Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal as well as the spiritual center. And when it comes to yoga, practicing it here is perfect, as it’s a city rooted in meditation and devotion for centuries.
This short yet soulful Kathmandu Yoga Tour combines traditional yoga practice with deep cultural immersion. You’ll be exploring sacred temples, meditating in Namobuddha Monastery, walking through ancient Newari towns, and even connecting with the local Nepali people from time to time.
The Kathmandu Valley itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to seven monument zones. And this journey takes you through six of them: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Changunarayan Temple.
This 7-day tour kicks off with a full-day cultural walk through the busy streets of Basantapur, a visit to the peaceful Swayambhunath, the iconic Pashupatinath, and the Tibetan heritage of Boudhanath Stupa.
The following day, you’ll head to Namobuddha for a monastery stay and meditative practices. From there, you’ll hike down through the forest trails and traditional villages of Panauti before relaxing in the hill station of Nagarkot.
Next, you’ll dive into the rich Newari culture of Bhaktapur, visiting four different squares and witnessing craftsmanship that’s pretty famous here! Not to forget that you’ll also explore Changunarayan Temple, which is considered the oldest temple here.
Well, your trip to Kathmandu is perfect for those who seek a complete cultural immersion, yoga experience, and sightseeing all in one. Whether you’re a beginner in yoga or someone simply looking to travel Kathmandu in-depth, this journey is going to be perfect with the support of our team here at Altitude Himalaya!
Learn Nepali-Style ‘Yog’
The main highlight of this Kathmandu Yoga Tour is that your mornings begin with peaceful, rejuvenating yoga sessions. Sometimes, we also wrap up the evenings with light meditative practices, mainly in Namobuddha and Nagarkot.
Throughout the trip, you'll be guided by the same instructor, who helps you learn deeply about the traditional style of Nepali ‘Yog’ while also exploring spiritual places around the valley with another professional tour guide included.
Unlike the modern yoga you might be used to, the one you’ll learn here is rooted in ancient philosophy. Your instructor will slowly introduce you to different forms of physical, mental, and spiritual practices, such as Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Kriya Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation (Dhyana), Yoga Nidra, and Mantra Chanting.
Be sure to wear comfortable, breathable clothes and carry your personal yoga mat, quick-dry towels, and a water bottle to every yoga session. It’s essential to ensure not just comfort but also your hygiene.
Historical Walk Through Kathmandu Durbar Square
An early morning walk to Kathmandu Durbar Square brings that cultural feel of the Kathmandu city. From the vibrant streets of Basantapur to the quieter courtyards inside, every step that you take brings you closer to the historical stories of Nepal’s Malla and Shah kings.
When here, you’ll explore ancient temples, the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, and other different museums, where the royal history has been preserved for centuries. Also, the square is home to the Taleju Temple, Jagannath Temple, Kal Bhairav Shrine, and Kumari Ghar, where you might even get a glimpse of the Living Goddess, Kumari.
While your tour of the Kathmandu Durbar Square and Basantapur Durbar Kshetra is going to be short, it’s going to be a powerful one. And honestly, you’re going to see both the spiritual and artistic side of Kathmandu, making you understand the real reason why it’s considered the capital of Nepal!
Enjoy Views from Swayambhunath Stupa
As per legends, Swayambhunath Stupa rose from a lotus that bloomed in the middle of the Kathmandu Valley lake (called Nagdaha). So, it’s safe to say that it’s one of the oldest and most revered Buddhist sites here in Nepal.
As you walk up the staircase, you’ll be welcomed by the Buddha's eyes on the Mahachaitya. There are even colorful prayer flags dancing around, and of course, the playful monkeys all around, which is the reason many refer to Swayambhu as the ‘Monkey Temple.’ Also, you’ll find smaller chaityas, prayer wheels, the Harati Devi Temple, and monasteries here.
But the real highlight? Well, it’s the panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley stretching below. And on clear days, even the distant mountain ranges!
Religious Tour of Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is considered one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Mahadev. Believed to have existed for thousands of years, it’s even known to be one of the four most important sites for Shiva devotees in the world.
The temple complex is busiest during early mornings and evening puja hours, especially on Mondays of Shrawan and festivals like Maha Shivaratri, Haritalika Teej, etc.
People from across Nepal and India come here to seek blessings and offer their prayers. And for many, visiting Pashupatinath is a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage.
There’s even the Bagmati River that flows beside the temple, where open cremation ceremonies take place on the ‘ghats’. It’s believed that those cremated here attain liberation, which is why many Hindu Nepalese wish to rest in peace here.
While the visit in this tour happens during the day, the evening Sandhya Aarati at the riverside is a magical experience of chanting, lamps, and energy. It’s not included in the main package, but we can shift the timing or arrange it on request if you'd like to attend this powerful ritual.
Walk the Kora at Boudhanath Stupa
Despite the busy area with so much crowd in the Boudhanath Stupa, this spot in Kathmandu has a unique way of making you feel at peace. Besides being one of the largest stupas in the world, it’s one of the most sacred places in Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Walking the kora (which is a clockwise circumambulation of the stupa) is the must-do activity here, and that too for a good reason!
Locals, monks, pilgrims, and even travelers join in while spinning prayer wheels and chanting mantras as they go. In fact, you’ll walk with them and only realize it later. That’s the beauty of Boudha!
Around the stupa, you’ll find plenty of monasteries, colorful prayer flags, the scent of incense in the air, and pigeons flying right over your head. Be sure to capture every moment, not just with your cameras but with your own naked eyes!
Pilgrimage Drive to Namobuddha
This 7-day yoga journey isn’t just about Kathmandu. We’ll also take you beyond the city, into the peaceful outskirts. And one such place is Namobuddha Monastery, which is considered one of the three most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites around the valley. So, we certainly don’t want you to miss it!
As per legends, this is where a young prince offered his own body to a starving tigress and her cubs. And today, his remains are preserved inside the main Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery.
With the professional yoga instructor accompanying you, you'll take part in a special meditation session inside the monastery grounds. Doing this meditative yoga with the monks there is a special experience in itself.
Note that Namobuddha is also home to a Buddhist institute that trains monks and nuns in philosophy, rituals, and meditation. To ensure that you get the glimpses for a long time, we’ve even arranged a night stay within the monastery itself.
But in case of room unavailability, we’ll shift the night’s accommodation to a quiet lodge in nearby Dhulikhel. Even if that happens, you’ll still practice yoga in the evening hours while watching the beautiful sunset.
Hiking From Dhulikhel to Panauti
As we are speaking about Dhulikhel, let us tell you that it is a hill town known for its peaceful vibes, stunning mountain views, and temples scattered around. If you stayed the night here, this is where the day’s hike begins.
But in case your night was at the monastery, the hike starts from Namobuddha itself. You’ll be connecting to Dhulikhel first before heading toward Panauti on foot.
Well, the trail itself is a refreshing change that passes through serene pine forests, small villages, and also Nepali-style terraced farmlands.
The gentle downhill hike takes around three to four hours in total, covering roughly 10 kilometers.
By the end of this short hike, you’ll arrive in Panauti, which is one of the oldest and most beautifully preserved Newari towns in Kavre. It’s well-known for its traditional brick houses and ancient temples. It’s worth stopping by for a short exploration before continuing on your yoga journey.
On this day, we skip the usual morning yoga and instead opt for walking, which is a yoga in itself. And since Nepal is well-known for treks and hikes, you’ll thank our team for including this in your package for sure!
Enjoy Himalayan Views From Nagarkot
The scenic drive from Panauti to Nagarkot goes through the lush hills of Kavre towards Bhaktapur. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the terraced fields and quiet villages before reaching the hilltop at 2,195 meters.
Located in the Bhaktapur district, Nagarkot is one of the most popular hilltop getaways near Kathmandu. It’s the perfect place to relax, recharge, and just breathe while enjoying the beautiful atmosphere!
Nagarkot is even famous for both sunrise and sunset views. And during clear days, especially in autumn and spring, you can see peaks like Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Gaurishankar, and… even a distant glimpse of Mount Everest!
Practicing yoga here with the mountains in front and the shifting colors of the sky is truly one of the major highlights of this 7-day Kathmandu Tour.
Historical Visit to Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Once a Malla Kingdom, Bhaktapur is another district in the Kathmandu Valley that you’ll explore on this trip. Even though it’s so close to Kathmandu, Bhaktapur has its own rich culture and Newari traditions.
The city is like a living museum and is famous for its intricate woodworks, temples, and local artisans. And your walk through Bhaktapur Durbar Sqaure covers four distinct squares, each having its own highlights:
- Durbar Square: Features 55-Window Palace, Golden Gate, and Vatsala Temple.
- Taumadhi Square: The main attraction is Nyatapola Temple, which is Nepal’s tallest pagoda.
- Dattatreya Square: Known for Dattatreya Temple and traditional architecture around the region.
- Pottery Square: Be sure to get hands-on experience shaping your clay pots.
Check Out the Oldest Temple, Changunarayan
Sitting quietly on top of a hill just in the Bhaktapur district is the Changunarayan Temple. It is believed to be the oldest temple in Nepal, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Also known as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it houses the oldest known stone inscription in Nepal, dating back to the 5th century. There are detailed carvings, ancient statues, and beautifully preserved architecture here, showcasing craftsmanship all the way back to the Licchavi era!
Changunarayan Temple is mostly crowded during the festivals of Haribodhini Ekadashi and weekends (especially Saturdays) as both locals and pilgrims come to offer prayers during this time.