Kathmandu Tour with Pokhara and Mala Lodge

Flying into Kathmandu on a clear day is nothing short of breathtaking. As your plane glides over the majestic, snow-capped mountain peaks, the exhilarating panorama sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure. Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a friendly representative from Alkof Holidays will greet you and escort you to Nagarkot, a tranquil hill station renowned for its breath-taking sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas. Check-in at a hotel in Nagarkot for an overnight stay.

Start your day with an awe-inspiring sunrise over the Himalayas in Nagarkot. After a hearty breakfast, we will drive to Bhaktapur, a city rich in medieval art and architecture. Explore the ancient Bhaktapur Durbar Square, marvel at the exquisite temples, and stroll through its quaint streets. Next, head to Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas in Nepal, where you can soak in the spiritual ambiance and watch monks in prayer. Later, we will drive to Kathmandu, where you will check in to your hotel for an overnight stay. Enjoy a relaxing evening in the city, reflecting on the incredible sights and experiences of the day.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, set out for an engaging day of exploration, starting with Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square.

Swayambhunath Stupa: Begin your day with a visit to Swayambhunath Stupa, perched on a hillock 2 kilometers west of Kathmandu. This ancient Buddhist stupa, estimated to be around 2000 years old, offers breathtaking views over the valley. While the oldest written references date back to the 5th century, local legends suggest it could be much older, possibly forming during the valley’s creation. The stupa is popularly known as the "Monkey Temple" due to the large population of monkeys that roam the site.

Thamel: Next, hop on a rickshaw for a charming 20-minute ride to Thamel, Kathmandu’s bustling tourist district. This lively area is filled with narrow streets lined with a diverse range of shops, budget hotels, and eateries. It’s an excellent spot for souvenir shopping, offering everything from clothing and handicrafts to music CDs and paintings. When hunger strikes, you’ll find a variety of restaurants serving delicious local and international dishes.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: Continue your tour at Kathmandu Durbar Square, located in the heart of the city. This historic square is surrounded by a fascinating array of temples, courtyards, and ancient royal palaces. Highlights include the Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace, the magnificent Taleju Temple towering more than 40 meters; Kumari Ghar (the residence of the Living Goddess), Ashok Vinayak Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh, and Kal Bhairav, the fearsome deity. Don’t miss the impressive Kasthamandap pagoda, which is said to have been constructed from a single tree and is the namesake of the city.

Patan Durbar Square: Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to Patan, situated 5 km southeast of Kathmandu. Known as the "City of Artisans," Patan Durbar Square is renowned for its exquisite Newari architecture. The square features ornate palaces, artistic courtyards, and elegant pagoda temples, showcasing the peak of Newari craftsmanship from the Malla kings' era. Admire the intricate wood and stone carvings, metal statues, and numerous Buddhist and Hindu temples spread across the square. Return to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

In the morning, take a scenic 25-minute flight to Pokhara, a city surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes and serene lakes. After arriving, check into your hotel and spend the day exploring Pokhara’s laid-back charm. Rest of the day is free for own leisure activities or you can explore the local markets. Overnight stay at the hotel in Pokhara.

Begin your day with an early morning departure around 5 AM (or as recommended by your guide) for a sunrise tour to Sarangkot. Located 9 kilometers northwest of Pokhara, Sarangkot is a premier vantage point perched at 1,592 meters above sea level. From here, you’ll enjoy a stunning panorama of the Annapurna range, stretching majestically from east to west. The view from Sarangkot also encompasses the expansive Pokhara Valley and the tranquil Phewa Lake, nestled 700 meters below. After taking in the awe-inspiring sights, return to your hotel for breakfast before setting out for a tour of Pokhara city.

Bindabasini Temple: Bindabasini Temple is a key religious site for Hindus in Pokhara, dedicated to the goddess Durga, revered as Bhagwati in this temple. Durga is represented by a Saligram, a sacred stone in Hindu tradition. The temple was established in 1845 BS following a divine command to King Khadag Bum Malla. It is a center of daily worship, with animal sacrifices performed on Saturdays and Tuesdays. During the Dashain festival, the temple becomes a major pilgrimage site, drawing large crowds and leaving little space for tourists.

Seti River Gorge: Named for its striking white waters, the Seti River carves a deep and dramatic gorge through the valley. The gorge is most visible from several key vantage points, including KI Singh Bridge at Bagar, Mahendra Bridge at Mahendrapool Market, and Chinese Bridge at Lakhan Chowk, showcasing the river's impressive depth and power.

Devi's Falls: Locally known as Patale Chhango or "Hell's Fall," Devi's Falls is a remarkable waterfall located about 2 kilometers southwest of Pokhara Airport. It was named after a Swiss tourist who tragically disappeared here when floodwaters were unexpectedly released.

Gupteshwar Cave: Situated in the northwestern part of Pokhara, Gupteshwar Cave is one of South Asia's longest and most captivating caves. The cave, which has historical and religious significance, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was extensively explored by British expeditions in the 1970s and 1980s and is now a popular destination for both spiritual and touristic visits.

Boatride at Phewa Lake: Enjoy a serene boat ride on Phewa Lake, where the reflections of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountain ranges create a stunning visual spectacle. The lake is also home to a small island temple. Surrounded by lush forests on its southern slopes, Phewa Lake offers a peaceful retreat and a chance to see a variety of fish.

After a day full of exploration and natural beauty. Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, embark on a 1-hour drive from Pokhara to Lumle, the starting point of your trek. From Lumle, enjoy a scenic 1.5 to 2-hour trek through terraced farmlands, lush forests, and traditional villages as you ascend towards Mala Lodge. Nestled at an altitude of 1,700 meters (5,577 feet) in the Annapurna foothills, Mala Lodge offers stunning panoramic views of the snow-capped Annapurna range. The lodge itself is known for its blend of rustic charm and luxury, making it a perfect base to relax and rejuvenate amidst nature. Overnight stay at the Mala Lodge.

Today, take a gentle walk to discover the enchanting surroundings of Mala Lodge. Set out to visit Tamijung, affectionately known as the "Bee Village," which is just a 45-minute downhill walk from the lodge. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by members of the local mother's community. You’ll have the chance to rest in the courtyard of a local home, where the community secretary will share insights about their mission and contributions to the village.

Explore traditional Gurung houses, farms, kitchens, and shades, immersing yourself in their daily life. Enjoy a cross-cultural interaction as the villagers host a delicious local lunch for you. Experience firsthand the process of making sel roti, a traditional local bread, and if the season is right, witness the preparation of Rakshi, a traditional rice wine, along with other local delicacies such as Sandenko Aloo (potato pickle). After this enriching experience, stroll back to Mala Lodge, where you can unwind and relax amidst the breathtaking mountain vistas. Overnight at Mala Lodge.

After breakfast, trek back to Lumle, where a vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Pokhara (1-hour drive). Once back in Pokhara, enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Explore the city’s attractions such as the International Mountain Museum or relax by Phewa Lake. Overnight in Pokhara.

This morning, take a short flight back to Kathmandu. After arriving, spend the afternoon exploring any remaining sights in the city or shop for souvenirs in the vibrant local markets. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

In the morning, we will ensure your timely transfer to Kathmandu International Airport to board a flight to home or onward journey.