8-Day Nepal Cultural Tour with Pokhara, Nagarkot and Bandipur

8 Days Round trip from hotel Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple
  • 02 Visit Swayambhunath, Patan Durbar Square, and the historic city of Bhaktapur
  • 03 Witness a spectacular Nagarkot sunrise with panoramic Himalayan views and visit Changu Narayan Temple
  • 04 Experience the scenic hill town of Bandipur and hike to the impressive Siddha Cave
  • 05 Discover Pokhara's highlights, including a Sarangkot sunrise, the World Peace Pagoda, caves, Seti Gorge, Devi's Fall, and a boat ride on Phewa Lake
  • 06 Choose from optional adventure activities such as paragliding, ZipFlyer, bungee jumping, ultralight flights, or hot air ballooning
  • 07 Conclude your journey with a spiritual yoga and meditation session in Pokhara
  • 08 Enjoy a farewell dinner featuring authentic Nepali cuisine accompanied by a traditional cultural programme

Discover Nepal's cultural treasures and mountain scenery on this immersive 8-day round trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley, including ancient palace squares, sacred Hindu temples, and Buddhist stupas, then unwind in the peaceful hill stations of Nagarkot and Bandipur with light hikes and unforgettable sunrise views. Continue to Pokhara for caves, waterfalls, viewpoints, and boating on Phewa Lake, with the option to add adventure activities. The journey concludes with a calming yoga and meditation session and a farewell dinner featuring authentic Nepali cuisine and a cultural program.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Premium
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Pokhara, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, Nagarkot
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Cultural Sightseeing

Pick up from the airport and check in to the hotel.

Cultural tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous as the historic heart of Nepal's capital. It is renowned for its magnificent and intricate Newari wood carvings, multi-tiered pagoda temples, and as the former seat of the Malla and Shah kings who ruled the city for centuries.

Boudha Stupa

Boudha Stupa, also known as Boudhanath Stupa, Khasti Chaitya, or Khasa Chaitya, is a major spiritual landmark seen as the embodiment of the enlightened mind of all the Buddhas. It is located in Boudha within the city of Kathmandu, Nepal.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Pashupati, a manifestation of Shiva. Located on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal, the temple is one of the oldest and most significant religious complexes in South Asia.

2
Day 02

Kathmandu Valley Heritage Tour

Cultural tour of Swayambhu Stupa, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur.

Swayambhu Stupa

Swayambhunath, located on a hilltop west of Kathmandu, is an ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its "all-seeing" Buddha eyes, its large population of sacred monkeys, and as a unique symbol of harmony between Buddhist and Hindu faiths.

Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its pristine Newar architecture, intricate wood and metal craftsmanship, and rich blend of Hindu and Buddhist monuments. Often called the "City of Fine Arts," it served as the royal palace for the Malla kings.

Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a former royal palace complex located in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It housed the Malla kings of Nepal from the 14th to the 15th century and the kings of the Kingdom of Bhaktapur from the 15th to the late 18th century, until the kingdom was conquered in 1769.

3
Day 03

Changu Narayan Visit and Overnight in Nagarkot

Cultural and natural tour.

Changu Narayan Temple

Changu Narayan Temple is an ancient Hindu temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the oldest shrines in Nepal, located on a high hilltop in Changunarayan Municipality of Bhaktapur District. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the site is renowned for its rich Licchavi-era stone, wood, and metal art, featuring a two-tiered pagoda-style architecture.

Check in to the hotel at Nagarkot.

Hiking in Nagarkot is a popular activity for travelers who want to enjoy stunning views of the Himalayas without long or difficult treks. Nagarkot is only 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, making it easy to escape the city. People know this area for its beautiful mountain views, including Mount Everest on clear days, and for its quiet natural setting.

4
Day 04

Nagarkot Sunrise and Drive to Bandipur

Sunrise from Nagarkot

Watching the sunrise from Nagarkot offers a stunning panoramic view of the Himalayas, including peaks like Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and, on clear days, Mt. Everest. Dawn occurs around 5:15 to 6:00 AM depending on the season, requiring departure from nearby valley locations well before daylight.

Hiking in Bandipur

Hiking in Bandipur offers scenic ridge walks, traditional village trails, and panoramic Himalayan views. Top routes include the short walk to Thani Mai Temple for sunrise, the pastoral trail to Ramkot village, and the descent to Siddha Gufa.

5
Day 05

Siddha Cave Hike and Pokhara Highlights

Hiking to Siddha Cave

Believed to be the largest cave in Nepal, Siddha Cave stands at an impressive 50 meters high and extends 437 meters deep. Inside, visitors will find an awe-inspiring display of stalactites, stalagmites, and a thriving population of bats.

Most visitors reach the cave via a scenic 1.5-hour hike from Bandipur, although it is also accessible from Bimalnagar on the Prithvi Highway. This natural limestone cave is home to a fascinating underground ecosystem, offering a unique adventure for nature lovers and explorers alike.

Check in to the hotel at Pokhara and enjoy a short hike to the Shiva Statue and Peace Pagoda.

Pumdikot Shiva Statue

The Pumdikot Shiva Statue is perched atop Pumdikot Hill, a scenic vantage point in Pokhara, Nepal. Located 14 km southwest of the Pokhara Lakeside area at an elevation of 1,500 meters, it can be reached in about 40 minutes by car or via a 2-3 hour hike.

The towering 108-foot monument features a 51-foot idol mounted on a 57-foot stupa dome. The hilltop offers sweeping panoramic views of the Pokhara Valley, Phewa Lake, and the Annapurna Himalayan range.

Pokhara World Peace (Shanti) Stupa

The Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda) in Pokhara is a brilliant white Buddhist monument atop Anadu Hill at 1,100 meters. It offers panoramic views of Phewa Lake, Pokhara city, and the Annapurna range. Visitors can access it via a 20-minute taxi ride from Chhorepatan followed by stairs, or by boating across the lake and hiking up.

6
Day 06

Sarangkot Sunrise and Pokhara Sightseeing

Sunrise from Sarangkot

Watching the sunrise from Sarangkot offers a stunning panoramic view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, changing the snow peaks from silver to gold. The viewpoint sits at roughly 1,600 meters elevation, located about 11 to 12 kilometers from Pokhara.

Sightseeing tour in Pokhara

Seti River Gorge

The Seti Gorge is an incredible natural wonder with powerful white water rushing through a deep, narrow canyon. The viewing platform offers stunning views. It is easy to reach, well maintained, and does not take much time to explore, making it a great stop while sightseeing in Pokhara.

Bat Cave

The Bat Cave is a solutional cave in the Kaski District in Pokhara, Nepal. It is known as a habitat for Horseshoe bats that cling to the walls and ceiling inside the cave. Formed of limestone, it is a show cave and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Pokhara.

Gupteshwor Cave

Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is a sacred underground limestone cavern in Chhorepatan, Pokhara-17, famous for housing a revered Shiva Lingam and offering views of the roaring underground waterfall from nearby Devi's Fall.

Devi's Fall

Davis Falls, also known as David's Falls or Devi's Falls in English and known in Nepali as Paatal Ko Chango, literally meaning "Underworld's Waterfall," is a waterfall located in Pokhara in Kaski District, Nepal. The water forms a tunnel after reaching the bottom. This tunnel is approximately 500 feet (150 m) long and runs 100 feet (30 m) below ground level. On 31 July 1961, a Swiss couple went swimming, but the woman drowned in the pit because of the overflow. Her body was recovered three days later in the Phusre River with great effort. Her father wished to name it "David's Fall" after his daughter. This is one of the most visited places in Nepal.

Boating at Phewa Lake

Boating on Phewa Lake in Pokhara, Nepal, is a quintessential experience, offering stunning reflections of the Annapurna range. Rent traditional wooden rowboats (doongas) or paddleboats directly from operators along the Lakeside piers.

7
Day 07

Australian Camp Hike and Optional Adventure Activities

Hike to Australian Camp

The Australian Camp hike is a popular and easy short trek near Pokhara, taking you to an altitude of 2,060 meters with panoramic views of the Annapurna range. It requires a 1-hour drive from Pokhara to Kande, followed by a 2-hour uphill walk through forests and villages.

Extra Activities

Hot Air Ballooning

Hot air ballooning in Pokhara is a new adventurous activity offered by the city of adventure, Pokhara. A hot air balloon is simply a large balloon filled with hot air to make it float in the sky, with a basket underneath that carries people. It offers a chance to enjoy views of the sky and the earth beneath. In addition to this, hot air ballooning in Pokhara serves the majestic view of the Himalayas along with the beauty of Pokhara city.

Paragliding

A standard tandem paragliding flight in Pokhara is available for all travelers, regardless of nationality. This package covers a 25-30 minute flight from Sarangkot, hotel transfers from the Lakeside district, a licensed pilot, basic insurance, and GoPro media.

ZipFlyer in Pokhara

The ZipFlyer in Pokhara is the world's steepest, tallest, and longest zipline, featuring a 1,850-meter length, a 600-meter vertical drop, and speeds up to 120 km/h. Operated by HighGround Adventures Nepal, the ride starts at Sarangkot and ends at the Hemja plain.

Bungy Jump

Prepare to be exhilarated as you step off the edge of the 80-meter tower bungee jump at Bungee Pokhara. Suspended high above the captivating Hemja Valley, the cantilevered tower stands over a mesmerizing river and a jaw-dropping 50-meter cliff. As you plunge into five pulse-pounding seconds of freefall, embrace the excitement while surrounded by the awe-inspiring splendor of the mighty Himalayas.

Ultra Flight Pokhara

From a thorough on-ground safety briefing for clients and pre-flight equipment checks to the commitment to working only with UPL-licensed pilots, safety is a key priority. All ultralight aircraft are equipped with hand-glide landing capability, helping bring you back to the ground securely, along with a MAGNUM 450 safety parachute emergency rescue system.

8
Day 08

Morning Spiritual Class and Return to Kathmandu

Spiritual class: yoga and meditation

Pokhara is often celebrated for its stunning mountain views, serene lakes, and adventure activities. Yet beyond the trekking trails and paragliding adventures lies a quieter side of the city - one that invites visitors to slow down, reconnect, and explore deeper dimensions of well-being. Whether you're seeking mindfulness, healing, spiritual growth, or simply a break from the pace of daily life, Pokhara offers a rich blend of yoga, meditation, sacred traditions, and contemplative spaces. Here are eight meaningful spiritual experiences to add to your journey.

Farewell dinner

Enjoy an authentic Nepali cuisine farewell dinner with a cultural program.

Transfer back to Kathmandu and check in to the hotel.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from hotel 5 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Guide remuneration

  • Vehicle (van or Hiace) for arrival transfer, Kathmandu sightseeing, Nagarkot, Bandipur, and Pokhara

  • Hotel accommodation (bed and breakfast)

What's Not Included

  • Tips

  • Travel insurance

  • Shopping

  • Foods (lunch and dinner)

  • Any drinks

  • Entrance fees at sightseeing places

What to bring

  • Necessary things for hiking and tours, such as hiking shoes, sunglasses, a cap, shorts, sun cream, etc.

Know before you go

  • Government licence holder tour guide since 2000 AD.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kathmandu Airport (Tribhuwan International Airport)
Tour start
hotel
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in hotel.

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Starting from

USD 55 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $55.00 — $65.00
Double Sharing $100.00 — $120.00

When

Travellers

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