8-Day Nepal Itinerary Featuring Pokhara’s Sarangkot and Phewa Lake, Kathmandu’s Cultural Gems, and Hetauda’s Serenity

Day 1: Arrival and Lakeside Relaxation

Pokhara, Nepal on May 26, 2025

4:00pm

Hotel Check-in Near Phewa Lake

Rest and settle in a lakeside hotel providing easy access to the lake and nearby attractions.
NPR0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Phewa Lake Drive and Stroll

Take a relaxing drive and walk along Phewa Lake’s peaceful shores, enjoying the calm waters and mountain views.
NPR0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Moondance Restaurant

Enjoy fresh trout and international dishes with a scenic lake view at this cozy, popular dining spot.
NPR800, 1h30m

Day 2: Pokhara Natural and Spiritual Sites

Pokhara, Nepal on May 27, 2025

5:30am

Sunrise at Sarangkot

Start early and hike or drive to Sarangkot hilltop for a breathtaking sunrise over the Annapurna mountain range, open 24 hours.
NPR0, 2h0m

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Concerto

Refuel with a fresh and tasty breakfast featuring coffee and western-style options.
NPR500, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit David’s Fall

View the stunning waterfall where the river plunges into an underground tunnel, open 8:00am–6:00pm.
NPR100, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

Walk inside this sacred cave with impressive stalactites and a temple, located near David’s Fall.
NPR50, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Moondance Restaurant

Enjoy lakeside dining with a variety of Nepali and international dishes.
NPR800, 1h30m

2:00pm

Pumdikot Hill and Stupa

Visit this quiet hilltop featuring a large white stupa providing panoramic views of Pokhara and the Annapurna Range.
NPR0, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit Vindavasini Temple

Explore this serene Hindu temple nestled in the hills near Pokhara for local spiritual culture, open daily.
NPR0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Lakeside Café

Dine on international favorites with beautiful views overlooking Phewa Lake.
NPR900, 1h30m

Day 3: Pokhara Temples and Travel to Kathmandu

Pokhara to Kathmandu, Nepal on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a nourishing breakfast before visiting the morning temple.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Manakamana Temple Visit

Drive to the cable car station or nearby area and visit this famed temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, opens from 6am to 6pm.
NPR1500 (incl. cable car), 2h0m

10:30am

Return and Prepare for Departure

Head back to hotel and collect your belongings before departure to Kathmandu.
NPR0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Drive to Kathmandu

Travel approximately 6-7 hours from Pokhara to Kathmandu by comfortable vehicle, with scenic views along the way.
NPR1500, 7h0m

7:00pm

Check-in Hotel and Dinner at Gaia Restaurant

Settle into your Kathmandu hotel and enjoy a relaxing dinner featuring contemporary Nepali and fusion cuisine.
NPR1200, 1h30m

Day 4: Kathmandu’s Spiritual Heart

Kathmandu, Nepal on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Himalayan Java

Start your day with rich coffee and freshly baked pastries in an inviting café.
NPR400, 1h0m

8:30am

Pashupatinath Temple

Visit one of Nepal’s holiest Hindu temples on the Bagmati River, open from 4am to 9pm, witness spiritual rituals and architecture.
NPR200, 1h30m

10:30am

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

Climb to the hilltop Buddhist stupa complex boasting panoramic views of Kathmandu valley, open 7am-7pm.
NPR200, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Thamel House Restaurant

Relax with classic Nepalese flavors at this well-known restaurant in the vibrant Thamel district.
NPR800, 1h0m

2:00pm

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Explore the historic heart of Kathmandu with its ancient palaces, temples, and museums; open 9am-5pm.
NPR1000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Leisure Walk and Shopping in Thamel

Spend the late afternoon browsing shops and enjoying the lively atmosphere of Kathmandu’s main tourist district.
NPR0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at OR2K

Experience delicious Middle Eastern vegetarian dishes in a relaxed environment popular with visitors.
NPR900, 1h30m

Day 5: Bhaktapur UNESCO Site

Bhaktapur, Nepal on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Soma

Begin with organic coffee and fresh pastries to energize your day.
NPR450, 1h0m

8:30am

Day Trip to Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Visit the enchanting medieval city of Bhaktapur, famous for its traditional Newari architecture, temples, and lively squares, open 9am-5pm.
NPR1500, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Nyatapola

Enjoy local dishes paired with views of the iconic Nyatapola Temple in Bhaktapur.
NPR700, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Kathmandu

Drive back to Kathmandu, allowing approximately 45 minutes.
NPR500, 1h0m

3:30pm

Relax at Garden of Dreams

Unwind at this beautifully restored historic garden in Kathmandu, open 9am-8pm.
NPR400, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Fire and Ice Pizzeria

Treat yourself to vibrant pizzas in a friendly atmosphere, one of Kathmandu’s favorites.
NPR850, 1h30m

Day 6: Kathmandu to Hetauda Journey

Kathmandu to Hetauda, Nepal on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast before departing Kathmandu.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Hetauda

Drive around 3-4 hours south to Hetauda, passing through lush landscapes and smaller towns.
NPR1000, 4h0m

12:30pm

Check-in and Lunch at Hotel in Hetauda

Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a meal featuring local cuisine.
NPR600, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Hetauda Wildlife and Environment Area

Visit this conservation site offering nature walks and birdwatching opportunities, open until 5pm.
NPR200, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Local Nepali Restaurant

Sample regional dishes in a welcoming local setting.
NPR500, 1h30m

Day 7: Hetauda Local Experience

Hetauda, Nepal on June 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with fresh Nepali breakfast staples and tea.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Hetauda Hydropower Station

Tour this notable renewable energy facility to learn about Nepal’s power generation, open weekdays 9am-4pm.
NPR0, 1h30m

10:30am

Stroll Through Hetauda Local Market

Experience the vibrant local life by exploring markets with fresh produce, crafts, and everyday goods.
NPR0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel

Relax with a meal and plan your afternoon visit.
NPR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Raghunathpur Cave

Discover peaceful caves known for meditation and natural beauty, an ideal place for quiet reflection.
NPR0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Local Eatery

Finish the day with traditional Nepalese dishes like momos or dal bhat in a cozy environment.
NPR450, 1h0m

Day 8: Departure

Hetauda or Kathmandu, Nepal on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast with local flavors.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Kathmandu or Airport

Depart early for Kathmandu or directly to Tribhuvan International Airport allowing 4-5 hours for traveling with traffic considerations.
NPR1000, 5h0m