7-Day Nepal Culture Tour of Kathmandu and Pokhara UNESCO Sites

Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport, you will be received by our representative at the arrival gate.

Transfer to your hotel in Thamel, the city center of Kathmandu.

Enjoy a welcome drink at the hotel and complete check-in.

Rest and relax.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included (fixed menu - veg + non-veg).

After breakfast, the day starts with a visit to Boudh Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple.

Boudha Stupa, also known as Boudhanath, stands as an architectural wonder and a spiritual icon in the heart of Kathmandu. The rich history of Boudha Stupa finds its roots in the deep layers of Nepalese and Tibetan traditions. One of the most iconic features of Boudha Stupa is the captivating Eyes of Buddha, which adorn its imposing structure. These eyes, painted on all four sides of the stupa, are often described as inscrutable, impassive, empathetic, and shrewd. They gaze out in the four cardinal directions, observing the world and conveying a profound sense of wisdom and compassion.

Pashupatinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Pashupatinath.

The main Pashupatinath Temple is recognised for its distinctive Nepali pagoda-style architecture, with multiple roof levels rising above the sanctum.

Its form is one of the defining visual features of Kathmandu's traditional religious architecture.

Gilded Roof

The temple's roof features gilded surfaces that catch the sunlight from different points around the complex.

The combination of the golden roof, traditional wooden details, and richly decorated structure gives the shrine its instantly recognizable appearance.

Four Silver-Clad Doors

The main temple is known for its four principal entrances, traditionally described as being clad in silver.

The doors reflect the detailed craftsmanship associated with the shrine and reinforce the temple's ceremonial character.

The Sacred Nandi

A large Nandi image faces the main sanctum.

In Shaiva tradition, Nandi, the bull and vahana of Lord Shiva, is closely associated with Shiva temples and is traditionally positioned facing the deity.

Gajur Pinnacle

The uppermost part of the temple is crowned by a gajur, the ornamental finial found on traditional Nepali temples.

Look upwards from the temple courtyard to notice how the pinnacle completes the vertical composition of the pagoda structure.

After noon, lunch at a local restaurant.

Late afternoon visit to Swayambhunath.

Swayambhu literally means 'self-existent one'. Believed to date back to 460 A.D., it was built by King Manadeva, and by the 13th century it had become an important center of Buddhism. Legend has it that Swayambhu was born out of a lotus flower that bloomed in the middle of a lake that once spread across the Kathmandu Valley.

Evening free to explore the shopping areas in Thamel.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included (fixed menu - veg + non-veg).

Kathmandu Durbar Square never fails to impress first-time visitors with its intricate wood carvings and rich history. It was built during the Licchavi period (4th to 8th centuries AD). The Durbar is divided into two courtyards: the outer section with Kasthamandap and Kumari Ghar, and the inner section consisting of Hanuman Dhoka and the main palace. Some floors have been converted into museums dedicated to three generations of Shah kings of Nepal.

Chandragiri Hills is a popular scenic hilltop destination located southwest of Kathmandu. The Himalayas are visible from the hill, stretching from Annapurna to Everest on a clear day. It is little wonder that this hill has emerged as a favorite getaway spot for both local households and international visitors seeking tranquility, excitement, or simply an instant break from urban life.

Return to the hotel by 6 pm.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included (fixed menu - veg + non-veg).

After breakfast, transfer to Pokhara.

The Kathmandu to Pokhara road trip takes you through some of the country's most scenic and culturally rich areas, giving you a glimpse into the heart and soul of Nepal.

The scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara spans approximately 174 to 200 kilometers along the highway and takes about 6 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The Trishuli River runs alongside much of the road, accompanied by terraced rice fields, rural villages, and distant Himalayan mountain peaks.

The magnificent landscapes include lush green hills, picturesque villages, and cascading waterfalls. The road winds through the hills and mountains, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.

You can also visit various viewpoints, such as the Damauli and Ghorepani viewpoints, to capture stunning photographs and soak in the awe-inspiring scenery.

Reach Pokhara by evening. Check in to the hotel, then rest and relax.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included (fixed menu - veg + non-veg).

After breakfast, enjoy local sightseeing in Pokhara.

Pokhara's tranquil beauty has been the subject of inspiration for many travel writers. Its pristine air, spectacular backdrop of snowy peaks, blue lakes, and surrounding greenery make it 'the jewel in the Himalaya', a place of remarkable natural disposition. With the magnificent Annapurna range forming the backdrop and the serenity of the cluster of 9 lakes, it is perhaps one of the few places on earth from where mountains above 6,000 m can be seen unobstructed from an altitude of 800 m within a distance of 28 km.

Davi's Fall:

Known locally as Patale Chhango, the waterfall's other title derives from a tragic event in 1961 when a Swiss couple by the name of Davi went swimming nearby, only for the wife to be swept to her death. A truly spectacular cascade, the water thunders down and disappears into a tunnel that runs for 500' underground before emerging to run through Gupteshwor Cave.

Gupteshwor Cave:

The Pokhara region offers many caves, with Gupteshwor Cave among the more interesting, not least for the cascading waters running through it. Also known as Gupteshwor Mahadev, one of the cave's major claims to fame is the idol of Lord Shiva that was found within and now sits outside, opposite Davi's Fall. The cave is popular with Hindu pilgrims.

World Peace Pagoda:

Shanti Stupa, better known as the World Peace Pagoda, is a magnificent structure set on the slopes to the south of Phewa Lake. The panoramic view of the Himalayas, the Pokhara Valley, and the shimmering waters of the lake alone are worth the visit, though the noble cause lying at its heart is one that all can appreciate. While the pagoda can be accessed by road or trail, most visitors opt for the peaceful and scenic boat ride from Pokhara.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included (fixed menu - veg + non-veg).

After breakfast, visit Phewa Lake (Phewa Taal), Nepal's second-largest freshwater lake, famous for its glassy morning reflections of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain).

Phewa Lake boating is the handiest refreshment in Pokhara, but it has certainly never overdone its charm and thus changed into a ubiquitous activity.

Besides the boating trip, enjoy the scenic vistas in the vicinity. Spend some quality time around the Lakeside and try a variety of cuisine. You can also go boating from the other side of the lake. Furthermore, get a new experience and try out this trip as well.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel at 10 am and transfer to Kathmandu Airport.

Departure plan - Pokhara to Kathmandu takes 8 hours, plus 3 hours before your flight time.

Start from Pokhara 11 to 12 hours before your scheduled flight departure.