Essence of Nepal

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, a Wind Horse representative will be waiting to greet you and facilitate your transfer to your hotel. Since no activities are scheduled for today, feel free to arrive at any time that is convenient for you throughout the day. Overnight in Kathmandu.

You will begin your Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour with a short drive from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is one of the three medieval city-states in the valley and one of the best-preserved. Bhaktapur, also known as the “City of Culture,” is renowned for its elegant art, rich culture, colorful festivals, and unique heritage. Bhaktapur Durbar is filled with temples adorned with intricate carvings and architectural wonders crafted from stone, metal, and wood.

The main attractions in Bhaktapur includes the Golden Gate, Nyatapola Temple, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Temple, the Palace of Fifty-Five Windows, and Pottery Square. The Palace of Fifty-Five Windows is famous for its elaborate woodwork, reflecting the city’s rich artistic legacy.

And at the Pottery Square, you’ll witness traditional pottery-making techniques on wooden wheels, where artisans craft various clay shapes, preserving age-old methods in a rapidly modernizing world. After exploring Bhaktapur, you will drive a short distance to the Pashupatinath Temple, situated on the banks of the Bagmati River.

Pashupatinath is one of the most revered Hindu temples in Nepal, drawing thousands of devotees daily. The temple complex consists of 518 shrines and spans both sides of the Bagmati River. During the festival of Maha Shivaratri, pilgrims from across Nepal, India, and around the world visit this sacred site.

While the main temple is not accessible to non-Hindus, you can explore the surrounding area, visit various shrines, lingas, and ghats, and observe the rituals from terraces overlooking the temple complex.

Next, you will drive a short distance north to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in Nepal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Boudhanath symbolizes peace and tranquility and serves as a center of religious and spiritual significance.

Here, you’ll see thousands of pilgrims and Buddhist monks in maroon robes circumambulating the stupa. This is one of the few places in the world where Tibetan Buddhist culture remains vibrant and accessible. You can join the pilgrims in circumambulation and visit the surrounding monasteries, immersing yourself in the serene spiritual atmosphere. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Today, you will visit three Unesco World heritage sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square.

Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the three Durbar (palace) squares in the Kathmandu Valley, where the kings of Nepal were once crowned and ruled the country. This historic square is the traditional heart of old Kathmandu and is renowned for its magnificent traditional architecture.

Often called the “Museum of Temples,” Kathmandu Durbar Square is home to over 50 temples and monuments, making it a treasure trove of intricate wood carvings and historical significance.

After exploring the former royal palace and various temples, you will drive a short distance north to Swayambhunath temple. Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, is situated atop a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley.

This sacred Buddhist site is one of Nepal’s most revered. “Swayambhu,” meaning “self-existent,” is believed to have spontaneously emerged when the Kathmandu Valley was formed from an ancient lake over 2,000 years ago.

The focal point of the temple is a gleaming white stupa, crowned by a gilded spire adorned with the eyes of the Buddha, symbolizing wisdom and compassion. As you ascend the steps to the stupa, you’ll be greeted by panoramic views of the valley and a spiritual atmosphere that blends ancient tradition with natural beauty.

Afterward, you will head to Patan Durbar Square. Patan, also known as Lalitpur, is the oldest of the three cities in the Kathmandu Valley and is celebrated for its rich cultural and architectural heritage, with a legacy of artisans known for their mastery of repoussé and the lost-wax process.

Patan is often described as an open-air museum, showcasing the finest aspects of Nepali culture, history, and lifestyle. The square itself features exquisite Hindu and Buddhist monuments, including temples and statues that reflect the opulent artistic history of the city. Overnight in Kathmandu.

This morning, you will drive to the domestic airport and take a scenic flight to Pokhara. Upon arrival at Pokhara airport, our vehicle will transfer you to your hotel in the Lakeside area. Once you reach the hotel, you can take some time to rest and relax until lunch.

After lunch, you will enjoy a boat ride on Phewa Lake, one of Pokhara’s most famous attractions. During the boat ride, you will visit the Tal Barahi Temple, a small two-story pagoda located on an island in the middle of the lake.

If you’re in the mood for a short hike, you can cross to the other side of the lake and hike up to the World Peace Pagoda. Located on a hilltop, this serene stupa offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, Phewa Lake, and the Pokhara Valley. Overnight in Pokhara.

Early morning, you will embark on an excursion to Sarangkot, located west of the old Pokhara Bazaar. Sarangkot is famous for its breathtaking sunrise views over the Himalayan range, including the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, and other majestic peaks.

As the sun rises, the snow-capped mountains glow in golden hues, creating a magical and unforgettable experience. After witnessing the stunning sunrise, you will return to your hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, you’ll begin a full-day Pokhara sightseeing tour, which includes:

Mountain Museum: This museum provides insights into the history, culture, and mountaineering achievements of the Himalayas, featuring exhibits on the people, flora, and fauna of the region.

Davis Falls: A unique waterfall where the water flows directly into an underground tunnel. It is one of Pokhara’s most popular spots, especially during the rainy season.

Gupteshwor Cave: Gupteshwor Cave is a sacred cave with a Shiva lingam inside. The cave extends deep underground and offers an adventurous experience, especially with the waterfall from Davis Falls cascading inside.

Tibetan Refugee Camp: A visit to the Tibetan Refugee Camp allows you to learn about the Tibetan community in Pokhara. You can observe their traditional crafts, such as carpet weaving, and gain insight into their way of life and cultural heritage.

The rest of the afternoon is free to stroll around the lakeside area. Overnight in Pokhara.

Following breakfast, you will drive to the domestic airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will drive for an hour to Nagarkot, a picturesque hilltop village known for its breathtaking panoramic views.

From Nagarkot, you’ll enjoy unparalleled vistas of numerous Himalayan peaks, including Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Range, Jugal Himal, the Annapurna Range, the Mahalangur Range, and many other majestic peaks. The views are especially stunning during sunrise and sunset, when the peaks are bathed in golden light.

Nagarkot is surrounded by lush greenery, and there are several options for short nature walks in the area. Depending on your interest and physical fitness, you can choose from a variety of nature trails ranging from 4 to 10 kilometers. These walks allow you to immerse yourself in the serene natural beauty of the region, while enjoying the fresh mountain air. Overnight in Nagarkot.

Wake up early in the morning to witness the sunrise over the Himalayas. The gentle hues of pink and orange painting the sky as the sun rises behind the towering peaks will be really amazing.

Following breakfast, you will descend down the hill towards Kathmandu airport in time for your departure flight to your next destination.