Pokhara explored: culture, lakes and mountain views

Explore Kathmandu and the Kathmandu Valley, visiting several temples, including Swayambhunath, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath — a sacred Hindu temple. You'll be accompanied by a driver and an experienced guide who can explain each site's history and cultural importance.

Today you will follow the main Kathmandu to Pokhara Highway for most of the way until you reach the roadside bazaar of Dumre, where there is a turnoff to Bandipur, a town that is very quaint and a walk through the village is highly recommended. Later today you will go on a guided walk through the traditional village of Bandipur to get an insight into life as it must have been decades or even centuries ago. Much of this walk is on quiet roads and pedestrianized areas, so traffic is not an issue.

Experience the charm of Ramkot, a traditional Magar village just a two-hour walk from Bandipur. Enjoy an easy hike through Muchuk Village, visit Mukundeswari, and discover untouched rural Nepal. From Ramkot, continue on a two-hour hike to Chabdi Barahi for more scenic beauty.

The drive to Pokhara is impressive, with some dramatic scenery. A boat ride on Lake Phewa will be arranged in the late afternoon to enjoy the views of the surrounding hills and mountains. The final part of the boat journey takes you back to the bank in time for the local aarti ceremony, which is conducted with great fanfare as the sun sets. Afterwards, you are in the perfect place to either return to your hotel or visit one of the many local restaurants for dinner.

Discover the vibrant bazaar and picturesque lakeside for leisurely strolls. Shop for unique souvenirs, including books, paintings, and Nepalese tea along Baidam and Lakeside Roads. Visit the International Mountain Museum or Gurkha Memorial Museum, both a short taxi ride away. Enjoy diverse dining options along Lakeside and Baidam Roads or relax by Lake Phewa via the Lake Footway path.

Start your hike to Begnaskot from a picturesque starting point just a short drive from Pokhara. Enjoy an hour-long trail through charming villages and rice fields, with stunning views of Begnas and Rupa Lakes, framed by the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. On your return, descend to Bhanjyang and meet your driver for a transfer back to your hotel.

Start your day at Shanti Stupa for stunning Annapurna and Pokhara views. Descend to Phewa Lake for a scenic boat ride to Barahi Ghat. Enjoy a lakeside stroll and lunch, or proceed to your resort situated on Sarangkot Hill offering breathtaking mountain and valley views.

Experience an unforgettable sunrise from your room, then embark on a 2.5-hour ridge walk to Kaskikot, with breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The hike ends at Kali Mata temple, followed by a descent to meet your driver for the return to your hotel.

Wake up early to another spectacular Himalayan sunrise. Today, you can enjoy the rooftop infinity pool with a stunning mountain backdrop or indulge in a spa treatment.

After experiencing the charm of Pokhara, return to Kathmandu for your final night. The journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu takes approximately eight to ten hours, making reasonable allowance for breaks, photos and refreshment stops. Although it can be done in a day, we recommend an overnight stop at Gorkha.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.