Itinerary Details
Day 1
Kathmandu Arrival to Dhulikhel (D)
On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted and assisted by our representative before being transferred to Dhulikhel. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, lies at 1,400 meters above sea level, surrounded by the four hills of Fulchowki, Chandragiri, Shivapuri, and Nagarjun, and is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. En route, enjoy the scenic drive as you leave the bustling city behind. Dhulikhel, perched at 1,600 meters in Kavrepalanchowk District, is famed for its panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges, stretching from Cho Oyu in the east to Himalchuli in the west, and for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in. In the evening, enjoy a warm welcome dinner at the hotel accompanied by a pint of beer before spending the night in Dhulikhel.
Overnight in Dhulikhel Mountain Resort or similar.
Day 2
Dhulikhel to Kathmandu (B/L)
After an early breakfast, set out on a gentle 4 km walk to Kavre Village, taking about 1.5 hours with only a slight altitude gain, making it an easy-grade walk. Begin with a 30-minute hike to Kali Temple, reached either by 1,000 stone steps or a forest trail. From the temple’s esplanade, take in breathtaking views of the Himalayas surrounding Dhulikhel and pause for tea or coffee. Continue with a 45-minute walk through plantations, village shops, and tea houses until you reach Kavre Village, where you can experience authentic rural life. Return by vehicle to your hotel for a short rest before checking out. On the way to Kathmandu, stop at Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for medieval art, temples, and crafts. Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square with its 55-window palace, marvel at Nyatapola Temple, and try traditional pottery at Pottery Square. After lunch, continue to Kathmandu for check-in and overnight stay.
Overnight in Aloft by Marriott or similar.
Begin your day with an optional early morning scenic flight over the Everest region, a once-in-a-lifetime experience offering breathtaking views of Mt. Everest and surrounding peaks from just 200 meters away. After breakfast, explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, once the royal palace complex, filled with temples, courtyards, and monuments. Visit the Kumari Bahal, home of the Living Goddess, symbolizing divine energy, and see the striking idol of Kal Bhairava, carved from a single rock, representing Lord Shiva in his fierce form. Continue to Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO site rich with 17th-century temples, royal courtyards, and statues, reflecting the city’s artistic heritage. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a rare cultural interaction with an Ex-Kumari, who shares her unique experience of being revered as a living goddess in Nepalese tradition.
Overnight in Aloft by Marriott or similar.
This morning, visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River just 6 km from central Kathmandu. Admire its pagoda-style architecture with a gilded roof and ornate silver doors, and observe rituals along the riverbanks, as non-Hindus are not permitted inside. Continue to Boudhanath, one of the world’s largest stupas and an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, with its striking white dome, prayer wheels, and surrounding monasteries. Later, visit the Bamboo School, run by the Samta committee to provide affordable education for underprivileged youth, where you can interact with the children. The afternoon is at leisure, with an optional excursion to Swayambhunath, a 2,000-year-old Buddhist stupa perched on a hill offering panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley, famous for its golden spire and the painted all-seeing eyes of the Buddha.
Overnight in Aloft by Marriott or similar.
Day 5
Kathmandu to Pokhara (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Pokhara. The valley of Pokhara, located 210 km from Kathmandu at an altitude ranging from 780 to 1350 m, is renowned for its rare combination of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, serene lakes, and lush landscapes. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a boat ride on Phewa Lake, the city’s main attraction and Nepal’s second largest lake. Its tranquil waters reflect the surrounding mountains, offering stunning views and peaceful boating. The vibrant Lakeside area, lined with shops, restaurants, and handicraft stalls, provides a lively atmosphere and is a popular gathering spot for travelers.
Overnight in Atihti Resort or similar.
Enjoy an engaging three-hour walk to the World Peace Pagoda, perched atop a hill on the southern shore of Phewa Lake. This serene pagoda features four Buddha statues facing each direction and offers sweeping views of the Annapurna range and Pokhara city. Next, visit Davis Falls, a dramatic waterfall that plunges into a deep, narrow canal, famously named after a tourist who tragically fell here. Explore the Tibetan Refugee Camp, where you can learn about the culture and history of the Tibetan diaspora and browse handcrafted jewelry, ornaments, carpets, and visit a local monastery. Conclude your day at the International Mountain Museum, which highlights the region’s mountaineering history and reveals fascinating details about Mount Everest.
Overnight in Atihti Resort or similar.
Day 7
Pokhara to Kathmandu (B/D)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu and check in at your hotel upon arrival. Spend the rest of the day at leisure before enjoying a farewell dinner at a traditional local restaurant, accompanied by a cultural performance and a pint of beer. This evening offers a perfect way to celebrate the highlights of your journey and soak in the local atmosphere one last time.
Overnight in Aloft by Marriott or similar.
Day 8
Kathmandu Departure (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight or journey home. Reflect on the memories created during this remarkable trip, from the serene Himalayan landscapes and vibrant lakeside Pokhara to the spiritual and cultural treasures of Kathmandu. The stunning vistas, historic sites, and local interactions you have experienced will leave a lasting impression, making this Nepal adventure truly unforgettable.
Travel Notes
Kathmandu to Dhulikhel
Approx. 30 km / Approx. 1 to 1.5 hours by road.
Dhulikhel to Kathmandu
Approx. 30 km / Approx. 1 to 1.5 hours by road.
Kathmandu to Pokhara
Approx. 200 km / Approx. 30 to 40 minutes by flight.
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Approx. 200 km / Approx. 30 to 40 minutes by flight.
Travel between Kathmandu and Dhulikhel is via sealed mountain roads that can be winding but generally in good condition; allow for potential delays during peak hours or in the rainy season. Flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara provide the fastest and most comfortable option given the mountainous terrain and road conditions that can cause the alternative 6-8 hour drive to be slow and bumpy. Airport transfers in both cities are typically straightforward but may require time allowances for traffic or weather-related delays. Basic accommodation outside city centers is common, and travel flow concentrates largely on these key hubs.
All travel distances and times are indicative only and may vary depending on traffic, weather, routing and local conditions.
Destination Information
Kathmandu
Kathmandu occupies a complex landscape within the Kathmandu Valley, where urban density meets the surrounding hills and rivers. The city’s compact streets and varied architecture reflect centuries of continuous habitation, blending traditional Newar craftsmanship with more recent developments. Its historic core is defined by intricately carved wooden buildings and courtyards, where daily life unfolds alongside religious and cultural practices. The presence of large stupas and temples, such as the Swayambhunath Stupa perched on a hilltop and the Pashupatinath Temple along the Bagmati River, anchors the city’s spiritual dimension within its urban fabric. Durbar Square’s open plazas and palatial structures reveal layers of political and artistic history that remain integral to community events and rituals. Meanwhile, the Thamel district offers a contrasting atmosphere with its concentration of shops, eateries, and narrow alleys bustling with both locals and visitors. The interplay between sacred sites, historic architecture, and lively neighborhoods gives Kathmandu a distinctive character, where the rhythms of everyday life coexist with enduring cultural traditions shaped by its unique valley setting.
Pokhara
Pokhara is set against a dramatic backdrop of the Annapurna mountain range, where the tranquil waters of Phewa Lake mirror snow-capped peaks and the surrounding hills. This city offers a distinctive blend of natural beauty and cultural depth, with its compact urban area interwoven with rivers, lakeside promenades, and traditional markets. The pace of life here is relaxed, reflecting the influence of both local communities and visitors drawn by the region’s outdoor opportunities. The Old Bazaar reveals layers of history through its narrow streets and traditional architecture, providing a glimpse into everyday commerce and craftsmanship. Elevated viewpoints like Sarangkot offer expansive panoramas that highlight the city’s unique position between water and mountains. Nearby, the International Mountain Museum presents the region’s mountaineering heritage and natural environment in a structured setting. Waterfalls such as Devis Fall punctuate the landscape, adding to the area’s varied natural attractions. Together, these elements create a place where the interaction between natural features and human activity defines the experience, making Pokhara a distinctive destination within Nepal’s diverse geography.
Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel is a town set against the eastern rim of the Kathmandu Valley, where traditional Newari architecture lines narrow streets and everyday life unfolds amid centuries-old temples and courtyards. Its elevated position offers expansive views of the Himalayan range, creating a striking contrast between the built environment and the natural landscape. The town’s compact scale and slower pace provide a quieter alternative to the nearby urban centers, allowing visitors to observe local customs and community rhythms in a setting that remains deeply connected to its cultural heritage. Surrounding Dhulikhel, a network of hiking trails weaves through forested hills and rural villages, inviting exploration of the region’s natural environment beyond the town’s core. This blend of accessible outdoor activity and preserved architectural character reflects the town’s ongoing relationship with both its historical roots and the mountain environment that frames it. The proximity to Kathmandu Valley situates Dhulikhel within a broader cultural and geographic context, yet its distinct atmosphere and landscape mark it as a place where traditional life and panoramic Himalayan vistas converge.
Hotel Information
Accommodation throughout this journey is carefully selected to complement the overall travel experience and typically consists of comfortable 3 to 4-star hotels, resorts, lodges, or boutique properties, depending on the destination, routing, and local infrastructure.
All properties are chosen with care based on location, comfort, service standards, atmosphere, and suitability for the itinerary. Exact hotel names may vary depending on departure date, seasonality, group size, and availability at the time of booking.
Final hotel details will be provided with the confirmed travel documentation. In some cases, accommodations may be replaced by properties of a similar standard should operational reasons or availability require a change.
For specific accommodation requests or further questions regarding the hotels used on this journey, please contact our reservations team at reservation@kavaya.travel.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
✓Arrival and Departure Transfers
✓English-speaking Tour Guide
✓Entrance fees for locations specified
✓Internal Flights as specified in itinerary
✓Meals as stated (B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
Not Included
–Tipping for Guide and Driver
–Accommodation in Stated Hotels or similar
–Early Check-in and Late Check-out
–International Flights
–Meals not stated in itinerary
–Porters
–Travel Insurance
–Visa Fees
–Personal Expenses (Laundry, Mini-bar, Phones, Drinks, etc.)
