Kathmandu and Pokhara Luxury Tour

Kathmandu and Pokhara Luxury Tour – 5 Days

Trip Overview

  • Country: Nepal
  • Duration: 5 Days
  • Trip Level: Easy Kathmandu and Pokhara Luxury Tour
  • Max Altitude: 1,345 m/4,412 ft
  • Activity: Sightseeing & Cultural Tour
  • Meals: Included (Breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara & a farewell dinner at Kathmandu.)
  • Accomodation: Hotel (5 star hotel or similar rating in Kathmandu and Pokhara for (3-nights & 1-night))
  • Best Season: Jan-Jun, Sep-Dec

Trip Highlights

  • Guided city tours visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath.
  • Explore the Newari Culture of Kathmandu Valley.
  • Old Palaces, Museums, Temples and Stupas.
  • Beautiful scene of Himalaya Range, sunrise from Sarangkot and Pokhara.
  • Yoga class in Pokhara.
  • Stay at the finest accommodation.

Trip Description

Kathmandu Pokhara Luxury Tour is a leisure tour that lets you experience all the best highlights of the two major cities of Nepal- its capital Kathmandu and its tourist hub- Pokhara.

Pokhara, also known as ‘the city of lakes is located in the Kaski district in the Western Region of Nepal. The city lies some 200 kilometers away from Kathmandu city. Pokhara is a must-see in Nepal and so far one of the most popular tourist destinations in the nation.

During the course of the Kathmandu and Pokhara Luxury Tour, you will have a professional guide at your disposal, and travel on a comfortable private tourist vehicle. Transfer within the city will be on private tourist vehicles with a/c like a car, van, or minibus according to the size of the group. All accommodation during the tour will be at luxury hotels on twin sharing basis (a single supplement will be available on request). You will have ample opportunity to purchase authentic souvenirs, including carpets, handicrafts, carvings, and Thankas (traditional painting) on this trip.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 – Arrive in Kathmandu

Max. Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Our airport representative will welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. S/he will be displaying an Ace the Himalaya signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle.

  • overnight Overnight at a 5-star hotel
  • meal Meals not included

Day 02 – Guided Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Patan

Your sightseeing trip will start at around 8:45 am. You will have a private vehicle and a professional tour guide at your service. We will visit the following sites:

Kathmandu Durbar Square (World Heritage Site)
This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece here is the 17th- century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. The Durbar Square is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. There are also three museums inside the palace building.

Swyambhunath Stupa – The Monkey Temple (World Heritage Site)
This stupa watches over the valley from the top of a hillock on its western side. The huge stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Swayambhu is also known as Samhengu and the Monkey Temple because of the countless monkeys living in the premises.

Patan Durbar square
Patan is an old Newar city where we will see the historic Durbar Square, the Golden Gate, the sky piercing temple of Taleju and the statue of Yogendra Malla, Krishna Mandir, Sati Temple, Hiranya Varna Mahabir (the golden temple), Mahabouddha with views of old carved wooden windows through the streets, curios shop and Bazaars.

Pashupatinath Temple (World Heritage Site)
Pashupatinath is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world and lies 5 kms east of the city center. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred Linga, or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Chronicles indicate the temple’s existence prior to 400 AD. Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati River flowing beside the temple.

Boudhanath
Later visit Boudhanath, the 2500 years old Buddhist stupa in the Valley built in 5th century with four pairs of eyes of Lord Buddha in four cardinal directions keeping an eternal watch over the people and their doings. You will find Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet going round the stupa spinning the prayer wheels.

  • overnight Overnight at a 5-star hotel
  • meal Breakfast included

Day 03 – Morning flight to Pokhara and Guided Sightseeing in Pokhara

Max. Altitude: Pokhara (900 m)

Duration: 35 mins flight

Today we will fly to Pokhara at 8:30 am. After checking in the hotel of Pokhara, our sightseeing will start at 11:00. You will have a private vehicle and a professional tour guide at your disposal. The places we visit are as below:

Bindhabasini Temple
Located in the center of the religious old bazaar. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, yet another manifestation of Shakti.

Davis fall
Locally known as Patale Chhango and in the southern flank of the Pokhara valley, it is where the stream flowing from Fewa Lake collapses and surges down the rock into a deep gorge, leaping through several potholes. This is hugely popular with tourists and locals alike.

Gupteshwor Cave
The revered Gupteshwor Cave is situated 2 kms from Pokhara airport. The entrance is right across from Davis fall and the cave is almost 3 kms long. It has some big hall-sized rooms and some passages where you have to crawl on all four. This cave holds special value to Hindus since a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva is preserved here in the condition it was discovered.

Phewa Lake and Barahi Temple
Situated at an altitude of 800m above sea level, it is the second largest lake in the kingdom. With the Barahi Island Temple in the middle of the lake, it is the most important religious monument in Pokhara. Built almost in the middle of Phewa Lake, this two-storeyed pagoda is dedicated to the female force Shakti. The reflection of Mt. Machhapuchhare and Annapurna can be seen in its serene water. The thick forest lies on the adjoining southern slopes of the lake.

Seti River Gorges
Carved by Seti-Gandaki, it is one of the natural wonders of Pokhara. K.I. Singh bridge at Bagar, Mahendrapool and Prithivi highway Bridge near bus park, provide a perfect view of the river’s dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by the turbulent flow of white water.

  • overnight Overnight at a luxury hotel in Lakeside
  • meal Breakfast included

Day 04 – Morning Visit to Sarangkot, Yoga Class, Flight Back to Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner

Max. Altitude: Sarangkot (1,592 m)

Early in the morning, we will take a drive to Sarangkot. It will take about 45 minutes in a private tourist vehicle. Sarangkot is one of the best places to see the sunrise and close views of many mountains like Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail and so on. The viewpoint also offers amazing views of the beautiful Pokhara Valley and Phewa Lake.

After returning to the hotel, we will attend a yoga class. Yoga beginners are encouraged to explore their asana and yoga fundamentals in a safe and nurturing environment. After refreshing yoga, it’s time to fly back to Kathmandu.

After returning to Kathmandu, you have the afternoon and the evening to stroll along the streets of Kathmandu for some last minute shopping. In the evening, we host a farewell dinner in a fine restaurant. (Your guide(s) and an office staff will accompany you).

You have the option to extend your trip to continue onto rafting adventure, Kathmandu valley shopping tour, mountain biking and other activities.

  • overnight Overnight at a Overnight at a 5-star hotel
  • meal Breakfast and farewell dinner included

Day 05 – Transfer to International Airport for Your Final Departure

The trip concludes – our airport representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your flight departure from Nepal.

  • meal Breakfast included
  • Price Includes

    • All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle
    • Twin-sharing/double accommodation in a 5-star hotel in Kathmandu for 3 nights and in a luxury hotel in Lakeside, Pokhara for 1 night including breakfast (Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost)

    • All ground transportation by private tourist vehicle

    • Round trip airfare between Kathmandu and Pokhara

    • Guided city tour in Kathmandu and Pokhara on a private vehicle

    • The required number of ground staff during the tour like driver, helper etc.

    • Ace the Himalaya’s licensed English-speaking guide
    • Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff
    • Entry permits and fees for all temples, parks, monasteries, and cultural and historical sites

    • Free Ace the Himalaya duffel/kit bag and sunhat (yours to keep)

    • Yoga class in Pokhara

    • A farewell dinner on the last night in Nepal
    • All administrative expenses and government taxes

    Price Excludes

    • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara – about USD 15 to USD 20 per person per day

    • International flight fare and airport departure tax
    • Any beverages including bottled and boiled water
    • Travel insurance along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage
    • Tips to trekking staff and driver
    • Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa)
    • All Items of Personal nature like drink, Laundry etc

    • Any expenses other than the Price Include section

    Gears and Equipment

    All you need to bring for this tour is simply some comfortable clothes. There is no requirement for special equipment on the tour. However, for your ease, the following gives you a general idea about the personal items you need to manage for the trip. The personal items referred to here are optional and depend upon your choice. The most important factor to be considered while choosing the equipment and your backpack is the time of the year you are traveling.

    We will supply complimentary water and a windproof duffel bag, which you can use on the tour for your shopping purpose. The duffel bag is yours to keep.

    Therefore, this list is only a guide. You can use the list as a reference. There are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of clothing and equipment. Use your experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you. Some of the above equipment can be easily found in stores in Kathmandu.

    (please note that winter wears are only necessary if in case you’re traveling in the month of Nov – Dec)

    List of Recommended Equipment for the Tour:

    • Duffel or Rucksack bag or suitcase (We will provide one complimentary ACE duffel bag for you to keep.)
    • Daypack
    • Warm wool or synthetic hat to cover your ears (only if you are travelling in the cold season i.e January, February and December)
    • Goggles or sunglasses for sunbeam, dust and wind.
    • A neck warmer is another piece of gear for extra warmth if you feel you will need it and is for cold season i.e January, February and December.(optional)
    • A pair of warm gloves (Only if you are travelling in cold season i.e January, February and December).
    • T-shirts, cotton pants, (loose jeans/khakis), shorts, waterproof shell jackets(preferable if you are travelling in rainy season from June to September.)
    • Lightweight long underwear/thermals (if you are traveling in winter January, February and December).
    • Liner socks, synthetic or Capilene.
    • Light camping shoes or sneakers.
    • Sandals/flipflop (Optional).

      First Aid Kits and Medications

      • (Note: Guides carry medications and first aid kits during the trip. However, personal kits and medications are highly recommended.)
      • Sunscreen
      • Lip balm
      Other Essentials

      • Passport
      • Extra copies of passport-sized photos
      • Reusable water bottle
      • Toiletry kits
      • Water purification tablets or UV water purifier (if you plan to treat water)
      • Waterproof/dry bags for carrying important documents and money
      • Airline tickets (Please leave a copy at our office in Kathmandu. This can be useful if there is a change in the date of the flight.)
      Optional

      • Power bank or extra batteries
      • Cameras and mobile phone
      • Cards/book

      Important Information

      • We give you a free duffel bag and baseball cap during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffel bag will be used to pack your touring supplies.
      • This list is only a guide. You can use the list as a reference.
      • There are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of clothing and equipment.
      • Use your experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you.
      • Some of the above equipment can be easily found in stores in Kathmandu.

      Note: Some clothing, especially form-fitting, figure-hugging items made of elastic material (like yoga pants), may offend locals. Therefore, if you choose to wear these clothes for comfort, please make sure to wear something over them.

      FAQs for Kathmandu and Pokhara Luxury Tour

      General

      Why travel with Ace the Himalaya?

      Ace has a reputation for successfully leading treks with knowledgeable leaders and staff taking care of all your travel needs. We are a certified sustainable travel company that also endorses the idea of giving back to the community by participating in various philanthropic activities. Here are 17 reasons to hike with Ace the Himalaya.

      Is Nepal open to travelers following the Covid-19 pandemic?

      Indeed, Nepal is entirely open. Travelers are welcome in Nepal without any restrictions. Arriving travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at the Kathmandu airport as well.

      What are the conditions to travel to Nepal post Covid-19?

      Traveling to Nepal is now hassle-free. You don’t need a vaccination certificate or negative PCR test, but check with your airlines and transit countries for any specific requirements.

      We suggest you look at the Nepal immigration site https://www.immigration.gov.np for the most up-to-date information.

      What additional documents do I need?

      Do we book our own international flights to and from Nepal?

      Yes, you need to book your own international flights. We are a local agent and it would cost you significantly higher to book through us. Please find more information in the International Flight page.

      Is hiring a guide necessary?

      You can tour without a guide. A guide is available to help you with your sightseeing by providing knowledge and insights about the locations you visit. Our tour leaders are qualified experts. When talking about their trip, our guests frequently remark on how much fun they had and how crucial their guide was to making it successful.

      Can the guide speak English?

      Our guides are fluent in English. All the guides that we assign speak and understand English. They’ll share with you the fascinating stories, traditions, and folklore of the mountains. The guides will also help you communicate with the locals since many shopkeepers and the locals around the destination don’t speak English.

      Weather and Temperature

      What is the best season for this trip?

      The best season for this tour is anytime between January to June and  September to December.

      What are the weather and the temperature like?

      It depends on the season you’re traveling. During winter (December to February), it is colder at night and relatively warmer during the day, with the temperature ranging from 4°C at night to 22°C. Between March and May, the weather stays perfect as the temperature averages 25°C during the day. From September to December, following the monsoon, the temperature gets cooler and allows for a great time to travel. The average temperature during this season is 20°C. The vehicles and the hotels during the trip will be air-conditioned making your travel very comfortable.

      Arrival and Visas

      Is it possible to obtain a visa for Nepal upon arrival at the airport?

      Yes, you can obtain a Nepal visa upon your arrival at the airport. There are kiosks in the arrival hall that you use to complete the necessary forms.  The cost is USD 30 for a 15-day tourist visa, including numerous entries, or USD 50 and USD 125 for a 30-day or 90-day tourist visa including numerous entries respectively. You should carry cash (USD) with you to pay your visa fees quickly and easily, as digital payments are frequently unavailable.

      To save time, we recommend filling out the online visa application form in advance. Applying online 2 weeks before your arrival will expedite the process at the airport. For detailed guidelines, please refer to our blog titled Guidelines for Online Tourist Visa Form in Nepal.

      Who will come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?

      Our staff will be waiting for you outside the airport terminal with our signboard (Ace the Himalaya). You will be accompanied to a hotel in a private tourist vehicle.

      Payments and Extra Costs

      How much additional money do I need per day?

      It depends on your spending habits. We estimate USD 50 to 100 a day will be enough to buy lunch, dinner, chocolates, and a few drinks.

      Is it possible to reserve a trip now and pay a deposit later, or do I have to pay a deposit at booking/reservation?

      When you book, you must pay a 30% deposit to secure your itinerary. The remaining balance can be paid upon your arrival at Kathmandu or before arrival. US Dollars cash and credit cards (Visa, Master, and American Express) are accepted once in Nepal. Please note a 4% transaction fee will be added for all credit card transactions.

      How do I pay the remainder of my balance upon arrival in Kathmandu? US Dollars cash or credit card?

      You can make payments via US Dollars cash or credit card (Visa, Master, and American Express). A 4% transaction fee is added if paying with a credit card. Thus, we encourage you to pay with USD cash if you are planning to pay upon your arrival in Kathmandu.

      We prefer you pay with larger bills (USD 50 or 100).  Please note that the cash should not be older than 2009 and in good condition, as banks do not accept worn, torn, or crumpled bills.

      How are the ATM and money exchange Facilities in Kathmandu and Pokhara?

      There are ATM and money exchange facilities almost every few meters where you will be staying in Kathmandu & Pokhara. So, you can easily use your cards to cash out the limited sum of money to which a minimum charge is deducted by the ATM facility itself. You can easily exchange your foreign currencies in currency exchange centers for an exact rate.

      Tour Preparation and Packing

      What are the procedures after I make my deposit?

      After making the deposit, one of our staff will email you for further information. We will require a copy of your passport photo page and your arrival/departure flight details. We will also provide you with additional trip information.

      What sort of insurance do I need? How can I obtain a policy?

      Travel insurance is mandatory for our hiking itineraries. We require your policy have medical evacuation coverage for the maximum elevation of your itinerary.  Insurance may also cover additional costs in the event of a flight delay or cancellation caused by bad weather, medical costs, theft, loss, and damage to your items while traveling.

      Travel insurance can be obtained online by one of several travel insurance companies. Please note that insurance obtained from an airline at the time of booking your flight may not cover medical evacuation coverage.

      What are the necessary items that I should pack for my trip?

      You can find the necessary items to pack for the tour in the Equipment Section.

      What about my passport, medications, and belongings?

      Bring copies of your passport, insurance papers, and other essential items in your carry-on during your flight. If you need to take medications daily, keep them in your daypack with your other essential possessions.  You can store other non-trekking essentials in the office of Ace the Himalaya or at the hotel in Kathmandu.

      Accommodation

      What sort of accommodation can I except in this trip?

      In Kathmandu, we use the five-star Hyatt Regency or a similar-class hotel. The rooms are fully furnished with attached bathrooms and various room amenities. The rooms are twin-sharing or double. If you want a single room, please let us know and we will arrange it at an additional cost.

      Is it possible to have private room during the tour?

      Yes, private rooms can be arranged at an additional cost.

      What happens if I end up staying an extra night/s in Kathmandu due to an unforeseen delay or cancelation?

      In case of unforeseen circumstances such as flight cancellation, your health, or for any reason you decide to discontinue the trip then you will need extra accommodations.

      In such cases, we will arrange your accommodations, but you will need to pay a supplemental charge.

      What sort of food can I expect in the tour?

      For lunch and dinner, there are many restaurants in Kathmandu. They provide Continental, Chinese, Mexican, and American-based cuisines with some local influences. You will always have plenty of options to choose from. The hotel where you will stay will provide breakfast, which is included in the package. You will need to pay your own for lunch and dinner and any other food items.

      Will it be possible to get any clothes washed/laundry?

      Laundry service is easily available at your hotel and there are many laundry stores in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Please note that laundry service is not included in the package price.

      Can I charge my digital camera or other equipment on my trip?

      These facilities are available in all the places in your hotel. Remember to bring your adapters!

      Is the water fine to drink? Do I need to bring purifying tablets/filter?

      Bottled water is available in all places. If you wish to drink normal water, you are suggested to use purifying aid, which you need to bring with you.

      Health and Safety

      Do your guides have certificates from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center?

      Yes, they have all received 45-day training from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center in Nepal. The guides have also received high-altitude first aid training from KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project). Please check our Guides’ Profiles and Training Certificates.

      Is Ace the Himalaya a member of the Tour and Travel Agencies' Association of Nepal?

      Yes. In fact, our company is an active member of the Nepal Tour and Travel Agencies Association.

      How fit do I need to be for this tour? Is this trip for me?

      This cultural tour is suitable for any kind of person.

      Do I need to have experience in yoga to take yoga classes?

      These yoga classes are for those who are completely new and beginners. We will teach you basic yoga, yogic cleansing, and stretching methods.

      Is Ace the Himalaya's staff insured?

      Our company insures all our trekking staff members, including guides, cooks, Sherpa, and porters. Please browse through our legal docment page to view insurance details.

      What vaccinations will I need?

      While no vaccinations are strictly mandatory for travel to Nepal, it is highly advisable to take precautionary measures to protect your health. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, we recommend the following vaccinations: Routine Vaccines, Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies, Cholera, etc.

      It is also helpful if you inform us of any medical condition that is relevant so we may convey this information in the event of an emergency. Ace the Himalaya keeps your medical condition confidential unless treatment is necessary.

      Practical Matters

      What is your cancellation policy?

      Notice should be provided 20 days before the trip start date in case of cancellation. The trip can be canceled for justifiable reasons. Once the trip is canceled, a fee of 30% of the trip cost is retained for administrative costs.

      However, the trip amount is entirely non-refundable if the cancellation is not made before the 20 days as per our terms and conditions. For submitting a claim to your insurance company after the cancellation, we can assist with documentation such as a receipt of monies paid. Refund will not be provided for unused accommodation in case of trip cancellation caused by personal reasons/sickness/weather.

      More information about our cancellation policy can be found here in Terms and Conditions page.

      Do I need to tip my guide and driver? How much would that be?

      Tips are always expected. It is a small gesture of thanks to the field staff towards the end of the tour USD 20 per guide and USD 10 per driver per day is recommended per group, but it is entirely up to your wishes.

      Are there any volunteer projects that we could visit after the tour?

      Ace the Himalaya is one of the prime supporters of the social organization Sambhav Nepal. There are several ongoing projects in a village called Arupokhari (Gorkha district) which you are more than welcome to visit or even volunteer at. You will be able to gain a different insight into the lives of the people in the hills and also make a difference!

      Click here to learn more about our volunteer programs

      Is there a minimum and maximum number for your groups?

      We cater to all group sizes, while maintaining the field staff ratio to give you the best quality and experience.

      Is there any communication while we are on tour?

      There are telephones and internet facilities available so you can always stay in contact with your family.

      Does it cost an extra amount if I am a solo traveler?

      If you are a solo traveler and book one of our published dates, there is no additional fee. If you sign up for a private trip or change the tour date from one of our published dates, you will be charged an additional fee.

      Who else will be joining my touring group?

      If there are any, you will be allocated to a touring group. The details of the personal data of your group members cannot be disclosed.

      However, feel free to contact us if you have queries about other travelers in the group and we shall give you a general idea of the ages, nationalities, and sex of your group members. Chances are you will be touring with others unless you have booked a private trip.

      Can I add extra days to my trip?

      Sure, you can add days as per your convenience only you might be charged a little extra for a day’s extension.

      I want to extend my holiday, any recommendations?

      Yes, you can extend your holiday. Ace the Himalaya offers many options and alternatives for your holiday extension. For more information, you can visit our Day trips pages.

      Transportation and Flights

      Do I need to book my international flights for the travel to Nepal?

      Yes, you must book your international flights. We are a local agency and do not make international flight arrangements. You can easily browse through flight tickets in airlines sites to book ones most feasible for you.

      What form of transportation do you use?

      We utilize private tourist vehicles for touring, city visits, and airport pickups. Based on the group size, we use cars, minibusses, or vans. We use 4WD SUVs when necessary.

      What makes this trip different ?

      Our CSR with Sambhav Nepal

      • Ace the Himalaya believes in giving back to the communities that surround and support tourism in Nepal. Ace provides logistical support and, if needed, cash donations to the projects of Sambhav Nepal (a local NGO).
      • Sambhav Nepal and Ace work together to plan volunteer programs that will bring in foreign volunteers and make use of their enthusiasm, time, and talents in a variety of projects.

      Sustainability and Responsible Tourism

      • Of the few Travelife Partners in Nepal, Ace the Himalaya is one. We respect the procedures for sustainable tourism. Our excursions are socially and environmentally conscious, leaving the lowest possible impact in the Himalayas.
      • About 80% of Ace the Himalaya’s staff members are natives of the regions where our trips are organized. It is one of our sustainable and responsible efforts to help local communities, support small businesses, and promote regional culture and way of life.

      Contact Us

      Head Office

      Trip Map

      Kathmandu and Pokhara Luxury Tour map