Nepal · Trip plan
6 days in Kathmandu & Pokhara
Ancient temple squares and sunrise over the Annapurnas.
- Best time
- Oct – Dec, Mar – Apr
- Ideal length
- 6 days
- A day, mid-range
- ₹5,000 per person
- Trip for two
- about ₹60,000
Planning a 6-day trip to Kathmandu & Pokhara? Here's a day-by-day Kathmandu & Pokhara itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
October and November are Nepal's best months: clear post-monsoon skies, mountain views and festival season with Dashain and Tihar.
Nepal is home to eight of the world's ten highest mountains. Kathmandu's temple squares and stupas are full of history, while Pokhara offers lakeside calm and sunrise views of the Annapurnas.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr: a good time to go
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct: a good time to go
- Nov: a good time to go
- Dec: a good time to go
October to December: 8–24°C, clear skies and mountain views.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Kathmandu & Pokhara
- 01
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Royal palaces and temples in the old city.
- 02
Boudhanath
One of the largest stupas in the world.
- 03
Sarangkot
Sunrise over Annapurna and Machhapuchhre.
- 04
Phewa Lake
Boats to the island temple, and paragliding above.
Day by day
Kathmandu & Pokhara itinerary for 6 days
- D1
Day 1: Kathmandu
- Morning
- Arrive and check in to Thamel.
- Afternoon
- Durbar Square.
- Evening
- Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple) at sunset.
Carry ₹100 notes; ₹500s are often refused.
- D2
Day 2: Temples and stupas
- Morning
- Pashupatinath on the Bagmati.
- Afternoon
- Boudhanath stupa.
- Evening
- Patan Durbar Square.
Respect cremation rites at Pashupatinath.
- D3
Day 3: Bhaktapur and Pokhara
- Morning
- Bhaktapur's medieval squares.
- Afternoon
- Fly or drive to Pokhara.
- Evening
- Lakeside dinner.
The flight takes 25 minutes; the drive 7 hours.
- D4
Day 4: Sarangkot
- Morning
- Sarangkot sunrise over the Annapurnas.
- Afternoon
- Paragliding or boating on Phewa Lake.
- Evening
- Lakeside evening.
Paragliding is best in the morning.
- D5
Day 5: Peace Pagoda
- Morning
- World Peace Pagoda hike.
- Afternoon
- Davis Falls and caves.
- Evening
- Free evening.
Short treks to Australian Camp are also possible.
- D6
Day 6: Back home
- Morning
- Fly or drive to Kathmandu.
- Afternoon
- Shopping.
- Evening
- Fly home.
Keep a buffer; flights can be delayed by weather.
Shorter or longer
Kathmandu & Pokhara in 5, 6 or 8 days
5 days in Kathmandu & Pokhara
Follow days 1 to 5 above and leave out “Back home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
8 days in Kathmandu & Pokhara
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering.
What it costs
Kathmandu & Pokhara trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 6 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹2,000 | ₹24,000 |
| Mid-range | ₹5,000 | ₹60,000 |
| Luxury | ₹15,000+ | ₹1,80,000 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Kathmandu & Pokhara is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in Kathmandu & Pokhara
Dal bhat
Lentils, rice and vegetables; refills are free.
Momos
Nepal's favourite dumplings.
Newari khaja set
Beaten rice with spiced sides.
Getting there
How to reach Kathmandu & Pokhara
- Travel
- Direct flights to Kathmandu from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Varanasi; or by road via Sonauli.
- Getting around
- Taxis in cities; tourist buses or short flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Visa
- No visa needed for Indian citizens; carry your passport or voter ID.
- Indian ₹500 notes may not be accepted; carry ₹100 notes or change money.
- Mountain views are clearest early in the morning.
Before you go
What to pack for Kathmandu & Pokhara
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Warm layers for the evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A small first-aid kit
- A reusable water bottle
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
Kathmandu & Pokhara trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Kathmandu & Pokhara?
6 days are enough to see the highlights: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Sarangkot. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 6-day Kathmandu & Pokhara trip cost?
Roughly ₹2,000 a day per person on a budget, ₹5,000 mid-range and ₹15,000+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about ₹60,000 for 6 days.
What is the best time to visit Kathmandu & Pokhara?
Oct – Dec, Mar – Apr. October and November are Nepal's best months: clear post-monsoon skies, mountain views and festival season with Dashain and Tihar.
Where should I stay in Kathmandu & Pokhara?
Budget: Hostels in Thamel & Lakeside (Kathmandu & Pokhara), from about ₹1,200 a night. Mid-range: Kathmandu Guest House (Thamel), from about ₹5,000 a night. Luxury: Dwarika's Hotel (Kathmandu), from about ₹25,000 a night.
How do I reach Kathmandu & Pokhara?
Direct flights to Kathmandu from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Varanasi; or by road via Sonauli.
Do I need a visa or permit for Kathmandu & Pokhara?
No visa needed for Indian citizens; carry your passport or voter ID.
Is 5 days enough for Kathmandu & Pokhara?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 5 of the itinerary above and skip "Back home". 6 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in Kathmandu & Pokhara?
October to December: 8–24°C, clear skies and mountain views.
What food should I try in Kathmandu & Pokhara?
Dal bhat: Lentils, rice and vegetables; refills are free. Momos: Nepal's favourite dumplings. Newari khaja set: Beaten rice with spiced sides.
How do I get around Kathmandu & Pokhara?
Taxis in cities; tourist buses or short flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
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