Kathmandu & Pokhara Tour 5 Days

Commence your day with an early morning breakfast before embarking on a captivating sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, exploring key landmarks. Begin with visits to Swoyambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square, each holding profound cultural and historical significance.

Swoyambhunath, a site with nearly 2500 years of history, is believed to be where the Radiant Lotus settled after the valley was drained by Manjushree, the god of Wisdom. Note that the Swayambhunath temple restricts entry to non-Hindus.

Next, marvel at Boudhanath, the world’s largest stupa representing Tibetan Buddhist culture. Move on to Pashupatinath, the holiest shrine for Hindus dedicated to Lord Shiva. This sacred site also serves as a Hindu cremation ground.

In the afternoon, explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, encompassing Hanuman Dhoka, the ancient royal residential quarter, Mahadev and Parvati Temple, Machhender Bahl, and the sacred Temple House of Kumari—the living goddess. Venture to Bhaktapur City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, characterized by its ancient town and medieval charm.

As the day unfolds, immerse yourself in the local bazaars during the evening, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. Conclude your day with a relaxing night stay at your chosen hotel or resort in Kathmandu, reflecting on the rich cultural tapestry you’ve experienced throughout the day.

OR (Optional)

Embark on an enriching sightseeing tour around Bhaktapur and Patan, commencing with a delightful early morning breakfast. Bhaktapur’s old Durbar Square beckons with its unique culture and a splendid showcase of exquisite craftsmanship. Remarkably preserved, Bhaktapur stands as the sole place in Nepal untouched by Western culture.

Explore key attractions such as the Lion Gate, Golden Gate, Art Gallery, Statue of King Bhupatindra, Nyatapola Temple, and the fifty-five-windowed Malla Palace—each offering a glimpse into Bhaktapur’s rich heritage. The city’s unique charm lies in its ability to transport visitors to a bygone era.

Following Bhaktapur, guests will be chauffeured to Patan to discover its treasures, including Patan Durbar Square, Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple, and other notable sites. Often referred to as an open museum, Patan showcases intricately carved windows, detailed roof struts, statues of deities, and temples designed in the pagoda style, featuring erotic carvings and exquisite metalwork facades.

For those interested in local crafts, a visit to a handicraft center in Patan offers an opportunity to witness skilled artisans at work. Conclude your day of exploration with a comfortable night stay at your chosen hotel or resort in Kathmandu, reminiscing about the cultural treasures discovered in Bhaktapur and Patan.

Commence your day with an early morning breakfast, followed by hotel check-out. Embark on a picturesque journey to Pokhara, covering a distance of approximately 232 kilometers, which translates to a 7 hours drive. Along the route to Pokhara, make a memorable stop to visit the Manakamana Temple, where a cable car journey (2-3 hours) awaits for a spiritual darshan. Please note that cable car tickets are to be arranged independently.

After the darshan, resume the journey towards Pokhara, arriving in the evening. Pokhara, recognized as a metropolis and the largest city in Nepal by area, unfolds its beauty with an altitude ranging from 827 meters / 2,713 feet in the southern part to 1,740 meters / 5,710 feet in the north. Nestled within 15-35 miles of the valley is the Annapurna Range, featuring three of the world’s highest mountains—Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and Manaslu. Given its close proximity to the Annapurna mountain range, Pokhara serves as a key base for trekkers venturing into the Annapurna Circuit.

Upon reaching Pokhara, check in at your chosen hotel. The evening is yours to explore the surroundings at your leisure. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of this enchanting city, known for its natural beauty and trekking opportunities. Enjoy an overnight stay in Pokhara, anticipating the adventures that lie ahead.

Begin your day early, around 4:30 AM, with a drive up Sarangkot hill. Take a brief stroll to witness the breathtaking sunrise casting its golden hues over the snow-capped peaks of Mount Fish Tail and the Annapurna range (approximately 2 hours). Return to your hotel for a satisfying breakfast.

The day continues with a half-day sightseeing tour in Pokhara, exploring various attractions like Davi’s Falls, Gupteshwor Mahadev Temple Cave, Goddess Bindyabashani Temple, Seti River Gorge, Tal Varahi Temple, the International Mountain Museum, Old Bazar, Bat Cave, Gurkha Museum, and an optional boating experience at Phewa Lake.

Later, transition to Kathmandu after an early morning breakfast. The journey covers approximately 230 kilometers, taking around 5 hours to reach Kathmandu in the late afternoon. Check out from your hotel and transfer to Kathmandu via Manakamana Temple for darshan by cable car (please arrange cable car tickets independently if not done earlier). Following the temple visit, proceed to Kathmandu, check in at your hotel, and enjoy an evening at leisure to explore Thamel or try your luck at one of the casinos. Retire to your hotel for an overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Commence your day with an early morning breakfast. Subsequently, depending on your flight timings, consider exploring the nearby mall or market for some shopping. Kathmandu offers an excellent opportunity to stock up on reading material or engage in book trading. The city’s used bookstores offer a diverse selection, ranging from backpacker favorites and classics to local history and culture.

Following your explorations, it’s time to check out from your hotel. Prepare for a drive of approximately one hour covering a distance of around 15 kilometers to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Depending on your flight schedule, you may opt to visit Thamel or explore some points of interest on the way to Kathmandu airport. Your journey forward begins as you embark on your flight.