Have a hearty local breakfast before the border run — try poha/bedmi puri at a busy local eatery (many stalls open from 6:30–8:30am) to fuel the journey.
Private car or AC tourist bus from Gorakhpur to Sunauli, then quick immigration formalities; crossing typically takes 30–90 minutes depending on traffic and queues.
Board an AC tourist bus or private car to Kathmandu (road ~8–10 hours) or transfer to a comfortable tourist sleeper bus; if you prefer speed, take a short domestic flight from Nepalgunj or Gorakhpur (seasonal/limited). Expect arrival in evening.
Walk Thamel's pedestrian lanes for shops, trekking stores and souvenir hunting — most shops open till 9:00–10:00pm, lively and safe for an evening wander.
Visit the famous Hindu temple complex on the Bagmati; main temple area open roughly 4:00am–8:00pm — non-Hindus can view from the opposite bank and designated viewing areas.
Climb the steps for panoramic city views; site open early morning to evening (roughly 5:00am–5:00pm) — carry water and modest clothing for shrine areas.
For a cultural Nepali feast, reserve Krishnarpan for a multi-course experience (dinner service in evenings, requires booking) or enjoy local favourites at Thamel House.
Take an early domestic flight (25–30 min) to Pokhara for time savings or board a tourist bus (~6–7 hours). Flights typically depart early morning; check airline schedule and weather.
Check into hotel and stroll Lakeside (Phewa Lake); boat rides available from ~6:00am–6:00pm — boating at Phewa offers superb views of the Annapurnas reflected on clear days.
Visit the impressive Davis Falls and walk into Gupteshwor Cave opposite (Gupteshwor usually 8:00am–5:00pm); both sites are short tuk-tuk rides from Lakeside.
From Jomsom take a local jeep/taxi to Muktinath (about 1.5–2 hours by road via Kagbeni) — the ride offers dramatic Mustang valley scenery; dress warm and carry water.
Darshan at the sacred Muktinath temple (open 24/7; main temple rituals usually daytime); see 108 water taps and the Vishnu Shrine — respect dress codes and photo rules inside sanctum.
Eat a simple high-altitude lunch (dal-bhat or noodle soup) at a teahouse near the temple; teahouses typically serve until late afternoon and are warm and filling.
Drive back to Jomsom, enjoy the Mustang market and view the Kali Gandaki Gorge; Jomsom is windy and starkly beautiful, with shops open until early evening.
Either overnight in a guesthouse in Jomsom (simple, cosy) or, if weather and schedule permit, take an evening/next-morning flight back to Pokhara. If staying, have an early dinner and acclimatise.
Take a morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (or jeep if you prefer road); flight is quickest and has stunning valley views — morning flights more reliable weather-wise.
Drive up to Sarangkot for sunrise and panoramic views of Annapurna and Machapuchare; it’s popular at dawn (4:30–7:30am), but sunrise views are still rewarding in the morning.
Visit the museum (usually 9:00am–5:00pm) to learn about Himalayan cultures, mountaineering and local ecology — excellent context after visiting the Annapurna foothills.
If you want adventure, book paragliding from Sarangkot or rent a cycle for lakeside exploration; operators run until late afternoon — check safety briefings and weather.
Early breakfast and transfer to Pokhara airport for a short flight to Kathmandu; flights run frequently but reconfirm timings and arrive 45–60 minutes before departure.
Visit Patan Durbar Square (open ~9:00am–5:00pm) to see exquisite Newari architecture, artisan workshops and the Patan Museum — quieter than central Kathmandu and very photogenic.
Head to Bhaktapur Durbar Square (open 9:00am–5:00pm) to explore pottery squares and ancient lanes; allocate 2–3 hours to appreciate the town and its traditional crafts.
Choose a memorable final dinner in Kathmandu — book a well-rated place for Newari specialties or international cuisine (restaurants generally open till late evening).
Board a shared or private car/bus to Sunauli for the cross-border journey; travel time typically 6–9 hours depending on traffic and stops along the Tribhuvan Highway.