5-Day Kathmandu & Pokhara Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)
    30 minutes (4 km) from Thamel

    Visit one of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu valley, the Swayambhunath Stupa. It is believed to be 2000 years old and consists of a dome at its base representing the entire world, a cubical structure representing the earth, 13 rings representing the steps to enlightenment, and a golden spire representing nirvana.

  2. Day 2: Phewa Lake & Tal Barahi Temple
    6 hours (208 km) from Kathmandu

    Head to Pokhara, known for its natural beauty and serene landscapes. Take a boat ride and enjoy the scenic views of the Phewa Lake. Visit the Tal Barahi Temple, a pagoda-style temple situated on a small island, dedicated to Goddess Durga.

  3. Day 3: The International Mountain Museum
    20 minutes (5.5 km) from Phewa Lake

    Learn about the history of mountaineering, famous expeditions, and the people living in the Himalayas at The International Mountain Museum. It has a collection of gears, equipment, photographs, paintings, and videos related to mountaineering.

  4. Day 4: Davis Falls & Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
    20 minutes (7 km) from International Mountain Museum

    Visit two popular tourist attractions in Pokhara, the beautiful underground Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave and the thundering Davis Falls. The cave has a religious significance and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the waterfall is named after a Swiss national who fell into it and drowned in 1961.

  5. Day 5: Boudhanath Stupa
    30 minutes (8 km) from Thamel

    Explore another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in South Asia. It is said to have been built in the 14th century and is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists. You can also shop for souvenirs and handicrafts in the surrounding streets.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Swayambhunath Stupa (2 hours, NPR 200 entrance fee)
  • Phewa Lake & Tal Barahi Temple (3 hours, NPR 700 for boat ride to temple)
  • The International Mountain Museum (1.5 hours, NPR 400 entrance fee)
  • Davis Falls & Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave (2 hours, NPR 100 entrance fee for both attractions)
  • Boudhanath Stupa (2 hours, NPR 400 entrance fee)

  • Total Estimated Costs: NPR 1800

Useful Tips

If you have extra days in Kathmandu, you can visit other sites like the Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, or the Patan Durbar Square. If you have less time, you can either skip some of the sites or combine them based on your preferences.

0