Hill towns: Kathmandu, Bandipur and Pokhara

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

• Boudhanath Stupa evening kora · 2 h. Join the clockwise kora at dusk when pilgrims light butter lamps; rooftop cafés overlook the dome. Foreigner entry about NPR 400.
• Thamel and Asan bazaar walk · 2 h. Walk from Thamel via Kathesimbhu Stupa to Asan and Indra Chowk; spice, bead and brass stalls. Bargain politely for souvenirs and trekking gear.

Local tip: Join the clockwise kora at dusk when pilgrims light butter lamps; rooftop cafés overlook the dome. Foreigner entry about NPR 400.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Kathmandu

Kathmandu

• Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) · 1.5 h. About 365 steps up the east side; the west car park is easier. Walk clockwise around the stupa and keep food out of sight of the monkeys.
• Kathmandu Durbar Square & Kumari Ghar · 2 h. Foreigner ticket about NPR 1,000; ask at the office for a pass if you will come back. The Kumari sometimes appears at her window — photos of her are not allowed.
• Garden of Dreams · 1.5 h. A restored neoclassical garden next to Thamel; a quiet spot for coffee after a sightseeing morning.

Local tip: About 365 steps up the east side; the west car park is easier. Walk clockwise around the stupa and keep food out of sight of the monkeys.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Kathmandu → Bandipur

Bandipur · Kathmandu to Bandipur, Tourist bus to Dumre ~4.5h + 20 min jeep up (private car ~4.5–5h)

• Bandipur old bazaar walk · 1.5 h. The main street is car-free; 18th-century Newari trading houses, temples and cafés. Evenings are quiet after day-trippers leave.
• Thani Mai Temple sunrise hike · 1.5 h. A 30-min climb above town; the best panorama in Bandipur.

Local tip: The main street is car-free; 18th-century Newari trading houses, temples and cafés. Evenings are quiet after day-trippers leave.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Explore Bandipur

Bandipur

• Tundikhel viewpoint · 1 h. A short walk from the bazaar; Himalayan views from Dhaulagiri to Langtang at sunrise or sunset on clear days.
• Ramkot village hike · 4 h. About 2h each way along the ridge to a Magar village with round houses.

Local tip: A short walk from the bazaar; Himalayan views from Dhaulagiri to Langtang at sunrise or sunset on clear days.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Bandipur → Pokhara

Pokhara · Bandipur to Pokhara, Tourist bus to Dumre + jeep ~2.5–3h (private car ~2.5h)

• Phewa Lake boating & Tal Barahi Temple · 1.5 h. Rowing boats are hired by the hour from Lakeside (roughly NPR 700–1,000 per boat). Mornings are calmest, with Machapuchare reflected on clear days; life jackets are provided.
• Sarangkot sunrise · 3 h. Taxi up at about 5am, then a short walk to the viewpoint (small entry fee). Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machapuchare are clearest Oct–Feb.

Local tip: Rowing boats are hired by the hour from Lakeside (roughly NPR 700–1,000 per boat). Mornings are calmest, with Machapuchare reflected on clear days; life jackets are provided.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Explore Pokhara

Pokhara

• World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) · 3 h. Boat across Phewa and climb about 45 min, or drive most of the way. Late afternoon gives lake and mountain views at sunset.
• Davis Falls & Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave · 2 h. Opposite each other near the airport road; the falls are fullest Jul–Oct and the cave steps are wet and slippery.

Local tip: Boat across Phewa and climb about 45 min, or drive most of the way. Late afternoon gives lake and mountain views at sunset.

Open day 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: Explore Pokhara

Pokhara

• International Mountain Museum · 2 h. Mountaineering history and Himalayan cultures; good on a cloudy afternoon.
• Lakeside evening walk and dinner · 2 h
• Ultralight flight over the Annapurnas · 1.5 h. 15–60 min flights from Pokhara airport early on clear mornings, mainly Oct–Mar. Book a day ahead and keep a spare morning.

Local tip: Mountaineering history and Himalayan cultures; good on a cloudy afternoon.

Open day 7 route in Google Maps

Day 8: Depart from Pokhara

Pokhara

• Zipline from Sarangkot · 2 h. A long, steep line down to Hemja; weight and age limits apply.

Local tip: A long, steep line down to Hemja; weight and age limits apply.

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.

Open day 8 route in Google Maps