Kathmandu is a very foreigner, friendly, relatively small city that you can explore easily on your own. Some of the major sightseeing attractions are within walking distance of most popular hotels, while some other great spots can only be visited by using some kind of transportation, bike, bus or taxi. You can all do this on your own, take a guide book and off you go!
Sightseeing on your own has the advantage that you'll keep your freedom and it keeps you active, in stead of following somebody that more or less decides where and when you're going to see or hear something. Strolling around is also a great thing to do, just absorbing real life, having a drink, do some shopping in between. There's still no 'hop on, hop off' service...
Reasons to take a guide could be: when your time is limited and if you want to hear interesting and funny stories. If you want to visit many different spots in just one day, you need to plan it. A good guide can help you with that as they know how much time you need for traveling and for the actual sightseeing. For an efficient sightseeing tour private transportation is a must! And... the better guides can tell you really great stories that you'll never read in a guide book.
So, in our opinion, it's better to hire a guide if you really want to see the best of Kathmandu and the valley in a very short time, and if you want to hear great stories. Otherwise, just explore the city on your own and get a feel of the bustling life in this, crazy, hectic city!
If you you're interested in to extend your trek or expedition with a sightseeing trip with a guide, just send us an e-mail, ok?