Kathmandu and Pokhara in Five Days Itinerary

The classic two-city week. Start in Kathmandu with Pashupatinath and Boudhanath, then drive the river valley road to Pokhara with a stop at the hilltop Manakamana Temple (cable car optional). A full Pokhara day covers Devi Falls, the Gupteshwor Cave, the Bindabasini Temple and an evening by Phewa Lake. Return to Kathmandu for a final half day - Swayambhunath and Patan Durbar Square - before your flight. Private vehicle throughout.

Day by Day

Day 1

Arrive in Kathmandu, first temples

Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon, visit the Pashupatinath temple on the Bagmati River and the great stupa of Boudhanath.

Transfers: Private airport pick-up | Activity: Pashupatinath and Boudhanath visit | Stay: Hotel Mulberry, Kathmandu (4 star)

Day 2

To Pokhara via Manakamana

Drive west along the river valleys to Pokhara, stopping at the hilltop Manakamana Temple (cable car tickets at your own cost). Check in and take an evening stroll by Phewa Lake.

Transfers: Private intercity vehicle | Activity: Manakamana Temple stop | Stay: Temple Tree Resort and Spa, Pokhara (5 star)

Day 3

Pokhara sightseeing

A full day around town: Devi Falls disappearing underground, the sacred Gupteshwor Cave opposite, the hilltop Bindabasini Temple, and sunset on the Phewa lakeside.

Transfers: Private sightseeing vehicle | Activity: Pokhara city tour | Stay: Temple Tree Resort and Spa, Pokhara (5 star)

Day 4

Back down the valley to Kathmandu

Return by road to Kathmandu and check in. The evening is free for the Thamel shops and rooftop cafes.

Transfers: Private intercity vehicle | Stay: Hotel Mulberry, Kathmandu (4 star)

Day 5

Swayambhunath, Patan and fly home

A last half day: the hilltop Swayambhunath stupa and the temple-packed courtyards of Patan Durbar Square, then a private transfer to the airport.

Transfers: Private sightseeing vehicle and airport drop | Activity: Kathmandu half-day tour

Included

4 nights: 2 nights at Hotel Mulberry, Kathmandu (4 star) + 2 nights at Temple Tree Resort and Spa, Pokhara (5 star), daily breakfast
Private airport, intercity and sightseeing transfers
Kathmandu touring on arrival and departure days
Manakamana Temple stop en route to Pokhara
Pokhara city tour
All current taxes
Photo credits: Swayambhunath 2018 by Nabin K. Sapkota (CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons); The Pashupatinath Temple 27 by Nabin K. Sapkota (CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons); Phewa Lake in Pokhara, Nepal by Abishkar Gautam (CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons); Manakamana Temple Mankamana Gorkha Nepal Rajesh Dhungana (12) by Rajesh Dhungana (CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons). Hotel photos from the official hotel websites.

Not Included

International flights
Nepal visa on arrival fees
Manakamana cable car tickets
Monument entrance fees unless mentioned
Lunches and dinners
Personal expenses and tips

Packing

Light layers
comfortable walking shoes
modest dress for temples
sunscreen
rain jacket in monsoon months.