Kathmandu-Pokhara and Muktinath Tour

Embark on a fascinating 10-day journey with an exhilarating helicopter flight with the Everest Base Camp Trek. This adventure begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (Tenzing Hillary Airport) and begins with a hike back to the base passing through picturesque villages such as Phakding, Tengboche, Namche Bazar, and Lobuche.   

Good To Know

  • Duration 8 days
  • Activity Adventure
  • Difficulty Type Easy
  • Best Season Spring and Autumn
  • Max. Altitude 3800 m
  • Accommodation Deluxe Hotels & Tea House
  • Meal Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Trip Starts Kathmandu

Embark on an incredible 8-day journey through the heart of Nepal, a land of diverse landscapes, rich culture, and ancient traditions. Your adventure begins in Kathmandu, where you’ll arrive. The capital city welcomes you with its bustling streets and historic landmarks, setting the stage for an unforgettable exploration. From there, the tour takes you on a scenic road trip to Pokhara via the Manakamana Temple, offering a glimpse into Nepal’s religious heritage.

The highlight of the trip is the visit to the sacred Muktinath Temple, perched high in the Himalayas. This is a significant pilgrimage destination for both Hindus and Buddhists. Afterward, you’ll return to Pokhara for a day of relaxation, enjoying the serene surroundings of the city and perhaps partaking in optional activities. You’ll explore Pokhara’s natural beauty and landmarks, including Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, and the iconic Peace Pagoda.

On another day, you’ll journey back to Kathmandu, and in the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Thamel, known for its bustling markets and cultural experiences. Your Kathmandu exploration continues, offering a deeper dive into the city’s cultural and historical treasures. Marvel at the Kathmandu Durbar Square, find serenity at the Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and experience the spiritual aura of Boudhanath Stupa. The tour concludes as you depart from Kathmandu, cherishing the memories of an adventure that has taken you from the heart of the city to the heights of the Himalayas, providing a well-rounded experience of Nepal’s beauty and culture.

Kathmandu- Pokhara and Muktinath Highlights

1. Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple, a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, located in the stunning Himalayan region.

2. Immerse yourself in Nepal’s natural beauty, from the serene lakes and waterfalls of Pokhara to the breathtaking mountain views.

3. Enjoy a cable car ride to the Manakamana Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Bhagwati, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

4. Explore the vibrant Thamel market in Kathmandu, offering a wide range of souvenirs, handicrafts, and local cuisine.

5. Discover Nepal’s rich cultural heritage through visits to historic sites such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Boudhanath Stupa.

6. Experience tranquility at the iconic Peace Pagoda in Pokhara, with its serene surroundings and panoramic views of the city and the Annapurna range.

7. Enjoy thrilling domestic flights to and from Jomsom, providing breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas.

8. Optional boating on Phewa Lake in Pokhara, a peaceful experience with views of the lake and the mountains.

9. Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of sacred temples, from Muktinath to Swayambhunath and Boudhanath.

10. Explore the historical architecture and royal heritage at Kathmandu Durbar Square, gaining insights into Nepal’s past.

Best time for the Kathmandu-Pokhara and Muktinath 

The best time for the Kathmandu-Pokhara and Muktinath Tour is during the spring and autumn seasons in Nepal. These periods offer the most favorable weather conditions, clear skies, and optimal temperatures for the tour.

Spring Season (March to May)

Spring is one of Nepal’s most popular times for travel, including the Kathmandu-Pokhara, and Muktinath. During this season:

  • Weather Conditions: The weather is generally mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C.
  • Clear Views: The skies are often clear, providing stunning vistas of the Himalayan range, including Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna Range, Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain), Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Manaslu etc.
  • Crowds: Spring is a popular season for traveling in Nepal due to the pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. Therefore, expect heavy foot traffic on popular routes.

Autumn Season (September to November)

Autumn offers a rewarding tour experience in the Kathmandu-Pokhara and Muktinath Tour. During the season:

  • Weather Conditions: The weather is quite pleasant and comfortable to visit, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C.
  • Clear Views: Autumn is known for its crisp air, providing excellent visibility of the surrounding landscapes and distant Himalayan peaks.
  • Crowds: Autumn is a popular time for travel in Nepal, as a result, the Kathmandu-Pokhara and Muktinath Tour route remains more crowded compared to other routes.

Off-Season Considerations

While spring and autumn are the best times for the Kathmandu-Pokhara and Muktinath, some tourists prefer off-season travel for a unique experience. However, these periods come with challenges:

  • Winter Season (December to February): Traveling in the winter provides a bright sky, superb visibility, and fewer crowds than in the fall and spring seasons. However, the cold may bring certain obstacles, such as freezing temperatures, particularly in the early morning and evening, shorter day limits, and ice and snow, which can disrupt transportation, particularly at higher elevations.
  • Monsoon Season (June to August): The monsoon brings frequent and heavy rainfall, which can lead to flooding and landslides, disrupting travel plans.

Overall, spring and autumn offer the best combination of weather, views, and cultural experiences, making them the ideal times to travel on the Kathmandu-Pokhara and Muktinath. If you’re planning a trip during the off-season, be prepared for additional challenges and always check weather forecasts and road conditions in advance.

Itinerary

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On your arrival day in Kathmandu, you’ll be greeted at the Tribhuvan International Airport. You will go through immigration and customs procedures. Be sure to have your visa and passport ready. Once you exit the airport, you’ll be met by a representative from the tour operator or your accommodation. They will assist you with transportation to your hotel in Kathmandu. After checking in and freshening up at your hotel, you’ll have the evening to relax or explore Kathmandu on your own. You might want to sample some traditional Nepali cuisine at a local restaurant.

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After an early breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel. You’ll begin the scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which is approximately a 6-8 hour journey by road. En route, you’ll visit the Manakamana Temple, which is located on a hill. To reach the temple, you’ll take a cable car ride that provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside. After visiting the temple, you’ll continue your drive to Pokhara, which is renowned for its breathtaking mountain views and serene lakes. Upon reaching Pokhara, you’ll check in to your hotel and have the evening free for leisure or exploration on your own.

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This day begins early with a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. The flight offers spectacular aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. After landing in Jomsom, you’ll proceed to visit the Muktinath Temple. This sacred temple is located at a higher elevation, and you’ll need to make a journey by road to reach it. Muktinath is a place of great religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple’s architecture and the surrounding landscapes are stunning. You’ll explore the temple, its sacred waters, and the natural beauty of the area. Afterward, you’ll return to Jomsom for an overnight stay.

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After breakfast in Jomsom, you’ll take a domestic flight back to Pokhara. The flight typically provides more awe-inspiring mountain views. Once you arrive in Pokhara, you’ll check in to your hotel. This day is often designated as a relaxation day. You can unwind, take in the tranquil atmosphere, or explore Pokhara at your own pace. You might want to take a leisurely stroll around Phewa Lake, enjoy boating, or simply relax by the lake’s shores. Pokhara is known for its beautiful scenery and is an excellent place for relaxation.

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Today, you’ll have a full day dedicated to sightseeing in and around Pokhara. Possible places to visit include:

  • Davis Falls: A unique waterfall that disappears into an underground tunnel.
  • Gupteshwor Cave: An intricate cave system with stalactites and a sacred cave temple.
  • Peace Pagoda: A Buddhist stupa offering panoramic views of the Annapurna range.
  • Seti River Gorge: A natural wonder where the Seti River has carved a deep gorge.
  • International Mountain Museum: A museum dedicated to the culture, history, and mountaineering heritage of the region.

You’ll explore these sites and experience the natural and cultural wonders that Pokhara has to offer.

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After breakfast in Pokhara, you’ll embark on the road journey back to Kathmandu. The drive takes you through picturesque landscapes and small towns. Once you reach Kathmandu, you’ll check in to your hotel. In the evening, you can explore the bustling Thamel market. Thamel is known for its shops, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife, making it a perfect place to find souvenirs and enjoy local cuisine.

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This day is devoted to exploring the cultural and historical wonders of Kathmandu. Possible places to visit include:

  • Kathmandu Durbar Square: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient palaces, courtyards, and temples.
  • Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): A sacred Buddhist stupa with a commanding view of the city.
  • Boudhanath Stupa: One of the largest stupas in Asia, a center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu.
  • Pashupatinath Temple: A significant Hindu temple complex on the banks of the Bagmati River.

Our guide will provide insights into the history and significance of these sites.

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On your departure day, you’ll have time for any last-minute shopping or exploring in Kathmandu, depending on your flight schedule. When it’s time, you’ll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure.

Inclusions

What’s Included

1. Accommodation: Accommodation in hotels or lodges for the duration of the tour.

2. Transportation: This usually includes all transportation within Nepal as mentioned in the itinerary, such as flights, road trips, and airport transfers.

3. Meals: Tour packages include daily breakfast

4. Activities: Some activities may be included, such as the cable car ride to Manakamana Temple and optional activities like boating on Phewa Lake.

5. Permits and Fees: Permits required for Muktinath Entry (ACAP Permit)

6. Domestic Flights: Flights mentioned in the itinerary within Nepal.

What’s Excluded

1. International Flights: Your international flights to and from Nepal are typically not included in the tour package.

2. Travel Insurance: Travel insurance, including health and trip cancellation insurance, is usually not included but highly recommended.

3. Visa Fees: The cost of obtaining a tourist visa for Nepal, varies depending on your nationality.

4. Personal Expenses: Expenses such as souvenirs, additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary, and personal items are usually not included.

5. Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic drinks and beverages are typically not included.

6. Tips and Gratuities: Tipping guides, drivers, and other service providers are not usually included but are customary in Nepal.

7. Optional Activities: Any activities or excursions that are not specified in the itinerary may be at an additional cost.

8. Meals: Meals not specified in the itinerary, such as lunch and dinner on relaxation days or free time.

Detailed Itinerary 

FAQs

Nepal is generally safe for travelers. However, like any destination, it's essential to follow common safety precautions and be aware of local customs and advice.

The best time to visit Nepal for this tour is typically during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is favorable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Altitude sickness can be a concern when visiting higher-altitude destinations like Muktinath. It's important to acclimatize, stay hydrated, and be prepared with appropriate medication if needed.

Accommodations can vary, but you can expect a mix of hotels and lodges that cater to travelers. They generally provide basic amenities and comfort.

Baggage allowances for domestic flights in Nepal can vary by airline, so it's essential to check with your specific carrier. Generally, weight limits are lower than international flights and is almost of 20 KGs and Hand carry.