Best Kathmandu & Pokhara Tour – 5 Days

Morning:

• Early Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty breakfast before diving into a day full of cultural exploration.
• Swoyambhunath Stupa: Your first stop is the Swoyambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. With nearly 2,500 years of history, this site is believed to be where the Radiant Lotus settled after the Kathmandu Valley was drained by Manjushree, the god of Wisdom. (Note: Entry to the main temple is restricted to Hindus only.)

Mid-Morning:

• Boudhanath Stupa: Continue your journey to Boudhanath, the world’s largest stupa and a center for Tibetan Buddhism. Marvel at the massive structure and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
• Pashupatinath Temple: Visit Pashupatinath, the holiest Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. This site is also a significant Hindu cremation ground, offering a profound insight into Hindu rituals.

Afternoon:

• Kathmandu Durbar Square: Explore the historical Kathmandu Durbar Square, home to:
  • Hanuman Dhoka: The ancient royal palace.
  • Mahadev and Parvati Temple
  • Machhender Bahl
  • Kumari Ghar: The sacred temple house of the living goddess, Kumari.
• Bhaktapur City: Conclude your day by visiting Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This medieval city is renowned for its well-preserved architecture and ancient charm.

Evening:

• Local Bazaars: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Kathmandu’s local bazaars, perfect for shopping and people-watching.
• Overnight Stay: Reflect on your culturally rich day with a relaxing night at your hotel or resort in Kathmandu.

Optional Tour: Bhaktapur and Patan Exploration

Morning:

• Early Breakfast: Begin with a delightful breakfast.
• Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Explore Bhaktapur’s ancient Durbar Square, untouched by Western culture and rich in unique craftsmanship.
  • Key Attractions: Lion Gate, Golden Gate, Art Gallery, Statue of King Bhupatindra, Nyatapola Temple, and the fifty-five-windowed Malla Palace.

Afternoon:

• Patan City: Discover the treasures of Patan, often referred to as an open museum. Key highlights include:
  • Patan Durbar Square
  • Mahaboudha Temple
  • Kumbeshwor Temple
  • Krishna Temple
  • Golden Temple
  • Handicraft Center: Witness artisans at work, offering a glimpse into local craftsmanship.

Evening:

• Overnight Stay: End your day with a comfortable night at your hotel or resort in Kathmandu, reminiscing about the cultural treasures of Bhaktapur and Patan.

Morning:

• Early Breakfast & Check-Out: Start your day with a nutritious breakfast, followed by check-out from your hotel in Kathmandu.
• Scenic Drive to Pokhara: Embark on a picturesque 7-hour journey covering 232 kilometers. The route offers stunning views and a glimpse into Nepal’s diverse landscapes.

Mid-Morning:

• Visit Manakamana Temple: En route to Pokhara, take a memorable stop at the Manakamana Temple.
  • Cable Car Ride: Enjoy a 2-3 hour cable car journey to the temple for a spiritual darshan. Please note that cable car tickets should be arranged independently.

Afternoon:

• Continue Journey to Pokhara: After visiting the temple, resume your drive towards Pokhara.
• Arrival in Pokhara: Arrive in the evening in Pokhara, the largest city in Nepal by area and a gateway to the Annapurna mountain range.

Evening:

• Hotel Check-In: Settle into your chosen hotel in Pokhara.
• Leisure Time: The evening is free for you to explore Pokhara at your own pace. Whether you choose to stroll by the lakeside or relax, take in the enchanting ambiance of this city known for its natural beauty and adventure opportunities.
• Overnight Stay: Rest at your hotel, gearing up for the adventures that await in Pokhara.

Early Morning:

• Sarangkot Sunrise:
  • 4:30 AM: Depart for Sarangkot Hill to witness a spectacular sunrise. Enjoy golden hues over the snow-capped peaks of Mount Fish Tail and the Annapurna Range.
  • Sunrise Experience: Stroll to the viewpoint and marvel at the breathtaking views for approximately 2 hours.

Morning:

• Return & Breakfast: Head back to your hotel in Pokhara for a hearty breakfast.

Midday:

• Half-Day Sightseeing Tour in Pokhara:
  • Explore attractions such as:
    • Davi’s Falls
    • Gupteshwor Mahadev Temple Cave
    • Goddess Bindyabashani Temple
    • Seti River Gorge
    • Tal Varahi Temple
    • International Mountain Museum
    • Old Bazar
    • Bat Cave
    • Gurkha Museum
    • Optional boating experience at Phewa Lake

Afternoon:

• Drive to Kathmandu:
  • After Breakfast: Begin your drive to Kathmandu, covering approximately 230 kilometers in around 5 hours.
  • Manakamana Temple Visit: If not visited earlier, stop for darshan at Manakamana Temple via cable car (arrange tickets independently).

Evening:

• Arrival & Hotel Check-In:
  • Arrive in Kathmandu and check into your hotel.
  • Leisure Time: Explore Thamel, visit local casinos, or enjoy an evening stroll.
  • Overnight Stay: Relax and rejuvenate at your hotel.

Morning:

• Breakfast: Start your day with an early breakfast at your hotel.
• Explore Kathmandu: Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to:
  • Visit a nearby mall or market for last-minute shopping.
  • Browse local bookstores for reading material, from popular backpacker books to local history and culture.

Late Morning:

• Hotel Check-Out: Prepare to check out from your hotel.
• Transfer to Airport: Drive approximately 15 kilometers to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), which takes about one hour.

Departure:

• Final Preparations: Depending on your flight time, you may have a final chance to explore Thamel or nearby points of interest.
• Flight: Embark on your onward journey from Kathmandu.