Kathmandu and Pokhara Adventure

duration 7 days
from usd 580 All inclusive
difficulty Easy

Activities are optional. None require prior experience or fitness level
best season Aug-May

trip overview

Discover Nepal’s soul through an extraordinary 7-day odyssey that awakens your spirit and ignites your sense of adventure across two legendary destinations. This transformative expedition weaves together heart-pounding adventures with profound cultural encounters, taking you from the mystical alleyways of ancient Kathmandu to the adrenaline-charged paradise of Pokhara.

Key Highlights

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Explore Kathmandu’s ancient royal palace complexes and sacred Buddhist stupas

Sacred Hindu & Buddhist Experiences: Witness profound spiritual ceremonies at Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa

Lakeside Paradise: Discover Pokhara’s pristine lakes, mystical caves, and panoramic mountain views

Cultural Immersion: Traditional workshops, local community interactions, and authentic Nepali cuisine

Optional Adventures: Sunrise paragliding, traditional crafts, meditation sessions, and mountain photography

Comfortable Journey: Private vehicle travel with flexible stops through scenic mountain highways

Detailed itinerary

day 01
Arrival in Kathmandu - Cultural Introduction

Your Nepal adventure begins upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. After check-in and a brief rest, embark on your first cultural exploration of Kathmandu and visit the Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple.

Points of Interest:
- Tribhuvan International Airport arrival and transfer
- Hotel check-in and orientation briefing
- Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) exploration
- 365 stone steps climb to hilltop monastery
- Panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley
- Buddhist prayer wheels and chanting mantras
- Traditional welcome dinner with authentic Nepali cuisine
Travel Duration: 1 hour airport transfer, 30 minutes to Swayambhunath
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Meal: Welcome dinner
day 02
Kathmandu Heritage Sites Exploration

Visit some of the World Heritage Sites, as listed by UNESCO, in Kathmandu beginning with Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. Experience the rich culture and traditional way of living while participating in authentic workshops and spiritual ceremonies.

Points of Interest:
- Pashupatinath Temple morning prayers and cremation ceremonies
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square ancient royal courtyard
- Traditional pottery workshop with local artisans
- 55-Window Palace and traditional Newari architecture
- Boudhanath Stupa – one of the largest Buddhist stupas
- Tibetan cooking class with refugee families
- Evening aarti ceremony at Pashupatinath
- Traditional wood carving and metalwork workshops
Travel Duration: 3 hours total for all heritage sites
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast & traditional Tibetan lunch
day 03
Drive to Pokhara - Mountain Highway Journey

Begin your journey to the famous tourist town of Pokhara by private tourist vehicle. The seven-hour trip takes you through serpentine roads carved into the hills with flexible stops for lunch and snacks in villages along the way, with your private vehicle allowing personalized stops and comfortable travel at your own pace.

Points of Interest:
- Private vehicle comfort with air conditioning and flexibility
- Scenic mountain highway drive through terraced hillsides
- Personalized stops at traditional villages for cultural interaction
- Flexible lunch breaks at authentic local restaurants
- Changing landscapes from valley to mountain regions
- Rural Nepali life observation with photo opportunities
- Phewa Lake arrival and lakeside walk
- Traditional welcome ceremony with local musicians
- Mountain views and lake reflections
Travel Duration: 7 hours drive from Kathmandu with flexible stops
- Accommodation: Lakeside hotel in Pokhara
- Meal: Breakfast & village lunch
day 04
Pokhara Adventure Activities

Experience Pokhara’s natural and cultural attractions with guided tours of Bindabashani Temple, Old Pokhara City, Seti river gorges, Gorkha Museum, Phewa Lake and Barahi temple. Begin with sunrise paragliding for spectacular mountain views.

Points of Interest:
- Sunrise paragliding over lakes and valleys with Annapurna backdrop
- Bindabashani Temple visit
- Old Pokhara City exploration
- Seti river gorges natural wonder
- Gorkha Museum with traditional warrior training session
- Phewa Lake traditional fishing experience
- Barahi temple boat ride
- Sunset yoga session on lake shores
Travel Duration: 2 hours paragliding excursion, 4 hours city sightseeing
- Accommodation: Lakeside hotel in Pokhara
- Meal: Breakfast
day 05
Mountain Views and Cultural Exploration

Visit the World Peace Pagoda in the morning, a beautiful place to explore and see the city, the lake and the mountains. Continue with visits to the Tibetan Refugee Camp, Gupteshwor Cave, and Davis Fall.

Points of Interest:
- World Peace Pagoda sunrise meditation session
- Panoramic views of Pokhara Valley and mountains
- Tibetan Refugee Camp cultural interaction
- Traditional singing bowl workshop and healing techniques
- Gupteshwor Cave sacred limestone chambers
- Davis Fall (Patale Chhango) underground waterfall
- Hidden waterfall discovery beyond tourist areas
- Night photography workshop under Himalayan stars
- Authentic Thakali mountain cuisine feast
Travel Duration: 3 hours total for mountain excursions, 2 hours for cultural activities
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast & traditional Thakali dinner
day 06
Return to Kathmandu and Farewell Celebration

Leave for Kathmandu in the morning by private tourist vehicle, passing through the same towns and villages with comfortable travel and flexible stops, followed by a complementary farewell dinner in the evening to officially end your trip. Optional morning adventure activities available before departure.

Points of Interest:
- Optional zip-lining adventure over Pokhara valley
- Private vehicle comfort for return journey with personalized stops
- Scenic mountain landscapes with photo opportunities
- Rural village observations and cultural insights
- Comfortable air-conditioned travel with flexibility
- Kathmandu arrival and hotel check-in
- Traditional Nepali cultural performance dinner
- Classical and folk dances from different regions
- Multi-course authentic cuisine experience
- Memory book creation session with photos and stories
Travel Duration: 7 hours drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu with comfortable stops
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Meal: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
day 07
Final Departure

Enjoy breakfast and take advantage of remaining time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing depending on your flight schedule, before airport transfer for final departure.

Points of Interest:
- Sunrise blessing ceremony at local temple
- Guided artisan market tour for authentic souvenirs
- Traditional handicrafts and textiles shopping
- Thamel district exploration
- Singing bowls and thangka paintings
- Airport transfer assistance
- Final cultural insights and travel recommendations
- Meal: Breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation: 6 nights in three star hotels (3 nights in city Kathmandu, 3 nights lakeside Pokhara) on twin sharing basis
Transportation: Private tourist vehicle for all transfers, sightseeing, and Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu journey including airport pickup and drop-off
Meals: Daily breakfast, welcome dinner in Kathmandu, village lunch en route to Pokhara, traditional Thakali dinner in Pokhara, and farewell dinner with cultural performances
Guide Services: Professional English-speaking guide throughout the trip
Sightseeing Tours: UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Bhaktapur, Boudhanath) and all guided tours mentioned in itinerary
Entry Fees: All monument, museum, temple, national park and conservation area entrance fees
Cultural Experiences: Traditional cultural performance shows with folk dances and basic local community interactions during sightseeing

What's Not Included

International Travel: Airfare to/from Nepal, visa fees, and travel insurance
Personal Expenses: Shopping, souvenirs, laundry, telephone calls, internet, medical expenses, alcoholic beverages, and room service
Optional Activities: Sunrise paragliding, traditional workshops (pottery, cooking, singing bowl), warrior training, fishing experience, meditation sessions, photography workshops, zip-lining, yoga sessions, and helicopter transfers
Additional Services: Meals not specified in itinerary, snacks and beverages during travel, tips for guide/driver/hotel staff, porter fees, single room supplement, early check-in/late check-out fees, extra accommodation, emergency evacuation, and any services not specifically mentioned in inclusions

Accommodation during the Trip

Kathmandu Accommodation

Three Star Hotel in City

Location: Central Kathmandu city area for easy access to heritage sites and attractions
Room Type: Twin sharing basis with comfortable bedding
Duration: 3 nights (Days 1, 2, and 6)
Amenities: Standard three star facilities including private bathrooms, room service, and daily housekeeping
Proximity: Convenient access to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Bhaktapur, and Boudhanath 1

Pokhara Accommodation

Three Star Lakeside Hotel

Location: Lakeside area (Baidam) with views of Phewa Lake
Room Type: Twin sharing basis with lake or mountain views
Duration: 3 nights (Days 3, 4, and 5)
Amenities: Standard three star facilities with lakeside location benefits
Proximity: Walking distance to Phewa Lake, local restaurants, and adventure activity operators 2

Standard Inclusions

Daily breakfast at both hotels
Twin sharing accommodation (single room supplement available at extra cost)
Hotel check-in assistance and orientation briefing
Comfortable rooms suitable for rest after daily sightseeing activities

Additional Notes

All accommodations provide basic three star comfort and cleanliness standards
Hotels are selected for their convenient locations to minimize travel time to attractions
Room upgrades and single occupancy available upon request with additional charges
Early check-in and late check-out subject to availability and may incur extra fees

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Nepal for this tour?

The best season for this Kathmandu and Pokhara tour is from August to May 1. The optimal months are October-November and March-May when skies are clearest for mountain views and weather is most pleasant. Monsoon season (June-August) brings heavy rains but also lush green landscapes and fewer crowds.
What should I pack for this 7-day tour?

Pack comfortable walking shoes for temple visits and sightseeing, layered clothing for varying temperatures, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for religious sites, light rain jacket, sunscreen, hat, camera, and personal medications. Bring both warm and cool weather clothes as temperatures vary between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Do I need a visa to visit Nepal?

Most nationalities can obtain a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. Visa fees vary by duration (15, 30, or 90 days) and must be paid in USD. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from entry date.
What fitness level is required for this tour?

This tour has an easy difficulty level and activities are optional with no prior experience or fitness level required. The main physical activity is climbing the 365 steps to Swayambhunath Stupa, which can be done at your own pace.
Are there altitude concerns for this itinerary?

Kathmandu sits at approximately 1,400 meters and Pokhara at 800 meters elevation, so altitude sickness is not a concern for this tour. These are comfortable elevations for all travelers.
What weather should I expect?

Weather varies by season. October-November offers clear skies and mild temperatures. December-February can be cool with morning fog. March-May is warm and clear. June-September brings monsoon rains but also vibrant green landscapes.
What currency is used and how should I handle money?

Nepal uses the Nepali Rupee (NPR). USD is widely accepted for visa fees and some tourist services. ATMs are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and some restaurants, but carry cash for local markets and small vendors.
Is the private vehicle transportation comfortable?

Yes, the private tourist vehicle includes air conditioning and flexibility for personalized stops. The 7-hour journey between Kathmandu and Pokhara includes comfortable seating and stops for meals and sightseeing.
Is this tour safe for solo travelers?

Nepal is generally safe for tourists, and this guided tour provides additional security. Solo travelers are welcome, though single room supplements apply. Your English-speaking guide accompanies you throughout the journey.
What cultural etiquette should I observe?

Remove shoes before entering temples, dress modestly covering shoulders and knees, ask permission before photographing people, use your right hand for giving/receiving items, and show respect during religious ceremonies. Your guide will provide specific guidance at each site.
Are there photography restrictions?

Photography is generally allowed at most sites, though some temples may restrict flash photography or charge camera fees. Always ask permission before photographing people, especially during religious ceremonies. Some museums may prohibit photography entirely.
How do I book optional activities?

Optional activities like sunrise paragliding, traditional workshops, and adventure sports can be arranged through your guide during the tour or booked in advance. Prices vary by activity and season. Your guide will help coordinate bookings based on weather and availability.
What is the typical group size?

This private tour can accommodate various group sizes. The itinerary works well for couples, families, or small groups. Larger groups can be accommodated with advance notice.
Are there age restrictions for this tour?

There are no specific age restrictions as the tour difficulty is easy. Children and elderly travelers can participate comfortably. Optional activities like paragliding may have age or health restrictions that will be explained during booking.
What happens if weather affects the itinerary?

Your guide will adjust activities based on weather conditions. Indoor alternatives like museums and cultural sites can substitute for outdoor activities during poor weather. The flexible private vehicle allows for itinerary modifications as needed.
Is travel insurance recommended?

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and evacuation is highly recommended for all Nepal travel. This is excluded from the tour package and must be arranged independently.
What type of food can I expect?

The tour includes traditional Nepali cuisine featuring dal bhat (rice and lentils), momos (dumplings), and regional specialties. Vegetarian options are readily available. International cuisine is also available in Kathmandu and Pokhara restaurants.

Essential Trip Information

Please make sure you take a travel insurance at home before arriving here. It is mandatory and you cannot take it in Nepal. Your insurance agent will know which insurance plan suits your travel.
It is advisable that you free up a few days before and after your trip schedule. For reasons beyond our control like flight delays, accidents and natural hazards, the itinerary may have to be altered.
Please inform us and our guides if you have any medical condition that might affect your trip. Please consult your doctor beforehand for any precautions you need to take and always carry medicines if you need them. However, our guides and local support staff have been trained in basic medical intervention and your travel insurance covers any emergency rescue or evacuation.
You may decide to alter your itinerary to some degree as long as there are no time constraints and everyone consents, if you are travelling in a group. Talk to us before embarking on the trip or you may also talk to our guides to see if we can arrange something. One thing we have learned from mountaineering all these years is however good you plan your journey, there are bound to be some improvisations to make our experience richer.

Packing Checklist

Documents

Valid passport (6+ months validity)
Nepal tourist visa (available on arrival)
Travel insurance documentation
USD cash for visa fees and tips

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Travellers	PRICING FROM (USD)
1	990
2-3	580
4-9	490

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As one of the core guiding principles for Mountain Kick, we always give back to the mountain community in any way we can as a means of gratitude. The people who live in the Himalayas and share their homes with us deserve to have all their little problems fixed which seem very basic for outsiders but are commonplace in rural Nepal. The people lack proper access to healthcare, sanitation and education but a little effort from travellers goes on a long way to solve these issues. Mountain Kick has made it its corporate social responsibility to help improve the living standards of the local community. We make donations to their cause, organize social campaigns and programs and also have a few trips designed to mix a little volunteer work in your holiday.