Honeymoon: Kathmandu, Nagarkot 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.
• Garden of Dreams · 1.5 h. A restored neoclassical garden next to Thamel; a quiet spot for coffee after a sightseeing morning.

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: Kathmandu → Nagarkot

Nagarkot · Kathmandu to Nagarkot, Taxi ~1.5h

• Sunrise from the Nagarkot view tower · 1.5 h. Leave around 5–5:30am with a torch; clear views of Langtang and, on good days, Everest are most likely Oct–Feb.
• Changu Narayan Temple · 1.5 h. The oldest temple in the valley and a UNESCO site; some carvings date to the 5th century. Small foreigner ticket.

Local tip: Leave around 5–5:30am with a torch; clear views of Langtang and, on good days, Everest are most likely Oct–Feb.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Explore Nagarkot

Nagarkot

• Nagarkot to Changu Narayan hike · 4 h. Mostly downhill through villages and pine forest, about 3–4h. Paths fork, so use offline maps or a local guide; taxis wait at Changu Narayan.

Local tip: Mostly downhill through villages and pine forest, about 3–4h. Paths fork, so use offline maps or a local guide; taxis wait at Changu Narayan.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Nagarkot → Pokhara

Pokhara · Nagarkot to Pokhara, Taxi to Kathmandu airport ~1.5h + flight ~25 min (road ~7.5h)

• 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 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: 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.
• 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: 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 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Explore Pokhara

Pokhara

• Tandem paragliding from Sarangkot · 3 h. 20–30 min flights landing at Phewa Lake, about US$80–100 plus photos. Pick an established operator; flights stop in strong wind and monsoon rain.
• Lakeside evening walk and dinner · 2 h

Local tip: 20–30 min flights landing at Phewa Lake, about US$80–100 plus photos. Pick an established operator; flights stop in strong wind and monsoon rain.

Open day 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: Explore Pokhara

Pokhara

• Begnas Lake boating and lakeside walk · 3 h. About 30 min east of Lakeside and much quieter than Phewa.
• 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: About 30 min east of Lakeside and much quieter than Phewa.

Open day 7 route in Google Maps

Day 8: Depart from Pokhara

Pokhara

• International Mountain Museum · 2 h. Mountaineering history and Himalayan cultures; good on a cloudy afternoon.

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

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

Open day 8 route in Google Maps