Seven days among the living temples and medieval squares of the Kathmandu Valley, then onward to Pokhara’s tranquil lakeside — a journey through the art, architecture, and daily rituals that make Nepal one of Asia’s most spiritually resonant destinations.
Itinerary Highlights
Days 1–2: Kathmandu. Begin at the great stupa of Boudhanath, where Tibetan monks spin prayer wheels along the kora circuit. Visit the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath at the river’s edge, then explore the narrow lanes of Thamel before ascending Swayambhunath hill for a sunset panorama over the valley. Your second day belongs to the courtyards of Kathmandu Durbar Square, where Newari woodcarving reaches its finest expression in the Kumari Bahal — the living goddess’s residence.
Days 3–4: Patan and Bhaktapur. Cross the Bagmati River into Patan, the “city of fine arts,” for a morning in the Patan Museum — one of South Asia’s most beautifully curated collections of bronze and stone sculpture. In the afternoon, walk to Bhaktapur’s pottery quarter and watch artisans shape clay on hand-turned wheels, their techniques unchanged for centuries. A traditional Newari feast of beaten rice, spiced buffalo, and fermented pickle rounds out the evening.
Days 5–6: Pokhara. A scenic drive (or optional short flight) carries you west to Pokhara, nestled beneath the Annapurna massif. Paddle a brightly painted rowboat across Phewa Lake, hike to the World Peace Pagoda for a commanding view of Machapuchare’s fishtail peak, and browse the Tibetan refugee camp’s handwoven carpets. An early-morning drive to Sarangkot rewards with a Himalayan sunrise that sets the snowline alight in shades of rose and gold.
Day 7: Departure. Return to Kathmandu with time for final shopping — handmade lokta paper, singing bowls, and pashmina — before your airport transfer.
What’s Included
- Six nights in heritage boutique hotels with daily breakfast
- Private English-speaking cultural guide throughout
- All monument entrance fees and permits
- Private vehicle for all transfers (Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu)
- One traditional Newari dinner and one lakeside farewell dinner
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Nepal is not a museum — it is a civilization still performed. Every morning bell, every rice offering at a roadside shrine, every festival procession is part of an unbroken chain stretching back a thousand years.
Learn Travel and Tours Cultural Desk
This tour departs weekly year-round, with festival-season departures timed to Dashain (October) and Tihar (November) for travelers who want to witness Nepal’s most vibrant celebrations. Extensions to Chitwan National Park for wildlife or Lumbini for Buddhist pilgrimage are available on request.