Pokhara

Transfer from Kathmandu(25 min flight (~$100-120) or 6-8h tourist bus (~$10-25))

Flights from KTM offer Annapurna views from the right side; the Greenline/tourist buses leave Kathmandu around 7 AM. Both drop into Pokhara near Lakeside.

Check in around Lakeside (Baidam)(1 hour)

Guesthouses run ~$8-15; the central and north Lakeside area puts you within walking distance of the lakefront cafes and boat jetties.

Sunset stroll along the Phewa lakefront promenade(1.5 hours)

Walk the pedestrian lakeside path as Machhapuchhre catches the last light; watch the doonga rowboats come in.

Dinner at Godfather's Pizzeria(1 hour)

A Lakeside institution for wood-fired pizza; mains ~500-800 NPR. Or2K nearby is the go-to for Middle Eastern/vegetarian if you'd rather.

Pre-dawn taxi to Sarangkot for sunrise(Leave ~5 AM, ~2 hours total)

Round-trip taxi ~1,500-2,000 NPR; viewpoint fee ~50-100 NPR. Watch the sun ignite Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas, and the fishtail Machhapuchhre. Grab a hot chai at one of the ridge-top tea stalls after.

Breakfast back at Lakeside(1 hour)

AM/PM Organic Cafe does good coffee, eggs, and muesli after the early start.

Row a doonga to Tal Barahi Temple(2 hours)

Hire a wooden rowboat (~500-800 NPR/hour, or pay a boatman) and paddle to the two-tiered Tal Barahi temple on its island. Remove shoes and leather, circumambulate clockwise.

Rest / free afternoon at Lakeside(3 hours)

Recover from the early start — a lakeside terrace, a massage, or browsing the pashmina and singing-bowl shops (bargain politely with a smile).

Sunset drinks at Busy Bee Cafe(2 hours)

Lakeside's long-running live-music bar; good spot for a cold Gorkha beer and evening acts.

Boat across Phewa + hike to World Peace Pagoda(2.5 hours)

Row or take a boatman to the far shore, then climb 30-45 minutes through forest to the gleaming white Shanti Stupa. Free entry, unbeatable morning view of the lake, city, and Annapurnas.

Davis Falls (Patale Chhango)(45 min)

Taxi to the southern edge (~600-800 NPR). The waterfall vanishes underground into a gorge; small entry fee ~50-100 NPR.

Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave(45 min)

Directly across the road — descend into the sacred limestone cave to see Davis Falls thundering from below. Small entry fee. Pair with the nearby Tibetan refugee settlement for a carpet-weaving look.

Dinner at Moondance Restaurant(1.5 hours)

Reliable Lakeside favourite with a broad menu and cozy vibe; mains ~500-900 NPR.

Taxi to Sarangkot trailhead(30 min)

~1,000-1,500 NPR one way; start mid-morning once the mist burns off.

Ridge hike Sarangkot to Naudanda(3-4 hours)

A gentle, mostly-flat ridgeline trail through Gurung villages and terraced fields with continuous Annapurna and Machhapuchhre views. Carry water and sunscreen — there's little shade.

Tea-house lunch in a trail village(1 hour)

Dal bhat at a simple village tea house (~400-600 NPR) — the same fuel that powers the treks.

Free evening — massage & cafe(2 hours)

A well-earned Ayurvedic or Thai massage in Lakeside (~1,200-2,000 NPR/hour), then dinner at your pick.

Tandem paragliding from Sarangkot(Morning, ~2-3 hours with transfers)

A 20-30 min tandem flight over Phewa Lake, sometimes circling with eagles (parahawking). ~8,000-12,000 NPR (~$60-90) incl. GoPro clip. Book a licensed operator with certified pilots and insurance — fly in the calm morning window, not the gusty afternoon.

Lunch at Or2K(1 hour)

Cushioned floor seating and great falafel/hummus platters to celebrate the flight.

International Mountain Museum(2 hours)

Southeast of Lakeside (taxi ~500-700 NPR). Excellent exhibits on Himalayan peaks, mountaineering history, and Nepal's ethnic groups; entry ~500 NPR for foreigners.

Explore Pokhara Old Bazaar(1.5 hours)

North of Lakeside (taxi ~500 NPR) — Newari architecture, brass-ware and textile shops, and a slice of everyday Pokhara away from the cafes.

Bindhyabasini Temple(45 min)

The town's oldest temple complex on a small hilltop, dedicated to the goddess Durga; a lively local pilgrimage spot with valley views.

Transfer to Begnas Lake(45 min drive)

Taxi ~1,500-2,000 NPR east of town to Pokhara's peaceful second lake, ringed by rice terraces and far fewer tourists.

Boating & lunch at Begnas Lake(2.5 hours)

Hire a rowboat, swim, and eat fresh fish at a simple lakeside eatery. A calm, rural counterpoint to Phewa.

Farewell dinner at Busy Bee or Moondance(2 hours)

Last Lakeside night — live music, cocktails, and a debrief over dal bhat or a steak.

Slow lakeside breakfast(1 hour)

One last coffee and mountain view at a Phewa-front cafe.

Last-minute souvenir shopping(1 hour)

Pashminas, singing bowls, Gurkha khukuri knives, or trekking gear along Lakeside's main drag — bargain with a smile.

Transfer to Pokhara Airport or bus park(20-30 min)

Domestic flight to Kathmandu (25 min) or tourist bus (6-8 hours). Confirm flight status early — mountain weather can delay departures.

Transfer from Kathmandu(25 min flight (~$100-120) or 6-8h bus (~$10-25))

Right-side window seats on the flight give Annapurna views; tourist buses depart Kathmandu around 7 AM.

Check in around Lakeside(1 hour)

Guesthouses ~$8-15; central Lakeside keeps you near the boat jetties and cafes.

Lakefront sunset stroll(1.5 hours)

Walk the promenade as Machhapuchhre catches the last light.

Dinner at Godfather's Pizzeria(1 hour)

Wood-fired pizza, a Lakeside classic; mains ~500-800 NPR.

Pre-dawn taxi to Sarangkot for sunrise(Leave ~5 AM, ~2 hours)

Round-trip taxi ~1,500-2,000 NPR, viewpoint fee ~50-100 NPR. Sun ignites Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas, and Machhapuchhre; chai at a ridge tea stall after.

Row a doonga to Tal Barahi Temple(2 hours)

Rowboat ~500-800 NPR/hour to the island temple; shoes and leather off, circumambulate clockwise.

Free afternoon at Lakeside(3 hours)

Recover from the early start with a massage or a lakeside terrace.

Sunset drinks at Busy Bee Cafe(2 hours)

Live music and a cold Gorkha beer.

Boat across Phewa + hike to World Peace Pagoda(2.5 hours)

Row to the far shore, then 30-45 min uphill to the white stupa. Free entry, panoramic morning views.

Davis Falls & Gupteshwor Cave(1.5 hours)

Taxi to the southern edge; the falls vanish underground, and the cave across the road lets you view them from below. Small fees ~50-100 NPR each.

Tibetan refugee settlement(45 min)

Nearby carpet-weaving centre — a quiet, worthwhile stop.

Arrange ACAP permit & licensed guide(2 hours)

Through a registered Lakeside agency: ACAP conservation permit ~3,000 NPR, and since 2023 a licensed guide is required. Carry your passport and two photos. Withdraw plenty of rupees now — cash is king on the trail and ATMs vanish above town.

Rent/buy trekking gear(1.5 hours)

Down jacket, sleeping-bag liner, poles, and a rain shell along Lakeside's gear shops; rentals are cheap.

International Mountain Museum(2 hours)

Taxi ~500-700 NPR; exhibits on Himalayan peaks and mountaineering, entry ~500 NPR — good context before you walk into the range.

Early dinner & pack(1.5 hours)

Carb up on dal bhat and lay out your kit; you'll drive to the trailhead early tomorrow.

Drive Pokhara to Nayapul trailhead(1.5-2 hours)

Private jeep or shared vehicle (~1-2 hours) to the road-head near Nayapul, where the trail proper begins.

Trek to Tikhedhunga(3-4 hours)

Gentle riverside walk through Birethanti and Sudame, following the Bhurungdi Khola. Show your ACAP permit at the checkpoint. Overnight in a Tikhedhunga (~1,540m) tea house.

Tea-house dinner(1 hour)

Dal bhat power (~500-700 NPR at this altitude); prices climb as you go higher.

Climb the Ulleri stone staircase(2-3 hours)

Over 3,000 stone steps up to Ulleri (~2,050m) — the day's crux. Steady pace, plenty of water, and rest at a tea house at the top.

Forest trek to Ghorepani(3-4 hours)

Through magnolia and rhododendron forest (blazing red in spring) via Banthanti and Nangethanti to Ghorepani (~2,860m).

Overnight in Ghorepani(Evening)

Warm up by the tea-house stove; the peaks glow at sunset. Early night — Poon Hill is a pre-dawn start.

Pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210m)(45-60 min up, ~2 hours total)

Leave ~4:30 AM by headlamp; small entry fee at the top. The sunrise fires up Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and Machhapuchhre. Hot lemon or coffee at the summit stall.

Trek Ghorepani to Tadapani(5-6 hours)

Climb over Deurali pass then descend through mossy rhododendron forest to Tadapani (~2,630m), with Annapurna South looming close.

Trek Tadapani to Ghandruk(2.5-3 hours)

Downhill through forest to Ghandruk (~1,940m), the terraced Gurung village of slate-roofed stone houses.

Explore Ghandruk village & Gurung Museum(2 hours)

Wander the stone-paved lanes, visit the small Gurung cultural museum, and soak up the mountain amphitheatre view.

Rest & mountain-view afternoon(Free)

A genuine rest afternoon — tea-house terrace, warm apple pie, and the peaks changing colour as the light shifts.

Trek down to the Kimche/Nayapul road-head(2-3 hours)

Descend to the road-head at Kimche or Nayapul; tip your guide and porter fairly here — it's an important local custom.

Rest & hot shower at Lakeside(Free afternoon)

Well-earned recovery; a massage does wonders for trek legs.

Celebration dinner at Godfather's or Or2K(1.5 hours)

Refuel with something you couldn't get on the trail.

Slow morning & lakeside breakfast(2 hours)

Coffee and eggs at a Phewa-front cafe with the mountains you just walked.

Ayurvedic or Thai massage(1-1.5 hours)

~1,200-2,000 NPR/hour — the best post-trek reward Lakeside offers.

Free afternoon(Flexible)

Read by the lake, browse the shops, or simply nap.

Tandem paragliding from Sarangkot(Morning, ~2-3 hours)

20-30 min flight, ~8,000-12,000 NPR (~$60-90) incl. GoPro clip, often circling with eagles. Licensed operator, calm morning window only.

Old Bazaar & Bindhyabasini Temple(2 hours)

Taxi north to the atmospheric old town, its Newari shopfronts, and the hilltop Durga temple with valley views.

Dinner at Busy Bee Cafe(2 hours)

Live music to cap the day.

Transfer to Begnas Lake(45 min drive)

Taxi ~1,500-2,000 NPR east of town.

Boating & swimming at Begnas(2 hours)

Hire a rowboat and paddle the calm, terrace-ringed water.

Fresh-fish lunch lakeside(1.5 hours)

Simple eateries grill local fish caught that morning.

Optional short walk to Rupa Lake viewpoint(1.5 hours)

A gentle ridge walk between Begnas and neighbouring Rupa Lake for a two-lake panorama.

Optional second Sarangkot sunrise(Early morning)

If the first was cloudy, try again — clearest skies October-April.

Souvenir shopping in Lakeside(2 hours)

Pashminas, singing bowls, khukuri knives, prayer flags; bargain with a smile.

Free afternoon by the lake(Flexible)

A last doonga row, a rooftop coffee, or a book on a lakeside terrace.

Final lakeside breakfast(1 hour)

One last coffee with a mountain view.

Transfer to Pokhara Airport or bus park(20-30 min)

Domestic flight to Kathmandu (25 min) or tourist bus (6-8 hours). Confirm flight status — weather delays are common.

Transfer from Kathmandu(25 min flight (~$100-120) or 6-8h bus (~$10-25))

Right-side window seats give Annapurna views; tourist buses leave Kathmandu around 7 AM.

Check in around Lakeside(1 hour)

Guesthouses ~$8-15, near the boat jetties and cafes.

Lakefront sunset stroll(1.5 hours)

Walk the promenade as Machhapuchhre catches the last light.

Dinner at Godfather's Pizzeria(1 hour)

Wood-fired pizza, a Lakeside classic; mains ~500-800 NPR.

Pre-dawn taxi to Sarangkot for sunrise(Leave ~5 AM, ~2 hours)

Round-trip taxi ~1,500-2,000 NPR, viewpoint fee ~50-100 NPR. The sun ignites Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas, and Machhapuchhre; chai at a ridge tea stall after.

Row a doonga to Tal Barahi Temple(2 hours)

Rowboat ~500-800 NPR/hour to the island temple; shoes and leather off, clockwise circumambulation.

Free afternoon at Lakeside(3 hours)

Recover from the early start with a massage or a lakeside terrace.

Sunset drinks at Busy Bee Cafe(2 hours)

Live music and a cold Gorkha beer.

Boat across Phewa + hike to World Peace Pagoda(2.5 hours)

Row to the far shore, then 30-45 min uphill to the white stupa. Free entry, panoramic morning views of lake, city, and Annapurnas.

Davis Falls & Gupteshwor Cave(1.5 hours)

The falls vanish underground; the cave across the road views them from below. Small fees ~50-100 NPR each.

Tibetan refugee settlement(45 min)

Nearby carpet-weaving centre.

Drive Pokhara to Sauraha (Chitwan)(4-5 hours)

Tourist bus or private vehicle south to Sauraha, the main gateway village on the park's edge (~$15-25 by bus).

Check in to a jungle lodge(45 min)

Sauraha lodges range from budget to eco-resort; many bundle safari activities.

Rapti River sunset viewpoint(1.5 hours)

Walk to the riverbank at dusk to watch crocodiles bask and the sun drop over the Terai grasslands.

Tharu cultural dance show(1 hour)

Evening stick-dance performance by the local Tharu community — a lowland tradition, entry ~150-200 NPR.

Dugout canoe on the Rapti River(1 hour)

Glide past basking gharial and mugger crocodiles and abundant birdlife in the early light.

Jeep safari into Chitwan National Park(3-4 hours)

Park permit ~2,000 NPR. Prime chance to spot one-horned rhinos, deer, wild boar, and — rarely — a Bengal tiger. Bring binoculars.

Elephant Breeding Centre(1 hour)

See baby elephants and learn about the park's conservation work.

Rest & dinner at the lodge(Evening)

A relaxed jungle-lodge evening; free time to recover.

Drive Chitwan to Pokhara(4-5 hours)

Back north to Lakeside; arrive by early afternoon.

Arrange ACAP permit & licensed guide(1.5 hours)

Through a registered agency: ACAP conservation permit ~3,000 NPR and a required licensed guide since 2023. Passport plus two photos. Withdraw plenty of rupees — cash is essential and prices rise with altitude on the ABC trail.

Rent/buy trekking gear & pack(1.5 hours)

Down jacket, warm sleeping bag/liner, poles, rain shell, water purification. Leave a bag at your Pokhara guesthouse.

Early carb-loading dinner(1.5 hours)

Dal bhat and an early night — the drive to the trailhead is early.

Drive Pokhara to Nayapul/Kimche road-head(2-2.5 hours)

Jeep to the trailhead; show your ACAP permit at the checkpoint.

Trek to Ghandruk(3-4 hours)

Climb terraced fields and forest to Ghandruk (~1,940m), the slate-roofed Gurung village with a grand Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre backdrop.

Explore Ghandruk & Gurung Museum(1.5 hours)

Stone lanes, the small Gurung cultural museum, and mountain views from a tea-house terrace.

Tea-house dinner & overnight(Evening)

Dal bhat power at altitude (~600-800 NPR).

Trek Ghandruk to Chhomrong(5-6 hours)

Descend and re-climb via Kimrong Khola to Chhomrong (~2,170m), a stepped village clinging to the hillside with a full-frontal Annapurna South view.

Rest at Chhomrong tea house(Free afternoon)

Famous for its chocolate cake and apple pie — a well-earned trail treat and a genuine rest window before the harder days.

Dinner & early night(Evening)

Layer up; nights get cold from here.

Descend and climb to Sinuwa(2-3 hours)

Down the long Chhomrong stone steps, cross the river, and climb to Sinuwa (~2,360m).

Trek Sinuwa to Bamboo(2-3 hours)

Through dense bamboo and rhododendron forest to Bamboo (~2,310m), a cluster of tea houses in the gorge.

Tea-house overnight(Evening)

Warm up by the stove; the gorge gets chilly and damp.

Trek Bamboo to Himalaya(2.5-3 hours)

Up through Dovan (waterfalls, a small shrine) to Himalaya (~2,920m).

Continue to Deurali(1.5-2 hours)

Climb to Deurali (~3,230m) as the valley narrows toward the sanctuary gate; the forest thins to shrub.

Acclimatization rest & hydrate(Afternoon)

Take it easy, drink 3-4 litres, and watch for headache or nausea. Overnight at Deurali.

Trek Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC)(2-3 hours)

A steady climb into the sanctuary to MBC (~3,700m); go slowly to acclimatize.

Climb MBC to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)(2 hours)

The final push into the ABC amphitheatre (~4,130m), encircled by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the fishtail Machhapuchhre. Arrive by early afternoon before clouds roll in.

Sunset at Annapurna Base Camp(Evening)

The peaks blaze pink at sunset. It's cold and thin-aired here — layer heavily, hydrate, and rest. Overnight in an ABC tea house.

Sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp(1 hour)

Dawn light on the full Annapurna amphitheatre — the trek's payoff. Hot lemon in hand.

Descend ABC to Bamboo(5-6 hours)

Retrace down through Deurali, Himalaya, and Dovan to Bamboo (~2,310m); knees appreciate poles on the descent.

Tea-house overnight at Bamboo(Evening)

Warmer, thicker air and a big celebratory dal bhat.

Trek Bamboo to Chhomrong(3-4 hours)

Back up the long stone staircase to Chhomrong — the toughest climb of the descent.

Descend to Jhinu Danda(1.5 hours)

Drop to Jhinu Danda (~1,780m).

Soak in the Jhinu hot springs(1.5 hours)

A 15-20 min walk down to natural stone pools beside the Modi Khola — the perfect balm for trek-weary muscles. Small entry fee.

Trek Jhinu to the road-head(2-3 hours)

Descend to the New Bridge / Siwai or Kimche road-head; tip your guide and porter fairly here — an important local custom.

Rest & hot shower at Lakeside(Free afternoon)

A massage works wonders on trek legs (~1,200-2,000 NPR/hour).

Celebration dinner at Godfather's or Or2K(1.5 hours)

Everything you couldn't eat on the trail.

Slow lakeside breakfast(2 hours)

Coffee and eggs at a Phewa-front cafe with the mountains you just stood beneath.

Ayurvedic or Thai massage(1-1.5 hours)

The best post-trek reward Lakeside offers.

Free afternoon(Flexible)

Read by the lake, browse the shops, or nap.

Tandem paragliding from Sarangkot(Morning, ~2-3 hours)

20-30 min flight, ~8,000-12,000 NPR (~$60-90) incl. GoPro clip, often circling with eagles. Licensed operator, calm morning window only.

Lunch at Or2K(1 hour)

Floor-seating falafel and hummus to celebrate.

International Mountain Museum(2 hours)

Taxi ~500-700 NPR; Himalayan peaks and mountaineering exhibits, entry ~500 NPR — richer now that you've been to ABC.

Dinner at Busy Bee Cafe(2 hours)

Live music.

Explore Pokhara Old Bazaar(1.5 hours)

Taxi north to the Newari old town — brass-ware, textiles, and everyday Pokhara away from the cafes.

Bindhyabasini Temple(45 min)

The town's oldest temple, a hilltop Durga shrine and lively local pilgrimage spot with valley views.

Free afternoon at Lakeside(Flexible)

A rest window — lake terrace, coffee, or a nap.

Transfer to Begnas Lake(45 min drive)

Taxi ~1,500-2,000 NPR east of town.

Boating at Begnas Lake(1.5 hours)

Hire a rowboat on the calm, terrace-ringed water.

Ridge walk to Rupa Lake viewpoint(2 hours)

A gentle hike along the Panchabhaiya ridge between the two lakes for a twin-lake panorama.

Fresh-fish lakeside lunch(1.5 hours)

Local fish grilled at a simple Begnas eatery.

Optional second Sarangkot sunrise(Early morning)

If earlier dawns were cloudy, try again — clearest October-April.

Row a doonga on Phewa Lake(1.5 hours)

A last paddle out toward Tal Barahi with the peaks reflected.

Free afternoon(Flexible)

Rooftop coffee, a book, or a repeat massage.

Souvenir shopping in Lakeside(2 hours)

Pashminas, singing bowls, khukuri knives, prayer flags, and Tibetan crafts; bargain with a smile.

Lakeside cafe afternoon(Flexible)

A final slow coffee on a Phewa-front terrace.

Farewell dinner at Busy Bee or Moondance(2 hours)

Live music, cocktails, and a trip debrief over dal bhat or steak.

Final lakeside breakfast(1 hour)

One last coffee with a mountain view.

Transfer to Pokhara Airport or bus park(20-30 min)

Domestic flight to Kathmandu (25 min) or tourist bus (6-8 hours). Confirm flight status early — weather delays are common.