Pokhara has always been a go-to destination for tourists who seek peace, nature, and a little thrill. In fact, many opt for Pokhara over Kathmandu, thanks to its natural beauty and the inclusion of adrenaline-rushing adventures.
And this 5-day Pokhara tour package from Kathmandu, provided by our Altitude Himalaya team, is designed in a way that lets you dive deep into everything Pokhara has to offer. It is known for stunning Himalayan views, local village hikes, serene lakes, hidden caves, and even the nightlife vibe that only Lakeside can offer.
The journey begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu, moving to the refreshing Sarangkot Hill of Pokhara. You'll hike to the peaceful Gurung village of Dhampus, explore Jangchub Choeling Monastery, pay a visit to the International Mountain Museum, and feel the power of Devi’s Falls and Gupteshwor Cave too.
Not just that. For those of our guests into spiritual sites, you even get to visit the Pumdikot Shiva Statue and the World Peace Pagoda. Both serve as panoramic viewpoints of Pokhara. And… shh! We’ve even arranged a lesser-known, peaceful forest trail towards Phewa Lake. You’ll hop onto a rowboat across the lake or try kayaking, which can be solo or with a partner.
For those looking for a thrill, we will contact you to choose from these optional adventures: paragliding, bungee, zipline, rafting, and even ultra-light flights!
The fun doesn’t stop once the sun sets either. From Lakeside’s live music scenes to buzzing clubs, Pokhara has a nightlife that most tourists fall in love with!
You see, this Pokhara travel itinerary offers a well-rounded experience where nature, culture, and adventure all blend into one. And our package from Altitude Himalaya is meant to elevate your journey. We’re going to explain it via this travel package. We want to assure you that you’ll reserve this trip once you’re fully satisfied!
Watch Sunrise from the Sarangkot Viewpoint
This Pokhara package from Kathmandu also includes an overnight stay in Sarangkot Hilltop, which has been a top tourist destination for decades!
The main highlight here is, without a doubt, the sunrise view from the Sarangkot viewpoint. Similar to Dhampus, the golden rays falling over the snowcapped mountain ranges of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna make this one of those moments that truly stay with you.
With fewer crowds and a more local atmosphere, this place offers you a quiet getaway from the busy Lakeside area. You’ll also get the chance to explore the surrounding village life, meet locals, and experience their daily routines firsthand.
Moreover, there’s also a recently built Panchamukhi Ganesh statue. It has now become a popular new addition and offers even more photo opportunities in Sarangkot.
Hike Up to Dhampus Village
Located at around 1700m, Dhampus Village is a peaceful Gurung settlement that’s very close to Pokhara. When you reach here, you’ll be blessed to witness traditional stone-roofed homes, terraced farms, and children enjoying village life.
You’ll be greeted by warm Gurung hospitality, and your stay in the lap of the Himalayas is going to feel truly surreal.
The journey begins with a short drive from Pokhara to Kande. From there, the hike begins and lasts just about 3 to 4 hours. It’s mostly easy uphill walking through shaded forests, open fields, and quiet local hamlets.
You’ll stop at two major locations: Australian Base Camp (2,060m) and Pothana (1,890m), before reaching Dhampus.
Once you reach the final destination, the views will bring you closer, especially near the entrance gate. You'll see Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and even Dhaulagiri and parts of Manaslu if the sky is clear.
After a wonderful Nepali-style lunch in Dhampus, you’ll spend the day chatting with locals, capturing pictures of the views, and taking in the warmth of the fire in your lodge.
Not to forget the highlights: sunrise and sunset. This golden hour is a magical time, as the mountains appear even more beautiful. And during your return, you’ll take the hiking route to Phedi before continuing on this 5-day Pokhara tour from Kathmandu.
Learn Buddhist Culture at Jangchub Choeling Monastery
Most of us only know Pokhara as an adventure hub and a place blessed with natural beauty. However, it also hides a spiritual side that many travelers often overlook. And to ensure you don’t miss out on this experience, we’ve included a visit to Jangchub Choeling Monastery, located in Hemja, in this package.
Here, you’ll not just see but feel the essence of Buddhist life. You’ll hear monks chanting, spin the large prayer wheels, and appreciate the intricate Tibetan architecture. The main prayer hall is grand and even includes a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha placed right at the center.
There’s also a Buddhist institute where you’ll get to observe young monks studying Buddhist philosophy, practicing rituals, and participating in meditation sessions.
Honestly, stopping here makes you realize that this Pokhara tour isn’t just about the lakes and mountains but also about finding inner peace.
Learn Mountain Stories at the International Mountain Museum
You’ve seen the mountains up close from Dhampus and Sarangkot, but to truly understand their history and the people who’ve dared to climb them, the International Mountain Museum in Pokhara is your place to be!
Established in 2004, this museum’s primary goal is to preserve the stories of Himalayan peaks and the communities living around them. So, for those of you willing to learn about mountains (which Nepal is famous for), it fits perfectly into your Pokhara package.
Inside, you’ll find detailed exhibits about the world’s tallest peaks, mountaineering gear used in historic climbs, and even tales of Nepalese as well as international climbers from the past. The most fascinating thing here is how they have showcased Sherpa culture and their invaluable role in expeditions.
You’ll even get to see original equipment and photos from various expeditions, mainly the ones done for the first time. It’s a place not many stop by, but with our help, you’ll definitely get to learn a lot from here.
Experience The Roar of Devi’s Falls
This waterfall isn’t just about the beauty it holds. There’s a story, a dark one, that makes you aware of how ferocious the water currents here can be.
“Devi’s Falls” came into existence after a tragic accident. A Swiss woman named Davi was swept away by the waters while swimming with her husband. Locals later named the site after her, and even today, you get to hear the tales of it when you visit the spot.
It’s in fact one of Pokhara’s most visited attractions. The water rushes down into a deep underground tunnel, creating a sound that’s pretty intense. Even the mist coming from the waterfall can make you feel refreshed, but in the monsoon season, it can make you wet!
Visit the Cave Underneath Gupteshwor Mahadev
Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave happens to be one of the longest and most sacred caves in Nepal. As you enter, you’ll hike down a spiraling staircase that slowly pulls you into the underground world!
There are two chambers in Gupteshwor Mahadev. The first one leads you to the Gupteshwor Mahadev Temple itself, where a naturally formed Shiva Lingam is worshipped daily. This part of the cave remains active, and you even get to see local devotees worshipping Lord Shiva.
But the real thrill in the cave begins when you go deeper. You’ll walk through narrow, slippery passages with water dripping down from the walls. And especially when it’s the monsoon season, this section brings in more water, which increases the water level and becomes inaccessible to visitors.
Also, there’s a Devi’s Falls Viewpoint (let’s name it that), which offers a breathtaking scenery of the Devi’s Falls that comes down the underground that we left earlier.
Drive to Lord Shiva Statue at Pumdikot Hilltop
Pumdikot is home to the second-tallest Shiva statue in Nepal, standing at 108 feet tall and built very recently in 2021. It’s not just about one statue. The entire premises have been developed into a spiritual viewpoint where people can come to worship as well as enjoy nature!
The site includes 108 Shiva Lingams, enough space for meditation lovers, a statue of Ganesh orbiting the main Shiva statue, and a viewpoint that opens up to panoramic views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre ranges.
Even if you aren’t deeply religious, you can respectfully explore the site of Pumdikot Shiva Statue, take in the silence, and admire the architecture.
Feel Peace and Enjoy Panorama From World Peace Pagoda
One of the most peaceful spots in Pokhara is the World Peace Pagoda that stands right above the city on the southern hill. The white stupa here acts as both a viewpoint and a spot to experience peace. Even yoga and meditation are possible here!
When visiting the pagoda, you’ll notice the presence of guards who make sure the environment stays peaceful. That means no TikToks, no shouting, and definitely no disturbing the silence.
From up here, the view of Pokhara city is surreal. You’ll see the entire stretch of Phewa Lake below you, Pokhara city in the distance, and on a clear day, even Mt. Fishtail and the Annapurna range can be clearly seen in the background.
Walk Down to Phewa Lake
Once you leave behind the peace of the World Peace Pagoda, there’s a breathtaking hiking trail that leads down to Phewa Lake. This is a less-traveled path that goes through the forest route and comes with breathtaking scenery as you hike down towards Phewa Lake.
When you reach the lakeside, you’ll be welcomed by the gentle waters of Phewa Lake, framed by the Machhapuchhre and Annapurna ranges. It’s the perfect spot to pause, take photos, or sit together with your group with your favorite cool drinks in your hand. There are a few street vendors along the trail, so you need not worry!
Boating and Kayaking in Phewa Lake
After your scenic walk from the World Peace Pagoda, a traditional wooden boat (which has been popular for all these years) will be waiting to take you across Phewa Lake.
You don’t even have to row! Your ride is handled by a local boatman. Sit back and enjoy as you glide through the waters of Phewa Lake.
Be sure to stop by Tal Barahi Temple when the boatman asks whether you’d like to be there. Since it’s another sacred spot you’d want to visit in Pokhara, we don’t want you to miss out on that!
On your final day, our package also includes a kayaking option for you. Choose between a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Couples can opt for tandem kayaking as well.
And if you’re traveling with family and kids, even children can paddle along under adult supervision.
For both boating and kayaking, life jackets are provided. So, it’s a safe adventure that’s currently being hyped up in Pokhara.
Choose Adventures For You and Your Group
As we are speaking about Sarangkot, it’s not just a hilltop to enjoy mountain views, but also the hub for some of the most thrilling adventures in Pokhara.
We haven’t included any adventure activities by default because we first want to consult with you and your group to know what you're actually interested in. Once we know, we can adjust the itinerary accordingly and make sure your plans flow smoothly.
The most popular adventures we suggest from Sarangkot include:
- Paragliding: Taking off from Sarangkot, you’ll glide like an eagle and enjoy views of Phewa Lake and the city. The backdrop of the mountains adds to the beauty.
- Zip-flyer: Known as the steepest in the world, this ride drops you from a hilltop at crazy speed. And the one we include in Pokhara is the steepest and longest here in Nepal!
- Bungee Jumping: A quick burst of adrenaline leaps you off from the 80-meter tower. Note that this isn’t the Kusma bungee (but that can also be adjusted with an extra day).
- Ultra-light flight: You’ll get inside a tiny aircraft and float over the Pokhara Valley. From mountains, lakes, and the entire city view, it’s a lifetime experience for sure.
Similarly, around Pame and nearby Pokhara areas, we can also include these:
- White-water rafting in the Seti River: Perfect for groups to build your teamwork skills, this river offers just the right level of rapids for a fun activity in Pokhara.
- Hot-air ballooning: A flight to float above the valley with mountains right in front of you. This is ideal for everyone who isn’t looking for an adrenaline-rushing adventure but a slow yet peaceful experience.
- Cycling or Mountain Biking: We have multiple options for this one. You can go around Lakeside or choose a more challenging route to Panchase Village.
These activities are flexible and can be fit into Day 3 or Day 4 of the currently curated itinerary. Just let us know before final booking so that we can customize it for you!
You see, Pokhara isn't just about scenic beauty. It’s where Nepal’s adventurous spirit comes alive. And if you’re curious to explore even more, we’ve written a full guide titled “15 Adventure Activities to Try in Pokhara”. Read that and consult us if you’re interested in other activities too.
Enjoy the Vibrant Nightlife of Lakeside
Pokhara’s Lakeside is like a leveled-up version of Thamel. It’s bigger, better, and way more organized. During the late evenings, you’ll witness the real charm of this city.
You actually have two options to enjoy your nightlife here. The first is a peaceful one, which is along the lakeside and offers multiple restaurants with live music, lakeside views, and mostly street foods.
Or, if you’re up for something more energetic, head towards the other side of the city area, where clubs and bars stay alive till late. You’ll find people vibing, dancing, and making the most of their night in Pokhara.
Recommended Reading: Things to do in Pokhara