From Oceans to Mountains-9 Days (Nepal Guided Tour)

A day sightseeing tour is a great beginning to an exciting itinerary in this mountainous nation. There are plenty of places to go in this capital city full of heritage. Although it does not seem like it at first, mainly due to the chaotic traffic and the hullabaloo, there are gems of places hidden inside the valley. Take a vehicle of your choice and stay in the comfort of air-conditioning while you visit places of blissful architecture and UNESCO World Heritage sites. You will visit the Swayambhunath Stupa (aka “Monkey Temple”) in the morning. Later on, have a sumptuous lunch at a restaurant in Patan Durbar Square — one of the three mediaeval Durbar Squares inside the Valley. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the temple of Pashupatinath, belonging to Lord Shiva, where you can soak in the atmosphere and watch the world go by from a quiet bench above the bank of Bagmati. Later in the afternoon you will circumnavigate the renowned Stupa of Bauddhanath — probably the largest stupa in the world. 

Kathmandu Valley has the highest concentration of World Heritage Sites, and it’s only fitting not to miss them while you’re staying in the valley itself.

Bandipur is a picturesque mediaeval trading town at around 150 kilometres from Kathmandu. The drive from Kathmandu takes around five hours on a regular day. However, ongoing construction and expansion on the highway means it might take some additional time. The drive is a picturesque journey along the foothills and the raging Trishuli River. It is also possible to have a side-activity — Rafting in Trishuli. Just ask our staff while booking, and we’ll arrange a great rafting experience tailored for beginners and veterans alike. 

Travelling in a private acclimatised car ensures comfort — enabling you to enjoy scenic views through terraced fields, lush greenery, and winding roads along the river along the Prithvi Highway. Stop at charming viewpoints and cafes at your own pace, making for a memorable and personalised travel experience in Nepal.

Wake up early for a great sunrise experience, have breakfast, and get ready to explore this old trading town. The cultural and architectural heritage of this hillside town reminds you of the atmosphere of Kathmandu Valley of yore. Bandipur used to be the district headquarters of Tanahun, the home of poet Bhanubhakta. Today, this mediaeval town is known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and pedestrian-friendly streets without the intrusion of vehicles. On a clear day, you can marvel at the panoramic views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Himalchuli, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, and Nilgiri peaks. Nearby attractions in Bandipur include the picturesque Basantapur Hill Station and the open grounds of Tundikhel.

Leaving the charm of Bandipur behind, you will drive for about three hours to reach Pokhara. Here, you’ll have a quick refreshment and continue the relaxed drive for another three hours to arrive at Ghandruk. Once here, you will hop into a lodge and dine on traditional Gurung delicacies before calling it a day.

Early in the morning, have a brisk hike up to the stone-paved paths of this scenic village to have breath-taking views of the Annapurna range. After breakfast, take a stroll around the   village — where you won’t have to let go of the sight of the mountains from any corner or turn of the village. Later in the day, have a plate of traditional Gurung food — also sometimes called “Thakali” plate — the delicious food served with home-made pickles and spicy ground soybean “achār”. During the day, you can visit the Old Gurung Museum and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try the traditional Gurung attire for a memorable photo shoot. Later in the afternoon you can visit the tea garden and savour tea in front of a captivating mountain panorama. At night, gather around a campfire, get cosy with fellow travellers, and get to bed as the chilly breeze sets in at night. Before bed, you will reflect on the day of soaking in culture, cuisine, and natural beauty — and rejoice for the blissful experience of a day you just spent in Ghandruk. 

Depending upon your preference, you can choose to trek from Ghandruk to Birethanti, instead of driving all the way to Pokhara. If you choose to trek, it’s a leisurely 4-hour walk along the gently descending trail near the banks of Modi Khola, that will bring you to the nature-clad village of Birethanti. Picturesque views of the beautiful countryside will begin to fade as you take one more glance at the peaks in the distance. At Birethanti, take a short break, and then begin the drive to Pokhara. Once there, spare no second and head directly to the hotel for refreshments. At night you can enjoy good food and a nice dinner before calling it a day.

Wake up before dawn and drive to the viewpoint of Sarangkot high above Pokhara just north of Phewa Lake. As the sun rises above the mountains, you will witness a breathtaking panorama of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Ganesh Himal, and Machhapuchhre ranges bathed in alpenglow. The spectacular beauty of the sunrise shimmering Phewa Lake below creates a magical view. After a few clicks and inspiring views, descend back to Pokhara, have breakfast, and get ready to explore the city.

The vibrant city of Pokhara is known for its natural beauty and adventure-activities. Visiting iconic Phewa Lake where you can enjoy a serene boat ride, and explore the nearby Davis Falls. Visit the popular Mahendra Cave, and Bat Cave, and immerse yourself in the geography at the mountain museum. If you seek a bit of thrill, try paragliding or zip-lining at 160 km/h, or even mountain biking through the scenic valley on the outskirts of the main city. End the day with a sumptuous dinner and a warm comfortable bed.

After breakfast, head to the airport for a flight to Kathmandu. In this early flight, you will have a chance to see the inspiring mountains at the northern side of the country. Upon arriving in Kathmandu you will immediately notice the vibrant energy of the city — a stark contrast to the peaceful trails you just travelled. During the day, you will explore Kathmandu Durbar Square — an amalgamation of mediaeval architectural heritage and craftsmanship. In line with the trek, you will visit the old town of Indrachok with its intricate temple and do a bit of shopping in the bustling old Asan Bazār where shopkeepers sell impossibly varied things — ranging from copper bottles to vintage khukuri to pashmina shawls and even yak-milk!

Later, as we gather for dinner, we will share stories of our unforgettable trip of the past few days. As you prepare to unwind for the night, you will reflect on the sheer grandeur and beauty of the regions that you just visited. The remarkable adventure you just undertook will be in your memories, which you will cherish for years to come.