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Kathmandu Pokhara Tour
- Nepal
- Sightseeing
The Kathmandu Pokhara Tour is a 6-day, 5-night private trip showcasing Nepal’s cultural richness and stunning landscapes. Travelers start in Kathmandu, walking through ancient durbar squares and visiting centuries-old palaces, statues, and shrines. These squares remain active hubs where locals perform daily rituals and worship.
The tour includes iconic sites such as Swayambhunath (The Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. Swayambhunath, perched on a hillside with 365 stone steps, offers panoramic views and a spiritual atmosphere. Boudhanath, the largest stupa in the world, allows travelers to observe devoted Buddhist prayers.
At Pashupatinath Temple, one of Nepal’s most sacred Hindu sites, visitors witness the unique interconnection of Hinduism and Buddhism that shapes Kathmandu’s spiritual landscape.
Pokhara: Lakes, Mountains, and Activities
After Kathmandu, travelers continue to Pokhara, a quiet lakeside city framed by Machhapuchhre mountain. The tour includes an early-morning drive to Sarangkot for sunrise over the surrounding hills and mountains. In Pokhara, visitors can see Devi’s Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, and the World Peace Pagoda, which combine natural beauty with cultural significance.
Travelers can also try paragliding, bungee jumping, or ultralight flights. The city offers opportunities to meet local artisans, taste traditional cuisine, and shop for handmade goods in Thamel or the lakeside area.
Comfort, Convenience, and Memorable Experiences
The Kathmandu Pokhara Tour ensures comfort and convenience from start to finish. Guides handle airport pickups, city transfers, and local logistics, while travelers stay in quality hotels and can adjust the itinerary. A traditional Nepali dinner with a cultural dance performance welcomes visitors on the first night, creating an authentic introduction to local culture.
Optional activities, such as a scenic flight over Mount Everest or additional sports in Pokhara, can be added. This tour combines Nepal’s cultural depth, natural beauty, and hospitality, offering a complete and memorable experience of the country’s highlights.
Trip staff
- Tour Guide
- Driver
Transport
- Private Car
- Tourist Bus
Accommodation
- 3-star hotel
Trip Grade
- Easy
Group Size
- Minimum 1
- Maximum 12
Kathmandu Pokhara Tour Package Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Kathmandu – Welcome to Nepal!
One of our representatives will wait for you outside the airport to pick you up after your landing. We will welcome you warmly and drive you to your hotel in a private vehicle. You will likely stay in the lively heart of the city, Thamel. After checking into your hotel, rest or take a quick walk around the neighborhood for a glimpse into your next 6 days.
Meet your tour manager for a short orientation in the evening. You will get a final briefing on your itinerary, a few tips on local customs and cultural dos and don’ts, and be asked any questions. After the orientation, you can relax and enjoy the day. Thamel is a cool place with many shops, cafés, and colorful streets.
You will stay the night in a nice hotel in a twin or double room in Kathmandu. These rooms come with private bathrooms, WiFi, and breakfast.
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Day 2 - Kathmandu Valley Heritage Sightseeing
Have breakfast and meet your private guide and driver at around 8:00 AM to begin your day exploring Kathmandu. The tour starts in Kathmandu Durbar Square, an old and historic royal palace complex. Walk through the courtyards and temples while listening to the stories of Nepal. You’ll see traditional architecture, carved windows, stone lions guarding the temple doors, and, if lucky, you might even see the Living Goddess Kumari peeking from an upper window of her residence.
Then, head to Swayambhunath Stupa with a short drive. Commonly known as the Monkey Temple. Swayambhunath is a sacred Buddhist religious site. Climbing more than 350 stone steps and getting to this hilltop stupa, where the Buddha’s eyes look over the entire valley. Lots of monkeys live here, hence the name Monkey Temple. You will get to see the whole valley below you from here. Walk around the stupa, spin prayer wheels, and enjoy the peaceful energy.
You will stop at a local eatery or a restaurant for lunch around midday. Many menu options exist, from familiar noodles or pizza to classic Nepali thali. Lunch is at your own expense so that you can choose anything.
After lunch, you will head to Boudhanath Stupa. This stupa is the most prominent and significant Tibetan Buddhist site in Nepal. This massive stupa has many monks, pilgrims, and locals walking clockwise around it with the scent of incense. You can listen to monks chanting in any nearby monasteries or light the butter lamps at the base of the stupa.
Pashupatinath Temple is your last stop for the day. This temple is the holiest and most sacred Hindu temple complex of Nepal. Stretched over 246 hectares of land, this riverside temple connects culture and cremation. While the temple is only open for followers of Hinduism and other related religions like Jainism, Buddhism, and Kiratism, you can sit on the nearby hill to witness the cremation process closely. You can also participate in the evening aarti and spot sadhus, holy men who offer blessings with their faces covered in ash.
After exploring and learning about new places, you will return to your hotel by late afternoon. You can spend the evening going around Thamel or simply resting. Thamel has many shops, bakeries, and restaurants. You can buy souvenirs, go food hunting, or relax by a rooftop bar with a drink or coffee.
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Day 3 - Scenic Drive to Pokhara – trip to Lakeside Pokhara
Check out your hotel in Kathmandu and get on a bus to Pokhara. Our driver will pick you up from your hotel around 7:00 and head west approximately 200km along the Prithvi Highway. This scenic drive takes about 6 to 7 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions. You’ll pass green hills, rivers, and small rural towns and see terraced farms on the hillside, and if the day is clear, you might even see the Himalayan range in the distance.
The ride is comfortable with a few scheduled stops to stretch your legs, use the washroom, or grab lunch in a roadside highway restaurant. Again, the lunch is at your own expense, with guides recommending what’s good. You will gain a whole new perspective in Nepal through this drive. The experience is irreplaceable from any plane ride with the close glimpse into the countryside and everyday life of the locals past the windows.
You’ll arrive in Pokhara by late afternoon, where you will settle for the night in a lakeside hotel. Pokhara is a lake city with a very relaxed atmosphere. You can rest before heading out for the evening.
Walk along the Phewa Lake and enjoy the serene view of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre standing tall with their reflection in the lake. The lakeside has many shops, cafés, bookstores, and shops selling Tibetan jewelry, handicrafts, and more. Pick a lakeside restaurant for dinner, where you can enjoy Nepali cuisine, wood-fired pizza, or Korean BBQ.
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Day 4 - Pokhara Highlights – Mountains, Lakes, and Local Culture
The day begins early at 5:00 AM for a drive to Sarangkot, where you will see one of the best sunrise views in Nepal. The hilltop is around 1,600m and offers expansive views of the Annapurna range. Peaks like Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the iconic Machhapuchhre get hit by shades of gold and pink. The views are best during clear mornings. You will return to the hotel for breakfast and a short test after the sunrise.
Then head to Phewa Lake for a relaxing boat ride across calm water. You’ll stop at Tal Barahi temple in the middle of the lake, sitting on a small island. The ride is peaceful, with green hills surrounding it and mountain reflections on the lake.
After the boat ride, we’ll take you to two of Pokhara’s most interesting natural sites. Firstly, you’ll visit the Devil’s Fall, a powerful waterfall rushing into an underground gorge. It’s a dramatic waterfall, and locals believe the water flows into the underworld. Across the street is the famous Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, which sits beneath the ground and towards the waterfall. You can head down a staircase and explore the cave. A Lord Shiva shrine has some unique rock formations and primarily limestone walls in the center.
Stop for lunch in the early afternoon. Try a Tibetan-style meal or fresh lake fish at a local eatery. After lunch, you’ll head out to one of the Tibetan refugee settlements in Pokhara. You’ll see women weaving traditional carpets, and the markets with Tibetan jewelry, crafts, and other unique souvenirs. In this quiet and thoughtful place, you can connect with the community and learn more about Tibetan culture and history.
Then, you’ll visit the World Peace Pagoda, a white stupa built by Buddhist monks to promote peace. This stupa sits on a ridge south of the lake and offers some of the city’s best views. You will also see the majestic mountains over the hills. The place is charming in the late afternoon with the sunset views. If time allows, we will visit another viewpoint, Pumdikot, to see the towering Shiva statue. It’s a peaceful place overlooking the city with a small temple, offering the same views from a different angle.
You’ll be back at your hotel by early evening. You have the rest of the night to yourself. You can rest, explore more Lakeside areas, or have dinner in any restaurant you like. We can arrange an ultralight flight or paragliding if you want an adventure the next morning. Rest overnight in the same hotel.
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Day 5 - Return to Kathmandu
You have some time in the morning to spend however you like. Some travelers go paragliding when the sky is calm and clear, while others relax with coffee and the lake view. Check out of your hotel in midmorning and hop on your ride back to Kathmandu.
Today’s drive is long and scenic along the familiar rivers, terraced hills, and roadside markets with some stops for snacks or just stretching your legs. You can skip this 6-hour-long road drive and choose a 30-minute flight back to Kathmandu.
You will arrive in Kathmandu by late afternoon or early evening. Check into your hotel and relax. You can go last-minute shopping or explore the lively market of Thamel. You can find singing bowls and incense to pashminas, trekking gear, prayer flags, local teas, and spices. Your guide can help you bargain reasonably if you want lower prices.
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Day 6 - Departure from Kathmandu – Farewell Nepal
Today is your last day in Nepal. Have breakfast and spend the morning however you like. You can pack or go last-minute shopping, depending on your flight schedule. Some travelers like to stop by the Garden of Dreams for a calm walk, while some like to enjoy a rooftop café with a coffee and a final look at the city.
Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll probably check out at noon. When it is time, one of our team members will take you to the airport. We hope the tour was fun and memorable. Safe travels.
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Is this trip for you?
This trip is right for travelers who want a cultural, scenic, and comfortable experience without high-altitude trekking.
The trip is right for history and culture lovers. You will explore Kathmandu’s ancient temples, royal squares, and sacred sites. Local guides will lead you through every destination, providing an insight into Nepal’s historic and spiritual traditions.
Nature and scenery enthusiasts will love the serene beauty of Pokhara. You will enjoy sunrise views of the Annapurna range, boat riding on Phewa Lake, green hills, and the peaceful valley. You can also enjoy a light adventure with easy walking tours and a short optional hike to the World Peace Pagoda. Add paragliding, zip-lining, or cycling.
First-time visitors to Nepal can get a complete introduction to Nepal in just a few days. The itinerary covers two major Nepali destinations with time to relax. Families and seniors can also find the trip enjoyable. Private vehicles, comfortable hotels, and a flexible itinerary make the tour suitable for all ages. Kids will like the wildlife, and seniors can enjoy a gentle pace and support.
Our hotels, airport transfers, private transportation, and experienced guides make the travel perfect for travelers seeking comfort.
If any of this sounds like you, the Kathmandu-Pokhara tour is the right fit for you. Let us know your needs, and we will personalize the trip.
Accommodation and Transportation
Accommodation
All hotels in the package offer utmost comfort, safety, and cleanliness with en-suite bathrooms and breakfast. We can book family or connecting rooms if you are travelling with family.
We choose clean, safe, and quality hotels with reliable transportation so you can enjoy the tour without any stress. You will stay in a hotel in Thamel at a three or 4-star hotel like Hotel Thamel Park. Rooms are quiet, with busy streets everywhere in the neighborhood. You get clean rooms with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and WiFi. If this hotel is unavailable, we will book a similar standard hotel, like Hotel Jampa or Arts Hotel.
Stay at a 4-star hotel in Pokhara near the Lakeside area, like the Kuti Resort. This resort is only 5 minutes away from Phewa Lake and offers a relaxed atmosphere. Guests can enjoy the mountain or the pool views. Rooms are modern and have all essential comforts, with easy access to restaurants and shops. If Kuti is unavailable, we will book an equivalent hotel like Mount Kailash Resort or Lakeside Retreat.
We also upgraded these hotels to be more upscale upon request. You can stay in the historic Kathmandu Guest House (KGH), a 4-star heritage hotel with a beautiful garden and excellent service. In Pokhara, you can upgrade to Waterfront Resort by KGH, offering private balconies and an outdoor pool. Upgrades cost extra, and we are happy to provide rates for those interested.
Transportation
We ensure a smooth transfer between the two cities. You will get a private airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu, no matter when you arrive or depart. A professional driver with the company banner will meet you when you land in Nepal at Kathmandu airport. They will safely drive you from the airport to your hotel in an air-conditioned car or van. To tour Kathmandu, you’ll travel in private vehicles with your guide and a professional driver. You don’t need to worry about navigating taxis or traffic when touring with us. Vehicles are clean, comfortable, and have complimentary water during tour days.
By default, we provide a tourist coach for the transfer between Kathmandu and Pokhara. These buses have air-conditioning with reserved seats and scheduled stops for rest and meals. You can enjoy the landscape while sharing the ride with other travelers; note that these are not local buses.
We can arrange a private vehicle if you’d rather go at your own pace for a more flexible and quieter trip. You can also fly to the next city if you’re short on time or prefer air travel. The flight is 30 minutes long and scenic, costing about $120 per person one way.
Pokhara is a walkable city, but we will use private vehicles for longer excursions like Sarangkot or the World Peace Pagoda. You won’t be left to find your transportation in any part of the tour. Most sightseeing has short walk or stair climb sections and easy drives.
Your comfort and safety are our top priority throughout the trip. Our vehicles are well-maintained with routine checks. Roads can be bumpy or dusty in some areas, and if you need a break at any point, just let your guide or the driver know. We help with bags at airports and hotels, and look after you well throughout your tour as part of the service.
Trip information
Best Time for Kathmandu Pokhara Tour
Nepal welcomes travelers all year round; however, the weather and visibility change depending on the time of year you visit.
Autumn (September to November): Autumn is a popular season. The rains end, leaving the skies crystal clear and incredible Himalayan views. Days are 20 to 25°C with pleasant and fresh weather. Autumn also coincides with some of the biggest festivals in Nepal, such as Dashain and Tihar. These festivals make the atmosphere lively and cultural. Since the season is popular, places tend to get busy, and hotels fill fast. Book early if you are thinking of touring during this season.
Spring (March to May): Spring is another popular season. The weather warms to 30°C by May, with flowers blooming everywhere. Rhododendrons fill the hills with pink, red, and white. March and April offer clear views, with the later time of season bringing occasional haze. People celebrate Holi and the Nepali New Year this season, adding a cultural touch to the trip.
Winter (December to February): Winter is quiet and doable, Kathmandu and Pokhara don’t get harsh winters with temperatures averaging around 10-20°C during the day. Bring a warm jacket, especially for the Sarangkot Sunrise trip. Winter also offers clear skies with fewer tourists, so you get peaceful sights and sometimes even better hotel deals.
Monsoon (June to August): Monsoon is the least ideal season to tour. Daily rainfalls affect travel and views. Afternoons and evenings are especially prone to heavy rain, making it unsuitable to tour. On the brighter side, hills and valleys feel fresh and are lush. We advise adding buffer days in case of delays if you plan to travel during this season.
Autumn and spring are undoubtedly the most popular seasons, and for a reason. They offer pleasant weather, fantastic visibility, and fewer risks of landslides. It doesn’t mean you cannot tour during winter or monsoon. We adjust the tour according to your preferences so you can visit at any time you like.
Add-Ons and Optional Activities
We offer a range of optional activities for interested travelers. You can book these in advance or while touring.
Everest Mountain Flight: You can go on an hour-long mountain flight from Kathmandu to see the aerial views of some of the Everest and other giant peaks. You will board an early morning flight with a guaranteed window seat for better views. You will see Everest and other prominent peaks, glaciers, and lakes below you. If the weather allows, the flight begins at 6:30 and you’ll return at 7:30.
EBC helicopter tour: Experience the Everest region with a half-day tour. Board a helicopter towards Lukla and even Kala Patthar (5,545m) if the package includes it. You’ll get 5 to 20 minutes on the ground near Everest, then fly again. You will land at Hotel Everest View for breakfast if the package includes it. This add-on is only available for safety during trekking seasons. It costs $1000 per person and varies according to the group size.
Paragliding, Zip-Lining, and Ultralight flight in Pokhara: Pokhara is the adventure hub of Nepal. Paragliding is a famous add-on allowing you to paraglide from Sarangkot to the lakeside with a certified pilot. It lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and offers excellent views of Phewa Lake and the Annapurna range for $80 per person. You can also try the Zip Flyer, where you’ll drop nearly 600m in over a minute. It is one of the deepest zip lines in the world and costs between $70 and $90. Another option is an ultralight aircraft tour in a two-seater plane. Flights range from 15 to 60 minutes and start at around $100 to $320, depending on your desired distance.
Extra Cultural Excursions: You can explore Bhaktapur and Patan, rich cities in Newari architecture, stone carvings, and temple squares. If you have extra time, spend a night in Nagarkot for a Himalayan sunrise or go on yoga and meditation sessions.
Family-Friendly & Accessibility Notes
We welcome travelers of all ages and abilities on this tour. Many families enjoy the mix of sightseeing and activities like spotting monkeys or boating. We can arrange extra beds or triple rooms for families travelling with children and discount rates for children depending on their age.
Seniors also find the tour comfortable with private transportation and flexible sightseeing. Most walks are easy with the stairs section in Swayambhunath and World Peace Pagoda. We can skim them or give you more time if stairs are a concern. For people with limited mobility, we’ll change the route to focus on flatter areas and avoid stairs when possible. Some older sites are not wheelchair-friendly, but others are mostly easy for anyone.
We arrange vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly meals upon request. We ensure child-friendly meal options and safety measures in busy or uneven areas.
Some free time is in the schedule to make the trip more relaxed. If you want more breaks or make some adjustments to the schedule, you can let us know, and we will try our best to make it work.
Packing List
Clothes and Accessories: Pack your clothes in layers to tackle any weather. Pack 3-5 light, breathable t-shirts, 1-2 long sleeves for sun protection and cultural sites, and a fleece or sweatshirt for cool mornings. You need a lightweight windbreaker, 2-3 pairs of comfy pants, and a pair of shorts or capris. Bring enough undergarments for the week, socks, and basic sleepwear. Your shoes should be comfortable, and bring a pair of sandals or flip-flops for the hotel or short outings. For accessories, you should pack a hat or cap for sun protection, sunglasses, and a scarf/shawl for temples or wind. Take a small daypack to carry water, sunscreen, a camera, etc.
Toiletries and Health: Bring basic toiletries, sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitizer, and insect repellent. Bring enough prescription medicines and a few travel health items like band-aids, pain killers, motion sickness tablets, etc. Bring your reusable water bottle and water purification tablets.
Electronics and Documents: Bring your phone, charger, universal adapter, camera, power bank, and flashlight or headlamp. For documents, bring copies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance info. Make sure to get both paper and digital copies of all documents. Bring some USD/EUR to exchange and debit/credit cards. You can also bring a small padlock, reading material, snacks, and earplugs.
Booking and Payment Policy
How to book: Visit our website or reserve your sport directly through email or WhatsApp. If you are booking through the website, after clicking your desired tour, click your start date, group size, and any add-ons. Fill in the form with the traveler’s details and pay the deposit to confirm your booking. We will email you the confirmation to follow up as soon as possible. You can shift your tour dates for free up to 60 days before the departure, but keep in mind that it is subject to availability.
Payment Policy: You must pay a 20% deposit to confirm your booking. The deposit is non-refundable, but you get a 7-day grace period if you change your mind if your trip is still over 60 days away. The remaining 80% is due 30 days before your tour. You can pay online through card or PayPal, bank transfer, or cash upon arrival.
Cancellation Policy: Our cancellation policies are as fair as they can be. If you cancel within 7 days of booking, you get a full refund, including the deposit. Cancelling 60+ days before the tour means a full refund. If you cancel 30-59 days before the tour, you get a 60% refund, and cancelling within 30 days of the tour means no refund. Note that the deposit is non-refundable except for cancellation within 7 days of booking. You can instead use the deposit as a credit for up to one year to book another trip with us. In rare cases when we must cancel the tour, we provide a full refund or a trip credit. We recommend travel insurance that covers medical care, trip delay, and cancellation protection for your safety. It’s not mandatory, but we highly recommend it.
Other Traveling Tips
Shopping: Both Kathmandu and Pokhara offer a great shopping experience. In Thamel and Lakeside, you will find handicrafts, singing bowls, cashmere scarves, handmade paper products, jewelry, and trekking gear. Consider Lokta journals, pashmina shawls, thangka paintings, or tea blends if you want authentic souvenirs. You can bargain, but keep it polite and check the quality before purchasing, especially of items like gems and antiques.
Local Festivals and Events: If your trip coincides with Dashain, Tihar, or Holi, you will experience a vibrant Nepali culture. Enjoy colorful decorations, music, traditional food, and local gatherings. We can adjust the itinerary to help you witness or join safe festivities.
Photography and social media: Nepal is a beautiful country with many photogenic scenes. From Himalayan views to ancient temples, Nepal offers something for everyone. Always get consent before clicking pictures of anyone, and don’t take photos inside the cultural sites if it’s banned. Many heritage sites don’t allow drones, so check with your guide.
Local Cuisine and Dining: Safety and Contingency: Nepali foods have diverse flavors. You can try dal bhat, momo, thukpa, and sel roti in Kathmandu and Pokhara. You can try Newari cuisine in Kathmandu and fresh fish in Pokhara for a more local dish. Both cities offer a range of restaurants with international cuisines from Italian and Indian to Korean.
Safety and Contingency: Nepal is generally a safe country for travelers. Wear vehicle seatbelts, stay aware of crowded markets, and follow your guide’s advice at heritage sites. We will assist in case of illness, lost belongings, or delays, and provide emergency contact information. Keep a digital or printed copy of your passport and travel insurance just in case.
SIM cards: You can buy a NCell or NTC SIM card at the airport or in town. You need a copy of your passport and a-sized picture with about NPR 600 for the card. Although most hotels and restaurants also offer WIFI, you get affordable data packages with 4G coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I know about staying connected and electricity during the trip?
You will have free WiFi at all hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Most cafés and restaurants also provide free WiFi for customers. It is strong enough for emails, social media, and video calls, though it might be slow for streaming. WiFi isn’t available during long flights or rural detours, but mobile networks are reliable if you get a SIM card.
Nepal uses 230V, 50Hz electricity and Type C/D/M outlets. Many hotels offer universal sockets, but it’s better to bring a travel adapter that fits type C and D. Though rare, occasional power outages can happen. Hotels usually have a backup, but get a power bank and a flashlight or use your phone light.
2. Do I need a visa for Nepal? Can I get it on arrival?
All travelers except Indian Nationals need a tourist visa for Nepal. It’s relatively easy to get these visas. You can get one upon arrival, fill out the form, bring your passport photo, and your valid passport for the visa on arrival. The visa fee depends on the number of your stays. You can pay in USD, EUR, or GBP. You can also complete the online form 15 days before your trip to save time. You don’t need an exit visa, and if you want to extend your stay, visit the Immigration Office in Kathmandu and follow the necessary steps.
3. What time do daily tours usually start?
Sightseeing in Kathmandu usually starts at around 8:00 AM after breakfast and often ends by 5:00 PM. We schedule Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath visitors in late afternoon as they’re livelier and more photogenic in the afternoon sun.
For Pokhara, the Sarangkot sunrise trip starts early at around 5:00 AM. Other days start at 9:30-10:00 AM, or later. We can adjust the schedule while considering the opening hours and logistics. You can share your preferences with your guides, and they’ll see if it is possible.
4. Is this trip safe for a solo female traveler?
Yes, Nepal is generally a safe and welcoming country. Many women from their 20s to their 70s have successfully done this tour without any issues. We can organize a women’s exclusive tour if you like. Your guide will always be with you during the tour for extra safety, and our accommodations and transportation are safe. We advise covering skin when visiting religious and sacred sites as it is respectful. If you need any advice, your guide will assist.
5. Is this a private tour, and will I have the same guide throughout the trip?
Yes, the tour is private with exclusive tours, guides, a vehicle, and a schedule for you. Your driver will usually stay consistent for the tour, and the guide will change in both cities. Each guide specializes in their town and reviews a brief on your preferences for an enjoyable tour.
6. What type of transportation will we use during the tour?
We use comfortable vehicles for airport transfers, city tours, and sightseeing. For solo or couple travelers, we provide a sedan car with A/C and a van or minibus for small groups/families. These vehicles are clean and well-maintained, and professional drivers drive them. You get complimentary bottled water and snacks for longer drives. Pokhara is generally a walkable city, and we will use a private car for the Sarangkot or Peace Pagoda visit.
For the Kathmandu to Pokhara trip, you get a default tourist coach. You can upgrade to a private car or van for more convenience or book a 30-minute domestic flight at extra cost.
7. What currency is used in Nepal? How do I exchange money, and what are tipping customs?
Nepal uses the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). You can exchange major currencies like USDM, EUR, and GBP at money exchange centers in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Keep the receipt if you want to trade it later. Most places accept ATM cards in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Visa/MasterCard, with a small service charge.
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Generally, you can tip your guide $8-15 per day, drivers $5-10, and hotel staff small bills. If the restaurants don’t include a service charge, you can tip 5-10%.
8. Are meals included in this tour?
The package includes your breakfast at a hotel in each destination. We also include a welcome dinner on Day 1. Beyond that, you can choose your meals and restaurants. You can try a range of meals based on your preference. Meals are affordable in Kathmandu and Pokhara with mid-range restaurants costing about $4-8 per person. We can also arrange all your meals for an extra cost.
9. I’m vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free. Will I find suitable food?
Nepal accommodates vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and other meal options. Many Nepali dishes are vegetarian by default, so it is easy to manage. Communicate clearly that you want no dairy or eggs when ordering meals so you can enjoy a vegan meal. Dal Bhaat is gluten-free; you should avoid wheat-based foods like roti and momo.
Please inform us about your dietary restrictions so we can educate your hotels and guides. We can help prepare allergy cards if you have any severe allergies. You should also carry your EpiPen just in case.
10. What should I pack for this trip?
You should pack layers for warm days and cool mornings/nights, good walking shoes, and a pair of slippers. Take sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a rain jacket, an umbrella, and a water bottle. You need your travel adapter, power bank, modest clothes for the temple, and some room in your luggage for souvenirs. Refer to our complete packing list for a more detailed list.
11. How do I book this tour, and what if I need to cancel?
You can book with us directly via our website or by WhatsApp. Pay about 20% deposit and the remaining balance 30 days before arrival.
If you wish to cancel, we provide a full refund, including the deposit, within 7 days of booking if the trip is 60+ days away. Any later than that, the deposit is non-refundable. Cancel 30-59 days before the trek, we refund 60% of the trek cost, and under 30 days means no refund. You can reschedule the trek if possible.
If we cancel, we provide a full refund or recommend another trek of similar value. We recommend travel insurance for protection and to cover the cost of your trip cancellation.