Bandipur and Pokhara Cultural Tour
- 8 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- All Round Year
We guide you through the Newari hill settlement of Bandipur and the lakeside city of Pokhara on this eight-day cultural journey.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our eight-day tour takes our travelers from the cultural alleyways of Bandipur to the lakeside hub of Pokhara. We designed this itinerary for travelers seeking a balance of Newari heritage, rural architecture, and lakeside relaxation without demanding high-altitude trekking.
We begin our journey in Kathmandu with valley sightseeing before driving along the Prithvi Highway to the ridge-top village of Bandipur. Here at 2000 m, we explore preserved traditional stone houses and viewpoints overlooking the middle hills and Himalayan ranges.
We then continue our trip to Pokhara, settling beside Phewa Lake. Our days here involve boating, short exploratory walks, and visits to regional landmarks, all supported by our logistics team and local transport.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Bandipur Ridge
We explore the preserved Newari architecture and quiet pedestrian stone alleys of Bandipur village.
Thani Mai Sunrise
We walk up to Thani Mai Temple for early morning views across the surrounding hills and distant peaks.
Siddha Cave
We undertake a short hike to examine Siddha Cave, noted as one of the largest cave systems in the country.
Pokhara Lakefront
We spend our afternoons boating on Phewa Lake and walking the lakeside paths beneath the Annapurna foothills.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our team meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your Kathmandu hotel. We settle in and review the tour schedule for the coming days.
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
Meals: B / L / D
We spend the day touring cultural heritage sites around the Kathmandu Valley with our guide and private vehicle. We return to our hotel for the evening.
Day 3
Kathmandu to Bandipur
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Kathmandu to Bandipur
Meals: B / L / D
We board a tourist bus and drive west along the Prithvi Highway before ascending the access road to the ridge-top settlement of Bandipur. We check into our hotel and take an initial walk through the traditional village streets.
Day 4
Bandipur Exploration and Thani Mai
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Bandipur Exploration and Thani Mai
Meals: B / L / D
We rise early to walk up to Thani Mai Temple for sunrise views over the valleys and peaks. Later, we take a short excursion down toward Siddha Cave before spending the afternoon enjoying the quiet atmosphere of the village.
Day 5
Bandipur to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Bandipur to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
We travel by road from Bandipur down to the Prithvi Highway and onward to Pokhara. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and take our first walk along the shores of Phewa Lake.
Day 6
Pokhara Sightseeing and Boating
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Pokhara Sightseeing and Boating
Meals: B / L / D
We dedicate the day to exploring Pokhara's natural and cultural sights, including a boat ride on Phewa Lake and visits to local waterfalls and caves with our guide.
Day 7
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We board our tourist bus for the return drive along the highway back to Kathmandu. We check into our hotel for our final evening in the capital.
Day 8
Final Departure
Meals: B
Day 8
Final Departure
Meals: B
Our driver transfers you from your hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure flight.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pick up and drop off by private vehicle
- 3 night hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- One night hotel in Bandipur with breakfast
- 2 night hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
- All ground transportation by tourist bus and private vehicle
- Full sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley with guide
Not included
- Nepal visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Meals and drinks in the city, except breakfast
- Monument entrance fees
- Tips to guide and driver
Before you go
Good to know
Fitness and pacing
This is an easy cultural tour requiring only standard walking fitness for short urban walks and occasional hill paths up to 2000 m. No prior trekking experience is required.
Accommodation standards
We accommodate you in standard tourist-class hotels in Kathmandu, Bandipur, and Pokhara with daily breakfast included.
Transportation details
We provide airport transfers by private vehicle, sightseeing transport by private car, and inter-city transfers between Kathmandu, Bandipur, and Pokhara via tourist bus.
Currency and expenses
We recommend carrying Nepalese Rupees for personal purchases, meals outside of breakfast, tips, and souvenirs as international cards are not universally accepted in smaller shops.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
Footwear
Suitable for exploring stone alleys and dirt paths.
Day packEssential
Camping
For carrying water, camera, and layers during daily excursions.
Light jacketEssential
Clothing
Useful for cooler mornings and evenings at ridge elevations.
Sun hat and sunglassesEssential
Clothing
Protection against daytime sun.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Camping
To stay hydrated during travel days and walks.
Passport and visa documentsEssential
Documents
Required for hotel check-ins and travel verification.
Personal toiletriesEssential
Clothing
Standard items for hotel stays.
Camera or phone
Documents
For capturing cultural sites and landscapes.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum altitude reached on this tour?
We reach a maximum altitude of approximately 2000 m while staying in the ridge-top village of Bandipur.
Are meals included during the tour?
Breakfast is included with your hotel stays in Kathmandu, Bandipur, and Pokhara. Lunches and dinners are left open so you can explore local dining options.
What type of transportation is used?
We use private vehicles for airport transfers and Kathmandu valley sightseeing, and comfortable tourist buses for inter-city travel between Kathmandu, Bandipur, and Pokhara.
Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, our itinerary is paced gently and involves easy walking, making it well-suited for families and travelers of all age groups.
Do I need a visa to enter Nepal?
Most international visitors require a tourist visa, which can be obtained upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
What season is best for this tour?
We operate this tour throughout the year, with autumn and spring offering particularly clear weather and comfortable temperatures.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 8 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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