One of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world, Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal at an altitude of 1,400 metres (4,600 feet). It covers an area of 50.7 km2 (19.6 sq mi) which is the largest Metropolitan region in the Himalayan hill region founded in 2nd century CE. Kathmandu was ranked third among the top ten upcoming travel destinations in the world by TripAdvisor and ranked first in Asia in the year 2013. It is the centre of Nepal’s economy, history, culture and art with multi-ethnic population. The city is home to several World Heritage Sites such as the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. In the Kathmandu Valley, the average summer temperature varies from 28 to 30 °C (82 to 86 °F) and the average winter temperature is 10.1 °C (50.2 °F). It’s neighter too hot in summer and nor freezing cold in winter. You can find cool temperature thoughout the year. You can also find a number of museums and art galleries where it display unique artefacts, paintings. There are collections from the 5th century CE to the present day. Museums and art galleries in Kathmandu are The National Museum, Narayanhiti Palace Museum (royal palace before maoist revolution), The Natural History Museum, Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, The Kaiser Library, The National Art Gallery, The Nepal Art Council Gallery and The NEF-ART (Nepal Fine Art) Gallery.
Pokhara is the capital of Gandaki Province and second most populous city of Nepal after Kathmandu. It is located 200 kilometres (120 miles) west of Kathmandu and sits at an elevation of approximately 822m. It is the base for the famous Annapurna Circuit trek. Pokhara has become a major tourist destination for adventure tourism and you can also find many medieval era temples such Guheshwari, Bindhyabasini, Bhimsen temple, Tal Barahi Temple, Bhadrakali, Talbarahi, Sitaldevi, Gita mandir etc. In Pokhara there are two 5-star hotels, approximately 305 other hotels that includes one 4-star, five 3-star, fifteen 2-star and non-star hotels. International Mountain Museum(IMM) at Ratopahiro, Pokhara was opened for public in Ratopahiro to boost the city’s tourism. There are other museums also such as Annapurna Natural History Museum (preserved specimens of flora and fauna), Gurkha Museum (history of the Gurkha soldiers) and Pokhara Regional Museum.
Overview
Itinerary : 05 Nights / 06 Days “Kathmandu Pokhara Tour”
Highlights: 3 Nights Kathmandu, 2 Nights Pokahra.
Day 01: Upon arrival in Kathmandu Tribhuwan international airport, Nepal.
I will be on standby air-condition vehicle and displaying your named template at the airport on that day to pick you up and transfer to your hotel then within one hour later, will go to orientation walk to get familiar with your surrounding or sightseeing in Kathamndu valley if possible otherwise, will be rest in your hotel.
Day 02: kathmandu vacation package
By private vehicle:
Swayambhunath Temple: (Monkey Temple)
Day 03: Full day sightseeing in the following historical monumental areas in the Kathmandu valley
By private vehicle:
Day 04: Depart from Kathmandu to Pokhara:
After breakfast, we will drive to Pokhara. On the zigzag way of mountain areas, we will pass through beautiful landscape, paddy farm, river, tiny villages, mountain views etc. Pokhara is located 200 km west of Kathmandu. This is second largest city of Nepal. It is the most beautiful city with lakes. we will be taken to the rest for tea/coffee when you want then we will proceed our destination. Pokhara is blessed with stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna range which forms its backdrop. The mesmerizing Machhapuchhre also called mt. Fishtail dominates the scenery because of its proximity to the valley and can be seen ffrom anywhere in Pokhara. Stretching from east to west, the Annapurna massif includes Annapurna I to IV and Annapurna south. Further away are seen the giants, Dhaulagiri (8,167m.), and Manaslu (8163m.). On the way to Pokhara, we will have to take lunch. After 6 hours drive, will reach to Pokhara then half an hour latter, we will go to sightseeing in the following places- Gupteswar Mahadev Gupha, Devi`s Fall and Taal Barahi Temple. Overnight at hotel.
B) Devi’s Fall:
C) Boating in Phewa Lake: ( Taal Barahi Temple )
Boat trip in the lovely Phewa Lake is the foremost attraction of Pokhara. Paddling out into the middle of the lake is a nice way to spend a guite afternoon. It is the largest lake in Pokhara valley and the second largest lake in Nepal. Encircled by Sarangkot and Kaskikot hills, the lake holds a pagoda style temple. Another attraction is the reflection of Mount Machhapuchhre and Annapurna range on the crystal clear water of the lake. While boating in Phewa Lake, you can see several verities of fish.
D) Overnight at hotel or resort.
Day 05: : Sunrise view from Sarangkot and sightseeing in Pokhara.
Early in the morning, we will drive to Sarangkot to see sunrise view on the different Himalayan Peaks such as Fishtail (6997m.), Dhaulagiri (8167m,), Hiun Chuli (6434m.), rounded peak of Annapurna II (7937m.) etc. Then after breakfast, we will start our sightseeing in Pokhara such as Mahendra Gufa (Cave ), World Peace Stupa, and Bindyabasini Temple.
A) Mahendra Gufa (Cave ):
Another nature`s wonders is Mahendra Gufa, is located north of Pokhara, the area is known as Batulechaur. It is one of the most popular visiting spot in Pokhara, Nepal. This large limestone cave is locally known as the house of bats. It is best to bring your own torch in order to see the stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the local winged residents. Most of the tourist go to visit there. It is completely different than other Gufa.
B) World Peace Stupa:
A peace Pagoda is a Buddhist Stupa designed to provide a focus for people of all races and creeds, and to help unite them in their search for world Peace. The view of the Pokhara city, lakeside in focus another reason why the world Peace Pagoda of Pokhara is a must visit.
C) Bindyabasini Temple:
This temple is located on the top of a beautiful mound, and is dedicated to Durga ( Parvati ) in Hinduism. The image of the goddess is a saligram. These black ammonite fossils of marine animals date from the Jurassic period over 100 million years ago and are found in the Himalaya, north of Pokhara. We can see a beautiful view of the city, and the surrounding areas. This temple is a small Shikhara style, was built by Siddhi Narayana Shah in 1785 AD.
Day 06: Drive back to Kathmandu.
After this cultural and historical tour if you would interest for further activities like national park tour for 2 nights/3 days, rafting tour, Hiking tour, Trekking etc. I organize the trip according to your desire. If you decided to leave Nepal, I transfer to Airport for your onward destination
Kathmandu and Pokhara tour
1-2 group people US$ 1500 per person
Cost includes:
. Pick-up & drop from International Tribhuwan Airport.
. Kathmandu accommodation ( 3 nights tourist standard deluxe hotel with breakfast).
. Pokhara accommodation ( 2 nights tourist standard deluxe hotel with Breakfast ).
. All sightseeing as per itinerary by private vehicle with me.
. Entrance fees of all monumental areas in Kathmandu valley.
. All land transportation as per given itinerary.
. Guide and vehicle charges included.
. Dinner with Nepalese cultural dance in Pokhara.
Cost doesn’t includes:
. Lunch and dinner during in Kathmandu valley.
. Nepal entry visa.
. International fly.
. Domestic fly.
. Travel insurance.
. All bar bills.
. Lundry bill.
. Personal expenses.
. Any extra cost due to weather or political problems. And
. Expenses of personal natural i:e soft/hard drinks, tips etc.