Discover the cultural treasures and spectacular scenery of Nepal on our 10-day Upgraded adventure. Wander through centuries-old temples and royal squares in the Kathmandu Valley, experience traditional Newar culture in Bhaktapur, and watch the sun rise over the Himalayas from Nagarkot and Sarangkot. From the vibrant energy of Kathmandu to the peaceful shores of Pokhara's Phewa Lake, this journey reveals the very best of Nepal.
Breakfast: 9
Lunch: 4
Dinner: 7
Explore Tour Leader
Driver(s)
Local Guide(s)
Cable Car
Minibus
On Foot
8 nights premium hotel
1 nights comfortable hotel
Moderate
Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.
Our trip begins today in Kathmandu, Nepal's colourful capital city.
Upon arrival, a transfer will take you to the palatial Hotel Yak & Yeti. This five-star hotel is partially housed in the historic Lal Durbar, otherwise known as the "Red Palace", built by the Rana dynasty over a century ago.
For those arriving on time, our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 5pm for a welcome meeting, followed by the chance to head out for dinner for those who wish.
If you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will leave any essential information details at the hotel reception so you can catch up later.
If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), which is around a 45-minute drive from the hotel, depending on traffic. As part of our Upgraded range, we also offer a complimentary transfer to those who have made pre-tour accommodation arrangements through Explore, regardless of your arrival day.
If you have some free time before the welcome meeting this afternoon, you might want to explore the nearby neighbourhood of Thamel, a short 15 minute walk away from the hotel. Known as the heart of Kathmandu's buzzing nightlife, Thamel has enough cafes, restaurants, bookshops and boutiques to keep you occupied for a few hours.
Hotel Yak & Yeti (or similar)
Grade: Premium Hotel
After breakfast, we'll set out to explore the capital's bustling streets, starting with a visit to Durbar Square. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durbar Square is an open-air museum of temples, courtyards and palaces dating back several centuries. Nowadays, the square is a bustling, chaotic plaza where street vendors and locals go about their daily lives.
If we\ re lucky, we might catch a glimpse of the Kumari, also known as Nepal's living goddess, offering blessings to visitors from her window. She is believed to be the living embodiment of the Hindu goddess Taleju; therefore, her feet must never touch the ground.
During our orientation walk around Nepal's bustling capital, we'll familiarise ourselves with Nepalese culture through some of the country's most popular and well-loved foods. Together with your tour leader, you'll seek out momos, Nepal's beloved dumplings, yomari, a sweet Newari delicacy filled with jaggery and sesame, and crispy samosas. To wash it all down, we'll enjoy a cup or two of Nepali tea, followed by a handful of fragrant paan, a traditional herbal digestive.
Bellies full, our vehicle will meet us on the outskirts of Durbar Square to take us to one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and the spiritual centre of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal - Boudhanath Stupa. We'll join pilgrims walking the sacred kora path before attending a private interaction with a senior monk. This intimate session offers insights into meditation and the philosophy that shapes Himalayan culture. Before leaving the stupa, you will have the opportunity to light a traditional butter lamp, a symbolic offering of light and a wish for a prosperous and healthy life.
We'll return to our hotel to relax and freshen up before we head out in the evening to enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic traditional Nepali cuisine and traditional local dancers.
We begin the day with a visit to Changu Narayan Temple, located around one hour from our hotel in Kathmandu. Widely regarded as the oldest Hindu temple in Nepal, it dates back to the 5th century.
A further 45-minutes by vehicle brings us to the City of Devotees, also known as Bhaktapur. The medieval city is known for being one of the best-preserved royal cities in Kathmandu Valley, but also for its long tradition of craftsmanship. Techniques in pottery, woodcarving, metal work and handmade paper have been passed down through the generations, and we'll see how locals still rely on these skills today.
During our time in Bhaktapur, we'll visit artisan workshops to learn more about local creative traditions. We'll stop at the Lokta paper workshop and see how paper is made using the bark of the Himalayan Daphne plant. The process includes boiling, pulling and moulding the material before it dries in the sun. This highly durable, eco-friendly paper was once reserved for royal decrees.
We'll also visit Pottery Square, Bhaktapur's most iconic artisan neighbourhood. Here, generations of potters shape clay vessels using simple spinning wheels and age-old techniques. We'll try our hand at crafting our own small clay piece under the guidance of a local artisan.
Today's special lunch stop will be at Sikami Chhen, a 200-year-old traditional Newari family home that was carefully restored following the 2015 earthquake. The property received UNESCO Special Recognition for Sustainable Development for the Shilpakar family's efforts to rebuild the home using only traditional woodcarving methods and craftsmanship.
Here, we'll enjoy a homemade Newari lunch where we'll get to try Bhaktapur's famous Juju Dhau, a sweet yoghurt known locally as the 'King of Yoghurt', along with Bara, a savoury lentil pancake. After lunch, we'll visit the family's woodcarving workshop to learn about the intricate restoration work carried out by members of the Shilpakar family and gain an insight into the craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.
In the late afternoon, we'll begin our winding drive up to Nagarkot, a journey of around one hour.
This hillside station is famous for offering one of the most expansive views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, Langtang, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Annapurna.
Our hotel for the next couple of nights is Club Himalaya, a property perched on a hillside, offering unobstructed views of the eastern and western mountain ranges. If the weather permits, we'll try to catch the sunset from the hotel's terrace.
Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Club Himalaya Nagarkot (or similar)
We have an early start this morning, rising before dawn to gather on the terrace and witness one of Nepal's most iconic sights: the sunrise over the Himalayas. Our tour leader will tell us the names of the various peaks we'll be able to spot.
It's worth noting that visibility of the Himalayas is dependent on the weather - if we're unlucky today, we'll try again tomorrow.
After a relaxed breakfast, we'll set out on a guided hike through the pine forests and terraced hillsides that surround Nagarkot. Our walk today is approximately 6-7 kilometers/3-4 miles, and will take around three to four hours, depending on our pace.
It's a gentle walk on undulating terrain, and the route will give us insight into rural farming life in Kathmandu Valley. There will be plenty of time to stop, take photos and learn about the traditional architecture and lifestyle of the Tamang and Thakuri communities who call these ridges home.
After our walk, we'll return to the hotel, and the rest of the afternoon is free to relax and make the most of the hotel's facilities. Enjoy a dip in the indoor heated pool or treat yourself to a relaxing massage at the hotel's spa.
Later this evening, we'll have a momo-making workshop with a local chef who will teach us how to shape these traditional Nepalese dumplings before we sit down to eat.
This morning, we'll drive to Bandipur, approximately a six-hour drive from Nagarkot.
Upon arrival in Bandipur, we'll have an orientation walk of the small Newari town and its bazaar. A visit to the hilltop town of Bandipur offers a glimpse into life in Nepal during the 18th century, which has retained its age-old cultural attributes. It also gives us the chance to stop and stretch our legs on the long drive between Nagarkot and Pokhara.
Bandipur is a small town, and accommodation choices are limited. We've chosen a heritage guesthouse that's more than 100 years old, located on the pedestrianised main street. The guesthouse doesn't have premium facilities, but its traditional charm more than makes up for it.
You'll find plenty of cafes and small eateries within a stone's throw of the guesthouse, and there's a terrace out back where you can sit and relax with a book.
The Old Inn (or similar)
Grade: Comfortable Hotel
Following breakfast, we'll take the scenic drive to Pokhara, Nepal's most enchanting lakeside city. The drive takes around three hours.
Pokhara is widely regarded as one of Nepal's most beautiful cities, acting as the gateway to the Annapurna region.
Upon arrival, we'll have the chance to stretch our legs and take a stroll along the lakeside promenade. There are restaurants and cafes by the water to grab lunch this afternoon. We'll reconvene in the early afternoon for our transfer up to the Sarangkot Mountain Lodge, which will be our base for the next three nights.
Perched on a high ridge, Sarangkot Mountain Lodge is known for its impressive views of the surrounding mountains. Each room has its own private balcony offering unobstructed views of the Annapurna Range.
The rest of the evening is at leisure to relax and unwind after our busy day.
Sarangkot Mountain Lodge (or similar)
With a cup of coffee in hand, we're up early to try our luck at catching a spectacular Himalayan sunrise from our mountain lodge.
After breakfast, we'll drive for 10 minutes to visit Sharing Seeds, a non-profit organisation whose mission is to teach young farmers sustainable farming practices to help them make a living in their home villages.
Many young Nepalese men and women leave their villages and towns in search of work abroad and a better quality of life. Sharing Seeds was established to support local farmers in learning how to harvest and sell Arabica coffee beans by generating income for themselves.
Here, we'll learn all about the project's mission, whilst also seeing the whole bean-to-cup process, before enjoying a cup of coffee at the end.
After our visit to Sharing Seeds, we'll head back to the hotel to freshen up before exploring Pokhara.
A short 10-minute walk takes us to the cable car station, where we'll take a scenic journey to Pokhara's lakeside, taking in the panoramic views of Machhapuchhare, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna II, and Lamjung peaks.
Arriving at the cable car station in Sedibagar (lakeside), our vehicle will meet us and take us to our first stop of the day, the Tibetan Refugee Settlement, home to many Tibetan refugees who fled Tibet following its annexation in 1951. The Chinese People's Liberation Army successfully defeated the Tibetan Army, resulting in the dissolution of the Tibetan Government and marking an end to the former country's independence from the rest of China. Following the clandestine exit of the Dalai Lama in 1959, over 80,000 Tibetans fled their home, with many settling in Pokhara.
Following a recent trade agreement between China and Nepal, these refugees no longer hold the right to own land, work or claim benefits. By way of earning a living, they create handmade jewellery, carvings and handicrafts which they sell at the centre.
The rest of the afternoon has been left free for you to explore the lakeside at your own leisure. There is the option of doing a boat ride on Lake Phewa.
As the evening approaches, we'll reconvene at the lakeside to witness the Aarti Pooja ceremony after which we'll head to dinner. Depending on the season, aarati pooja time might differ.
After breakfast, we take a scenic one-hour drive to the village of Hemjakot, a traditional Gurung settlement perched high above the Pokhara Valley. The Gurung people are one of Nepal's most distinct ethnic groups and are perhaps best known for their world-famous Gurkha soldiers.
The high-altitude settlements where many Gurkhas originate from help develop exceptional stamina, endurance and leg strength, contributing to their reputation as some of the world's finest soldiers.
From the car park, we'll walk for around 15 to 20 minutes, passing terraced farmland and small stone homesteads. On arrival, we'll have the opportunity to explore the settlement, visit local homes and observe the traditional agricultural practices that have sustained families here for centuries.
We'll also try our hand at preparing some local dishes with a family using ingredients grown on the surrounding farms. These include Dal Bhat, a quintessential Nepali meal of lentil soup, rice and seasonal vegetable curries, and Sel Roti, a traditional ring-shaped rice bread often reserved for celebrations.
After lunch, we'll return to the mountain lodge, where the rest of the day is free to spend as you wish.
The hotel has its own spa, offering massages, and an infinity pool with incredible views of the Himalayan mountain range. If you'd prefer to do some more exploring, Ganesh Temple is around a 15-minute walk from the lodge. Alternatively, our tour leader can help arrange a hike on one of the trails in the surrounding area.
This evening, dinner will be served at the property.
Today you will return to Kathmandu, travelling through the scenic foothills of the Himalayas. The drive takes approximately eight hours (around 213 kilometres/132 miles) and follows winding river valleys, terraced farmland and rural hillside communities that offer a glimpse into Nepal's everyday countryside life.
Our final stay will be at the Dwarika's Hotel, a property widely regarded as one of Nepal's most distinctive and culturally significant heritage properties. The hotel was built around intricately carved wooden elements rescued from historic Newar buildings across the Kathmandu Valley. Many of these architectural pieces date back several centuries and have been carefully restored, transforming the property into what feels like a living museum of traditional craftsmanship.
The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. You may wish to relax within the hotel's beautiful courtyards, explore its traditional architecture and galleries, or enjoy the range of facilities available. The hotel also offers a wellness spa, swimming pool, and peaceful courtyard spaces ideal for unwinding after the journey.
Dwarika's Kathmandu (or similar)
After breakfast at the hotel, your journey through Nepal comes to an end.
There are no planned activities today, so you're free to depart at any time.
If you'd like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) which is around 15 minutes from the hotel.
As part of our Upgraded range, we also offer a complimentary transfer to those who have made post-tour accommodation arrangements through Explore, regardless of your departure day.
Temperatures in the lower altitude regions are extremely pleasant, with variations in temperature from 8°C (46°F) to the highest of 31°C (88°F). The mountains are best admired, with greater air clarity, from October to January, while from February to May the skies may be hazy. Monsoon rains are strongest in June, July and August. The coldest months are December and January.
+5.45
2 Pin Round
Hinduism
Nepali
You can expect to wear short sleeved shirts and t-shirts during the day in the spring and autumn months but it does get cool in the evening, so bring some warmer clothing as well. In December and January evenings can be very cold and you will need a down jacket and thermal layers. It's worth bringing a good quality waterproof. Do not wear lycra tights or leggings or very short shorts as the Nepalese find these offensive. Nagarkot can be cold most times of the year.
Cable Car, Minibus, On Foot
In Kathmandu, we stay in two different heritage properties. At the start of the tour, we'll stay in Yak and Yet, a five-star heritage hotel, located in the heart of the city, in Durbar Marg, a stone's throw away from restaurants, cafes, shops and Royal Palace. Although it's in the city center, the hotel provides a welcome sanctuary with its huge gardens, spa, beauty salon and two restaurants. Our time in Bandipur will be spent in a comfortable 3* heritage guesthouse due to the limited availability of Premium properties in the area. However, what the Old Inn lacks in modern facilities, it makes up for in charm and character. On days 7, 8 and 9, we will be staying outside Pokhara in Sarangkot. We've chosen to stay here to be in Sarangkot instead of Pokhara lakeside to give you the most opportunities to see the Himalayas from the comfort of your hotel. The lodge's high location allows it to have complete unobstructed 360-degree views of the Himalayas at both sunrise and sunset - one of the key highlights of any trip to Nepal. Pokhara is easily accessible from the property via a 10-minute walk and 10-minute cable car down to the lakeside, or a 30 - 45 minute taxi from the hotel to Pokhara. Otherwise, there is plenty to keep you occupied from the hotel, such as forest walks, biking, horse-riding, pool and spa. We round off the trip with a stay at Dwarika's, arguably one of the best hotels in Kathmandu. Considered a living museum, Dwarika's is a Newari-style property that exudes Nepali charm and character. Founded as a project to preserve the Kathmandu Valley's architectural heritage, the hotel incorporates rescued carved wooden features and traditional stonework throughout its design. Despite its historic feel, Dwarika's offers all the modern facilities guests appreciate, including an outdoor pool, restaurant and spa.
Can you drink the water? The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip.
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page. If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page. The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.
Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. Our price guarantee does not apply to Polar Voyages. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
Nepal: An entry visa is required by UK, New Zealand, Australian, US & Canadian citizens and can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu Airport and various international border crossings between Nepal and its neighbouring countries. This currently costs $30 USD for a 15 day visa, $50 USD for a 30 day visa and $125 USD for a 90 day visa. All visas are issued as multiple entry visas and are valid from the date they are issued. There have been reports of lengthy delays when completing the form to obtain the visa at the airport, especially during peak times. We therefore recommend that you fill in the visa information prior to arrival using the following link: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np /. This will produce a receipt with a reference number, which you will need to print off and produce on arrival to obtain the visa. Please note if you are filling in the form before you arrive, please do so only within 15 days of arrival as application forms are only stored for a maximum of 15 days. Whether you are filling in the form on arrival or before, a passport-sized photograph for immigration is required along with the exact cash. Payment must be made in cash, UK sterling and US dollars are both accepted. If you are ineligible for the visa on arrival or wish to obtain a visa before you travel, please refer to your nearest Nepal embassy. For customers visiting the EU, or transiting via EU countries, please be aware that the European Union's (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is being rolled out, with full operation from 10 April 2026. This means that when you travel into, or depart from, the Schengen area for short stays, you will need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration. On your first entry or exit into a Schengen country, you will be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. At some ports and international stations allow for extra time as there may be increased wait times while EES registration is completed before passengers leave the UK and transit through a EU country. Once initial registration has been completed future entering or exiting of an EU Schengen country should be simplified as only a single fingerprint scan or facial recognition scan will be required. If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
For customers visiting the EU, or transiting via EU countries, please be aware that the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is being rolled out, with full operation from 10 April 2026. This means that when you travel into, or depart from, the Schengen area for short stays, you will need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration. On your first entry or exit into a Schengen country, you will be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. At some ports and international stations allow for extra time as there may be increased wait times while EES registration is completed before passengers leave the UK and transit through a EU country. Once initial registration has been completed future entering or exiting of an EU Schengen country should be simplified as only a single fingerprint scan or facial recognition scan will be required. If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.
Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.
Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.
If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking. For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here
It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom. Read more information about what travel insurance is required.
Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.
You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.
We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.
On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, infectious hepatitis, typhoid, tetanus, polio and Japanese encephalitis. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Although not compulsory, travellers may wish to take immunisation against meningococcal meningitis. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.