Kathmandu & Pokhara in 5 Days: The Perfect First Trip to Nepal

Kathmandu and Pokhara are the two cities almost every first-time visitor to Nepal combines - and for good reason. In five days you move from UNESCO-listed temples and busy old bazaars to a calm lakeside town where the Annapurna range is reflected in the water. This is the plan we use for our most popular tour, with the small tips we have picked up from hundreds of travellers.

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu - Pashupatinath & Boudhanath

Most flights reach Tribhuvan International Airport by midday, which leaves the afternoon free for two of the valley's holiest sites. Start at Pashupatinath, the great temple of Lord Shiva on the banks of the Bagmati. Only Hindus may enter the main courtyard, but everyone can watch the ghats and the evening aarti from the eastern bank.

From there it is a short drive to Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world. Join the pilgrims walking clockwise around the dome as the butter lamps are lit, then find a rooftop cafe for dinner with a view of the Buddha's eyes.

Day 2: Swayambhunath & Kathmandu Durbar Square

Climb the long eastern stairway to Swayambhunath, the hilltop "Monkey Temple", early in the morning - the light is soft and the city spreads out below you. Then head to Kathmandu Durbar Square, the old royal quarter. Look out for the fierce Kaal Bhairav, the Hanuman Dhoka palace and the Kumari Ghar, home of the Living Goddess.

Spend the evening in Thamel, the lively backpacker district, for shopping - singing bowls, pashmina, prayer flags and trekking gear are all good buys.

Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara

You have two choices. The scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway covers about 200 km and takes six to seven hours, following the Trishuli river past terraced hillsides. The alternative is a 25-minute flight - quicker, and on a clear day wonderfully close to the mountains.

Check in near Lakeside and take a gentle evening walk along the shore of Phewa Lake as the paragliders come in to land.

Day 4: Sarangkot Sunrise & Pokhara Sightseeing

Set the alarm for an early drive up to Sarangkot (about 1,600 m). As the sun rises, the first light strikes Machhapuchhre - the "fish-tail" peak - followed by the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. It is one of the great mountain views of Asia, and you do not need to trek a single step to see it.

After breakfast, row across Phewa Lake to the island temple of Tal Barahi, visit the World Peace Pagoda on the ridge, and see Davis Falls and the Gupteshwor Mahadev cave. Adventure lovers can add paragliding from Sarangkot or one of the world's steepest zip-lines.

Day 5: Return to Kathmandu & Depart

Fly or drive back to Kathmandu for your onward journey. If your flight is late in the day, there is time for a final stroll through Patan Durbar Square or some last-minute shopping.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Documents: Indian citizens do not need a visa - carry a valid passport or Voter ID card.
• Money: Indian rupee notes of ₹100 and below are widely accepted; ATMs are easy to find in both cities.
• Time: Nepal is 15 minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time.
• Clothing: Pack a warm layer even in spring - mornings at Sarangkot are chilly.

Want more time? Add two nights in Chitwan for a jungle safari, or continue from Pokhara to Muktinath for a Himalayan pilgrimage. Our Kathmandu - Pokhara Tour covers this exact route, and every day can be tailored. Starting from Gorakhpur by road? Read our Nepal tour package from Gorakhpur guide.