• Trip Code
    Trip Code SNTPAH
  • calendar
    Duration 6 Days
  • meter
    Trip Difficulty easy
  • group
    Group Size 2-10
  • start
    Start Point Kathmandu
  • end
    Trip End Point Kathmandu
  • accomodation
    Accommodation 3 Star Hotels
  • meal
    Meals As Mentioned
  • transport
    Transportation On Private

Trip Overview

Altitude Himalaya’s 6-day Short Nepal tour package takes you to the most iconic sites around Kathmandu and the Pokhara Valley. Although the trip is brief, it covers the country’s top attractions.

In just six days, Altitude Himalaya ensures you’ll gain deep insight into Nepal’s rich cultural heritage. You’ll immerse yourself in authentic Newari traditions and meet people from diverse castes, religions, and backgrounds. All of whom will welcome you with warm smiles!

In Kathmandu, you’ll explore five of the ten UNESCO World Heritage sites, which includes Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Patan Durbar Square.

In Pokhara, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of the Annapurna, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Gaurishankar ranges. You’ll also visit the city’s most famous landmarks, which include Sarangkot, the World Peace Pagoda, Devi’s Falls, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, and of course, the serene Phewa Lake!

We’ve even included a fun, 3-hour white-water rafting excursion on the Trishuli River. Beyond just the thrill, it’s a perfect team-building opportunity.

If you’d like to add more high-adrenaline activities, such as paragliding, ultralight flights, zip flying, mountain biking, cycling, bungee jumping, kayaking, and more: just let us know in advance.

Visit Nepal’s Vibrant Capital City: KATHMANDU

Your short Nepal trip begins the moment you land in Kathmandu, the capital city. Often called the “City of Temples”, you’ll immediately be immersed in its rich cultural heritage. 

Kathmandu is home to over 3,000 temples, so while we can’t explore every single one on this quick tour, you will visit the most sacred and iconic highlights.

And did you know that out of Nepal’s ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites, seven are located right here in the Kathmandu Valley? 

Well, Altitude Himalaya will guide you to exactly these must-see sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath Stupa.

While you’re here, don’t miss the chance to dive into Newari culture. From savoring authentic Newari cuisine to enjoying live cultural performances, the Newari community truly represents the heart and soul of Kathmandu.

Unwind in POKHARA: The Tourism Capital of Nepal

While Kathmandu may be Nepal’s political and cultural hub, the city of Pokhara in Kaski District stands as the tourism capital of the country. This status is because of the fact that most trekking routes begin here.

Although this short tour doesn’t include any trekking, Pokhara remains ideal for vibrant nightlife, breathtaking views over Phewa Lake, and an array of adventure activities, including paragliding, kayaking, zip-flying, ultralight flights, bungee jumping, cycling, and more!

In fact, it’s a popular getaway even for Kathmandu residents. A short trip to Pokhara never disappoints!

The region’s stunning mountain vistas, especially of Mt. Fishtail (also known as Machhapuchhre) make Pokhara a must-visit spot in Nepal. It serves as the perfect relaxation spot and the vacation destination you’ve been dreaming of!

Riding the Rapids: Water Rafting at Trishuli River

A 6-day Nepal tour may sound brief, but with Altitude Himalaya, it won’t feel that way. All thanks to our exhilarating rafting adventure built right into this mini Kathmandu–Pokhara package.

You’ll tackle white-water rapids on the Trishuli River, navigating its powerful currents and thrilling drops. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?

Rest assured, a professional rafting instructor will guide you from start to finish. It’s a true team experience. So, it’s perfect for colleagues, friends, or family looking to add a splash of adventure to their Nepal journey!

You might like: Nepal River Rafting Tour of 9 Days

Dive Into Rich Culture and Fascinating History

But that’s not all. Throughout this 6-day Kathmandu–Pokhara tour, Altitude Himalaya provides professional tour guides in both Kathmandu and Pokhara. 

No matter where you go, your guide will share comprehensive insights covering local history, people’s lifestyles, cultural traditions, festivals, languages, and more.

On the final evening, we host a special farewell cultural dinner, where you’ll savor authentic Nepali cuisine and experience warm Nepalese hospitality firsthand.

If you didn’t know: Nepal is a wonderfully diverse nation: the majority practice Hinduism (81.19%) and Buddhism (8.21%), alongside communities of Muslims (4.39%) and Christians (1.76%). 

Despite these differences, Nepalese celebrate one another’s festivals with boundless enthusiasm. And they’ll gladly welcome you to join in too!

So even if this is a short Himalayan getaway, we promise you’ll experience every side of Nepal’s rich heritage.

Sacred and Historical Sites You'll Explore

Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara focuses on ancient temples, stupas, and caves. So, you’ll encounter abundant religious ceremonies and rituals. Each visit offers a window into Nepal’s rich cultural traditions.

Here’s a closer look at the sacred and historical sites you’ll explore on this Nepal package:

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the holiest destinations for all Hindus and it’s dedicated to Lord Shiva aka Mahadev. Every day, hundreds, sometimes even thousands of devotees gather here to offer their prayers and seek blessings.

If you're a non-Hindu, entry into the temple’s inner sanctum is completely restricted. However, you can still witness the vibrant atmosphere from outside. 

Watch devotees perform pooja, and we highly recommend attending the Sandhya Aarati in the evening, which is truly mesmerizing. While the latter is not included in this package, you can go there alone after we drop you off at your hotel in the evening.

The Bagmati River flows right in front of the temple, and its riverbank, known as Aryaghat, is a significant cremation site. Observing the rituals here offers a moment of deep reflection, reminding us of the unpredictability of life.

Boudhanath Stupa

Approximately 5 km from Pashupatinath Temple stands the Boudhanath Stupa, one of Nepal’s most sacred sites for the Buddhist community. It’s remarkable how a sense of peace settles in here even amid such a huge crowd.

Built nearly 1,500 years ago, this pilgrimage site is especially revered by Tibetan Buddhists, who view the stupa as a living symbol of enlightenment. Its massive mandala structure, crowned by the eyes of Buddha, speaks of its spiritual significance.

When you visit Boudha, be sure to participate in the “Kora walk”. It’s a clockwise movement around the stupa. Along the way, you’ll encounter rows of prayer wheels; spinning each one is believed to accumulate blessings.

Swayambhunath Stupa

While Boudhanath sits quietly within the city’s embrace, Swayambhunath Stupa watches over the valley from its hilltop. So you’ll need to hike for a few minutes to reach here, which is a spiritual journey in itself.

The large troop of monkeys in this region has led tourists to affectionately call it the ‘Monkey Temple’. There’s an interesting mythological story that says these monkeys were actually lice that emerged from Manjushree’s head.

Besides the stupa’s deep Buddhist significance, Swayambhunath also serves as one of the best viewpoints in Kathmandu Valley. 

When the weather is clear (especially in winter), you even get to see the Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, Gaurishankar, Jugal, Gang Chhenpo, Dorje Lakpa, Pabil, Rolwaling ranges, and sometimes even Mt. Everest!

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Spread over 5 acres in the heart of Kathmandu, Kathmandu Durbar Square used to serve as Nepal’s royal palace for the Malla and Shah kings until the Narayanhiti Royal Palace was reconstructed in 1969.

What makes this UNESCO World Heritage site so special is its collection of over 50 temples, and every monument and statue here has a story to tell.

Among them stands a prominent statue of Lord Hanuman, which gives the complex its popular name, ‘Hanuman Dhoka’. 

You’ll also explore nearby landmarks: Kasthamandap Temple, Shree Kaal Bhairav Temple, Kumari Bahal, Taleju Temple, Jagannath Temple, Basantapur Tower, and the historic Old Freak Street.

Pumdikot Shiva Statue

This short Nepal tour package also takes you to a relatively new Pokhara attraction, Pumdikot. This place features the second-largest statue of Lord Shiva in Nepal, resting at an elevation of 1,500 m.

The 51-foot Shiva statue was completed in late 2021. From here, the panoramic views of Pokhara City and Phewa Lake are simply breathtaking.

World Peace Pagoda

Just about 4 km behind Pumdikot, we’ll drive you back the same road to Nepal’s third major Buddhist site. Built by Japanese Buddhist monks, the World Peace Pagoda (also known as Shanti Stupa) offers both sweeping views of Pokhara and the serene ambience you deserve.

Remember to remove your shoes when visiting the main pagoda. Security guards are stationed to ensure complete silence, so expect nothing but peaceful calm.

Patan Durbar Square

After returning from Pokhara, you’ll head directly to Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur District. Just like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square features more than 50 temples. Among them, the Krishna Mandir (built on a single carved stone) is the most sacred and popular.

Patan Durbar Square is another former royal palace, once home to the kings of Patan. It carries a rich history, which is clearly reflected in the intricate Newari architecture and the artworks displayed in its museum.

Glimpses of Natural Wonders Along the Way

Be honest. What picture comes to mind when somebody refers to ‘Nepal’? It’s definitely mountains and nature, isn’t it?

This short 6-day trip doesn’t take you to one of the Himalayan base camps. Nonetheless, Altitude Himalaya has made sure that the itinerary is prepared in such a way that you can enjoy the mountain views and immerse yourself in nature.

Here are the natural wonders of Nepal that you can check out even in a short period of time.

Trishuli River

One of the major highlights of this short Nepal tour package is the white-water rafting adventure on the Trishuli River.

Besides being famous as a rafting river, Trishuli holds significant religious importance for Hindus. As a tributary of the Narayani River, its waters ultimately flow into the sacred Ganges River in India.

This water source not only sustains local agriculture and supports abundant fish populations but also generates 24 MW of hydroelectric power.

Most Nepal tour packages only offer a fleeting glimpse of the river during the drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. However, Altitude Himalaya’s itinerary gives you the chance to navigate Trishuli’s thrilling rapids firsthand.

Sarangkot Sunrise

To bring you closer to the Himalayas, we’ve arranged an early-morning mountain sightseeing trip from Sarangkot, the nearby hilltop above Pokhara. The awe-inspiring sunrise view from this vantage point is renowned as one of Nepal’s finest.

You’ll witness panoramic mountain vistas, including the Annapurna Massif (Annapurna I, II, III, IV, and South), Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Lamjung Himal, and many other peaks.

Devi’s Falls

Devi’s Falls originates from the Phewa Lake. While locally referred to as “Patale Chhango”, the name “Devi’s Falls” became widely known after a Swiss lady was tragically swept away by its ferocious currents in 1961.

Altitude Himalaya highly recommends visiting here during the monsoon season, when the water level is at its peak. It makes the waterfall look absolutely stunning, and you’ll even get to experience drizzle created by it.

Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

Just opposite Devi’s Falls lies Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, dedicated to Lord Mahadev. There’s even a temple inside that houses a Shiva Lingam.

Furthermore, the stream from Devi’s Falls flows right through this cave. If you venture a little deeper, you can take a glimpse of the waterfall from within the cave itself. The sight is beyond our words!

Exploring Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is like embarking on an underground adventure. Recognized as one of Nepal’s longest caves, stretching nearly 2,000 m in length, there’s so much to discover here.

Phewa Lake

Without a doubt, Phewa (Fewa) Lake is the heart of Pokhara city. Whether you’re here for boating or kayaking, or even if simply enjoying a stroll along the lakeside park, it’s the perfect way to unwind.

Stretching over 4 km long and 2 km wide, Phewa Lake offers quite the views and colors throughout the day. Our personal favorite is during the sunset.

When the morning weather is clear, you’ll be rewarded with the backdrop views of Mt. Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range. Seeing these mountains mirrored on the lake’s surface makes the experience very memorable.

Moreover, the Tal Barahi Temple stands on an island in the middle of Phewa Lake. While this 6-day Nepal tour package doesn’t include a visit there, just let us know and we’ll be happy to arrange it for you.

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Trip highlights

  • Discover the culture and history of Kathmandu Valley.
  • Experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Trishuli River.
  • Witness breathtaking Himalayan sunrise views from Sarangkot.
  • Soak in the beauty of Pokhara.
  • A peaceful boating experience on Phewa Lake.

Outline Itinerary

DAY 1: Kathmandu Arrival, Hotel Transfer.

DAY 2: Kathmandu Full Day Sightseeing.

DAY 3: Trishuli River Rafting, Drive to Pokhara.

DAY 4: Sarangkot Sunrise, Pokhara Sightseeing.

DAY 5: Drive to Kathmandu, Visit Patan Durbar Square.

DAY 6: Departure, Farewell!

Detailed Itinerary

Expand all
Day 1

Kathmandu Arrival, Hotel Transfer.

duration 1 hour
distance 10 Km
trip-accomodation Nepali Ghar
trip-meals N/A
Day 2

Kathmandu Full Day Sightseeing.

duration 6-8 Hours
distance 40 Km
trip-accomodation Nepali Ghar
trip-meals B
Day 3

Trishuli River Rafting, Drive to Pokhara.

duration 6-8 Hours
distance 210 Km
trip-accomodation Hotel Barahi
trip-meals B,L
Day 4

Sarangkot Sunrise, Pokhara Sightseeing.

duration 6-8 Hours
distance 30 Km
trip-accomodation Hotel Barahi
trip-meals B
Day 5

Drive to Kathmandu, Visit Patan Durbar Square.

duration 6-8 Hours
distance 210 Km
trip-accomodation Nepali Ghar
trip-meals B
Day 6

Departure, Farewell!

duration 30 Minutes
distance 10 Km
trip-meals B

Price Includes

  • Kathmandu airport transfer on arrival and departure.
  • Private vehicle with A/C for all the mentioned sightseeing and transfers.
  • All (5 nights) hotel accommodations at the mentioned hotels and resorts at the respective places.
  • Daily breakfast at the hotel from the day after your arrival.
  • Rafting fee on the Trishuli River.
  • Boating in Phewa Lake.
  • English-speaking professional and government-licensed tour guides during your sightseeing.
  • All the mentioned sightseeing entrance fees.
  • Driver’s allowance, salary, fuel cost, and toll taxes.
  • One local SIM card.
  • All government and local taxes.
  • Farewell Nepali cultural dinner on your last night in Nepal.

Price Excludes

  • Personal expenses.
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Tips for the driver and guide.
  • Activities and services that aren’t mentioned above.

Tour Guide, Tips

Altitude Himalaya has taken an oath to deliver the best possible travel experience to every guest of ours. Depending on your needs and group size, we even help customize each vacation package.

We understand that trips vary based on individual capability and interests. Just because a landmark isn’t included in this package doesn’t mean we can’t add it.

This short, 6-day Nepal tour package was crafted after carefully analyzing our previous guests’ experiences, feedback, and reviews, as well as consulting with licensed tour guides and operators.

Altitude Himalaya believes that the aforementioned itinerary offers the very best Nepal experience, even if you’re here for just a few days.

If you’d like to make any adjustments, don’t hesitate to message us on WhatsApp, call us directly, or send an email. We’ll respond asap.

For now, let’s dive into some further tips for your Nepal tour package.

The Best Time for Your Short Nepal Escape

Every month offers a unique advantage for this short Nepal escape. The best time to visit Nepal truly depends on the kind of experience you're seeking. Here’s a simple breakdown in the form of a table to help you better understand what each month has to offer:

Season

Months

Weather

Views

Crowd

Packing List

Spring

March - April

Warm weather; average temperature (15 - 20°C)

Mostly clear skies; weather can be unpredictable some days

Overcrowded

Summer clothes with a few outer wears

Summer

May - June

Hot and humid weather; pre-monsoon period; temperatures 20 - 35°C

Pre-monsoon rain is possible; weather is unpredictable

Crowded

Summer clothes

Monsoon

July - August

Heavy rainfall; hot and warm; temperature 20 - 30°C

Lush greenery; no proper mountain views; mostly rainy

Less people 

Summer clothes with a raincoat

Autumn

September - Early November

Warm and cool mix weather; average temperature (15 - 20°C)

Clear skies with best view of mountains

Overcrowded

Summer clothes with a few jackets

Pre-Winter

Late November - Early December

Cold mornings and evenings; temperatures 5 15°C

Clear skies with best view of mountaings

Crowded

Winter clothings

Prime Winter

Late December - February

Mostly cold; temperature below 5 degrees in the mornings/evenings

Mostly clear skies and mountains visible; weather can still be unpredictable

Less people

Winter clothings

Almost every season is ideal for this short Nepal tour, so you really don’t need to stress too much about when to visit.

But if we had to recommend the best time to visit Kathmandu or Pokhara, Autumn season would definitely top the list. That’s because it’s the most festive time of the year in Nepal. During these months, the weather is generally clear, offering stunning views of the Himalayas. Plus, the water flow in the Trishuli River remains at a moderate level: perfect for white water rafting!

What to Expect in Food and Lodging

When you have free time in the evenings, Altitude Himalaya suggests taking a stroll around both Kathmandu and Pokhara to explore authentic Nepali food, rather than just resting at your hotel.

Since your stay is short, it’s best to make the most of your time and experience the country in the best way possible.

While your lunch in Nepal will mostly feature Dal Bhat with pickle and meat (Thakali-style), there are several other delicacies you absolutely shouldn’t miss out on. You may explore Newari restaurants and try the cultural cuisine, which is pretty famous in Kathmandu. Besides, here are other food items we highly recommend: Mo:Mo:, Thukpa, Dhindo, Sel Roti, Khir, Tibetan Bread, Nepali Chowmein/Noodles, Lassi, and Samosa Tarkari.

All of these delicious dishes are widely available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and even during your brief stop in Dhading for rafting.

As for accommodations, we offer comfortable 3-star hotel stays in both Kathmandu and Pokhara. In case you’d like to opt for a more luxurious experience, don’t hesitate to request us before visiting Nepal so that we can book the rooms accordingly.

Permits and Insurances You’ll Need

Honestly, you don’t have to worry about permits on this short Nepal tour. Since you won’t be entering any national parks or restricted regions, there’s a lot less hassle.

Yet, you still need to pay entrance fees at the various landmarks you’ll be visiting. But you don’t have to stress on any of this part. Our tour guides will handle everything, and the entrance fees are also included in your package. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

And even though this trip is a short one, getting travel insurance is going to be a smart move. For this particular package, Altitude Himalaya recommends choosing an insurance that covers medical emergencies, adventure sports, and policy extensions, just to stay on the safe side.

What Could Challenge You

The difficulty level of this short Nepal tour is EASY, so you won’t face any major challenges along the way.

But it’s still a new country, and naturally, some things might make you feel a little anxious. That’s exactly why Altitude Himalaya treats you like family from the moment you land until the time you leave.

The only real challenge in this itinerary might be the Trishuli River Rafting, but even that is a fully guided adventure. Just head into it with confidence and a strong mindset. That makes all the difference!

Always stick with your assigned guide and don’t hesitate to ask as many questions as you like. Your comfort and safety are our top priority.

Tips to Make the Most of Your Nepal Journey

Nepal is a country rich in culture, and since you’ll be visiting several religious sites, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind. 

As much as Nepalese people treat their guests as gods, they also hold their religion and traditions in the highest regard. So, any sign of disrespect can be deeply offensive.

Although you'll always be accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide, it's still a great idea to arrive prepared. Here are a few essential dos and don’ts to keep in mind while traveling through Kathmandu, Pokhara, and during your Trishuli River rafting adventure:

Do’s

Don’ts

Take your shoes off when visiting the temples and stupas (especially at the World Peace Pagoda)

Litter around

Greet people with Namaste 

Get intimate in public

Learn basic Nepali language (like Dai/Bhai for brother, Didi/Baini for sister, Dhanyabad for Thanks, etc.)

Utter bad words (especially in religious sites)

Carry your documents at all times

Enter the restricted region without permission

Carry a water bottle everywhere you go

Give money to beggars (only donate clothes/food, if absolutely needed)

Seek permission before capturing anyone’s photo/video

Eat beef (cow is the national animal of Nepal)

Tip the guides and drivers

Buy cannabis or other drugs (it’s illegal)

Tour Customization Options

Didn’t find that chilly escape or heart-pounding adventure in this package? That’s totally fine! We’re all ears and ready to craft something just for you.

Feel free to message us or request a quote before hitting that “Book Now” button. Altitude Himalaya is more than happy to discuss and arrange a custom itinerary tailored to your interests and group preferences.

Still not sure where to begin? Here are some of our most popular programs starting from Kathmandu:

And once you reach Pokhara, you might feel the urge to try out some adrenaline-rushing activities that can be completed within a single day. Here are a few exciting options you can consider:

  • Paragliding in Pokhara at USD 75 PP
  • Ultra-light flight in Pokhara at USD 120 PP
  • Zip-flying in Pokhara at USD 60 PP
  • Bungee jump in Pokhara at USD PP
Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best season to travel in Nepal?

What makes the short Nepal tour package different from others?

What is the minimum age required for white water rafting?

How many people can fit in a raft at a time?

When is the best time to visit Nepal?

Is the tour guided and do I need a guide?

Are the places mentioned in the given itinerary worth visiting?