KATHMANDU | POKHARA | MUKTINATH | MANAKAMANA DARSHAN

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Arrival in Kathmandu

Morning, sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath temple – Pashupatinath is one of the sacred Shiva temples on the Indian subcontinent. It draws devotees from all over India, including many colorful Sadhus (wandering Holy men). It is the largest temple complex in Nepal. Visiting Pashupatinath begins and ends a traditional pilgrimage circuit. Lord Pashupatinath’s supreme holiness stems from hollowed linga enshrined in the main temple and its location on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River. Bagmati sanctity makes Pashupatinath Nepal’s most sacred cremation site.

Continue to BoudhanathStupa on the eastern side of Kathmandu is a huge stupa of Boudhanath. This is the largest stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in the world. It is a sacred place for Buddhist pilgrims. Once you enter the stupa complex it resembles Bharkor street of Tibet with a considerable population of Tibetans, several thriving monasteries, and many small shops selling Tibetan artifacts. Boudhanath is one of the few places in the world where Tibetan culture is accessible, vibrant, and unbound. Afternoon, sightseeing tour of Patan Durbar Square.

Patan also known as Lalitpur is the second largest city inside the valley. Patan has a long Buddhist influence and the four corners of the city are marked by Stupas said to have been created by a great Buddhist emperor around 250 BC. Durbar Square forms the heart of Patan. The Durbar Square is closely packed with temples, and with far more concentration of architecture than anywhere around the valley.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Kathmandu – Pokhara

Drive to Pokhara town – It is also referred to as a city of lakes and mountains. It is also the gateway to one of the best trekking locations in the world. Approx. 200 km from Kathmandu Pokhara enjoys a mild climate, clean air, and the reflection of snow-capped mountains on the sheltered lake. Its relaxed atmosphere is pleasantly removed from the hectic hustle and bustle of Kathmandu. Lakeside Pokhara is a traveler’s oasis. The tourist area of the lakeside stretched out along the southeast shore of the valley’s largest lake. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Evening, stroll around the lakeside area.

Overnight at the hotel in Pokhara.

Day 4: Pokhara – Jomsom – Muktinath – Jomsom

Transfer to the domestic airport in Pokhara and fly to Jomsom. Straddling the Kali Gandaki, Jomsom (2760m), or more correctly Dzongsam (New Fort), is the region’s administrative headquarters and the main travel hub for onward travel to Upper Mustang and Muktinath. At the southwestern end of town is the airport, where you’ll also find the bus station and ticket office, tourist hotels, restaurants, shops, and airline offices. Upon arrival in Jomsom transfer to Om’s Home. Refresh and drive to Ranipauwa. Hike for 45 min and arrive at Muktinath.

Hindus call the site MuktiKshetra, which means the “place of salvation” and it is one of the most ancient temples of the God Vishnu and the Vaishnava tradition in Nepal. The shrine is considered to be one of the eight sacred places known as SvayamVyaktaKsetras (The other seven being Srirangam, Srimushnam, Tirupati, Naimisharanya, Totadri, Pushkar, and Badrinath), as well as one of the 108 Divya Desam, or holy places of worship of Lord Vishnu.

Overnight at the hotel in Jomsom.

Day 5: Jomsom – Pokhara

Transfer to the Jomsom airport and fly back to Pokhara. Upon arrival in Pokhara transfer to the hotel. Later, a sightseeing tour of Pokhara town with one-hour boating on Phewa lake. A boat trip to 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 quiet afternoon. Phewa lake is the largest lake in Pokhara valley and the second largest lake in Nepal.

Overnight at the hotel in Pokhara.

Day 6: Pokhara – Manakamana – Kathmandu

Drive back to Kathmandu. En route take a cable car ride to Manakamana temple Wish-fulfilling goddess Manakamana is the temple of Durga Bhawani (Hindu Goddess), situated in the Gorkha District of Nepal. Manakamana means “wishes”. It is believed that Goddess Manakaman fulfills the wishes of the ones who worship her with a pure heart. Later, continue to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu transfer to the hotel.

Evening, transfer to an authentic Nepali restaurant for dinner with cultural shows. This is one of the wonderful experiences to taste typical Nepali food which we call “Dal Baht” with lentils. You will be surprised by the variety of Nepalese dishes that will keep on coming. The server with a gentle smile on their face will name you every item in Nepali as well as in the English language before serving you.

Along with the food you will be kept entertained with typical Nepali folk shows. You will get a chance to see the dance performance of different ethnic groups of Nepal in their unique cultural uniform and later transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 7: Departure

Free till departure. Transfer to the airport for your return journey.