6-Day Budget Train and Bus Tour from Kolkata to Nepal Covering Pokhara, Sarangkot, Gurung Cottage, and Muktinath

Day 1: Travel & Arrival

Kolkata, India to Pokhara, Nepal on May 21, 2025

6:00am

Train from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri

Start early morning from Kolkata station to New Jalpaiguri by train. Approximate cost for two: INR 1500 in Sleeper Class. Duration: around 10h.
INR1500, 10h0m

4:00pm

Bus from New Jalpaiguri to Kakarbhitta border

Take a local bus or shared taxi to Kakarbhitta border (approx 4h). Cost for two: INR 800.
INR800, 4h0m

8:00pm

Cross border and take bus from Kakarbhitta to Pokhara

After immigration, board a night bus to Pokhara (approx 8h). Cost for two: NPR 1200 (~INR 950).
INR950, 8h0m

9:00pm

Dinner onboard or light snack

Carry your own light snacks or buy simple dinner en route as local options are open until 10pm.
INR200, 0h30m

Day 2: Pokhara & Sarangkot

Pokhara, Nepal on May 22, 2025

6:00am

Arrival and early breakfast in Pokhara

Have breakfast at 'Moondance Restaurant,' open from 6am, offering budget-friendly options like omelets and local tea for NPR 300 per couple.
NPR300, 0h30m

7:00am

Visit Sarangkot for sunrise and mountain views

Travel to Sarangkot by local taxi (~30 mins) costing NPR 800 two ways. Enjoy stunning views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Free entry.
NPR800, 3h0m

10:30am

Explore Phewa Lake and boating

Boat rental for couple costs NPR 800 for 1 hour. Enjoy the serene lake and views of the Himalayas.
NPR800, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at 'Food Island Cafe'

Local Nepali meal combos available from NPR 400 for two. Open 11am-9pm.
NPR400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

Short visit to two natural attractions near Pokhara, entrance NPR 200 for both for two people.
NPR200, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax and local market walk

Explore Lakeside markets for souvenirs and local snacks.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at 'New Everest' restaurant

Budget-friendly local cuisine with Nepalese and Indian dishes. Approx cost NPR 600 for two. Open till 9:30pm.
NPR600, 1h0m

Day 3: Gurung Cottage Visit

Pokhara, Nepal on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local eatery

Simple Nepali breakfast like Sel Roti and tea, cost NPR 200 for two.
NPR200, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Gurung Cottage

Travel to Gurung Cottage by local taxi, cost NPR 600 round trip. The place offers cultural experience including local cuisine and traditional dances.
NPR600, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Gurung Cottage

Enjoy authentic Gurung dishes included in visit fee, approx NPR 800 for two.
NPR800, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Bindhyabasini Temple and local shopping

Free entry to temple. Explore nearby handicraft shops.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Evening stroll and tea

Relax at Lakeside cafes, spend approx NPR 200 for tea/snacks for two.
NPR200, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Lakeside Budget Restaurant

Affordable Nepali dinner options for NPR 500 two people.
NPR500, 1h0m

Day 4: Travel to Muktinath

Pokhara to Muktinath, Nepal on May 24, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast

Pack a light breakfast bought from local bakery, NPR 200 for two.
NPR200, 0h30m

7:00am

Bus from Pokhara to Jomsom

Public tourist bus costs NPR 500 per person, approx 6h journey to Jomsom.
NPR1000, 6h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Jomsom

Affordable meal at local cafe for NPR 400 for two.
NPR400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Bus or jeep from Jomsom to Muktinath

Off-road jeep costs approx NPR 1500 round trip for two, 1.5h each way. Start trip to Muktinath for temple visit.
NPR1500, 3h0m

5:00pm

Check-in to Guesthouse near Muktinath

Budget lodges available for NPR 1200 per night for two.
NPR1200, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at guesthouse

Simple Dal Bhat meal for NPR 500 for two.
NPR500, 1h0m

Day 5: Explore Muktinath

Muktinath, Nepal on May 25, 2025

6:00am

Early Morning Temple Visit

Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple early to avoid crowds. Free entry, offerings extra cost if desired.
Free, 2h0m

8:30am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Local meals available for NPR 300 for two.
NPR300, 0h30m

10:00am

Hiking nearby trails and hot springs

Enjoy natural hot springs nearby, free access. Scenic hikes recommended for 3-4 hours.
Free, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at local eatery

Simple Nepali thali for NPR 400 for two.
NPR400, 1h0m

3:30pm

Rest and explore local village

Interact with locals and shop handmade crafts.
Free to minimal spending, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at guesthouse

Enjoy simple home cooked meal, NPR 500 for two.
NPR500, 1h0m

Day 6: Return Journey

Muktinath to Kolkata on May 26, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast

Breakfast at guesthouse, NPR 200 for two.
NPR200, 0h30m

7:00am

Jeep from Muktinath to Jomsom

Return jeep from Muktinath, NPR 1500 for two.
NPR1500, 1h30m

9:00am

Bus Jomsom to Pokhara

Bus ticket NPR 1000 for two. Journey 6 hours.
NPR1000, 6h0m

3:30pm

Bus to Kakarbhitta and cross border

Bus fare approx NPR 1200 (~INR 950) two people. Then cross back to India via Kakarbhitta.
INR950, 8h0m

11:30pm

Overnight Train to Kolkata from New Jalpaiguri

Train sleeper class ticket approx INR 1500 for two.
INR1500, 10h0m