5-Day Nepal Tour: Kathmandu, Pokhara & Sacred Sites

Summary

Explore Nepal’s valleys temples & sunrise views with locals

You’ll walk ancient squares in Kathmandu, watch sunrise paint the Himalayas from Sarangkot, drift across Fewa Lake to hidden temples in Pokhara, and witness rituals at sacred Pashupatinath — all with local guides who share stories along the way. These are moments you’ll remember long after you leave Nepal.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me in Kathmandu wasn’t the noise or the traffic — it was this smell of incense drifting out from a tiny doorway near Durbar Square. Our guide, Suman, waved us over to watch an old woman lighting butter lamps. I tried not to stare but she caught my eye and smiled anyway. There’s something about that square — pigeons everywhere, bells clanging, people just weaving through centuries-old temples like it’s nothing special. It felt like stepping into someone else’s memory.

The drive to Pokhara took most of the day (six hours sounds long but honestly, I lost track after the third roadside tea stop). The road wound through green hills and every so often we’d pass a cluster of kids waving at our van. That evening by Lakeside, the air was cooler and you could hear music from open bars mixing with the sound of boats bumping against each other. I tried momos for dinner — still not sure what all went into the sauce but it was spicy enough to make me cough and laugh at myself.

Sarangkot morning meant waking up before dawn (I’m not a morning person but somehow didn’t mind). We stood on this hilltop as the sun started turning the Annapurnas pink. Everyone went quiet for a minute — even Suman just pointed and grinned instead of talking. Later we wandered through Pokhara: Davi’s Fall roaring underfoot, Gupteshwor Cave damp and echoing with prayers, Barahi Temple floating out on Fewa Lake where I fumbled with my oar while locals watched politely. The whole day felt kind of dreamlike.

Back in Kathmandu we visited Patan — so many temples packed together it almost felt overwhelming. But then you’d catch a monk laughing with a street vendor or spot marigold petals scattered on stone steps and it would feel lighter again. On our last morning we went to Pashupatinath; smoke rising from the cremation ghats, sadhus painted in bright colors sitting by the riverbank. It was heavy but also peaceful in its own way. I still think about that place sometimes when things get too noisy at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Kathmandu Tour

• Walking tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square
• Visit Swoyambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)

Day 2 — Drive to Pokhara and Lakeside Stroll

• Drive to Pokhara (6 hours)
• Evening stroll around Lakeside area

Day 3 — Pokhara Sightseeing and Boating

• Excursion to Sarangkot and Pokhara sightseeing
• Visit Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
• Visit Devi’s Fall
• Boating on Fewa Lake

Day 4 — Patan City Tour and Farewell Dinner

• Tour of Patan Durbar Square
• Dinner with cultural show at Nepali restaurant

Day 5 — Visit Pashupatinath Temple

• Visit Pashupatinath Temple

Top questions

How long is the drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara?

The drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara is about 205 km and takes around 6 hours.

Is hotel pickup included on this Nepal tour?

Yes, airport transfers and hotel pickups are included during your tour.

What are some main attractions visited on this trip?

You’ll visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Sarangkot for sunrise views, Davi’s Fall, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, Barahi Temple on Fewa Lake, Patan Durbar Square, and Pashupatinath Temple.

Is this Nepal tour suitable for all fitness levels?

This tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

Are meals included in the 5-day Nepal itinerary?

Dinner is included during your stay on this tour.

Will there be a local guide during sightseeing tours?

Yes, sightseeing tours are led by local guides who share cultural context and stories throughout your trip.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay in comfortable 4-star hotels throughout your journey.

Do I need to arrange my own transport between cities?

No need — all intercity drives such as Kathmandu to Pokhara are arranged for you as part of your package.

What’s included

Your trip includes airport transfers both ways, guided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu and Pokhara with entry fees covered, comfortable stays at 4-star hotels each night, plus dinner along the way so you can focus on exploring without worrying about logistics or where to eat next.