Kathmandu, Janakpur, Pokhara by Drive & Muktinath by Flight – 8 Days Spiritual Tour

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport & Transfer to Hotel

You are welcome in Nepal, "The Land of Faith, Tranquillity, and Ageless Beauty".  Situated at the heart of South Asia, Nepal is a landlocked country neighboring China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. Famous for the world's highest mountains, Nepal is a destination filled with charisma, time-honored ways of life, and spiritual prosperity. Nepal is known for its Temples and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, to its lively cultural heritage and generous hospitality. Nepal offers an exceptional journey experience into a world where serenity and adventure are in perfect harmony.

when you arrive at Kathmandu airport (Tribhuvan International Airport), our team will be available to welcome you at the airport and move to your hotel. There is free time scheduled for the rest of the day, so you're free to relax at your own pace or head out and immerse yourself in the energy of the bustling cities. If you’d like, purchase items for your trip in the local markets for any things you need or have a calm and restful time at the hotel.

Day 02: Kathmandu city sightseeing tour- Cultural Heart of Nepal

After having a satisfying breakfast at the hotel, initiate a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city's most renowned and spiritually remarkable landmarks, each revealing aspects of Nepal's diverse heritage and each providing a window into Nepal's lively culture.

Before the city sightseeing tour starts, our guide will share the clear schedule for the day and provide full details about what to expect. You will then get on comfortable transport that will be arranged by Levinly Travel and set off on a cultural expedition to explore the spiritual core of Kathmandu. The most interesting places you'll be exploring today include:

• Pashupatinath Temple:  Pashupatinath is the holiest and most important temple, as per Sanatana Dharma's (Hinduism) temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pashupatinath is the head of the body, while the twelve Jyotirlingas in India are believed to form the body of Lord Shiva. located along the sacred Bagmati River. This grandiose temple complex serves as a centre point for spiritual practices during times of spiritual significance like Maha Shivaratri, Haritalika Teej, Balachaturdashi, Ekadashi and Full Moon Days (Purnima), and Shivaratri (Monthly Observance). Witness the age-old practices, observe sadhus (holy men) saffron-robed, holy ash-covered Aghoris sadhus, and absorb the holy aura that surrounds this revered site. For details on Pashupatinath Temple, click here
• Boudhanath Stupa: One of the most renowned and spiritually charged places in Nepal, Boudhanath Stupa (also called Boudhnath or Bouddhanath) rises gracefully more than the Kathmandu Valley as a sign of wisdom, compassion, and the order of the universe. Having outstanding universal value as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a sacred destination, meditation and Cultural diversity, especially for practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism. Boudhanath’s architectonic is deeply symbolic, reflecting Buddhist cosmology and Tantric meanings. such as he Massive Mandala Design, The White Dome, The Gilded Spire with 13 Steps, The All-Seeing Eyes of Buddha, The Nose-like Symbol, Prayer Flags and Surrounding the stupa are 108 small niches with Buddha statues, prayer wheels, and monasteries (gompas) where rituals, teachings, and spiritual activities are routinely performed.  For more details on Boudhanath Stupa, click here
• Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): Swayambhunath, popularly known as the Monkey Temple, is one of the well-known and spiritually significant historical sites in Kathmandu, Nepal. situated on a hilltop with a panoramic view of the city, this ancient stupa, believed to be centuries old, over 1,500 years, is a sacred site for both Buddhists and Hindus. Its lustrous white dome, golden spire, and the ever-watchful eyes of the Buddha represent peace, wisdom, and the path to enlightenment. surrounded by the wind-blown prayer flags, small shrines, and Mischievous monkeys, Swayambhunath offers visitors not only a deep sense of serenity but also a breathtaking panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley, making it an Unmissable and must-visit destination that seamlessly interweaves spirituality, culture, and history. For more details on Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), click here
• Kathmandu Durbar Square
  In the heart of Kathmandu lies a timeless masterpiece - the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a living symbol of Nepal's royal and spiritual heritage. Home to more than 50 temples, shrines and palaces, this "museum of temples" combines sacred tradition with stunning Newari architecture. Once the seat of kings and the center of grand festivals, the city has survived centuries of change and the earthquake of 2015. Today, ongoing restoration ensures that its stories continue to inspire generations to come. For more details on Kathmandu Durbar Square, click here

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Janakpur

Today we set off on a beautiful overland trip from Kathmandu to the holy city of Janakpur in the Southern Terai region of Nepal. The journey is around 200 kms and takes around 6 to 7 hours through BP Highway depending upon the traffic and road conditions. Along the way, enjoy the changing landscape as we descend from the lush hills of the Kathmandu Valley into vast plains passing picturesque villages, rivers and green fields.

Janakpur – also known as Janakpurdham – is a revered pilgrimage site, particularly significant in Hindu mythology as the birthplace of Goddess Sita (Janaki), the divine wife of Lord Rama. The spiritual heart of the city is the magnificent Janaki Temple, a wonderful blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture, built of white marble and decorated with colourful motifs. It is one of the largest temples in Nepal and attracts thousands of devotees every year.

Apart from the Janaki Temple, there are several other religious and historical sites in Janakpur:

• Ram Sita Vivah Mandir, which commemorates the divine marriage of Lord Ram and Sita.
• Dhanushdham, located a short distance away, is believed to be where a piece of Lord Shiva's bow (broken by Rama) fell.
• Holy ponds like Ganga Sagar, Dhanush Sagar and Argja Pokhari, each of which has its own spiritual significance.

Janakpur is also a cultural hub of the Maithili people, known for its vibrant traditions, colourful Mithila art and festivals. This trip not only connects you to a place of deep devotion but also gives you a glimpse into the rich cultural fabric of Southern Nepal.

Day 04: Janakpur Sightseeing and Drive to Pokhara

Start your day with a wonderful tour of Janakpur, a city rich in spiritual significance and cultural heritage. Visit the iconic Janaki Temple, a magnificent structure dedicated to Goddess Sita, which displays a blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture with intricate carvings and vibrant colours. Proceed towards Ram Sita Vivah Mandir, believed to be the place where the divine marriage of Lord Ram and Sita took place, where one can witness the live scenes of Ramayana. A short trip to Dhanushdham, around 15 km away, gives you a glimpse of the legend of Lord Shiva's bow, adding a deeper mythological context to your trip.

After visiting these holy sites, we set out on a beautiful and long distance journey from Janakpur to Pokhara, covering a distance of about 365 km. This overland drive usually takes about 9 to 10 hours depending on the road and traffic conditions. The route offers a stunning view of Nepal's diverse landscape - from the fertile plains of the Terai, through forested hills, river valleys and small towns, gradually climbing towards the foothills of the majestic Himalayas.

As you get closer to Pokhara, the atmosphere becomes more calm and cool. Nestled on the banks of Phewa Lake and surrounded by the snow-capped Annapurna range, Pokhara welcomes you with its serene charm and breathtaking natural beauty. On arrival, check in to your hotel and relax after the journey. Use the evening to relax or enjoy a picnic by the lake to prepare for the adventures awaiting you in this enchanting Himalayan paradise.

Day 05: Flight to Jomsom and pilgrimage drive to the holy Muktinath Temple

Start the morning with breakfast, then take a short 25-minute flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, where the journey will take you through thrilling aerial views of the lush valleys and towering peaks that define the heart of Nepal’s Himalayan landscape. Upon arrival at Jomsom, a hotel representative will be waiting for you to escort you to your accommodation. After a seamless check-in, the next leg of your journey will take you on a 90-minute drive to the Muktinath Temple, located 20 km away. As you travel along the Kaligandaki River, you will enjoy the beauty of the rugged landscapes and the serenity of this sacred area. From Ranipauwa Jeep Station, it’s a short but invigorating 20-minute hike to reach the Muktinath Temple, situated at a lofty 3,710 meters above sea level. The journey is not just a physical ascent but also a spiritual one, with each step bringing you closer to one of Nepal’s most sacred sites. At Muktinath Temple, immerse yourself in spiritual practice by participating in rituals and praying. The sacred ponds nearby invite pilgrims to take a holy dip, believed to wash away sins. While visiting, make sure to visit the Jwalamai Temple dedicated to the goddess of fire before returning to Jomsom. If you wish, take a detour through Kagbeni, a picturesque village rich in Tibetan culture. Please note that the airlines operating on this sector allow a luggage limit of 15 kg per adult and 7 kg per child. The flights are operated using a Twin Otter or Dornier aircraft, with an average capacity of 15 seats, ensuring a cosy and intimate flying experience.

Day 06: Fly back to Pokhara from Jomsom & Sightseeing

Start your day early in the morning with a beautiful flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, it is a 20-25 minute journey that offers spectacular aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges towering over the Kali Gandaki Valley.

On reaching Pokhara, check into your hotel and relax by the serene lakeside. The relaxed ambience of the city is a perfect contrast to the rugged Himalayan terrain of Mustang. And later, start your sightseeing tour of Pokhara.

• Bindebasini Temple:
  Built in the 17th century, this hill temple is the focal point of religious life in Pokhara. Dedicated to Goddess Durga in her Bhagwati form, this temple hosts lively rituals and offers sweeping views of the Himalayas on clear days.
• Devi’s Fall (Patale Chhango):
  This unique waterfall disappears into an underground tunnel and looks especially spectacular during the monsoon season. According to local legend, its name is derived from a tragic incident involving a Swiss tourist, which adds an air of mystery to its natural splendor.
• Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave:
  Right opposite the Devi Falls is the Gupteshwar Cave - it houses a sacred Shivalinga that attracts both spiritual seekers and geology enthusiasts. The cave stretches for over 3 km, with passages leading to chambers that reverberate with the sound of underground waterfalls.
• Cultural and Spiritual Layers:
  This short but rich tourist circuit highlights the diversity of Pokhara, not just as a natural haven, but as a sacred crossroads of Hindu devotion and geological wonder, making it an essential stop on the trip.

Day 07: Sarangkot Sunrise & Pokhara to Kathmandu (Drive)

• Sarangkot Sunrise:
  Located on a hilltop just outside Pokhara, this spot offers one of Nepal's most iconic sunrise experiences. As dawn breaks, the first rays of the sun slowly make the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu ranges glow golden and red. This is a perfect moment for photography enthusiasts - capture the panoramic views of the Pokhara valley below, mist-covered mountains, and paragliders flying in the morning light.

Today, we are embarking on a captivating journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu that is a mix of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and road trip adventures. Covering a distance of about 200 kilometers, the drive usually takes about 6 to 7 hours depending on road conditions, traffic flow and weather patterns. The route passes through lush green hills, charming rural hamlets, terraced fields and the banks of the Trishuli River, Which offers plenty of beautiful views and opportunities to absorb the diverse geography of central Nepal.

Along the way, you can stop at local tea houses or sightseeing spots to rest your feet and enjoy authentic Nepali breakfast while taking in the views of the distant hills and mountain peaks.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu you will be taken to the hotel for rest. After the tour you can relax and unwind for the rest of the day. If you wish, you can spend the evening in the vibrant local markets of Thamel or Asan, where you can sample traditional handicrafts, pashmina shawls, handmade souvenirs or street food. Alternatively, you may prefer to spend a quiet evening at your hotel to rejuvenate for the days ahead.

Day 08: Final departure 

After days filled with spiritual exploration, beautiful landscapes, and unforgettable cultural experiences, today marks the end of your trip to Nepal. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some leisure time in Kathmandu - whether it's a leisurely breakfast, a last stroll through the local markets or simply reminiscing about your trip.

At the scheduled time, our representative will pick you up at the Tribhuvan International Airport, ensuring a smooth and timely transfer for your departure. We recommend arriving at the airport at least three hours before your scheduled international flight for hassle-free check-in and immigration processes.

As you board your flight and say goodbye to Nepal, hopefully the memories of sacred temples, Himalayan sunrises and heartwarming encounters will stay with you long after you return home. We look forward to welcoming you back for another enriching adventure.