7-Day Nepal Adventure: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Ghandruk & Poon Hill

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Morning: Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal's vibrant capital. Settle into your accommodation and take a leisurely walk around Durbar Square to admire ancient palaces and temples.

Afternoon: Visit Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, for panoramic city views and spiritual atmosphere. Explore nearby local markets for handicrafts and souvenirs.

Evening: Dine at a traditional Nepali restaurant and enjoy cultural performances featuring music and dance.

Day 2: Kathmandu Exploration

Morning: Explore Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu shrines. Then move to the Boudhanath Stupa, a significant Tibetan Buddhist site.

Afternoon: Visit the medieval town of Patan with its exquisite architecture and museums. Enjoy a stroll through Patan Durbar Square and see the ancient royal palaces.

Evening: Relax at a café in Thamel, Kathmandu’s lively tourist district, and soak up the local nightlife vibe.

Day 3: Drive to Pokhara

Morning: Take a scenic 6-7 hour drive or short flight to Pokhara, a stunning lakeside city known for mountain views.

Afternoon: Visit Phewa Lake and enjoy a boat ride offering serene views of the Annapurna range reflected in the water.

Evening: Stroll along the Lakeside area for dinner, watching the sunset over the mountains and town lights.

Day 4: Pokhara Sightseeing

Morning: Hike or drive up to Davis Falls and the mysterious Gupteshwor Cave. Then visit the serene World Peace Pagoda perched on a hilltop.

Afternoon: Explore the International Mountain Museum to learn about Himalayan trekking and mountaineering history.

Evening: Relax at a lakeside café and try local Nepali and Tibetan dishes.

Day 5: Trek to Ghandruk

Morning: Start trekking from Pokhara to the picturesque village of Ghandruk, famous for its Gurung culture and stunning mountain panoramas.

Afternoon: Explore the village, visit the traditional museum, and interact with local residents to learn about their lifestyle.

Evening: Enjoy a cozy dinner at your lodge as you watch the sun set behind the Annapurna range.

Day 6: Poon Hill Sunrise Trek

Morning: Wake early for a trek up to Poon Hill, famous for spectacular sunrise views over the Himalayas including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks.

Afternoon: Descend back to Ghandruk and then return to Pokhara by afternoon, soaking in the natural beauty along the way.

Evening: Relax in Pokhara with a farewell dinner featuring local cuisine and cultural music.

Day 7: Departure from Kathmandu

Morning: Transfer back to Kathmandu by road or air depending on your schedule. Use the remaining time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Afternoon: Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, an ancient city known for its preserved temples and traditional Newari architecture.

Evening: Head to the airport for your departure or stay overnight if your flight is next day.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Durbar Squares (Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur): 3-4 hours each, Free to ~INR 1000 (~$12)
• Swayambhunath Stupa: 1.5 hours, Free Entry
• Pashupatinath Temple: 1.5 hours, Free (Donation optional)
• Boudhanath Stupa: 2 hours, Free Entry
• Phewa Lake Boat Ride: 1-2 hours, Approx. NPR 500 (~$4)
• Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Cave: 2 hours, NPR 200 (~$1.50)
• World Peace Pagoda: 2 hours, Free Entry
• International Mountain Museum: 2 hours, NPR 500 (~$4)
• Trekking to Ghandruk and Poon Hill: 2 days total, Permit & Guide approx. NPR 3000 (~$24)
• Transportation (Kathmandu to Pokhara round trip): 12-14 hours total by bus, NPR 3000 (~$24) or Airfare NPR 8000 (~$65)
• Meals per day: Approx. NPR 1000 (~$8) per meal

Total Estimated Cost: $350 - $450 depending on transportation and dining choices.

Tips

If you want to extend your trip, consider adding extra days trekking in the Annapurna region beyond Poon Hill for more remote mountain villages and scenery. For a shorter trip, focus on Kathmandu and Pokhara highlights with a day trip to Poon Hill instead of an overnight trek. Booking internal flights early can save time on travel.