5 Days Nepal Tour

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Himalayan 360 Trek’s friendly team will meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation. Today is the day to relax and be stress-free, with no scheduled plans—perfect for resting or leisurely exploring Thamel’s lovely streets and busy ambiance at your own pace.

Thamel – The Heart of Kathmandu

Thamel is a busy location in Kathmandu. It is popular among tourists and has a mix of modern and traditional attractions. Thamel’s history is related to the great merchant Singha Sarthabahu, famous for his trading route to Tibet. Additionally, his history symbolizes the cultural and commercial interchange between Nepal and Tibet.

The area features modern hotels, restaurants, and shops alongside Newar-style wooden carvings and structures, making it culturally rich. With a central pagoda preserving its historical significance, Thamel’s architecture merges old and new. Thamel is populated by the Newar people, especially the Pradhan clan, who consider Singha Sarthabahu their forefather.

• Attraction of the day: Kathmandu D Square and Swyambhunath Stupa

The second day of our Nepal travel is about the Kathmandu day tour. After a delicious breakfast, we will explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with temples and royal history. Later, we will visit Swayambhunath Stupa, a spiritual site offering panoramic views of the valley. In the afternoon, we take a scenic drive to Pokhara, Nepal’s beautiful lakeside city. Travel to Nepal is incomplete without a Pokhara tour. Once in Pokara, we’ll go to our comfortable hotel, relax, and have a restful night in this pleasant destination.

Kathmandu Durbar Square – A Must-Visit Nepal Heritage

The architectural hub of Kathmandu Durbar Square, boasts stunning architecture and a rich history, featuring over fifty Hindu temples, courtyards, and palaces, making it a must-visit destination. The square dates back to the Licchavi period (4th to 8th centuries AD), which expanded during the Malla Dynasty and later the Shah Dynasty. It continues to retain its position as the cultural and royal core of the area, even after facing significant damage during the 1934 and 2015 earthquakes, due to the extensive post-earthquake restoration work done at the Durbar Square.

Kathmandu Durbar Square is both a political and religious site. It remains a coronation ritual site and serves the purposes of religious functions in the present day, which characterizes Nepal’s history. The square mixes classical Newari designs from the 16th to 19th centuries. It consists of three interconnected areas, with the Hanuman Dhoka Palace at the center and surrounding temples and courtyards. Many structures still show the influence of the Malla Dynasty.

Swayambhunath – The Monkey Temple

Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, is one of Nepal’s oldest and most significant Buddhist stupas. It was founded in the 5th century CE. By the 13th century, it had become a prominent center of Buddhism, with continued expansion under various dynasties.

The stupa features a whitewashed dome with the Buddha’s eyes symbolizing omnipresence, topped by a 13-tier golden spire representing the spiritual stages. Surrounding temples blend Tibetan and Hindu styles. Swayambhunath is a sacred site for both Buddhists and Hindus. It represents spiritual enlightenment and houses the Pancha Buddhas, expressing the five cosmic elements. The site symbolizes religious coexistence and is associated with various local legends.

• Attraction of the day: Sarangkot, Davi’s Fall, Gupteshwore cave, Peace Pagoda, and Phewa lake

We’ll rise early and head towards Sarangkot for breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas as the sun rises, casting a golden glow over the mountains. Afterward, we’ll spend the day exploring the stunning city of Pokhara. We’ll visit the captivating Devi’s Fall, the mysterious Gupteshwar Cave, and the peaceful Peace Pagoda. To end the day, we’ll enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the calm waters of Phewa Lake, taking in the serene beauty of this lakeside paradise.

Sarangkot – A Panoramic View of Pokhara

Sarangkot, a hilltop village above Pokhara, offers stunning views of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu ranges, along with Pokhara city and Phewa Lake. It’s believed that tourism in Sarangkot grew with Pokhara, attracting trekkers since the 1950s. By the 2000s, it had become famous for its sunrise views and paragliding, thanks to improved infrastructure and the growth of adventure tourism.

Further, Sarangkot is home to the Sarangkot Shiva Temple, a primary Hindu pilgrimage site, as well as a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. The area also has Tibetan refugee settlements, blending Hindu and Buddhist spiritual heritage. It’s also known for its sustainable tourism and focus on preserving natural beauty and local culture.

Devi’s Fall & Gupteshwor Cave – Nature’s Wonders

Devi’s Fall, also called Patale Chhango, and the nearby Gupteshwor Cave draw many visitors each year for their mystical charm and religious importance. Devi’s Fall is an impressive waterfall where the Pardi Khola stream disappears underground.

Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave was discovered in the 16th century, featuring a Shiva statue, and has since become a revered pilgrimage site for Shiva devotees. Gupteshwor Cave has narrow paths, a Shiva Lingam, and statues of Hindu gods. The cave is lit with electric lights, and a waterfall flows through it, with round stairs at the entrance.

World Peace Pagoda – Purity and Tranquility

The World Peace Pagoda was constructed to promote global peace following World War II. It was introduced by Nichidatsu Fujii, founder of the Nipponzan-Myohoji Buddhist organization. The stupa is Nepal’s first World Peace Pagoda, featuring two tiers that allow tourists and religious visitors to circumambulate. Moreover, travelers can witness the stunning views of Phewa Lake and the Annapurna range from the pagoda.

Phewa Lake – A Must-Visit Destination in Pokhara

Phewa Lake is a serene freshwater lake in Pokhara, reflecting Mount Annapurna. It is Nepal’s second-biggest lake and provides an unforgettable boating experience. Phewa Lake is believed to have been formed naturally and was once a vital water source. It is now popular in Pokhara, with lakeside resorts and boating facilities developed to cater to tourists.

Phewa Lake’s shining waters reflect the surrounding mountains, and the iconic Tal Barahi Temple in the middle adds a spiritual touch. Both Hindus and Buddhists visit the temple to worship Goddess Varahi, an avatar of Goddess Durga. It has a two-story pagoda temple with a main shrine built in the traditional pagoda style.

Today, we drive back to Kathmandu. The drive takes 8 hours and covers 210km. Once we arrive, we can relax at our hotel or walk out to explore the capital’s busy streets, enjoying its unique charm. Later, we will visit two key heritage sites. Pashupatinath Temple and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Pashupatinath Temple – Nepal’s Holiest Hindu Shrine

Pashupatinath Temple is Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Pashupati, meaning “Lord of Animals.” Located on the banks of the Bagmati River, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kathmandu Valley and is one of the most important Shaivite pilgrimage sites in the world. According to legend, Shiva and Parvati once took the form of antelopes here, and Shiva’s antlers became the sacred lingam worshipped today.

The temple’s origins trace back to the 4th century CE. According to chronicles, the temple was initially built by a Licchavi king named Prachanda Deva of the Licchavi dynasty. However, the current structure was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in the late 17th century.

Pashupatinath features classic Nepali pagoda architecture, with a two-tiered golden roof, gilded copper details, and intricate wooden carvings. Despite multiple reconstructions due to fires and earthquakes, its spiritual and cultural significance has remained intact for centuries. The complex remains open 24/7 and includes temples, cremation ghats, and ashrams for pilgrims and sadhus.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square – Preserved Medieval Architecture and Rich Traditions

Bhaktapur Durbar Square, built in the 13th century, was the Malla kings’ center of power and religion. King Jayasthiti Malla built it to serve as the royal palace for the Malla Dynasty from the 14th to the 18th century. It reached its architectural peak under King Bhupatindra Malla and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

The square blends Pagoda and Shikhara styles. It features landmarks such as the 55-Window Palace, Nyatapola Temple, and the Golden Gate, which are renowned for their distinctive wood carvings and exceptional craftsmanship. The square is a center for Hindu and Buddhist worship, featuring temples like Taleju and Vatsala. It is also central during festivals like Bisket Jatra and Indra Jatra, maintaining its spiritual significance.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will arrange for your transfer to the airport, where you’ll begin your journey home. This marks the end of your Nepal trip. We truly hope your time here has been as inspiring as the country’s beauty. Safe travels as you make your way back home, and we sincerely hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to Nepal for another extraordinary experience in the future!