16-Day Grand Nepal Journey: Temples, Himalayas, Bandipur, Mustang & Culture

Kathmandu(7N) → Nagarkot(2N) → Bandipur(2N) → Pokhara(3N) → Lumbini(1N)

4.7 (35 Reviews)

STAY   3✭ hotels

$ 771

$ 880

12% off

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu & Evening Pashupatinath Arti
  • Your Nepal adventure begins upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport.
  • Meet your representative and transfer to your hotel (30-minute drive).
  • After check-in and some rest, step out to discover Kathmandu’s spiritual side:
    • Pashupatinath Temple – One of the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Witness the mesmerizing Sandhya Arti with priests chanting Vedic mantras, oil lamps glowing, and bells ringing — an unforgettable spiritual start to your trip.
    • Guhyeshwari Temple – A sacred Shakti Peeth near Pashupatinath (visit if time allows).
    • Evening Option: Quick drive to Boudhanath Stupa to watch monks circumambulate the giant stupa at dusk, with prayer flags fluttering.
  • Return to the hotel for a welcome dinner and overnight stay.

Start with a wholesome breakfast and explore Patan, the city of arts and architecture:

  • Patan Durbar Square – Marvel at Krishna Mandir (Shikhara-style temple), Bhimsen Temple, and intricately carved palace courtyards.
  • Patan Museum – Considered one of the best in South Asia for Hindu-Buddhist art.
  • Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar) – A hidden gem monastery with a stunning golden façade.
  • Local Handicrafts Tour – Visit traditional metalcraft and statue-making workshops.

After lunch, take a 45-minute scenic drive to Godawari, at the base of Phulchowki hill:

  • Godawari Botanical Garden – A serene haven with orchids, rare plants, and tranquil ponds.
  • Short Nature Walk – Option to take a guided walk in the surrounding forests, spotting butterflies and bird species.

Return to Kathmandu. In the evening, stroll through Thamel – the buzzing tourist hub with souvenir shops and local eateries.

  • After breakfast, embark on a long but scenic drive to Kalinchowk. En route:
    • Stop at Dolakha Bhimsen Temple, a revered shrine.
    • Enjoy winding roads, river valleys, and terraced hillsides.
  • Upon reaching Kalinchowk, check in to your lodge. In the afternoon:
    • Take the cable car ride or hike up to Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple (3,700 m), a hilltop shrine offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Gaurishankar, Langtang, Jugal Himal, and Annapurna ranges.
    • Capture sunset views from the hilltop if the weather permits.
  • Evening at leisure under starry skies.
  • Wake up early for a golden sunrise view from Kalinchowk’s ridge.
  • After breakfast, drive back via Charikot and head towards Dhulikhel:
    • Dhulikhel Viewpoints – Stop at viewpoints offering stunning vistas of Himalayan peaks.
    • Namo Buddha Monastery (optional detour) – One of Buddhism’s most sacred pilgrimage sites.
  • Continue to Nagarkot, check in, and relax.
  • By evening, proceed to Nagarkot View Tower for a magnificent sunset over the Himalayas, where you might even spot Mt. Everest on a clear day.
  • Wake early to catch the iconic Nagarkot sunrise, where the first rays illuminate the Himalayas.
  • After breakfast, begin your journey to Bandipur:
    • Drive Time: Approximately 6–7 hours via Mugling Highway.
    • Photo Stops: Trishuli River viewpoints and charming roadside villages.
  • Arrive at Bandipur, check in, and enjoy an evening stroll:
    • Explore Bandipur Old Bazaar, featuring car-free cobblestone streets.
    • Visit Tundikhel Viewpoint for sweeping views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu.
    • Enjoy sunset photography from Gurungche Hill.
  • Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and explore Bandipur's heritage:
    • Thani Mai Temple – Take a short hike for panoramic sunrise or morning views.
    • Bindebasini Temple & Khadga Devi Temple – Learn about local rituals.
    • Siddha Gufa – Visit Nepal's largest cave (optional guided tour).
    • Silkworm Farm Visit (if open) – Observe the silk production process.
  • Spend the afternoon sipping coffee at a rooftop café overlooking the hills.
  • Enjoy a relaxed morning and drive to Pokhara Airport for your 11:55 AM flight to Lumbini.
  • Check in and head to Lakeside.
  • Arrival in Lumbini and transfer to the hotel.
  • After lunch, enjoy sightseeing in Lumbini and return to the hotel to rest.
  • Spend your evening at the beautiful heritage property, Buddha Maya Garden.
  • Enjoy a relaxed morning with breakfast.
  • Airport drop at 12:00 PM for your 12:45 PM flight to Pokhara.
  • Check in and head to Lakeside:
    • Boating on Phewa Lake with an optional visit to Tal Barahi Temple.
    • Lakeside walk and shopping for handicrafts.
    • Optional paragliding session (if interested and time allows).
  • Sunset by the lakeshore makes for a perfect evening.
  • Wake up early and drive to Sarangkot (30 minutes):
  • Sunrise View: Watch the Annapurna range turn golden, with Machhapuchhre standing tall.
  • After breakfast, enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Pokhara:
    • Bindabasini Temple – Dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati.
    • Seti River Gorge – View the river gushing through narrow gorges.
    • Davis Falls – A dramatic waterfall that vanishes underground.
    • Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave – Famous for its shrine and waterfall view from inside.
    • Bat Cave – A must-visit for adventure lovers.
    • International Mountain Museum – Learn about the history of Himalayan climbing.
    • World Peace Pagoda – End the day with a sunset view over the Pokhara valley.
  • Depart after breakfast and drive through one of the world’s deepest gorges along the Kali Gandaki River:
    • Rupse Waterfall – A must-stop for photos.
    • Ghasa & Tukuche Villages – Picturesque Thakali settlements.
  • Arrive in Jomsom or Kagbeni, check in, and relax.
  • Evening village walk in Kagbeni (if staying there).
  • Early morning jeep ride to Muktinath Temple:
    • Perform holy rituals at the 108 water spouts and the eternal flame.
    • Visit Jwala Mai Temple within the complex.
  • After darshan, explore:
    • Kagbeni Monastery and Village.
    • Marpha Village – Taste apple cider, dried apples, and visit the distillery.
    • Syang Village (optional) for great views.
  • Return to Jomsom for an overnight stay.
  • Take it slow today. Optional activities:
  • Short trek to Dhumba Lake, a turquoise alpine lake.
  • Visit local monasteries and interact with the Thakali community.
  • Photography session in the dramatic landscapes.

After breakfast, drive back towards Nayapul and ascend to Ghandruk, one of the most beautiful Gurung villages:

  • Evening walk in the village.
  • Watch sunset over Annapurna South and Hiunchuli from your lodge balcony.
  • Take the day to explore Ghandruk at a relaxed pace:
  • Gurung Museum – Learn about the local culture.
  • Short hikes to nearby viewpoints for stunning photo opportunities.
  • Enjoy local cuisine and traditional Gurung hospitality.
  • After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu. En route, stop at:
    • Manakamana Temple (optional cable car ride – adds 2 hours)
    • Riverside tea houses for scenic breaks
  • Arrive in Kathmandu and check in near Budhanilkantha Hills. Visit:
    • Budhanilkantha Temple – famous for the Sleeping Vishnu statue
    • Evening shopping in Thamel for souvenirs, pashmina, and handicrafts
  • After breakfast, transfer to the airport (30 minutes) for your flight home.
  • Take with you unforgettable memories of Nepal’s culture, nature, and spirituality.

Stay & Meal Details

Package Policies

  • Accommodation & Meals
    • 15 nights’ accommodation in well-reviewed 3★/4★ category hotels, resorts, and mountain lodges as per itinerary.
    • Daily breakfast at hotel/resort.
    • One traditional welcome dinner in Kathmandu.
    • APAC and TIMS Permit.
    • Packed breakfast where early morning drives are planned (Sarangkot, Muktinath).
  • Transportation & Transfers
    • Private AC vehicle (SUV/Tempo Traveller/Coach as per group size) for all intercity transfers, sightseeing, and excursions.
    • Airport pick-up & drop-off in Kathmandu.
    • Private Car transfer for Muktinath Darshan and Lower Mustang exploration.
    • Cable car tickets for Kalinchowk Bhagwati and optional Manakamana Temple (if chosen in advance).
  • Sightseeing & Activities
    • Guided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu, Patan, Nagarkot, Bandipur, Pokhara, Mustang, and Ghandruk as per itinerary.
    • Boating on Phewa Lake with visit to Tal Barahi Temple.
    • Nature walks and local village tours as specified.
    • Sunrise and sunset viewpoint visits (Nagarkot, Sarangkot, Murungkot).
  • Professional Support
    • Services of an English-speaking driver/guide throughout the trip.
    • Assistance with trekking permits and Mustang entry permits where required.
    • 24×7 ground support during the trip.
  • Taxes & Charges
    • All applicable road tolls, parking charges, and government taxes.
  • International airfares to/from Kathmandu.
  • Monument tickets and cable car fees.
  • Nepal visa fees (approximately US $30 per person, payable on arrival).
  • Lunches and dinners (except those mentioned in inclusions).
  • Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, phone calls, shopping, and tips.
  • Travel & medical insurance (highly recommended).
  • Cost of optional activities (paragliding, bungee jump, rafting, or additional excursions not in itinerary).
  • Extra hotel nights due to flight cancellation, roadblock, natural calamities, or personal reasons.
  • Any increase in fuel price, government tax, or entry fee hike after confirmation.
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under Inclusions.

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Kathmandu Tour Package Reviews

Agent: Guru Travels

Anjali • a month ago

Excellent and on time service. Recommend them for any travels around Nepal 👍😊thanks team

Agent: Travel Together With Tripathi Travels

Kalawati • a month ago

Everything
Time to start travel

Agent: Travel Together With Tripathi Travels

Jay • a month ago

Had an amazing and memorable family trip to Nepal with Tripathi Travels! ​We recently booked a family tour to Nepal through Tripathi Travels, covering Kathmand (Read More)u and Pokhara, and it was a wonderful experience. From the very start, the team did a great job customizing the itinerary to fit our pace, making sure the schedule wasn't too rushed since we were traveling as a family. ​The choice of hotels was comfortable, and the transportation provided was clean and well-maintained, which made navigating the mountain roads smooth and stress-free. A huge shoutout to our driver/guide, who was incredibly professional, punctual, and safe on the roads. He knew the best local spots for sightseeing and always made sure we found great places to eat. ​There was clear communication throughout the trip, and they checked in on us regularly to ensure everything was going according to plan. I would highly recommend Tripathi Travels to anyone planning a hassle-free and safe trip to 🇳🇵

Agent: Travel Together With Tripathi Travels

Ankur • a month ago

We have ended this international trip with some good memories. Such a nice package with a good and experienced driver. Road conditions are not so good but we h (Read More)ave reached our destination on time. I would like to thanks the entire team of Tripathi travels for such an Amazing trip ended with lots of good memories.

Agent: Explora Nepal Holidays

Aishwarya • a month ago

I recently booked a Nepal trip for my parents with Explora Holidays Nepal, and I (Read More) couldn’t be happier with the experience. From start to finish, they were taken such good care of. The hotels were top-notch, exactly as promised, and the entire tour was truly premium. The vehicle (a Scorpio XL) was in excellent condition, and the driver was always punctual and professional, never missing a chance to show them all the beautiful spots. Every promise made was delivered, and my parents had a wonderful, unforgettable time. I highly recommend Explora Holidays Nepal for anyone looking for a flawless travel experience!

Agent: Explora Nepal Holidays

Seema • a month ago

Trip was planned as communicated like accommodations and itenary
5 nights and 6 days can be modified to 4 nights 5 days as not everyone like to g (Read More)o to Nagarkot else everything is fine and it also depends upon individual choices

16-Day Grand Nepal Journey: Temples, Himalayas, Bandipur, Mustang & Culture

Kathmandu(7N) → Nagarkot(2N) → Bandipur(2N) → Pokhara(3N) → Lumbini(1N)

4.7 (35 Reviews)

STAY   3✭ hotels

$ 771

$ 880

12% off

  /person

Compare quotes from 3 agents and get best deals