You have probably heard about Kathmandu and Pokhara being the two cities of dust, crowd, noise, and chaos. Well, we invite you on our short Kathmandu Pokhara Tour so you can get acquainted with a completely different two cities.
Our 6-day 5, 5-night Kathmandu Pokhara tour offers the most beautiful and splendid itinerary for travelers who want to explore Nepal in a short period of time. You can enjoy the cultural wonders and explore ancient religious monuments in Kathmandu. You can also enjoy the flourishing paradise of Nepal with the natural beauty and culture of Pokhara, which has become famous domestically and internationally.
Talking about Kathmandu, it is the largest city in Nepal located at the confluence of the two sacred rivers: Vishnumati and Bagmati. It is the political, economic, and cultural capital of Nepal, blessed by the living goddess Kumari. It is only at an altitude of 1350 m and is home to seven World Heritage Sites of UNESCO.
Its architecture features an intersection of ancient Newari, Hindu, and Buddhist architecture coexisting with modern buildings and larger roads. Regarding religion, the majority of the population in Kathmandu follows Hinduism and Buddhism. People here like to welcome their guests with a smile and a Namaste.
On the other hand, Pokhara has been the enchanting city subject of many travel writers. The pristine atmosphere, breathtaking views of snowy peaks, serene lakes, and surrounding greenery make this a Himalayan gem, a place of remarkable natural beauty.
Just 200 Km away from Kathmandu, Pokhara, at an altitude of 822 m, lies in Western Nepal on the edge of Lake Phewa. It is the second largest city after Kathmandu and is known for boating, trekking, rafting, and adventure sports like rafting, canoeing, and bungee jumping.
Blessed with nature, you can see breathtaking views of the Himalayas and three of the ten highest Himalayas in the world – Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and Manaslu from Pokhara. The peak of Machhapuchhare Mountain towers high above Pokhara reflected in the calm waters of Phewa Lake. Furthermore, Pokhara is the base for trekking enthusiasts and adventurous travelers who want to start exploring the Annapurna Circuit.
All these elements make our short Kathmandu Pokhara tour an ideal choice for a memorable family vacation that you can enjoy with your children and grandparents. Favorable to undertake in any season, we offer cozy accommodations and reliable transportation throughout our tour.
In addition, you can enjoy the breathtaking mountain vistas without any concerns about altitude sickness. This tour offers everything you could desire in an unforgettable adventure.
Our exceptional Kathmandu Pokhara tour begins upon your arrival in TIA. We will then dedicate the entire day to the sightseeing excursion of Kathmandu. Included in the lists are Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
We will then either drive or fly to Pokhara, enjoying the mesmerizing views of the massive Himalayas. The next day, we will take a tour of important tourist sites of the city, including an early morning sunrise view from Sarangkot, a boat ride on Lake Phewa, a visit to World Peace Pagoda, Pumdikot Shiva statue, Devis Falls, Gupteswor Cave, International Mountain museum and Tibetan Refugee camp.
Concluding our journey, we will return to Kathmandu and do some shopping for authentic handicrafts and other items.
Kathmandu Durbar Square is situated in the city center and is also known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square because, right at the entrance to the royal palace, there is a statue of the monkey god Hanuman. There are over 40 temples built here from the 12th to the 18th century.
The center of the square is the Maiju Deval temple, built in 1690. Inside the temple, there is a very famous linga of Shiva, so this temple is also called Shiva temple. This is the abode of Kumari, also known as the Virgin Goddess.
A must-visit place when traveling to Kathmandu! The white Boudhanath stupa is 36m high, and each part of the stupa has a different meaning. The base is built like a mandala. The body of the tower has the image of Buddha’s eyes painted on all four sides, with the symbol number 1, which signifies the unity of Buddhism.
Above is a 13-step pyramid symbolizing practice to reach liberation. The dome and cone are gilded with gold combined with the noble royal symbol parasol. Around the tower are brightly colored Buddhist flags with mantras fluttering in the wind. Prayer flags have five colors – symbolizing the five basic elements: Yellow represents earth, green represents water, red represents fire, white represents wind, and blue represents space.
Swayambhunath Temple, or Monkey Temple, is popular with visitors from near and far. It is located on top of a hill overlooking the valley. Here, you can admire incredible city views, where faith and harmony are on full display. The original Buddhist stupa is deeply symbolic with its white dome, ornate bronze spire, and impressive Buddha eyes.
It is a revered Hindu temple near Tribhuvan Airport. It is the best place for tourists to experience the Hindu faith through a series of historic buildings, exquisite carvings, and a special public cremation ceremony by the sacred Bagmati River.
Pashupatinath is also a large complex, so the panoramic views across the temples and ashrams are unique compared to other temples you will visit in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu city has a lot of cafes and restaurants and Nepali dishes on offer. Dishes range from continental, Chinese, Tibetan, Indian, Nepali and local dishes.
You can enjoy momo, a type of dumpling filled with buffalo, chicken, or vegetables combined with daal, curry, stewed vegetables, pickles, and curd. Chiya, a type of milk tea, is also a must-try.
In addition, you can also try the local Newari dishes such as Yomari (rice dumpling filled with chaku or khuwa sweets), Chhoela (minced buffalo meat), Bara ( lentil patties), Alu Tama Bodi (curry of fermented bamboo shoots) etc.
You can also find unique Tibetan cuisines, including Thukpa, Sha Phaley, Laphing, Thenthuk, etc.
Sarangkot is a small village about 15km from Pokhara. It is very special because from here, you can see the entire Pokhara valley, especially the peaks of the Himalayas.
Sarangkot also has a paragliding service over the mountains at dawn. You will be able to fly closer to the mountains, fly like a bird in the vast space, and witness magical colors from pink and purple.
Devi’s Falls is an underground waterfall; at some points, it rises to the surface and flows through Gupteshwor Mahadev cave. The uniqueness of Devil Falls has made this place a tourist attraction. At Devi’s Falls, there are typical Nepali house models and statues of Nepali people wearing traditional costumes to help visitors understand more about life, people, and culture.
One of the most beautiful Pokhara tourist destinations , Phewa Lake is surrounded by forests and white mountain peaks. The clear reflections of mountain peaks on the water are something you must see when you come here. You can find many colorfully painted boats at the Phewa Lake scenic area. Boating on Phewa Lake will be the highlight of your Pokhara trip.
Pokhara is also known for its numerous caves among which MAhendra Cave, Bat cave, and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave are the famous ones. Mahendra Cave is located in Batulechaur, the northernmost part of the city.
Bat Cave also known as Chamero Gufa in Nepali is 10 minutes away from Mahendra Cave. The cave is very famous for the bats hanging on the walls.
Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is more of a religious site for pilgrims to visit. It is located opposite the Devi’s Fall and as you descend into the depths of the cave you will come across the waters of Devi’s Fall.
The pagoda is a large Buddha stupa and is located on a hilltop on the south bank of Phewa lake. This temple is a wonderful spot with breathtaking views of the Annapurna range and the city of Pokhara.
A top attraction in Pokhara is a visit to the International Mountaineering museum, since Nepal possesses eight of the world’s highest peaks and is world-famous for trekking. The museum is dedicated to honoring this history.
Pokhara serves different types of food according to your needs and also traditional Nepali cuisine . There are many domestic and international restaurants that serve you the meal you desire.
The most enjoyable food is the taste of fresh fish caught from Phewa Tal. Whereas Macchhapuchre Kiss can easily be called the best dessert in the world. Similarly, frozen yogurt is widely available similarly to ice cream, but it is made with yogurt instead of cream.
Welcome to the capital of Nepal, in a country of ancient culture, unique monuments and rare beauty of nature. Our representative will meet you at TIA and transfer you to your hotel. After checking into your booked hotel, you can relax and rest for a while.
After sometime, our guide will meet you at the hotel and tell you about the upcoming tour and additional options. Depending on your flight time, if you have time, you can wander around Thamel street for a first acquaintance with the Nepali atmosphere, and culture.
In the evening, you can eat dinner at one of the fine Nepali restaurants of the city with a program of Nepalese music and dance. After enjoying the charming evening, you can return to your hotel for overnight rest.
After breakfast, we will go on an excursion to the grandiose Swayambhunath stupa , one of the world famous Buddhist religious sites. It is the oldest stupa built on the trade route from India to Tibet about 2000 years ago, on the four sides of which the all-seeing eyes of Buddha are depicted. It is located on a hill, to the top of which a staircase of 365 steps leads, with a panoramic view of the entire city of Kathmandu from above.
After visiting Swayambhunath, we will stop for lunch at one of the nice restaurant, then drive to the ancient Hindu temple complex of Pashupatinath – a cremation site for Hindus. Here you can see a magnificent Shiva temple along with the giant golden sculpture of Bull (Nandi- vehicle of Lord Shiva).
Although only Hindus are allowed inside, you can have a clear view of both the temple and what goes on inside the temple from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River.
Then we will pay a visit to the grandest Buddhist stupa Boudhanath (5th century). Near the stupa there are many Buddhist monasteries and temples, which you can visit during worship and see the rituals of worshiping Buddha.
In the evening, we will explore the Kathmandu Durbar Square, where there is an abundance of sculptures, temples with scenes of an erotic nature. Then we will return to our hotel for overnight rest.
Get ready for a long yet most rewarding drive along the Prithvi Highway to reach the tourist capital of Nepal- Pokhara. As we progress on our journey, the city landscape gives way to the rural setting with green vegetation, cultivated lands, and the great Himalayas.
Moving further, we will have an enchanting view of the Trishuli River, where you may see numerous rafters enjoying the waves of its roaring waters. Then, the road trip will take you further to the Mugling-Narayanghat Highway, traversing through the rich forest.
We will also get a glimpse of the ancient Newari town of Bandipur and the Manakamana Temple along the route. As our approach to Pokhara comes closer, we will pass by the serene Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake. As for the mountain views, the scenic route to Pokhara offers magical views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, and the five peaks of Annapurna.
Pokhara is one of the most beautiful cities in Nepal, which is located at the foot of Mount Annapurna. The city has been a center of hedonism and relaxation for many years. We will sign in the hotel and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of Lakeside when dining in one of its bustling restaurants.
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We can also avoid the long road trip to Pokhara and take a short flight from Kathmandu at an additional cost. The 30-minute flight is equally scenic when you will literally fly above the massive Himalayas of Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Annapurna, and Manaslu. Taking the flight can give you one extra day to visit the remarkable site of Pokhara.
Early in the morning, we will go to the best viewpoint named Sarangkot. The 1592 m high local mountain of Pokhara promises the best sunrise views over Dhaulagiri, South Annapurna, Annapurna I and III, Fishtail, Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu and many other famous small peaks of Nepal, along with the breathtaking views of Lake Phewa and the entire Pokhara Valley. It’s best to start early in the morning, as clouds usually come in during the morning and block the beautiful view.
There are different options you can choose from to reach Sarangkot. You can either hike to the mountain, which takes around 2 to 3 hours. Or, we can drive by car to the summit. From the stop, it’s a short walk to the summit. There are also restaurants at the summit with nice terraces where you can enjoy the view.
After the Sarangkot visit, we will return to our hotel and get ready for a full-day tour of the paradisic city of Pokhara. We will glide by boat across the dreamy Phewa Lake, which is nestled in the beautiful Pokhara Valley. When the weather is clear, the surrounding mountains of the mighty Annapurna massif are reflected in its clear water.
Then, we will walk over a path for about two hours that leads uphill through the dense rhododendron forest up to the World Peace Pagoda. It is one of 80 worldwide, and it is intended to help all people collectively strive for peace in the world.
Then, we will hike further up the hill on a small path to stand in front of the huge Pumdikot Shiva statue. Up here, we have the Pokhara Valley with the lake and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas at our feet!
Next, we will visit Davi’s Falls and the nearby Gupteswor Cave, famous for its natural rock formation. We will then take a tour of the International Mountain Museum, where we can learn about the renowned mountaineers. We can also see their artifacts and learn about the Sherpa culture and customs and the beautiful flora and fauna of the region.
Our last stop will be the Tibetan Refugee Camp, where we can visit several Tibetan monasteries, schools, and handicraft shops.
After completing our tour, we will return to our hotel and rest for a while. Then you can walk by the famous Lakeside market and dine with different cuisines.
After breakfast, we will return to Kathmandu by tourist bus along the familiar path we have taken when starting our Kathmandu Pokhara Tour. We can also take a short half-hour flight to Kathmandu and dedicate the entire day to visiting the other significant landmarks of the capital.
After arriving in Kathmandu, we will transfer you to your hotel. After relaxing, you can walk on your own to Thamel Durbar Marga or Durbar Square.
In the evening, you can try some traditional Nepalese dishes and watch a
performance by local artists at a city restaurant. This is a great way to celebrate completing your program in Nepal.
After a five-day exploration of the great treasures of Kathmandu and Pokhara, it’s time to check out of your Kathmandu hotel and transfer to the airport to start check-in for the flight to your home. We hope we have served you satisfactorily.
If you want to expand your trip, please inform us, as we offer several options for your adventure in Nepal.
Kathmandu and Pokhara are relatively temperate and warm cities, with the highest temperature in winter (December to February) around 19 degrees Celsius and the lowest at -1 degrees Celsius. The highest temperature in summer/monsoon (June to August) is up to 37 degrees Celsius. However, summer also has very high rainfall.
In spring (March to May), the temperature is 20 degrees Celsius during the day, rising to 30 degrees Celsius by the end of May. In autumn (September to October), temperature can vary between 8 to 28 degrees Celsius.
Our Kathmandu Pokhara tour is not a high-altitude trekking tour, so it is doable all year round. Still, if you would like to spend your holiday in the ideal weather, then autumn is the best time to visit Kathmandu and Pokhara. The season presents warm, clear, and pleasant days ideal for sightseeing, walking tour, and other outdoor activities. The time period also coincides with Nepal’s two greatest holidays, Dashai and Tihar.
Spring is the second best time for our Kathmandu Pokhara tour when lush green fields and spectacular flowers decorate the entire city. The time period coincides with the famous colorful festival of Holi.
Winter months, on the other hand, are also favorable if you are exhausted from spending your Christmas in the snowy wonderland. The summer months, on the other hand, breathe a new life to rivers and waterfalls, and the lush forests teem with rich wildlife.
Our Kathmandu Pokhara tour is the easiest and most comfortable trip you can undertake in Nepal. This trip is suitable for all individuals regardless of their fitness levels. Whether you prefer a cozy, laid-back holiday or crave adventures, this tour has something for everybody.
If you don’t like to indulge in strenuous activities, then you can simply enjoy a calming stroll through the UNESCO-protected sites of Kathmandu along with a calming boat ride and a short, easy hike to World Peace Pagoda in Pokhara.
However, if you are a seeker of sporting actions, then there is also an option of paragliding, bungee jumping, and zip lining in Pokhara at an additional cost.
In addition, our Kathmandu Pokhara tour is a low-altitude trek where you won’t cross the threshold of more than 1400 m altitude throughout the trip. So, there is no risk of altitude sickness at all, making this trip ideal for children and the elderly.
You can obtain the Nepal Tourist Visa at TIA on your arrival day in Kathmandu or apply online. The same goes if you enter Nepal by Gautam Buddha International Airport or Pokhara International Airport. The online application will help you save time and avoid waiting in line. You should apply for the online Visa 15 days before your departure.
The steps to apply for a Nepal tourist visa online are extremely simple. You just need to fill out the Nepal visa application form, upload a scanned passport and photo online, and print out this confirmation sheet.
Don’t forget to bring your passport and online visa confirmation to the airport and pay the Nepal visa application fee at the International Airport. To register for a Nepal visa online, go to the website: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/
The three types of visas that can be obtained to travel to Nepal as tourists and their amounts are:
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The online Visa application is also applicable if you enter Nepal by crossing the borders of Kailali, Banke, HUmla, Parsa, Kakarvitta, Sindhupalchowk, Kanchanpur, Rasuwa, Bhairawa, Morang.
Kathmandu and Pokhara have diverse accommodation options to suit everyone’s taste and budget, from luxury boutique hotels with traditional Nepali charm to cozy guesthouses tucked away in the countryside’s vibrant alleys. There are also homestays where you can live like a local.
As per our Kathmandu Pokhara tour service, we offer two nights accommodation in Samsara Resort or a similar 3-star hotel in Kathmandu. In Pokhara, we provide you with two-night accommodation in Tika Resort or a similar 3-star hotel to be shared in pairs. For solo travelers, we will pair you with a fellow traveler of the same gender.
If you would like to upgrade your stay in 4 or 5-star luxury hotels or prefer a single room, kindly notify us when booking this tour with us. We will make the essential arrangements, but the service may cost you an additional price.
We are your reliable partner in Nepal and want to make your every trip a dream trip. We don’t want you to worry about the logistical aspects of your trip, so we will take care of all your transportation and meals during the trip.
We offer all airport transfers by private vehicles upon your arrival and departure day to and from Kathmandu. We have organized an exclusive sightseeing tour with a tour guide, driver, and a car or van in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
For our journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu, you will be driven by a luxurious tourist bus for a comfortable ride along the well-paved highway.
At an additional cost, we can also arrange for your domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu, so you have an extra day to spend in two remarkable cities of Nepal.
Regarding meals, we offer complimentary breakfast throughout the trip in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Since there are multiple options available for tasting different cuisines, lunch and dinner will be on your own. We provide two bottles of safe drinking water per day. Other bar and beverage bills are not included in our service.
Nepal mobile operator Nepal Telecom and NCELL perfectly works in Kathmandu and Pokhara. You can easily purchase their SIMS from local vendors presenting a copy of your passport and two photographs. After adding the balance, you can use their service to communicate and use the internet via 4G. For NTC, dial *1415#, and for NCELL, dial *17123# to choose the mobile data as per your need.
You can easily charge your gadgets anywhere in Kathmandu and Pokhara. The rooms in your accommodation have well-adapted sockets for the purpose. There is no extra charge for charging your devices.
The internet is also widely available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. The main city centers and heritage centers have free WIFI available from World Link and Nepal Telecom. Your hotels, restaurants, and cafes also provide free wifi service for your convenience.
Undoubtedly, five nights and six days of the Kathmandu Pokhara tour is insufficient to fully immerse yourself in the enchanting cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara. If you wish to extend your trip, we would like to propose some remarkable alternatives for your consideration.
Kathmandu Valley has a lot to offer regarding beauty, adventure, and nature. It is not limited to the landmarks inside the city. In fact, there are many more landmarks around the Valley that can change your ordinary trip to extraordinary.
With a day extension on your trip, you can explore Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square in the Valley. The next day, you can drive to Namo Buddha – a small but historic pilgrimage site.
Then, you can make a stop at Panauti- a typical Newar Village where time seems to be standing still. From here, you can go to Nagarkot- a marvelous mountain Village near Kathmandu where you can witness the most magical sunrise and sunset over Everest, Manaslu, Annapurnas, Ganesh, Langtang, and many more.
After Nagarkot, Dhulikhel can be your next option, where you can visit some small temples and look at the beautiful Newari-style village houses. The extraordinary atmosphere of the old town is created by the traditional Newari houses with their front and back courtyards, temples, and monuments. The typical carvings on the roofs and windows demonstrate a high level of artistry.
Chitwan National Park in the Terai, located just 200 meters high in the lowlands near the border with India, shows a completely different side of Nepal with its flora and fauna. Here, you can explore a traditional Tharu village and the village life of the local Tharu people.
You can set off into the jungle on the backs of elephants and explore the richness of the Park with good wildlife viewing opportunities, including antelopes, elephants, rhinos, and Bengal tigers. You can also visit the elephant stable, where you will learn about the behavior and lifestyle of these amazing creatures.
If you are in Pokhara, then concluding your trip with only a sightseeing tour is not enough. Indulge in an aerial tour and fly right into the heart of the Himalayas close to the majestic 7000 and 8000-meter peaks with their gigantic rock formations and snow-covered peaks.
You can also fly like a bird up above the sky by paragliding from Sarangkot. And why not kayak on Lake Phewa or go on a rafting adventure on the roaring water of the Seti River? Along the route to Kathmandu, you can also go for rafting on the Trishuli River.
Kathmandu and Pokhara are very safe for anyone in particular. There is no problem at all walking through the streets in the dark at night. The Nepalese people are always super nice and very helpful. Besides, our guide will be your constant companion throughout the tour. In group travel, we will accommodate you with a fellow traveler of the same gender.
Politically, Nepal is now a safe place to visit with no risks of any political instability.
Insurance is not mandatory for our tour, but it will be a wise step on your part if you take out one that can support you financially in the event of flight cancellation, luggage loss, extra day stay, and medical emergencies.
Yes, there are shops, restaurants, and hotels that accept credit cards, but you may have to pay a 4% bank levy fee. Not everywhere will they accept the cards, but online and digital payment is now available everywhere.
Yes, we have both group and private tours for you, totally customizable according to your needs, budget, and preferences. Please contact us for further details on the tour.