This delightful tour lets you sample the cultural delights of Kathmandu and natural wonders of Pokhara. Visit ancient World Heritage Sites and bask in the splendor of the Himalaya.
Trip Facts
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3 Star Hotel
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Jan-Jun, Sep-Dec
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English, Japanese, Hindi
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1,400 m/4,593 ft
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Breakfast
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Car, Tourist Bus
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Provided
Trip Overview
Experience the delights of Nepal’s two most frequented destinations – Kathmandu and Pokhara. Discover the cultural highlights of Kathmandu, a city that is a wonderful mix of the old and the new. Visit ancient monuments, palaces of Malla Kings, and sacred Hindu and Buddhist shrines. Take a whirlwind tour to scenic Pokhara, the ‘City of Lakes. Savor the Himalayan experience from Sarangkot Hill.
Enjoy boating in peaceful Phewa Lake, under the watchful gaze of the magnificent Machapuchhre (Fishtail Peak). Explore the natural wonders of the city – Davis Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, Seti Gorge, etc. Find out more about the small Tibetan population by visiting the Tibetan quarters at the Tibetan Refugee Camp.
Trip Highlights
- Guided city tours in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites to witness the ancient temples, palaces, and monasteries.
- Experience the tranquility of Phewa Lake.
- Panoramic views of Himalayan peaks from Sarangkot and Pokhara.
- Awe-inspiring Himalayan sunrise from Sarangkot.
Trip Itineary
Our airport representative will welcome you at the airport and transfer to your hotel on a private tourist vehicle. We will have a well managed Guided Tour around Kathmandu on the same day, an experience city guide and the vehicle will be provided. You will be visiting the following places:
Kathmandu Durbar Square
This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece here is the 17th- century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. The Durbar Square is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. There are also three museums inside the palace building.
Swoyambhunath Stupa – The Monkey Temple
This spectacular monument watches over the valley from the top of a hillock on its western side. The huge stupa is one of the holiest Buddhists sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Swoyambhu is also known as Samhengu and the Monkey temple because of the countless monkeys living at the premises.
Note: If you arrive after 4 pm, there will be a briefing about the trip with our guide. It will be a short pre-trip meeting. Make sure to confirm your queries about the trip. If you arrive before 4 pm, a pre-trip meeting will be organized at our office on the same day. Meet and greet with our trip guide.
Be sure to bring the following documents to the meeting; two copies of passport-sized photos and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy.
Transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara 7-8 hours drive on a private vehicle.
After we have breakfast we head to Pokhara on a tourist bus, van or a car, depending on the size of the group. It is a scenic drive where you get to witness rural settlements and inspiring Himalayan scenery. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.
Wake up early to catch the sunrise from Sarangkot Hill.
A 45-minute drive followed by a 25-minute hike brings us to the viewpoint, the best spot in Pokhara to witness the golden sun rising over the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak), with views of the Pokhara Valley and Phewa Lake. After a 15-minute walk down and a 45-minute drive back, return to the hotel for breakfast.
Later in the day, visit these sites:
Barahi Temple and Phewa Lake
Enjoy boating on Phewa Lake, situated at 800m above sea level and surrounded by forested slopes. In the middle of the lake lies the Barahi Temple, a two-storeyed pagoda dedicated to the female force Shakti. The peaceful setting is enhanced by the reflection of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre shimmering in the lake’s calm waters, making it both a religious and scenic highlight of Pokhara.
Gupteshwor Cave
Located across from Davis Fall, this revered cave stretches nearly 3 km and features hall-sized chambers and narrow passages where visitors may need to crouch. Inside, a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva is preserved in the condition it was discovered, giving the cave immense religious significance. The echoing interiors and natural rock formations add to the sense of mystery and reverence.
Davis Fall
On the southern flank of Pokhara Valley, the stream from Phewa Lake plunges into a deep gorge, rushing through potholes in a dramatic cascade known locally as Patale Chhango. The thundering waterfall disappears into underground tunnels, creating a powerful natural spectacle that fascinates both locals and visitors.
Tibetan Refugee Camp
Visit Tashiling and Tashi Palkhel villages, where Tibetan refugees settled in the 1950s have preserved their cultural heritage. The communities are renowned for their skill in producing woolen carpets and intricate handicrafts. Walking through the camp offers an insight into Tibetan traditions, monasteries, and a way of life that remains vibrant in exile.
Bindhabasini Temple
Situated in the heart of the old bazaar, this temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati is one of Pokhara’s most important religious sites. Surrounded by tranquil park grounds, it serves as a peaceful gathering place for devotees and visitors alike. The temple’s elevated position also offers glimpses of the surrounding valley and mountains, making it both a spiritual and scenic stop.
After an early breakfast we leave Pokhara and return to Kathmandu (7-8 hours drive). Upon arrival, we check in at the designated hotel.
After returning to Kathmandu, you can spend the rest of the day at leisure. Explore Kathmandu on your own. Stroll along the streets of Kathmandu for some last-minute shopping. In the evening, we host a farewell dinner in a fine restaurant. (Your guide(s) and an office staff will accompany you).
You have the option to extend your trip. Go rafting, Kathmandu valley shopping tour or mountain biking, .
The trip concludes. Our airport representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your flight departure from Nepal.
Costs Include/Exclude
Price Includes
Accommodation
✅ Twin-sharing/double accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara for 2 nights each, including breakfast
✅ Private room accommodation can be arranged at an extra cost
Meals
✅ Farewell dinner on the last night in Nepal
Guided City Tour
✅ Guided city tour in Kathmandu and Pokhara by private vehicle
Transportation
✅ All international and domestic airport transfers by tourist vehicle
✅ All ground transportation by private tourist vehicle
Guide and Staff
✅ Licensed English-speaking guide
✅ Required ground staff (driver, helpers, etc.)
✅ Staff wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications
Permits
✅ Entry permits and fees for temples, parks, monasteries, and cultural/historical sites
Benefits and Takeaways
✅ Duffel/kit bag & sun hat
Administrative & Taxes
✅ All administrative expenses and government taxes
Price Excludes
❌ International flight fare and airport departure tax
❌ Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
❌ All beverages including bottled and boiled water
❌ Tips for guide and driver (tipping is expected)
❌ Nepal entry visa fees
❌ Travel insurance
❌ Any expenses not mentioned in the “Price Includes” section
Riding Gears And Equipments
All you need to bring for this tour is simply some comfortable clothes. There is no requirement for special equipment on the tour. However, for your ease, the following gives you a general idea about the personal items you need to manage for the trip. The personal items referred to here are optional and depend upon your choice. The most important factor to be considered while choosing the equipment and your backpack is the time of the year you are traveling.
We will supply complimentary water and a windproof duffel bag, which you can use on the tour for your shopping purpose. The duffel bag is yours to keep.
Therefore, this list is only a guide. You can use the list as a reference. There are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of clothing and equipment. Use your experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you. Some of the above equipment can be easily found in stores in Kathmandu.
(please note that winter wears are only necessary if in case you’re traveling in the month of Nov – Dec)
General
- Rucksack bag or suitcase
- Day pack Warm wool or synthetic hat that covers your ears
- A pair of pair warm gloves
- T-shirts, cotton pants (loose jeans/khakis), shorts, and a waterproof shell jacket (preferable if you are traveling in the rainy season from June to September)
- Lightweight long underwear/thermals
- Light camping shoes or sneakers
- Sandals/flip-flops (Optional)
- Sunglasses
- Neck gaiter
- Daypack (35-45 liters recommended) with rain cover
- Wool or technical fabric liner gloves
- Liner socks (optional such as silk)
First Aid Kits and Medications
(Please note our guide will also carry the first-aid bag during the tour. However, we still recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well.)
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
- Immodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
- One small-sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as mole skin, band-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc
Other Essentials
- Passport
- Extra copies of passport-sized photos
- Reusable water bottle
- Toiletry kits
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen
- Waterproof/dry bags for carrying important documents and money
- Airline tickets (Please leave a copy at our office in Kathmandu. This can be useful if there is a change in the date of the flight.)
Optional
Once in Nepal, if you have the time, you can purchase supplies you need while touring. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hub, is home to many shops where you can get a variety of reasonably priced equipment.
- Power bank or extra batteries
- Cameras and mobile phone
- Binoculars
- Cards/book
Important Information
- We give you a free duffel bag and baseball cap during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffel bag will be used to pack your touring supplies.
- This list is only a guide. You can use the list as a reference.
- There are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of clothing and equipment.
- Use your experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you.
- Some of the above equipment can be easily found in stores in Kathmandu.
Note: Some clothing, especially form-fitting, figure-hugging items made of elastic material (like yoga pants), may offend locals. Therefore, if you choose to wear these clothes for comfort, please make sure to wear something over them.
Trip-FAQ
The best time is spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for clear skies, pleasant weather, and stunning mountain views. Winter is also good, while monsoon (June–August) brings rain.
Yes, most travelers need a Nepal visa, which can be obtained on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or from a Nepalese embassy.
You will stay in comfortable 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast included.
Yes, this is an easy cultural and leisure tour suitable for families, couples, and senior travelers. No trekking experience is required.
You can travel by tourist bus (6–7 hours) or take a domestic flight (25–30 minutes) for a quicker and more scenic journey.
Highlights include UNESCO heritage sites in Kathmandu, scenic lakes in Pokhara, sunrise views from Sarangkot, and stunning Himalayan panoramas.
Breakfast is included daily, along with a farewell dinner. Lunch and dinner can be enjoyed at local restaurants.
Yes, a professional English-speaking guide will accompany you during sightseeing tours in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
