Nepal: Mountains and Temples

Arrival in Kathmandu

Land in Kathmandu, drop your bags at the hotel, and meet the rest of the crew that evening. The first night is usually a casual wander through the historic lanes of Patan Durbar Square to find a spot for dinner and drinks. It's a low-key start before the real exploring begins on Day 2.

Temples and Monkeys

The day starts with a walking tour of Patan Durbar Square, checking out the old Royal Palace and the pagoda-style temples. You'll also visit Kumari Chowk, home to Nepal's living goddess; if she’s receiving visitors, you might get a blessing. Next up is Swayambhunath, the ancient stupa better known as the Monkey Temple—for obvious reasons.

The afternoon is yours. You can dive back into the city's bustling markets, or split a cab with some of the crew to check out the temples at Bhaktapur or Pashupatinath.

Hike to a Homestay

It's an early start for a one- to one-and-a-half-hour drive to Sanga, where the day's hike begins. You'll lace up for a four-to-five-hour trek through the countryside, passing through small villages new to seeing travelers. The trail ends in Panauti, where you'll check into a community homestay. This isn't a hotel; you're staying with a local family.

The best way to break the ice is to get involved in the kitchen. You'll help prepare dinner, learning a few local dishes before eating with your host family.

DIY Reality Check: This day's logistics present a significant coordination challenge for an independent traveler. The point-to-point hike requires arranging private transport to the Sanga trailhead, navigating the 11km trail through villages described as new to seeing travelers, and—most critically—coordinating a separate transfer for overnight luggage from Kathmandu to a specific family home in Panauti. Furthermore, the Panauti Community Homestay is not a hotel but a social enterprise connecting visitors with a network of local families. While booking is possible, it involves interfacing with the cooperative, which a tour handles through established partnerships. Finally, most trekking in Nepal requires permits like a TIMS card, adding another layer of administration that a guided trip resolves entirely.