cultural Tours
  • Accommodation
    Luxury Hotels
  • Meals
    Breakfast
  • Group Size
    Min. 2 Pax
  • Best Time
    Spring and Autumn

Highlights of Kathmandu and Lumbini Tours

  • Visit four UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu, such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath Stupa
  • Explore the historic Newari architecture, ancient temples, and monasteries around Kathmandu Valley, and witness the ancient woodcrafts and artworks
  • Learn about the Nepalese culture, tradition, and customs of the locals while savoring staple Nepali cuisine
  • Enjoy a scenic flight between Kathmandu and Bhairahawa with views of bustling cities, terraced hillsides, and distant snow-capped mountain ranges 
  • Visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, and explore Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, and Pushkarani Pond
  • Experience two sides of Nepal, the vibrant culture of Kathmandu and the peaceful surroundings of Lumbini
  • Learn about Buddhist traditions and the international significance of Lumbini as a spiritual and pilgrimage destination

Short Overview of Kathmandu and Lumbini Tours

The Kathmandu and Lumbini Tour is a 5-day cultural journey designed to introduce travelers to two of Nepal’s most significant destinations, Kathmandu and Lumbini. The journey begins in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, where you can explore the city’s historic temples, rich Newari cultures, stupas, and durbar squares.

From Kathmandu, we will head to Bhairahawa with a scenic flight over the lush green hills, vibrant cities, and distant mountain views. We will head towards Lumbini and explore the sacred and historical sites of Lumbini such as the Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, and Pushkarini Pond.

After exploring the cultural institutions, we will fly back to Kathmandu and relax at the hotel before heading out for a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant. The Kathmandu and Lumbini Tour is an immersive journey perfect for travellers seeking a glimpse of both vibrant Kathmandu and spiritual Lumbini.

Route Overview for the Tour

Upon arrival, your Kathmandu and Lumbini Tour starts in the Kathmandu Valley with a full-day cultural sightseeing around historic monuments such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

During the tour, guests can explore the intricate Newari architecture reflected in the woodcrafts, local settlements around New Road and Patan areas, and ancient arts.

From here, the journey heads towards Bhairahawa, the nearest city to Lumbini, with a scenic 25 to 35-minute flight. From the Bhairahawa airport, we will head towards a pre-booked hotel, check in, and head towards Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha.

In Lumbini, we will explore places such as Maya Devi Temple, Pushkarini Temple, and the Ashoka Pillar. After spending a night in Lumbini, we will head back to Kathmandu on a flight and end the day with dinner in a traditional Nepali restaurant. 

Alternative Trip options for Kathmandu and Lumbini Tour

Nepal Hiking Team offers alternative trips to Kathmandu and Lumbini Tour, such as:

  • Kathmandu Pokhara and Chitwan Tour
    Duration
    9 days
    Difficulty
    Easy
    Key Feature

    A perfect combination of cultural heritage, scenic mountain views, and adventurous jungle activities in Kathmandu and Chitwan.

    From$990
  • Best Alternative
    Glimpse of Kathmandu Tour
    Duration
    4 days
    Difficulty
    Easy
    Key Feature

    Explore the ancient streets of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, reflecting the vibrant Newari architecture, history, culture, and traditions.

    From$690
  • Kathmandu and Pokhara Luxury Tour
    Duration
    5 days
    Difficulty
    Easy
    Key Feature

    Experience a comfortable sightseeing trip through Kathmandu and Pokhara with luxurious stays, offering an exclusive tour experience.

    From$560

Kathmandu and Lumbini Tour with the Best Local Tour Operators

Nepal Hiking Team brings decades of local expertise in organizing cultural tours across Nepal. Our experienced guides share insights on Nepal’s rich history, religion, architecture, and traditions of Kathmandu and Lumbini.

From exploring Kathmandu’s ancient temples and stupas to visiting the birthplace of Lord Buddha in Lumbini, NHT ensures a smooth journey with private transfers, domestic flights, comfortable stays, and guided sightseeing.

Our team handles all operations such as accommodations, transportation, necessary permits, and activities, and offers flexible itineraries, transparent pricing, responsive support, and no hidden costs. This ensures an immersive tour with a smooth and culturally enriching experience.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01:Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Nepal Hiking Team representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu.

After check-in, you will receive a short orientation covering the tour itinerary, transportation arrangements, and the following day's activities. The remainder of the day is free to rest after your international journey or take a short walk around the nearby streets of Kathmandu.

  1. Accommodation: Hotel

Day 02:Full day in Kathmandu City - Sightseeing Tour (4 -5 hours day tour)

Today, you explore some of the most important cultural and religious landmarks in Kathmandu Valley.

The sightseeing begins at Swayambhunath Stupa, an ancient Buddhist site situated on a hilltop overlooking Kathmandu. You then continue to Boudhanath Stupa, one of Nepal's most important Tibetan Buddhist sites and a major pilgrimage destination.

The tour continues to Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most revered Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located along the Bagmati River, the temple complex provides an insight into Nepal's Hindu traditions and religious practices.

The final stop is Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historic royal complex filled with temples, courtyards, palaces, and traditional Newari architecture. The area also includes the former royal palace and the Kumari Ghar, home of the living goddess Kumari.

After sightseeing, return to your hotel and enjoy a free evening in Kathmandu.

  1. Accommodation: Hotel
  2. Meals: Breakfast Included

Day 03:Fly to Bhairahawa, transfer to Lumbini Hotel and Sightseeing Tour, Duration: 30 -45 mins flight

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa. The flight takes approximately 30–35 minutes, offering aerial views of Nepal's changing landscapes along the way.
After landing at Bhairahawa Airport, meet your private vehicle and drive to Lumbini. After checking into the hotel and having some time to freshen up, begin your exploration of Lumbini.

The sightseeing tour includes the Maya Devi Temple, the principal pilgrimage site marking the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. You will also visit the Ashoka Pillar, ancient archaeological remains, the World Peace Pagoda, and selected monasteries and cultural sites within the Lumbini Development Zone.

The international monasteries represent different Buddhist traditions and architectural styles, making the area particularly interesting for travelers interested in Buddhist culture and architecture.
Return to your hotel after the sightseeing tour and enjoy a peaceful evening in Lumbini.

Overnight stay at a 4-star hotel in Lumbini. Breakfast included.

  1. Accommodation: Hotel
  2. Meals: Breakfast Included

Day 04:Transfer to the airport and fly back to Kathmandu, Duration: 30 - 45 mins flight

After breakfast, you will be transferred from Lumbini to Bhairahawa Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city independently. You may use the time for shopping, visiting local markets, or enjoying Kathmandu's restaurants and cafés.

In the evening, join us for a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, where you can enjoy local cuisine and cultural performances.

Overnight stay at the 5-star hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: Breakfast, and Dinner Included.

  1. Accommodation: Hotel

Day 05:Farewell/ Departure

On your departure day, one of the Nepal Hiking Team representatives will pick you up from the hotel, three hours before your flight. This allows you to clear baggage, check in, and complete the immigration process smoothly.

The tour officially comes to an end as you leave Nepal with hundreds of photos and memories of the beautiful cities, Kathmandu and Chitwan.

  1. Meals: Breakfast Included

Cost Includes

  • All ground transportation by private vehicle, including airport transfers.
  • Three nights’ accommodation with breakfast at 5- a star hotel in Kathmandu.
  • Round trip airfare from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa and Bhairahawa to Kathmandu, including tour guide.
  • A night's accommodation with breakfast at a 4-star hotel in Lumbini.
  • All guided sightseeing tours & activities, including entry fees
  • Farewell dinner at a typical Nepalese restaurant in Kathmandu
  • All government taxes and office service charges.

Cost Excludes

  • Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary.'
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (a multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying the US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying the US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.)
  • Tips for tour guide and Driver

Why Book Kathmandu and Lumbini Tour with Nepal Hiking Team

  • Travel with a Nepal-based team with extensive experience in cultural tours and Himalayan travel.
  • Enjoy a thoughtfully planned itinerary combining Kathmandu’s heritage sites with the spiritual and historical significance of Lumbini.
  • Explore both destinations with experienced local guides who provide insights into Nepal’s history, religion, architecture, and traditions.
  • Choose flexible and personalized services based on your preferred pace, interests, and travel schedule.
  • Receive reliable support throughout your journey, from airport pickup and domestic flights to ground transfers and departure.
  • Our commitment to quality and service is reflected in over 3,000 five-star reviews across TripAdvisor, Google, and Trustpilot.

Nepal Hiking Team combines local expertise, experienced guides, organized transportation, and carefully planned itineraries to make your Kathmandu and Lumbini Tour smooth and enriching. From arranging flights and accommodation to managing sightseeing and transfers, our team handles the details so you can focus on experiencing Nepal. 

Know Before You Go

Kathmandu, or Kasthamandap, is widely popular for its diverse culture, vibrant festivals, unique architecture, and rich Newari heritage. It is also the key gateway to the Himalayas and the epicenter of Nepal’s ancient history, art, economy, and culture.

The valley’s heritage is spread across historic squares, traditional Newari communities, temples, and stupas. Likewise, Kathmandu’s distinctive character comes from the centuries-old Hindu and Buddhist traditions and the craftsmanship of Newar artisans.

Visitors are advised to take time and explore Kathmandu’s rich heritage for a more meaningful experience. Instead of rushing from one attraction to another, you can learn and explore the pagoda-style temples, metal sculptures, carved wooden windows, traditional royal courtyards, and prayer wheels.

Travellers‘ Reviews

Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.

  • Exciting and most memorable experience

    Experience of a lifetime! Leading up to the trip, I felt some excitement and uncertainty because I was traveling from New Jersey to Nepal, so it was a trip to the other side of the world. Also knowing we were going to trek to the highest region in the world.

    Once we arrived in Kathmandu, we met up with our guide (Bhim). After a few minutes of talking with him, I felt a sense of calm and my excitement of joy grew from there. And I was right he and his team made sure we had the best experience possible.

    The full trek going and coming was incredible. Our guide, Bhim, made sure we had the best experience. Can’t say enough of how wonderful he and his team made this one for the books!

    I highly recommend booking with this company and Bhim! Namaste!

    O
    - Excellent

    Mr. Oscar A

    12th Nov 2024
  • Solo Traveler

    I just completed trekking in Nepal together with another solo traveler. The service of Nepal Hiking Team was exemplary from the start till the end. Nothing beats word-of-mouth good reviews. 

    Mr. Ganga has been very responsive to queries from Day 1 and was physically present even on the last day to officially close the loop for the package tour.

    Our guide Bibek was very patient and sincere as he led us through the trek. He resolved issues with his heart and people skills and gave assurance whenever plans suddenly changed.

    He ensured things were changed for the better. Our porter, Rajendran, was also good and always arrived ahead of time to ensure our rooms were confirmed.

    - Guided by Bibek Dhamala

    N
    - Excellent

    Ms. Norleen A

    21st Oct 2024
  • Fabulous Trip – Excited for Many More with NHT

    We were a group of 17 people from California who had been preparing for a year for this trip. Nepal Hiking Team was referred to us by one of my friends. After talking to & interviewing several companies, NHT seemed very responsive, cost-effective & experienced. After the trip, they proved us nothing less.

    Their guides are top-of-the-line, very kind, and helpful. They made sure we all were prepared for the next day, set our expectations rights, & guided us through managing altitude sickness.

    We all made it to Nepal and came back happy and healthy.

    We all thank NHT for making our dream come true, and looking forward to many more with them.

    S
    - Excellent

    Ms. Shaili A

    8th Oct 2024
  • Highest praise for Nepal Hiking Team

    I highly recommend the Nepal Hiking Team for anyone planning to trek in Nepal. My spouse and I had a fantastic time on our trek and greatly credit our positive experience to the thought and care put into it by Nepal Hiking Team in coming up with a personalized plan that would enable us to succeed.

    Every detail was considered to match us based on our abilities and interests. We also could not have felt more cared for minute to minute by the team that supported us from the minute we arrived in Kathmandu until our departure.

    Our guide, Nim, was amazing -- so careful, thoughtful, warm, and supportive. And our porters, Sabin and Ganesh, were delightful. They were all unbelievably generous in terms of how much they worked to ensure we were comfortable and prepared. They thought of every detail along the way.

    - Guided By Nim Dahal

    J
    - Excellent

    Ms. Jlevi

    14th May 2024
  • Most Amazing Experience!! Thank You, Dnes and Nepal Hiking Team!!

    Oh my goodness, where do I even start? This was hands down the best tour I have ever been on. I am honestly finding it hard to put into words what a wonderful and moving experience it was.

    My husband and I wanted to see Nepal for our honeymoon. However, we decided to explore it in a slightly less traditional way and opted for a city tour instead of a hike. We had the opportunity to see Nepal in-depth, and it was truly remarkable. We visited various parts of Kathmandu, including all the iconic temples. We also ventured to Chitwan, where we witnessed breathtaking rice fields, went on a safari, and even spotted rhinos and a tiger! Our journey took us to the city of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and finally to Pokhara, where we were captivated by the beauty of the lakes and the awe-inspiring Annapurna Mountain range.

    Experiencing the beauty of Nepal in this way was an incredible gift that my husband and I will cherish forever. What made our experience even more magical was our amazing guide, Dnes. His passion and kindness were unparalleled, and he patiently answered all our questions, sharing with us a wealth of knowledge about Nepal's political history and the Hindu and Buddhist religions. Both my husband and I were deeply saddened when our trip came to an end, as we felt like we were leaving behind a lifelong friend.

    We must also mention our wonderful driver, Krishna, who ensured our safety during the long drives on challenging roads.

    The entire tour was impeccably organized, from our initial communication with the owner to the warm greeting we received at the airport upon our arrival. The accommodation and food were delightful as well. If you're considering this trip, do it! You won't regret it.

    Namaste - Mhari and Cam

    M
    - Excellent

    Mr. Mhari and Cam

    21st Jun 2023

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