Kathmandu to Pokhara Tour by Road – 5 Days Nepal

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: Kathmandu to Pokhara (Drive)

We left Kathmandu behind and began the 200-kilometre journey towards Pokhara, passing through one of the most beautiful highways in Nepal. The route passes through dramatic turns, crosses turbulent rivers, and offers panoramic views of fertile valleys surrounded by forested hills.

As we descended from the Kathmandu Valley, the landscape began to unfold like a living canvas – every turn in the road offered sweeping views of farmland tumbling down from the hills, old villages perched on peaks and glistening rivers flowing through rugged terrain.

• Optional: for River Rafting or visit the Manakamna Temple.  For more details on Manakamna Temple & River Rafting,  click here

A favourite stop midway through the journey is the revered Manakamana Temple, which can be reached via a 10-minute cable car ride over the Trishuli River and densely forested slopes. It is a short but thrilling climb that attracts pilgrims and tourists alike to seek the blessings of the wish-fulfilling goddess.

Upon arrival in Pokhara, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax before beginning your sightseeing tour of the city.

• 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 04: Early Morning 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 set out on a beautiful journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu, a journey that presents the essence of Nepal's diverse landscape. Covering a distance of about 200 kilometers, this journey usually takes 6 to 7 hours, although this time may vary depending on road conditions, traffic and weather. As we pass through lush valleys, terraced fields, riverbanks and charming villages, you'll get a rich glimpse of Nepali life along the way - providing the ultimate dose of natural beauty and cultural insight.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our team will assist you with check-in at your hotel. The rest of the day is up to you. You can relax in your room and refresh yourself or have a cup of masala tea at a local cafe.  Alternatively, visit the bustling streets of Thamel or Asan to look for traditional handicrafts, thangkas, pashmina and other souvenirs. This free time gives you the chance to revisit favourite spots or discover new ones, allowing you to soak up the energy of the city before you depart.

Day 05: 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.