Nepal Overland Experience – Kathmandu, Pokhara & Muktinath

• Arrival: Tribhuvan International Airport or border entry
• Hotel Check-in
• Sightseeing, depending on your flight time,
  • Pashupatinath Temple
  • Boudhanath Stupa
• Evening: Explore Thamel for dining/shopping
• Overnight: Kathmandu

PASHUPATINATH STUPA.

Pashupatinath Temple is a sacred Hindu temple located on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the most significant Shiva temples in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple's origins date back to at least the 5th century, though the current structure was built in the 17th century after the earlier one was destroyed by termites. Known for its stunning pagoda-style architecture, the temple complex includes many smaller shrines, ashrams, and inscriptions. It is a major pilgrimage site, especially during the Maha Shivaratri festival, when thousands of devotees from Nepal and India gather to pay homage to Lord Shiva. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the main temple, but they can view it from across the river.

BOUDDHANATH STUPA.

Bouddhanath Stupa, located in Kathmandu, Nepal, is one of the largest and most significant Buddhist stupas in the world. Believed to have been built in the 14th century after the Mughal invasions, the stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Its massive white dome and gilded spire, painted with the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha, symbolize peace, wisdom, and compassion. Surrounded by monasteries and prayer wheels, Bouddhanath is a place of meditation and pilgrimage for Buddhists, especially Tibetan refugees. The stupa is a vibrant spiritual hub where monks chant, devotees circumambulate in prayer, and the air is filled with the scent of incense and the sound of ritual instruments.

• Early Departure: Drive via Prithvi Highway
• Midway Stop: Manakamana Temple (cable car ride – 10 min)
• Afternoon: Continue to Pokhara
• Evening: Leisure walk by Phewa Lake
• Overnight: Pokhara

POKHARA CITY.

Pokhara is a picturesque city in central Nepal, nestled at the foothills of the Annapurna mountain range. Known for its natural beauty, it is a major tourist destination and a gateway to popular trekking routes like the Annapurna Circuit and Base Camp. The city is famous for its serene lakes, especially Phewa Lake, where visitors can enjoy boating with views of the snow-capped peaks reflected in the water. Pokhara also offers stunning sights such as the World Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls, and the Mahendra Cave. With a relaxed atmosphere, adventure sports like paragliding, zip-lining, and mountain biking, and breathtaking mountain views, Pokhara is often considered the most beautiful and tranquil city in Nepal.

MANAKAMANA TEMPLE.

Manakamana Temple is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site located in the Gorkha district of Nepal, dedicated to Goddess Manakamana, believed to be an incarnation of Parvati who grants the wishes of her devotees. Perched on a hilltop at about 1,300 meters above sea level, the temple offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and Himalayan peaks. Devotees traditionally made a long uphill trek to reach the temple, but it is now easily accessible via a scenic cable car ride from Kurintar, near the Trishuli River. The temple holds deep spiritual significance and attracts thousands of pilgrims, especially during festivals like Dashain and Nag Panchami. Worshippers often bring offerings such as flowers, coconuts, and even animals for sacrifice, following centuries-old traditions.

PHEWA LAKE.

Phewa Lake, also known as fewa Lake, is a beautiful freshwater lake located in Pokhara, Nepal, and is the second-largest lake in the country. Surrounded by lush green hills and offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountains, the lake is a popular spot for both tourists and locals. One of its most iconic features is the Tal Barahi Temple, a two-story pagoda situated on an island in the middle of the lake, which can be reached by a short boat ride. Phewa Lake is ideal for boating, kayaking, and relaxing by the lakeside, with numerous cafes, shops, and lodges lining its shores. Its calm waters beautifully reflect the surrounding landscape, making it a serene and scenic retreat in the heart of Pokhara.

• After Breakfast:
  • Bindabasini Temple
  • Seti River Gorge
  • Davis Falls
  • Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
• Evening: Optional boat ride on Phewa Lake
• Overnight: Pokhara

BINDHYABASINI TEMPLE.

Bindhyabasini Temple, perched at about 3,000 ft (915 m) atop a small hill in the heart of Pokhara’s old bazaar, is the city’s oldest and most cherished Hindu shrine, dedicated to the fierce form of Goddess Durga, known locally as Bindhyabasini or Bhagawati Legend holds that King Siddhi Narayan Shah had a divine dream in which the goddess directed that her statue be brought from Bindhyachal in India. When it mysteriously became immovable at its current site, the temple was built there around the 1760s (1842–1845 BS), spanning roughly 47 ropanis of land. A striking white Shikhara-style structure, it houses shrines to Saraswati, Shiva, Hanuman, Ganesha, and Vishnu, and features temple bells, golden guardian lions, and a landscaped courtyard perfect for picnics and panoramic views of Pokhara and the Annapurna–Machhapuchchhre ranges Especially vibrant during Dashain and other sacred days—when animal sacrifices are offered—the temple is both a guardian deity of the valley and a spiritual and community hub. In recent years, accessibility has improved with a 12‑person lift added in March 2019, offering easier access for seniors and those with mobility challenges.

SETI RIVER GORGE

Seti River Gorge is a striking natural wonder located in Pokhara, Nepal, carved by the powerful flow of the Seti Gandaki River. This deep and narrow gorge mysteriously appears and disappears through the city, cutting through dense rock formations with astonishing force. One of the most fascinating features is how the milky-white water—rich in limestone—vanishes underground in some places, making it a unique geological phenomenon. The gorge is best viewed from Mahendra Pul (Bridge), where visitors can witness the dramatic depth of the chasm, sometimes dropping over 50 meters. Seti River Gorge is not only a visual marvel but also a significant natural landmark that showcases the dynamic power of Nepal’s rivers and the hidden beauty of Pokhara’s landscape.

DEVIS FALL.

Devis Fall is a picturesque waterfall located in Pokhara, Nepal, and is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. Locally known as "Patale Chhango," meaning "Underworld Waterfall," it features a unique underground tunnel through which the water from the Phewa Lake flows and vanishes beneath the surface. The waterfall gained its English name after a tragic incident in 1961 when a Swiss tourist named Davi (or Devis) was swept away by the strong current and disappeared into the tunnel. The site is especially dramatic during the monsoon season, when the water flow is at its peak, creating a powerful and captivating natural display. Surrounded by lush greenery and traditional stone paths, Devis Fall is not only a spot of natural beauty but also holds cultural and historical significance for visitors.

GUPTESWOR MAHADEV.

Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, nestled in Pokhara’s Chhorepatan area just opposite Devis Fall, is a remarkable fusion of religious devotion and natural wonder. Believed to have been discovered in the 16th century by locals, it features a grand spiral staircase built in 1991 leading into two main chambers adorned with shrines dedicated to Shiva, Parvati, Saraswati, and Nageshwor At the first cavern, pilgrims worship a massive Shiva Lingam and Nandi, while in the deeper chamber—sometimes off-limits during monsoons—visitors encounter dramatic stalactites, an underground river flowing from Devis Fall, and a viewing platform that peers out behind the waterfall’s cascade The cave stretches nearly 2 km and holds a spiritual draw, especially during Mahashivaratri and Chaite Dashain, attracting both devotees and tourists With damp, dimly lit passages echoing the roar of water, Gupteshwor Mahadev offers a mysterious, meditative atmosphere—a hidden gem beneath Pokhara’s surface.

• Scenic Drive: Via Beni, Tatopani, Marpha
• Landscape: River valleys, apple orchards, Himalayan peaks
• Check-in: Hotel/lodge in Jomsom
• Rest & Acclimatization
• Overnight: Jomsom

BENI.                                      

Beni Bazaar is a charming town nestled at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Myagdi rivers in the Myagdi district of Nepal. Serving as the gateway to Mustang and the Dhaulagiri trekking region, Beni is known for its vibrant local culture, scenic river views, and bustling market life. Surrounded by lush hills and snow-capped peaks, the town offers a peaceful yet lively atmosphere, making it a popular stop for travelers heading to the Himalayas. Its mix of natural beauty and cultural diversity makes Beni a small but significant gem in western Nepal.

TATO PANI.

Tatopani, located near the Nepal-China border in the Myagdi district, is a popular spot known for its natural hot springs. The name "Tatopani" literally means "hot water" in Nepali, and many people visit to relax and bathe in the mineral-rich springs, believed to have healing properties. Surrounded by hills and rivers, it offers a peaceful setting for rest, especially for trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit. Tatopani is also known for its cultural charm, local hospitality, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

MARPHA.

Marpha is a picturesque village in the Mustang district of Nepal, famous for its charming stone-paved alleys, whitewashed houses, and apple orchards. Often called the "apple capital" of Nepal, Marpha is well-known for its delicious apples and locally made apple brandy. Nestled along the Annapurna trekking route, it offers a peaceful atmosphere, rich Thakali culture, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Its blend of natural beauty and traditional lifestyle makes Marpha a favorite stop for trekkers and travelers.

JOMSOM.

Jomsom is a picturesque town located in the Mustang District of Nepal, nestled in the Kali Gandaki Valley at an altitude of about 2,700 meters (8,860 feet). It serves as a gateway to the remote and culturally rich region of Upper Mustang and is a popular stopover for trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit and those heading to the sacred site of Muktinath. Surrounded by stunning views of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, Jomsom is known for its arid landscapes, strong afternoon winds, and the unique blend of Tibetan and Nepali cultures. The town also hosts a small airport, making it a vital transportation hub in this otherwise remote area.

• Early Drive: To Muktinath (3,800 m)
  • Visit 108 holy water spouts, Jwala Mai (eternal flame)
• Midday: Return to Jomsom and continue to Tatopani
• Evening: Optional dip in natural hot springs
• Overnight: Tatopani or nearby

MUKTINATH.

Muktinath is a sacred pilgrimage site located at an altitude of about 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) in the Mustang District of Nepal. Revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, it is considered one of the holiest temples in Nepal. For Hindus, it is one of the eight sacred shrines known as Svayam Vyakta Kshetras, while Buddhists regard it as a place where Guru Rinpoche meditated. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is surrounded by 108 water spouts, where pilgrims bathe in freezing water to cleanse themselves of sins. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, Muktinath not only offers spiritual significance but also breathtaking natural beauty, drawing trekkers and pilgrims from around the world.

• Morning Drive: Back to Pokhara
• Afternoon Options: Paragliding, zip-lining, spa, or relax by the lake
• Evening: Shopping or cultural dinner
• Overnight: Pokhara

• After Breakfast: Drive back to Kathmandu
• Optional En-route Stop: Riverside Resort for lunch
• Evening: Free for packing or final shopping

Overnight: Kathmandu

• Check-out and Transfer: To the airport or designated drop-off point
• End of Tour