Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Destinations

Trekking in Nepal still proves to be the most popular way for visitors to experience the incredible Himalayan scenery – but sometimes too much time spent on your feet can be overwhelming (particularly at altitudes pushing 12,000 feet). This nine-day itinerary finds the perfect balance between trekking, sightseeing, and road trips, taking you from Kathmandu, to Pokhara, Jomsom and back again. After touching down, get to know the capital with a day of sightseeing, then fly to Pokhara – Nepal’s second largest city – for a dose of adventure as you explore caves, cross dramatic mountainside lakes and temple hop. A second flight takes you to Jomsom, which you’ll use as a base for trekking and road expeditions to the Himalayan villages of Marpha, Thini and Jharkot. Arrive back in Kathmandu via another sightseeing trip in Pokhara nine eventful days after first setting out. 

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Exploring Kathmandu: While staying in the luxury of Dwarika’s Hotel, watch the cremations of Pashupatinath Temple, take a walk through Durbar Square, and Boudhanath.
  • Pokhara: Before trekking in earnest, travelers get the opportunity to sightsee in one of Nepal’s most charming cities, where they can see Bindabasini Temple and take a boat ride across the dramatic Fewa Lake.
  • Annapurna Range: Trek from Jomsom through the Annapurnas, one of the most photogenic mountain ranges in Nepal. Along the way meet with locals in villages and explore the sacred waters of Mount Nilgiri.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Kathmandu

After a memorable arrival at Kathmandu’s dramatic airport – surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in every direction – meet with a tour representative who is on hand to help with visa formalities. Next, transfer to your hotel in the capital before getting debriefed on the tour’s itinerary. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel or checking out your new surroundings at your own leisure.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu, one of Kathmandu, Nepal’s most stunning pieces of architecture, sits within walking distance of the famous Pashupatinath temple, while also being just a short drive away from the airport.

History: The hotel hosts an impressive array of artifacts dating back as far back as the 13th century. The area itself is also teeming with ancient culture, with an impressive history that spans two millennia.

Service: Guests will love the warmth of traditional Nepalese hospitality for which this hotel is widely-praised.

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Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Kathmandu

Wake up in time for breakfast at the hotel, heading out in the morning for sightseeing trips around Kathmandu city, Swayambhunath, and Patan. Around the capital, your guide shows you the famous Durbar Square – home to several of the city’s key temples, monuments, palaces, and courtyards. Venturing just outside of town, admire the brilliant 2,000-year-old ‘Swayambhunath’ Buddhist stupa, as well as another stunning historical square three miles away at Patan, which holds dozens of Buddhist and Hindu temples – the highlight being a three-storey 12th-century monastery overlooking the hills.

Kathmandu
Kathmandu

Day 3

Pokhara

Depart Kathmandu on the morning of this third day, making the short hop over the mountains to Pokhara with a 25-minute flight. After checking-in, the rest of the day is packed full of sightseeing opportunities around this majestic region; browse the stalls at the town’s old bazaar, explore the highly sacred ‘Bindabasini’ temple, take a boat ride across the dramatic Phewa Lake in the foothills of Mount Annapurna and go adventure seeking at the mysterious Gupteshwar Cave – a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus from all across Asia. Head back to the hotel in Pokhara for dinner and a well-earned rest.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Located on top of a majestic mountain in one of Nepal’s most stunning regions, with the Himalayas as a backdrop, this area offers views of a lifetime in a setting that is the stuff of dreams.

History: The area was only accessible by foot until the first road was built in 1968 when a highway was constructed, tourism grew rapidly shortly after the opening. The region is homed to three out of ten of the worlds tallest mountains meaning its is a haven for mountain trekkers and adventures alike.

Service: If guests are looking for a little bit of an extra special touch perhaps they will look to some dining within the comforts of their lodge, as you wait on server brings the finest nepalese dishes to your veranda simply relax and take in the natural beauty of Nepal.

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Tiger Mountain Lodge Preferred Hotel

Day 4

Jomsom

At nearly 9,000 feet above sea level, the tiny Himalayan town of Jomsom is the highest place you’ll be sleeping at during this nine-day tour. There’s only one real way to get in, by taking a short 20-minute flight over the mountains from Pokhara. Once arrived, a representative is on hand to meet you and take you for lunch. In the afternoon, set out on a two-hour hike to Marpha, an incredibly remote Thakali village famous for its quaint paved streets, central monastery, and an apple orchard. Retrace your steps back to Jomson in time for nightfall.

Hotel Options
About

Along the foothills and remote areas are small towns and rest stops for hikers and travelers. Basic guesthouses are available and offer a bed and shower for travelers on their journey along the Himalayas.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Jomsom
Jomsom

Day 5

Jomsom

Take a seven-mile drive out of Jomsom to Kagbeni, a pretty little riverside village that looks as though it hasn’t seen change in centuries. Mud-built houses are packed in tightly along dark, tunnel-like lanes, while an imposing pale yellow-colored fort towers above the city. There’s chance for a quick village tour, saying 'hello' to the friendly locals – many of whom still dress in traditional Tibetan clothes – along the way. Head back to Jomsom later for free time in the afternoon and an overnight stay.

Day 6

Jomsom

More trekking awaits on this seventh day, again using the small town of Jomsom as a base. In the morning, head out on a scenic 3-mile route to the ancient village of Thini, with a stop off at the stunning turquoise water of Dhumba Lake along the way back. Nestled in the foothills of Mount Nilgiri, legend has it that the water here once turned red; after a long religious ceremony, the water slowly turned back to its natural turquoise color, thus making this a hugely sacred site. Head back to Jomsom for the night later on.

Jomsom
Jomsom

Day 7

Jomsom

A trek today takes you to the highest altitudes of the entire Himalayan tour, reaching the remote settlement of Muktinath at just over 12,000 feet. Begin the day with a drive out of Jomsom to Jharkot, admiring the impressive fort and perhaps sampling a fresh peach from the village’s very own orchard. Across the valley, you can also make out the ruins of Dzong, the ancient capital of this region. Continue on to Muktinath, an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhist and home to a stunning pagoda enshrouded by the mountainscape. Complete the loop back to Jomsom later in the afternoon for overnight at your guesthouse.

Day 8

Kathmandu

Catch the short flight back to Pokhara after breakfast, arriving back in the city with plenty of time left some more sightseeing on this penultimate day. Your guide takes you on to see the gorgeous 1,600-year-old temple at Pashupatinath, as well as the world-famous Boudhanath monument – one of the largest of its type in the whole country. Another flight takes you back to Kathmandu, ready to depart Nepal the following day.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu, one of Kathmandu, Nepal’s most stunning pieces of architecture, sits within walking distance of the famous Pashupatinath temple, while also being just a short drive away from the airport.

History: The hotel hosts an impressive array of artifacts dating back as far back as the 13th century. The area itself is also teeming with ancient culture, with an impressive history that spans two millennia.

Service: Guests will love the warmth of traditional Nepalese hospitality for which this hotel is widely-praised.

See Hotel
Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu Preferred Hotel
Kathmandu
Kathmandu

Day 9

Departure

Have breakfast at your hotel in Kathmandu before packing your bags and checking out. A representative is on hand to show you on to the international airport where you’ll catch a flight to your next destination of choice.

Suggested Hotel For Days 1–2

Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu
Preferred Hotel

Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu

Located just outside Kathmandu, near Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred mountain, Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu is the recipient of a prestigious World Heritage Award given for outstanding historical preservation. The 80 guest rooms and suites are decorated with intricately carved wood and terracotta work in the traditional Newari style and are equipped with wi-fi access. Krishnarpan, one of the hotel’s two restaurants, offers six- to 22-course authentic Nepali meals, Toran has Chinese and Indian specialties, while Fusion has live blues and jazz in a bar setting. Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu has a spa with massage treatments and a swimming pool. The business center is fully equipped with broadband Internet access and secretarial services. The hotel is approximately a 10-minute drive from the airport in Kathmandu.

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Suggested Hotels For Day 3

Lost Horizon Resort and Spa
Preferred Hotel

Lost Horizon Resort and Spa

Designed to reflect the majestic Himalayan peaks, Lost Horizon Resort & Spa combines the rejuvenating powers of nature with the comforts of home. Located on the outskirts of Pokhara Valley, the property floats above Begnas Lake, surrounded by mountain views. Guest accommodations are comprised of spacious and well-appointed villas and suites, all furnished in an elegant, classic style. There is a clubhouse with a year-round outdoor heated swimming pool, a 7,000-square-foot spa and wellness center, a gym, and a library lounge with views of Mount Manasalu. For dining, guests can enjoy meals in the indoor-outdoor restaurant, or take a picnic basket into the forest. Lost Horizon Resort & Spa is 30 minutes by car to the nearest airport.
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Tiger Mountain Lodge
Preferred Hotel

Tiger Mountain Lodge

Tiger Mountain Lodge is located on a hilltop ridge a thousand feet above the Pokhara Valley and just a half hour drive from town. With spectacular views of the Annapurna Range, the lodge has also been touched by history: Sir Edmund Hilary, the first man to scale Everest, led the hotel’s opening ceremony in 1998. The 19 rooms are arranged around the hilltop in hand-cut stone bungalows that blend into their surroundings. All the bungalows have spacious verandas, adjoining bathrooms, and elegantly traditional décor that blends Tibetan hand-knotted wool carpets with British watercolor wall paintings. The lodge offers a range of in-room massage treatments, personal yoga sessions, and meditation training. There is a mountain-view swimming pool for post-hike relaxation. The hotel serves organic produce and locally supplied products, including at its authentic Nepali lunch buffet, and at the dinner with a table d’hôte menu that features European and Nepali selections. The Main Lodge has a cozy central fireplace, comfortable seating areas, and a bar, arranged around a Nepali-style courtyard. Another special feature of the lodge is Colonel Jimmy's Library, with an impressive collection of Himalayan mountaineering literature and photographs. There is no business center. The hotel is located 40 minutes from Pokhara Airport.

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Suggested Hotel For Days 4–7

Guesthouse

Guesthouse

Along the foothills and remote areas are small towns and rest stops for hikers and travelers. Basic guesthouses are available and offer a bed and shower for travelers on their journey along the Himalayas.

Suggested Hotel For Day 8

Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu
Preferred Hotel

Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu

Located just outside Kathmandu, near Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred mountain, Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu is the recipient of a prestigious World Heritage Award given for outstanding historical preservation. The 80 guest rooms and suites are decorated with intricately carved wood and terracotta work in the traditional Newari style and are equipped with wi-fi access. Krishnarpan, one of the hotel’s two restaurants, offers six- to 22-course authentic Nepali meals, Toran has Chinese and Indian specialties, while Fusion has live blues and jazz in a bar setting. Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu has a spa with massage treatments and a swimming pool. The business center is fully equipped with broadband Internet access and secretarial services. The hotel is approximately a 10-minute drive from the airport in Kathmandu.

See Hotel

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A young couple from Calgary

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