Valley With Panoramic View Tour

Kathmandu–Pokhara Tour offers cultural tours of the Kathmandu Valley, where its temples and heritage sites stand among the most compact, concise monuments found anywhere in the world. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is well known as the city of the Living Goddess (Kumari), who is worshipped and taken out in a chariot procession annually during the Dashain Festival – the greatest Hindu festival.

Kathmandu is not a large city compared to others in South Asia, yet it is a fascinating one, where pagodas, narrow cobbled lanes, old carved windows, and stone shrines form the backdrop for everyday life that continues unhindered.

Kathmandu Valley is known as the city of Living Goddesses, whose smiles are considered a benediction. There are reincarnate Lamas who foresee the future through the roll of dice and scriptural references. Adventurous walks lead to legendary places where ogres once lived, where Goddesses danced, and where Gods were held ransom by tantric yogis.

Hidden gardens lie behind palaces, unexplored courtyards witness miracles, and the Buddha himself is believed to have visited this region. There are hillocks where a patron saint of Sikhism once lived and where the pagoda roof was invented. Courtyards adorned with intricate stone carvings and masked dancers possessed by deities add to the valley’s mystique.

Pokhara, at an elevation of 900 meters and 210 km west of Kathmandu, is the largest valley in Nepal. A scenic mountain-side drive of approximately 5–6 hours or a picturesque half-hour flight brings you to this serene valley. Famous for its lakes and magnificent Himalayan views, Pokhara is ideal for travellers seeking a peaceful retreat—boating on the calm waters of Phewa Lake, taking day hikes in nearby hills, or embarking on short treks into the Himalayas.

Pokhara is an extraordinary landscape and one of the most attractive destinations in Nepal. Its treasures include the tranquillity of Phewa Lake, spectacular views of the Annapurna Himalayan range and Mount Machhapuchhre (6,977 m), lush green hills, terraced farms, diverse vegetation, and vibrant rivers. Since ancient times, Pokhara has served as a traditional trading hub between India and Tibet. Today, it is a base camp for trekking and rafting trips across the Annapurna and Western Nepal regions.

The island temple of Barahi, accessible from Baidam by dugout canoe, is a two-storied pagoda dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Ajima. On Saturdays, devotees cross the lake carrying live animals for sacrifice. Bindhyabasini Mandir, located northeast of Phewa Lake near the Old Bazaar, is another revered temple where devotees gather on Saturdays for prayers and rituals.

The Old Bazaar remains a bustling commercial hub for traders from remote Himalayan regions, while the lakeside area is a favourite holiday spot for visitors from across the globe.

TRIP FACTS

Country: Nepal
Destination: Kathmandu & Pokhara Valley
Duration: 6 days
Activities: Tour
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Altitude: 2,100 m
Seasons: Sep–Nov, Mar–May

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel

Meet our Airport Representative, receive a warm welcome, and transfer to the hotel in a private vehicle. Details of the upcoming tour will be briefed either at the hotel or at our office. Includes B.D.

Day 02: Full-day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Valley

Visit Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Budhanilkantha, and Pashupatinath Temple (1350 m).
After breakfast, you will begin a full-day sightseeing tour. Start with the centuries-old Swayambhunath, located on a hilltop offering panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. After spending around two hours exploring the site, proceed to Kathmandu Durbar Square, another historic landmark, and visit Kumari Ghar, the residence of the Living Goddess.

Continue to Budhanilkantha to witness the iconic statue of the Sleeping Vishnu. Next, visit Boudhanath Stupa, a central hub for Tibetan culture in Nepal. End the day with a visit to the sacred Pashupatinath Temple area before returning to the hotel. Includes B.L.D.

Day 03: Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Lalitpur Durbar Square, and Central Zoo

After breakfast, drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a historic Newari city known for its rich architecture, including the 55-Window Palace built during the Malla era. Visit nearby temples and a traditional pottery square. Then proceed to Lalitpur Durbar Square, enjoy lunch, and explore important temples in the area.

Later, visit the Central Zoo and return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. Includes B.L.D.

Day 04: Kathmandu to Pokhara (800 m) & half-day Sightseeing

Fly to Pokhara in the morning, enjoying stunning Himalayan views along the way. Upon arrival, transfer to Fish Tail Lodge and prepare for a half-day sightseeing trip after lunch. Enjoy boating on Phewa Lake, admire the reflection of Machhapuchhre in the water, and visit Barahi Temple in the middle of the lake.

Later, visit nearby Buddhist and Hindu temples before returning to the hotel. Includes B.L.D.

Day 05: Full-day sightseeing in and around Pokhara (800–1700 m)

After breakfast, drive to Sarangkot, one of Nepal’s most famous viewpoints known for sunrise and Himalayan panoramas. Spend about two hours exploring the surroundings. Then visit Devi’s Fall, followed by lunch in Pokhara.

In the afternoon, visit Rupa and Begnas Lakes, then explore a museum and the Tibetan Refugee Camp. End the day with dinner and a cultural show. Includes B.L.D.

POKHARA HIGHLIGHTS

Phewa Tal:

The second-largest lake in Nepal, measuring roughly 1.5 km by 4 km, is the heart of Pokhara’s charm. Wooden boats and sailboats can be rented, and the view of the mountains reflected on the still water is breathtaking.

Barahi Temple:

A two-storied pagoda dedicated to the boar manifestation of Goddess Ajima, located on an island in Phewa Lake. Devotees frequently visit, especially on Saturdays.

World Peace Pagoda:

A magnificent Buddhist stupa perched on a hill offering spectacular views of the Annapurna range and Pokhara city. Reachable by boat ride and a short hike.

Seti Gandaki:

A powerful river that runs deep below the city, at points appearing only two meters wide while plunging over 20 meters deep. Mahendra Pul offers a dramatic viewpoint.

Devi's Fall:

A striking waterfall located southwest of Pokhara Airport. Legend has it that a foreigner named David was swept away through an underground passage here.

Gupteshwar Gupha:

A sacred cave located across from Devi’s Fall, stretching nearly 3 km with large chambers and narrow passages. It contains a revered Shiva lingam. Photography is prohibited inside.

Day 06: Half-day Sightseeing in Pokhara and fly back to Kathmandu

After breakfast, visit Mahendra Cave and other nearby temples or monasteries, depending on time. After lunch, transfer to the airport and fly back to Kathmandu. Includes B.L.D.

Day 07: Final Departure or choice of additional programs

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