8-Day Scenic and Cultural Journey Through Nepal: Pokhara, Kathmandu, and Hetauda

Day 1: Exploring Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Nepal on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at OR2K

Start your day with a healthy and delicious breakfast at OR2K, known for its vegetarian dishes and vibrant atmosphere near Thamel. They open by 8am.
NPR500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)

Explore this ancient religious complex atop a hill, offering panoramic views of Kathmandu and rich Buddhist symbolism. Open from 7am to 5pm.
NPR200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Bhojan Griha

Enjoy traditional Nepali cuisine in an authentic, cultural ambiance with folk music performances. Open 11:30am to 3pm.
NPR800, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Durbar Square, Kathmandu

Discover the historic heart of Kathmandu with royal palaces, temples, and courtyards, offering insight into the city's history and architecture. Open 9am to 5pm.
NPR1000, 2h

5:00pm

Walk through Thamel Bazaar

Stroll through Kathmandu’s vibrant market area, perfect for shopping souvenirs, handicrafts, and enjoying street food.
Free to explore, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Fire and Ice Pizzeria

Savor tasty wood-fired pizzas and a lively atmosphere, a great way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
NPR900, 1.5h
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Day 2: Travel to Pokhara

Kathmandu to Pokhara, Nepal on May 27, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Restaurant

Have a hearty breakfast at your hotel before the drive to Pokhara, featuring Nepalese and continental options.
Included or NPR400, 1h

7:30am

Drive to Pokhara

Embark on a scenic 6-7 hour drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, enjoying beautiful hills and rural landscapes along the way.
NPR2000 - 3000 (private taxi), 7h

2:30pm

Check-in and rest at Hotel in Pokhara

Relax after your journey at a comfortable hotel, such as the Lakeside area resorts with views of Phewa Lake.
Varies, 1.5h

4:00pm

Phewa Lake Boat Ride

Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Phewa Lake, with beautiful views of the Annapurna range and a visit to Tal Barahi Temple on the lake island. Boats operate until sunset around 6:30pm.
NPR500, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Moondance Restaurant

Taste international and Nepalese dishes in an artistic and cozy setting, popular with travelers for diverse menu options.
NPR900, 1.5h
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Day 3: Pokhara Highlights

Pokhara, Nepal on May 28, 2025

6:00am

Sunrise at Sarangkot

Early morning trip to Sarangkot viewpoint to witness a spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas, including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
NPR200, 3h

9:30am

Breakfast at Café Concerto

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with lakeside views offering freshly baked goods and Nepali options.
NPR600, 1h

11:00am

Visit Devi’s Fall and Gupteshwor Cave

Explore one of Nepal’s famous waterfalls and the adjacent cave featuring impressive stalactites and religious significance. Open 8am to 5pm.
NPR100, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Mocha Café

Relax at a popular café known for fresh salads, sandwiches, and coffees in a comfortable environment.
NPR700, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Phewa Lake or Visit International Mountain Museum

Spend leisure time either boating again or exploring the International Mountain Museum that showcases Nepal's mountaineering history. Museum open 10am to 5pm.
NPR400, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Lakeside Café

Enjoy dinner featuring local and continental dishes with beautiful night views of Phewa Lake.
NPR900, 1.5h
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Day 4: Journey to Hetauda

Pokhara to Hetauda, Nepal on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast before commencing the drive to Hetauda.
Included or NPR400, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Pokhara to Hetauda

Travel east towards Hetauda over approximately 6 hours, admiring the mid-hill and valley landscapes en route.
NPR2500 (private taxi), 6h

3:00pm

Check-in and Rest at Hetauda Hotel

Settle into your hotel in Hetauda, a quieter town known as a gateway to the Terai region.
Varies, 2h

5:00pm

Walk in Hetauda Forest

Take a calming nature walk in the nearby forest area to unwind amidst local flora and fauna. Best done before sunset around 6:30pm.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at local Nepali restaurant

Relish traditional Nepali cuisine at a popular local restaurant like Bhojanalaya, known for fresh dal bhat and momos.
NPR500, 1h
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Day 5: Explore Hetauda

Hetauda, Nepal on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a fresh breakfast to start your day of exploring Hetauda.
Included or NPR400, 1h

9:00am

Visit Hetauda Industrial District

Explore some aspects of Nepal’s developing industrial region and understand local economic activities.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hotel or Local Eatery

Sample more Nepali home-style dishes at a local eatery popular with residents.
NPR400, 1h

1:30pm

Day trip to Makwanpur Fort

Visit historic Makwanpur Gadhi Fort, a significant site for Nepalese history located about 30 minutes from Hetauda. Explore the ruins and views. Open daytime only.
NPR300, 3h

6:30pm

Return and Relax

Enjoy a relaxing evening back at your hotel or a walk in the local town center.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Dine on a mix of local and international dishes, a good way to rest before the return trip.
NPR600, 1.5h
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Day 6: Return to Kathmandu

Hetauda to Kathmandu, Nepal on May 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for the journey back to Kathmandu.
Included or NPR400, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Kathmandu

Drive from Hetauda to Kathmandu, taking about 3-4 hours with possible stops at scenic spots or tea houses.
NPR1500, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kathmandu’s Garden of Dreams Café

Refresh yourself at the serene Garden of Dreams café, known for its tranquil gardens and good food.
NPR800, 1h

2:30pm

Relax and Explore Thamel

Spend the afternoon shopping or relaxing in the popular tourist hub of Thamel, filled with shops, cafés, and cultural activities.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Yangling Tibetan Restaurant

Enjoy Tibetan specialities such as momos and thukpa in a cozy environment, well-loved for authentic flavors.
NPR700, 1.5h
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Day 7: Kathmandu Cultural Tour

Kathmandu, Nepal on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café New Orleans

Try a blend of American and Nepali breakfast dishes in this casual café setting near Thamel.
NPR600, 1h

9:30am

Visit Pashupatinath Temple

Explore one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva; best visited during morning hours (4am-12pm).
NPR1000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Garden Café

Dine with a view in this peaceful spot near Pashupatinath, offering fresh Nepali and international cuisine.
NPR800, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Boudhanath Stupa

Discover this UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal, central to Tibetan Buddhism. Open 5am to 9pm.
NPR400, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Patan Durbar Square

Travel across to Patan to see its exquisite temples, museums, and squares rich in Newari architecture. Open 10am to 5pm.
NPR1000, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Old House

Experience fine dining with a Nepali and fusion menu in a heritage ambiance in Patan.
NPR1200, 1.5h
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Day 8: Departure Day

Kathmandu, Nepal on June 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a final breakfast at your hotel to prepare for your departure.
Included or NPR400, 1h

9:00am

Last Minute Shopping in Thamel

Grab souvenirs and gifts in Kathmandu’s bustling market area before heading to the airport.
Variable, 2h

12:00pm

Check-out and Airport Transfer

Leave for Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.
NPR1000 (taxi), 1h
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