Day 1 : Kathmandu
You are welcomed at Kathmandu airport by our local agency representative or your English speaking guide who will greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel we've reserved for two nights.
Kathmandu, the capital and largest city of Nepal, is located in the heart of the country. Once considered the fabulous and inaccessible Shangri-La, Kathmandu is now a booming vacation destination accessible to all budgets.
According to legend, the Kathmandu Valley was once a turquoise lake with a lotus flower floating on it. Manjushree (Padmasambhava), a Chinese saint patriarch, is said to have cut the valley wall with his flaming sword of wisdom at Chovar, allowing the dry land to appear. The lotus flower remained on the ground where Manjushree built the great stupa of Swayambhunath.The Kathmandu Valley includes the three ancient royal cities: Patan, Bhaktapur, and Kathmandu, each with its own palaces, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You'll see alleys adorned with beautiful cobblestones, a fascinating labyrinth, temples, shrines, and lively markets.
You'll discover the great stupa of Swayambhunath, which stands atop a green hillock. This site, over 2,500 years old, marks the spot where the legendary patriarch Manjushree is said to have found the lotus of the ancient valley lake. Swayambhunath offers a splendid view of the city of Kathmandu.
You'll stroll through the bustling Tibetan quarter before exploring Durbar Square, the monumental center of Kathmandu. It includes the old royal palace, the house of the living goddess (the Kumari), pagodas, temples, and old neighborhoods where it is pleasant to wander.This enormous stupa is one of the most sacred sites for Buddhists in Nepal, and its establishment is linked to the creation of Kathmandu.Here, shops abound: Tibetan or Nepalese jewelry, clothing, supplies for hikers and trekkers, thangkas, wooden or bronze trinkets, local crafts and pottery, art galleries, small restaurants, and cafés... Life thrives in these colorful, crowded streets.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 : Kathmandu
After breakfast, you'll visit Patan (or Lalitpur), the City of Golden Roofs. Former royal capital and medieval art city, Patan was once a major center of Buddhist learning, as evidenced by the many monasteries scattered throughout the city. Lalitpur was chosen by Emperor Ashoka, who is believed to be the founder of the city, to erect one of the four great stupas that surround it. Lalitpur is thus considered the oldest Buddhist city in Asia.
You'll visit the palace, temples, and museum.You'll continue with a visit to Pashupatinath, one of the most sacred Hindu centers in the country (entry reserved for Hindus), located on the lush banks of the sacred Bagmati River.
Next, you'll discover Boudhanath, one of the main Buddhist shrines in the country and one of Nepal's ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its stupa, dating from the 14th century and dominating the skyline, is one of the largest in the world and features 108 niches each containing a Buddha statue. In 1959, the influx of many Tibetan refugees to Boudhanath led to the construction of about fifty gompas (monasteries), reflecting the site's religious significance closely linked to the founding of Lhasa.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 : Kathmandu / Pokhara (200 km / 6h)
After breakfast, you head to Pokhara via a winding mountain highway.Pokhara, a city of natural beauty, is a remarkable place.Situated at 900m altitude and 200 km west of the Kathmandu Valley, this charming city boasts several lakes and offers a splendid panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks.The serenity of the lakes and the resplendent beauty of the Himalayas create an atmosphere of peace and magic.
Arrival and hotel check-in.In the evening, you'll stroll around Phewa Lake.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 : Pokhara
Early in the morning, you'll go on an excursion to Sarangkot mountain to watch the sunrise and enjoy a magnificent view of the mountains.Sarangkot is the most popular viewpoint in Pokhara. At an altitude of 1,592m, it offers a spectacular view of Mount Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna massif.You can also get a good aerial view of the Pokhara Valley from here.
After breakfast, you'll explore the city, visiting David's Falls, Gupteswar Cave, the old Bazaar, and Bindabasini Temple. Locally known as "Patale Chhango," the charming David's Falls are about 2 km southwest of the center, on the Tansen highway. In July 1961, a Swiss couple was bathing in the tranquil waters of Pardi Khola, just above the waterfall, when a sudden flood swept Mrs. David away, mysteriously disappearing in the underground passages below the falls. This story gave the waterfall its name: David's Fall.Just across from the falls are the Gupteshwar Caves, which you'll visit before discovering the colorful old Bazaar of Pokhara.
You can glimpse the style of Newar craftsmanship expressed in the temples and windows, showcasing the richness of the past. Bindabasini Temple is the center of religious activities in the old bazaar.
Dedicated to the goddess Bhagawati, a manifestation of Shakti, people sacrifice their animals on Tuesdays and Saturdays, believing she will fulfill their desires and wishes.
You'll continue your day with a boat ride on Phewa Lake.The largest lake in the Pokhara Valley, Phewa Lake, measuring 1.5 km by 4 km, is perfect for boating, bird watching, and photographing the magnificent mountain views. This excellent setting, along with the reflection of the Annapurna mountains on the lake's calm waters, is something visitors wouldn't want to miss. Annapurna appears so close that it feels almost touchable.The afternoon is free.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 : Pokhara / Kathmandu
After breakfast, you'll return to Kathmandu via the same route. Arrival and hotel check-in.
The rest of the day is free for shopping.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 : Kathmandu / Nagarkot (30km / 1h)
After breakfast, you'll depart for Nagarkot. Nagarkot, a hill located at 2,175m above sea level, is a popular destination in Nepal, famous for its mountain views. From here, you can see five of the world's ten highest mountains: Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Cho Oyu (8,201m), Makalu (8,463m), and Manaslu (8,163m), as well as many other lesser peaks.
The place is surrounded by terraced hills and the most beautiful landscapes. You'll stroll through the village of Nagarkot. Check-in at the hotel.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 7 : Nagarkot / Kathmandu (30 km / 1h)
Early in the morning, you'll have the possibility of mountain/sunrise views from the hotel.
After breakfast, you'll return to Kathmandu. Arrival and hotel check-in.
You'll visit the palace, temples, and museum.The two magnificent multi-level golden temples with four triple silver doors are a unique example of Nepalese temple architecture. It is one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in South Asia, with hundreds of Shiva lingams, shrines, and icons of various Hindu gods and goddesses.
You'll visit nearby monasteries, meditate for a while with the monks, and receive blessings.
The afternoon is free for shopping.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 8 : Kathmandu / Return flight
After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Kathmandu airport for your return flight.