About This Trek / Tour
The Nepal Highlights Tour is the perfect introduction to Nepal — combining the cultural richness of Kathmandu Valley with the natural splendour of Pokhara and the Annapurna panoramas. In just 8 days you will explore UNESCO World Heritage temples, Buddhist stupas, royal Durbar Squares, serene Phewa Lake, and witness an unforgettable Himalayan sunrise from Sarangkot Hill.
This tour requires no trekking fitness — it is suitable for all ages and abilities. Transport between cities is by comfortable tourist bus or optional domestic flight. A licensed, English-speaking guide accompanies you throughout.
Ideal For: First-time visitors to Nepal, families, couples, seniors, and anyone seeking a cultural and scenic experience without high-altitude trekking.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (1,400m). Our representative meets you with a name board and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel, the heart of Kathmandu's tourist district. Afternoon orientation walk through the colourful lanes of Thamel. Welcome dinner at a rooftop restaurant. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu. Morning visit to Pashupatinath Temple — Nepal's most sacred Hindu site on the banks of the Bagmati River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world's largest Buddhist stupas surrounded by Tibetan monasteries and spinning prayer wheels. Afternoon at Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), perched atop a hill with panoramic city views. Evening free in Thamel. Overnight Kathmandu.
Morning at Patan Durbar Square (Lalitpur) — a stunning ensemble of medieval temples, palaces and bronze statues reflecting the finest Newari craftsmanship. Visit Patan Museum, considered one of the finest museums in Asia. Afternoon at Bhaktapur Durbar Square — Nepal's best-preserved medieval city with the famous 55-window palace, pottery square and Nyatapola Temple. Return to Kathmandu for dinner. Overnight Kathmandu.
Depart Kathmandu by tourist bus along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli River through terraced rice fields and hill villages (5–6 hours). Arrive Pokhara (820m) — Nepal's adventure capital set on the shores of Phewa Lake with dramatic Annapurna views. Afternoon stroll along the Lakeside Promenade. Sunset views of the Annapurna massif and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak) reflecting in Phewa Lake. Overnight Pokhara.
Pre-dawn drive up to Sarangkot Hill (1,592m) for Nepal's most celebrated mountain sunrise — watch golden light illuminate Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri. Return to Pokhara for breakfast. Morning visit to Davis Falls (a waterfall that disappears underground), Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave and International Mountain Museum — the most comprehensive mountain museum in South Asia. Afternoon at leisure by the lakeside. Overnight Pokhara.
Morning rowing boat trip across Phewa Lake to the Barahi Temple island — the most important shrine in Pokhara. Continue by boat to the south shore and hike 45 minutes up to the World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) at 1,100m — a magnificent Japanese-built white stupa with sweeping lake and mountain views. Afternoon free for paragliding (optional, $80–100), zip-lining, or shopping on Lakeside. Final dinner with lakeside mountain views. Overnight Pokhara.
Morning return to Kathmandu by tourist bus or optional domestic flight (~25 min, additional cost). Afternoon stop at Nagarkot (2,175m) — a hilltop village east of Kathmandu offering the widest Himalayan panorama in the valley, stretching from Dhaulagiri to Kanchenjunga on clear days. Watch the sunset over the Himalayan range. Overnight Nagarkot or Kathmandu.
Optional early sunrise walk at Nagarkot for spectacular Himalayan views. Drive back to Kathmandu. Free morning for last-minute shopping, souvenirs and spa. Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. End of the Nepal Highlights Tour — take home memories of a lifetime!
What's Included
- All airport transfers in Kathmandu
- 5 nights hotel in Kathmandu (3-star, B&B)
- 2 nights hotel in Pokhara (3-star, B&B)
- Kathmandu–Pokhara tourist bus (both directions)
- Licensed English-speaking guide throughout
- Private vehicle for all city sightseeing
- All entrance fees to heritage sites listed
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- Government taxes and service charges
Not Included
- Nepal visa fees ($30–50)
- International airfare
- Travel & medical insurance (required)
- Optional domestic flights Kathmandu–Pokhara
- Lunches and personal beverages
- Paragliding, zip-lining and other optional activities
- Tips for guide and driver (recommended)
- Personal shopping and expenses
Practical Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: October–November offers clear skies and festival season (Dashain, Tihar). March–May is warm with rhododendrons in bloom. December–February can be cool but skies are often crystal clear for mountain views.
Getting Around: Tourist buses are comfortable with reclining seats and take 5–6 hours Kathmandu to Pokhara. A domestic flight takes 25 minutes and costs around $80–100 one-way — a great option if you want to save time.
What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, light layers for early mornings at Sarangkot, camera, and a small daypack. No heavy trekking gear needed.
Extending Your Trip: This tour pairs perfectly with a short trek — add Poon Hill (3 days) or Mardi Himal (4 days) from Pokhara for a combined cultural and trekking experience.