Kathmandu and Pokhara Unveiled
A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.
Offered by Al Shalal Travels
NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Discover the journey
Experience the delights of Nepal’s two most frequented destinations – Kathmandu and Pokhara. Discover the cultural highlights of Kathmandu, a city that is a wonderful mix of the old and the new. Visit ancient monuments, palaces of Malla Kings, and sacred Hindu and Buddhist shrines. Take a whirlwind tour to scenic Pokhara, the ‘City of Lakes. Savor the Himalayan experience from Sarangkot Hill. Enjoy boating in peaceful Phewa Lake, under the watchful gaze of the magnificent Machapuchhre (Fishtail Peak). Explore the natural wonders of the city – Davis Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, Seti Gorge, etc. Find out more about the small Tibetan population by visiting the Tibetan quarters at the Tibetan Refugee Camp.
The memorable moments
Guided city tours in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites to witness the ancient temples, palaces, and monasteries. Experience the tranquility of Phewa Lake. Panoramic views of Himalayan peaks from Sarangkot and Pokhara. Awe-inspiring Himalayan sunrise from Sarangkot.
Journey at a glance
Day Day 1: Arrive at Tribhuvanm International Airport in Kathmand & half-day SIghtseeing — Max. Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400 m)Our airport representative will welcome you at the airport and transfer to your hotel on a private tourist vehicle. We will have a well managed Guided Tour around Kathmandu on the same day, an experience city guide and the vehicle will be provided. You will be visiting the following places: Kathmandu Durbar SquareThis complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece here is the 17th- century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. The Durbar Square is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. There are also three museums inside the palace building. Swoyambhunath Stupa – The Monkey TempleThis spectacular monument watches over the valley from the top of a hillock on its western side. The huge stupa is one of the holiest Buddhists sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Swoyambhu is also known as Samhengu and the Monkey temple because of the countless monkeys living at the premises. Kathmandu Durbar SquareSwayambhunathOvernight at a HotelMeals not includedNote: If you arrive after 4 pm, there will be a briefing about the trip with our guide. It will be a short pre-trip meeting. Make sure to confirm your queries about the trip. If you arrive before 4 pm, a pre-trip meeting will be organized at our office on the same day. Meet and greet with our trip guide. Be sure to bring the following documents to the meeting; two copies of passport-sized photos and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. Day Day 2: Drive to Pokhara by private tourist vehicle — Max. Altitude: PokharaDuration: 7-8 hrs driveTransfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara 7-8 hours drive on a private vehicle. After we have breakfast we head to Pokhara on a tourist bus, van or a car, depending on the size of the group. It is a scenic drive where you get to witness rural settlements and inspiring Himalayan scenery. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Overnight at lakesideBreakfast included Day Day 3: Guided sightseeing in Pokhara — Wake up early to catch the sunrise from Sarangkot Hill. A drive of 45 minutes with 25 minutes hike brings us to the view point of Sarangkot. It is the best spot in Pokhara to view the Himalayas. Get mesmerized with the magical sight of the golden sun rising over white spires of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and Machhapucchre (Fishtail Peak), including views of the beautiful the Pokhara Valley and Phewa lake. It takes about 15-minute walk down and 45 minutes drive to the hotel in Pokhara. Return to hotel for breakfast.Later in the day we visit these sites, Bindhabasini TempleIt lies in the center of the old bazaar. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, yet another manifestation of Shakti. The park grounds offer a fine picnic and relaxing area. Davis FallLocated in the southern flank of the Pokhara valley, Davis Fall is locally known as ‘Patale Chhango’. Here the stream flowing from Fewa Lake collapses and surges down the rock into a deep gorge, leaping through several potholes. This site is hugely popular with tourists and locals alike. Gupteshwor CaveThe revered Gupteshwor Cave is situated 2 kms from Pokhara airport. The entrance is right across from Davis fall and the cave is almost 3 kms long. It has some big hall-sized rooms and some passages where you have to crawl on all four. This cave holds special value to Hindus since a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva is preserved here in the condition it was discovered. Phewa Lake and Barahi TempleEnjoy boating on the beautiful Phewa Lake. Situated at an altitude of 800m above sea level, it is the second largest lake in Nepal. With the Barahi Island Temple in the middle of the lake, it is the most important religious monument in Pokhara. Built almost in the middle of Phewa Lake, this two-storeyed pagoda is dedicated to the female force Shakti. The reflection of Mt. Machhapuchhare and Annapurna can be seen in its serene water. Thick forest lies on the adjoining southern slopes of the lake. Seti River GorgeCarved by Seti-Gandaki, it is one of the natural wonders of Pokhara. K.I. Singh bridge at Bagar, Mahendrapool and Prithivi highway Bridge near bus park, provide a perfect view of the river’s dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by the turbulent flow of white water. Tibetan Refugee CampThe Tibetan village Tashiling in the south and the Tashi Palkhel village in the north of Pokhara are renowned for the production and trade of woolen carpets and other handicrafts. The original Tibetan settlers in this region migrated to Nepal in the ‘50s. Phewa Lake PokharaTal Barahi Temple PokharaDavis FallOvernight at lakesideBreakfast included Day Day 4: Drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara — Duration: 7-8 hrs driveAfter an early breakfast we leave Pokhara and return to Kathmandu (7-8 hours drive). Upon arrival, we check in at the designated hotel. After returning to Kathmandu, you can spend the rest of the day at leisure. Explore Kathmandu on your own. Stroll along the streets of Kathmandu for some last-minute shopping. In the evening, we host a farewell dinner in a fine restaurant. (Your guide(s) and an office staff will accompany you). You have the option to extend your trip. Go rafting, Kathmandu valley shopping tour or mountain biking, . Overnight at a HotelBreakfast and farewell dinner included Day Day 5: Transfer to the international airport for your final departure — The trip concludes. Our airport representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your flight departure from Nepal. Breakfast included
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Arrive at Tribhuvanm International Airport in Kathmand & half-day SIghtseeing — Max. Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 2Drive to Pokhara by private tourist vehicle — Max. Altitude: Pokhara
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 3Guided sightseeing in Pokhara — Wake up early to catch the sunrise from Sarangkot Hill.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 4Drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara — Duration: 7-8 hrs drive
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 5Transfer to the international airport for your final departure — The trip concludes. Our airport representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your flight departure from Nepal.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
What's included in your experience
Included
- All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle
- Twin-sharing/double accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara for 2 nights each, including breakfast. (Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost)
- All ground transportation by private tourist vehicle
- Guided city tour in Kathmandu and Pokhara on a private vehicle
- The required number of ground staff during the tour like Driver, Helpers etc.
- Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff
- Entry permits and fees for all temples, parks, monasteries, and cultural and historical sites.
- A farewell dinner on the last night in Nepal
- All administrative expenses and government taxes
Not included
- International flight fare and airport departure tax
- Meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Any beverages including bottled and boiled water
- Tips for hostess and driver. (Tipping is expected).
- Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa)
- Your travel insurance.
- Any expenses other than the Price Include section
Essential trip information
Accommodation
Hotel
Fitness & eligibility
3
Meeting point
Kathmandu
What to bring
- All you need to bring for this tour is simply some comfortable clothes. There is no requirement for special equipment on the tour. However, for your ease, the following gives you a general idea about the personal items you need to manage for the trip. The personal items referred to here are optional and depend upon your choice. The most important factor to be considered while choosing the equipment and your backpack is the time of the year you are traveling.
- We will supply complimentary water and a windproof duffel bag, which you can use on the tour for your shopping purpose. The duffel bag is yours to keep.
- Therefore, this list is only a guide. You can use the list as a reference. There are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of clothing and equipment. Use your experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you. Some of the above equipment can be easily found in stores in Kathmandu.
- (please note that winter wears are only necessary if in case you’re traveling in the month of Nov – Dec)
- General
- Rucksack bag or suitcase
- Day pack Warm wool or synthetic hat that covers your ears
- A pair of pair warm gloves
- T-shirts, cotton pants (loose jeans/khakis), shorts, and a waterproof shell jacket (preferable if you are traveling in the rainy season from June to September)
- Lightweight long underwear/thermals
- Light camping shoes or sneakers
- Sandals/flip-flops (Optional)
- Sunglasses
- Neck gaiter
- Daypack (35-45 liters recommended) with rain cover
- Wool or technical fabric liner gloves
- Liner socks (optional such as silk)
- First Aid Kits and Medications
- (Please note our guide will also carry the first-aid bag during the tour. However, we still recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well.)
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
- Immodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
- One small-sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as mole skin, band-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc
- Other Essentials
- Passport
- Extra copies of passport-sized photos
- Reusable water bottle
- Toiletry kits
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen
- Waterproof/dry bags for carrying important documents and money
- Airline tickets (Please leave a copy at our office in Kathmandu. This can be useful if there is a change in the date of the flight.)
- Optional
- Once in Nepal, if you have the time, you can purchase supplies you need while touring. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hub, is home to many shops where you can get a variety of reasonably priced equipment.
- Power bank or extra batteries
- Cameras and mobile phone
- Binoculars
- Cards/book
- Important Information
- We give you a free duffel bag and baseball cap during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffel bag will be used to pack your touring supplies.
- This list is only a guide. You can use the list as a reference.
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