Nepal is a country with diverse culture, tradition, heritage, and history; each corner has a unique story to tell and experience to give. However, if traveling to many places is […]
Nepal is a country with diverse culture, tradition, heritage, and history; each corner has a unique story to tell and experience to give. However, if traveling to many places is not possible due to time restrictions, a Kathmandu and Pokhara tour might be the best option to choose. From the cultural heritage sites and the chaotic local streets of Kathamndu, this tour offers serene paranomic views of the Annapurna range at Pokhara.
Kathmandu, being the capital city of Nepal, has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In this tour, we will first step foot on the first royal palace of Nepal, Kathmandu Durbar Square (Hanuman Dhoka Square). In the past, the square was a center of important royal events, which is now preserved as a palace and a national heritage site. We will then proceed toward the most stunning and peaceful Bushhist stupas—Swoyambhunath and Boudhanath stupas.
Swoymabhunath Stupa, located at the top of the hill, gifts you the view of Kathmandu Valley with its spiritual essence, and Boudhanath is another sacred Tibetan Buddhist temple that signifies tranquility and peace. People believe that by spinning the prayer wheels around this stupa, we get blessings and good merit. Our next destination takes us to Pashupatinath, which is a short distance from Boudha.
‘Pashupatinath’ meaning ‘Lord of Animals’ is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu, worshiping mainly Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world travel to Nepal to seek blessings from this temple. You can witness the live cremation rituals of the dead at the bank of the holy Bagmati River as well as an Arati, which is a mesmerizing ritual of worship where a Lord Shiva’s follower performs a dance titled ‘Tandava.’
After our Kathmandu sightseeing with new perspectives on Nepalese culture, tradition, heritage, and history with chaotic markets, we will journey to the more visually captivating place, Pokhara, that will bless you with natural landscapes, mountains, and lakes. You can travel there either through a 7-8-hour drive or a 30-minute flight.
Either way you travel, reaching Pokhara has that aura that will ease all your tiredness with the gentle welcome of Annapurna ranges. Be in awe as you behold the sight of Machapuchre Himal or Fishtail Mountain reflecting on the Fewa Lake. You can discover a temple- Talbarahi Temple, admire the lake by taking a ride on a boat as well. In the early morning, drive to Srangkot to witness the stunning sunrise with the majestic mountains such as Dhaulagiri, Manasalu, Machapuchre, and Annapurna. During the day, discover David’s Fall, also known as Patale Chhango in Nepali, translated as an underworld waterfall of around 500 feet long.
Be fascinated by the longest cave in Nepal, Gupteswor Mahadev Cave, just opposite David’s Fall. Another place to not miss in Pokhara is the Pumdikot Shiva Statue, with 108 Shiva lingas circling the statue. If you have time, you can watch the sunset from the World Peace Stupa, learn more about Nepal mountains and mountaineers at International Mountain Museums, or get blessed by visiting the white pagoda-style temple, Bindabashini temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga. If you want adventure, you can add paragliding to your list too, as it is one of the most popular activities to do in Pokhara.
Lastly, we conclude our short yet worthwhile tour at Kathmandu and Pokhara with a unique blend of beauty, history, culture, and all one needs to get while visiting Nepal.