Nepal is the international trip that feels like home. Same deities, same festivals, no visa for Indians, and flights from Delhi or Mumbai that take about the same time as a domestic hop. For a pilgrim, the anchor is Pashupatinath — one of the twelve Jyotirlingas — and for everyone else, it's the view of the Annapurnas across Phewa Lake. Here's the circuit.
Kathmandu — the temple city (2–3 days)
- Pashupatinath: the big one. The pagoda-roofed temple on the Bagmati, with its evening aarti and the ghats below. Non-Hindus can't enter the sanctum but the complex is moving from outside.
- Boudhanath: the giant white stupa with the all-seeing eyes — Nepal's most photogenic site, ringed by monasteries.
- Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): the hilltop stupa over the city, best at sunset.
- Patan/Kathmandu Durbar Squares: carved wooden palaces and temples. Carry your camera.
Pokhara — the reward (2 days)
Pokhara is where Nepal relaxes. Phewa Lake with its boats and the mirrored Annapurna range, the World Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls, and optional paragliding if you're feeling brave. It's a 6–7 hour drive or a 25-minute flight from Kathmandu.
A 6-day plan
- Day 1: arrive Kathmandu, evening aarti at Pashupatinath
- Day 2: Boudhanath + Swayambhunath + Durbar Square
- Day 3: fly/drive to Pokhara, evening by Phewa Lake
- Day 4: Sarangkot sunrise (the mountain view) + Peace Pagoda
- Day 5: back to Kathmandu
- Day 6: fly out
What it costs
- Standard 6D/5N: from ₹22,400 (3-star, Kathmandu + Pokhara).
- Deluxe 6D/5N: from ₹34,000 (4-star, better vehicles, flights between cities).
- Flights from India are extra (~₹8,000–₹12,000 round trip from Delhi/Mumbai).
Practical bits
- Documents: passport or voter ID for Indians. No visa.
- Best time: Oct–Nov and Mar–Apr for clear mountains.
- Currency: Indian ₹500/₹2,000 notes are no longer accepted in Nepal — carry smaller denominations or use cards/UPI where supported.
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Book it: Kathmandu–Pokhara Standard (6D/5N from ₹22,400) or Deluxe (from ₹34,000), with Pashupatinath aarti, satvik meal options and guided sightseeing. See Nepal packages → or WhatsApp +91 88497 20561.
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