Optimized 8-Day Nepal Itinerary: 2 Days in Pokhara, 3 Days in Kathmandu, 3 Days in Hetauda

Day 1: Pokhara Arrival & Lake Walk

Pokhara, Nepal on May 26, 2025

4:00pm

Hotel Check-in Near Phewa Lake

Arrive and relax at a lakeside hotel giving easy access to Phewa Lake and surrounding attractions.
NPR0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Leisure Walk at Phewa Lake

Enjoy the tranquil scenery by strolling the lake's edge, perfect for refreshing after your journey.
NPR0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Moondance Restaurant

Dine on fresh trout and international favorites with charming lakeside views.
NPR800, 1h30m
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Day 2: Pokhara Sightseeing

Pokhara, Nepal on May 27, 2025

5:30am

Sunrise at Sarangkot

Catch stunning sunrise views over the Annapurna range from Sarangkot hilltop, open 24 hours.
NPR0, 2h0m

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Concerto

Enjoy fresh coffee and western-style breakfast to start your day.
NPR500, 1h0m

9:30am

David’s Fall & Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

Visit the dramatic waterfall and nearby sacred cave for natural beauty and spirituality, open 8am-6pm.
NPR150, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Moondance Restaurant

Return lakeside for a meal with plenty of choices featuring local and international cuisine.
NPR800, 1h30m

2:00pm

Pumdikot Hill Stupa Visit

Explore this peaceful hilltop stupa offering panoramic views of Pokhara and surrounding mountains.
NPR0, 2h0m

4:30pm

Vindavasini Temple

Visit this serene Hindu temple amidst tranquil hills near Pokhara.
NPR0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Lakeside Café

Enjoy international dishes with a beautiful view of Phewa Lake at sunset.
NPR900, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Kathmandu

Pokhara to Kathmandu, Nepal on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with nourishing breakfast before your journey to Kathmandu.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Kathmandu

Travel 6-7 hours by road to Kathmandu in comfortable vehicle with scenic views en route.
NPR1500, 7h0m

3:00pm

Hotel Check-in and Rest

Check into your Kathmandu hotel and unwind after the drive.
NPR0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gaia Restaurant

Experience contemporary Nepali and fusion cuisine in an ambient setting.
NPR1200, 1h30m
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Day 4: Kathmandu Temples

Kathmandu, Nepal on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Himalayan Java

Enjoy excellent fresh coffee and pastries at a city favorite café.
NPR400, 1h0m

8:30am

Pashupatinath Temple Visit

Explore this sacred Hindu temple complex along the Bagmati River, open 4am-9pm.
NPR200, 1h30m

10:30am

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

Climb to this iconic Buddhist stupa featuring panoramic views, open 7am-7pm.
NPR200, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Thamel House Restaurant

Savor classic Nepali dishes in bustling Thamel district.
NPR800, 1h0m

2:00pm

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Tour the historic palace complex and temples, UNESCO World Heritage Site, open 9am-5pm.
NPR1000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Shopping and Strolling Thamel

Enjoy shopping and the vibrant local atmosphere in Kathmandu’s main tourist area.
NPR0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at OR2K

Taste flavorful Middle Eastern vegetarian dishes in a casual setting.
NPR900, 1h30m
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Day 5: Bhaktapur Day Trip

Bhaktapur, Nepal on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Soma

Begin with coffee and organic pastries fuel for your day.
NPR450, 1h0m

8:30am

Bhaktapur Durbar Square Tour

Visit this medieval city’s UNESCO site known for beautiful temples and traditional architecture, open 9am-5pm.
NPR1500, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Nyatapola

Enjoy authentic Nepali food with views of the famous five-tier Nyatapola Temple.
NPR700, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Kathmandu

Drive back for afternoon and evening leisure.
NPR500, 1h0m

3:30pm

Garden of Dreams Relaxation

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

6:00pm

Dinner at Fire and Ice Pizzeria

Relish a variety of pizzas in a warm and lively atmosphere.
NPR850, 1h30m
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Day 6: Kathmandu to Hetauda

Kathmandu to Hetauda, Nepal on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Nourish yourself before the day's travel.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Hetauda

Take a scenic 3-4 hour drive south to Hetauda.
NPR1000, 4h0m

12:30pm

Hotel Check-in and Lunch

Check in and enjoy a local meal to kick off your stay.
NPR600, 1h30m

2:00pm

Hetauda Wildlife & Environment Area Visit

Explore conservation areas with trails and birdwatching, open till 5pm.
NPR200, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Local Nepali Restaurant

Savor traditional dishes like dal bhat in an authentic setting.
NPR500, 1h30m
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Day 7: Hetauda Exploration

Hetauda, Nepal on June 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a traditional Nepali breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Hetauda Hydropower Station

Take a guided tour to learn about local renewable energy efforts, open weekdays 9am-4pm.
NPR0, 1h30m

10:30am

Walk through Hetauda Local Market

Experience vibrant market life with fresh produce and handcrafted items.
NPR0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing meal before afternoon adventures.
NPR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Raghunathpur Cave Exploration

Visit peaceful caves ideal for meditation and nature immersion.
NPR0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Local Eatery

Try momos and other Nepalese delicacies in a cozy atmosphere.
NPR450, 1h0m
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Day 8: Departure Day

Hetauda or Kathmandu, Nepal on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final meal highlighting local flavors.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Kathmandu or Airport

Depart early to reach Kathmandu city center or Tribhuvan International Airport allowing up to 5 hours for travel and traffic.
NPR1000, 5h0m
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