- Length
- 5 days
- Highest point
- 2,175 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Best months
- Year-round
- Starts
- Kathmandu
- Group size
- 1–8 People
- Sleeping
- Hotel (3-star)
The perfect Nepal introduction: explore Kathmandu's ancient temples and Pokhara's stunning lakeside with Annapurna views, all in five days.
- Nepal's two most iconic cities back to back — ancient temple city meets lakeside mountain resort
- UNESCO heritage site walking tour: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Patan, Bhaktapur
- Sunrise from Sarangkot over the full Annapurna range — Machapuchare front and centre
- Phewa Lake private sunrise boat row with mountain reflections in glassy water
- Pokhara adventure hub: paragliding, World Peace Pagoda, Gupteshwar Cave on optional add-ons
- Private licensed guide and vehicle throughout — move at your own pace
- Domestic flight or tourist bus options between Kathmandu and Pokhara
The climb, day by day
Day 1Arrive Kathmandu — Pashupatinath — Boudhanath1,400 m
Airport pick-up and hotel check-in. After fresh-up, visit Pashupatinath Temple on the sacred Bagmati River and the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa — both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Welcome dinner in Thamel.
- Distance
- –
- Walking
- 3–4 hours
- Meals
- B, D
- Night
- Hotel
Day 2Bhaktapur — Patan Durbar Squares1,400 m
Full day exploring the medieval UNESCO heritage cities. Morning at Bhaktapur Durbar Square with its 55-Window Palace, Nyatapola Temple, and pottery square. Afternoon at Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur — the city of artisans — with its exquisite bronze temples and craftsmanship museum.
- Distance
- –
- Walking
- 4–5 hours
- Meals
- B, D
- Night
- Hotel
Day 3Fly to Pokhara — Lakeside — Evening Boating820 m
Morning flight to Pokhara (820m), Nepal's adventure capital, with views of the Annapurna range on clear days. Check in to lakeside hotel. Afternoon boat ride on peaceful Phewa Lake with reflections of Machapuchare (Fish Tail Mountain, 6,993m) in the water. Evening stroll along Lakeside.
- Distance
- –
- Walking
- Flight
- Meals
- B, D
- Night
- Hotel
Day 4Sarangkot Sunrise — Devi's Falls — Bindhyabasini Temple820 m
Pre-dawn drive to Sarangkot viewpoint (1,592m) for the legendary Himalayan sunrise — Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and Machapuchare glowing gold at first light. Return for breakfast then visit Devi's Falls (an underground waterfall) and the Tibetan refugee camp. Afternoon at Bindhyabasini Temple above Pokhara city with panoramic views.
- Distance
- –
- Walking
- 3–4 hours
- Meals
- B, D
- Night
- Hotel
Day 5Pokhara to Kathmandu — Departure1,400 m
Free morning in Pokhara — optional paragliding or zip-line before flying back to Kathmandu in the afternoon. Airport transfer for onward flights or final night hotel.
- Distance
- –
- Walking
- Flight
- Meals
- B
- Night
- –
The price includes
- Licensed English-speaking guide throughout
- 4 nights 3-star hotel (2 Kathmandu + 2 Pokhara; breakfast included)
- Kathmandu–Pokhara tourist bus or domestic flight (one way) + return
- All UNESCO heritage site entry fees in Kathmandu
- Phewa Lake private boat sunrise row
- Pokhara viewpoints tour (Sarangkot, Davis Falls, Gupteshwar Cave)
- Kathmandu and Pokhara airport/hotel transfers
- All government taxes and service charges
You pay separately
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee ($30–$50 on arrival)
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners (except where specified)
- Personal expenses, shopping, and souvenirs
- Tips for guide and driver
- Alcoholic beverages
- Any optional activities not listed in the itinerary
The Kathmandu and Pokhara Tour is Nepal's definitive two-city introduction — 5 days covering the ancient temple city and the mountain lakeside resort with private guide and vehicle throughout. Kathmandu (2 nights): Pashupatinath at dusk, Boudhanath's dawn kora, Swayambhunath with its monkey population, and the medieval Durbar Squares of Patan and Bhaktapur. Pokhara (2 nights): Phewa Lake private boat at sunrise with Machapuchare reflected in the water, Sarangkot dawn panorama over the Annapurna range, World Peace Pagoda at golden hour, and the Pokhara valley from above.
The itinerary connects by tourist bus or domestic flight (depending on time preference — flight option adds USD 100 and saves 6 hours). The pace is unhurried — two full days per city means genuine depth at each site rather than a rushed checklist. Private vehicle throughout means no waiting for group minibuses.
Best seasons: October–November and March–May. Transport: Tourist bus or domestic flight (options available). Private guide and vehicle throughout.