my friend and I are going on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and want to do some sightseeing in Kathmandu first. We were thinking of three World Heritage sites. Our trek tour guide has quoted us in USD, it seems everything really adds up. Should we wait and just go with a local? Any advice would be great.

You don't need a guide to do sightseeing 9n Kathmandu. Get yourselves a good guidebook and hire a taxi to get to the places you want to see. You will want a trekking guide, of course, but no need for a guide in Kathmandu.

Thanks Kathie, that's what we have decided to do.

BTW, if you decide you would like a guide at one of the Durbar squares, there are official guides available at each for about $2.