Journey through Nepal’s spiritual heartland, medieval heritage cities and dramatic Himalayan landscapes on this 8-day overland tour. Begin in Kathmandu with Guhyeshwari Temple and the evening Aarati at Pashupatinath, then explore the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur and the lively lanes of Thamel and Ason. Ride the cable car up to Manakamana Temple on the way to Pokhara, then venture into the trans-Himalayan region along the Kaligandaki Gorge to Jomsom, passing waterfalls, hot springs and apple-orchard villages. A dawn visit to Muktinath Temple, holy to both Hindus and Buddhists, is the highlight. Return to Pokhara for Pumdikot, Gupteshwor Cave, Devi’s Falls and Phewa Lake, and finish with a Himalayan sunrise from Sarangkot.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu, Guhyeshwari Temple & Pashupatinath Aarati
Be welcomed at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel. In the evening, visit Guhyeshwari Temple, one of the Shakti Peethas dedicated to Goddess Sati, on the banks of the Bagmati River. Continue to Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu shrine, and watch the Sandhya Aarati, the evening fire ritual of lamps, chanting and devotional music.

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing, Bhaktapur & Boudhanath
After breakfast, walk through Thamel and the busy Ason market to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Kumari Ghar, Taleju Temple and Kasthamandap. Continue to Bhaktapur Durbar Square to see its terracotta architecture, the 55-Window Palace and Nyatapola Temple, and try Juju Dhau (“King of Curds”). End at Boudhanath Stupa, walking its kora as prayer flags flutter overhead.

Day 3: Kathmandu → Pokhara via Manakamana
Drive toward Pokhara and stop at Kurintar for the cable car ride up to Manakamana Temple, dedicated to the wish-fulfilling goddess Bhagwati, with views over the Trishuli River valley. Continue to Pokhara and spend the evening at leisure.

Day 4: Pokhara → Jomsom
Drive along the Kaligandaki Gorge, one of the deepest in the world, with stops at Rupse Waterfall, Tatopani Hot Spring (optional dip) and Marpha Village, a Thakali village known for its whitewashed houses and apple orchards. Arrive in Jomsom by evening.

Day 5: Muktinath Darshan → Pokhara
Drive up early to Muktinath Temple, one of the holiest sites for both Hindus and Buddhists, and visit the 108 water spouts and the eternal flame. On the return, stop at the Kaligandaki River for darshan and a chance to find Shaligram stones. Continue back to Pokhara.

Day 6: Pokhara Sightseeing
Visit the Pumdikot Shiva Statue for views of the valley and the Annapurna range, then Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave and Devi’s Falls (Patale Chhango). Take a boat ride on Phewa Lake to Tal Barahi Temple on its island, and spend the evening by the lakeside.

Day 7: Sarangkot Sunrise → Kathmandu
Drive up to Sarangkot for sunrise over the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) ranges, weather permitting. After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu.

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, enjoy some free time for last-minute shopping, then transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

• 7 nights’ accommodation on double occupancy
• Meals: daily breakfast at the hotel
• Airport arrival and departure transfers, with private vehicle for sightseeing and intercity transfers
• Round-trip cable car ride to Manakamana Temple
• Sightseeing and activities as per the itinerary
• All entrance fees for the sites listed
• Traditional welcome with garland/khada and assistance on arrival
• Licensed tour guide
  
• Tour representative assistance on arrival and departure

• International and domestic flights
  
• Visa fee, if applicable
  
• Travel insurance
  
• Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  
• Tips for guides, porters and drivers
  
• Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, beverages, etc.)
  
• Optional activities or activities not listed in the itinerary
  
  

Q: Can everyone visit the temples?
Muktinath welcomes visitors of all faiths. At Pashupatinath and Guhyeshwari in Kathmandu, the inner sanctums are open only to Hindus, but all visitors can see the surrounding complexes and the evening Aarati from the viewing areas.

Q: Is there walking at Muktinath?
The vehicle takes you close to the temple, but a short uphill walk may be needed at high altitude. Please tell us in advance if you need extra help.

Q: Can road conditions change the plan?
Yes. Landslides in the monsoon (June–August) or snow in winter can delay or block roads, and the itinerary may need adjusting. Your guide will advise on the best alternative.