Kathmandu, Manakamana, Pokhara & Muktinath 7 Nights / 8 Days
- Trip Name : Kathmandu, Manakamana, Pokhara and Muktinath
- Trip Duration : 8 Days
- Trip Grade : Moderate
- Activity : Cultural tour, sightseeing
- Highest Altitude : at Muktinath 3710m
- Month : Jan-May, Sep-Dec
Overview:
Embark on a spiritual journey across the country and get enlightened. This tour combines some of the holiest pilgrimage sites in the country. The assortment of peaceful surrounding and spiritual awakening makes this tour one of the most divine experiences ever. Manakamana and Muktinath both hold a significant place in Nepali culture and religion. Visit Manakaman the goddess of wish fulfillment and Muktinath- the salvation for a spiritual awakening.
Technical Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft) & transfer to hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu full day sightseeing & overnight at Hotel.
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (200km/6hrs approx); visit Manakamana temple on route.
Day 04: Fly Pokhara/Jomsom (2800m-25min fly)
Day 05: Explore Muktinath Temple (3200m) – Jomsom
Day 06: Fly Jomsom/Pokhara
Day 07: Drive to Kathmandu
Day 08: Depart to Airport or add up extra activities.
Itinerary Details:
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft) & transfer to hotel
After arriving in TIA; our hospitable representative from Caravana Himalaya will welcome you with garlands (Nepali Traditional Style of Welcoming Guests) and drive you to hotel.
Transfer to Hotel; rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu full day sightseeing & overnight at Hotel.
After the Breakfast, We proceed for exploring the ancient palaces of Kathmandu valley which are included in World Heritage Sites.
Places to Visit:
Swyambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple):
There are 365 steps leading all the way to the top commanding a magnificent view of Kathmandu valley and the breath-taking panorama of the snow-clad Himalayan Range. The tradition in the Stupa follows the Vajrayana for of Buddhism which is a tantric variation of the Mahayana Buddhism (the great vehicle). The stupa seems to have been constructed during the Licchhavi Period. Religious and literally sources give numerous accounts of the establishment and the patronage of the Swayambhunath premises. It is also interesting to note that the stupa went a series of renovation during the Malla period in the medieval times with donations made by the merchants, monks, pilgrims and Buddhist followers.
Bouddhanath-, around 6kms to the east of Kathmandu, is a colossal ancient Stupa. . A world heritage site, it is the centre of Tibetan culture in Nepal. The 36-meter-high Stupa of Bouddhanath is one of the largest Stupas in South Asia Bouddhanath is supposed to have been built by using dew to mix the mortar as Kathmandu was reeling under a severe drought during its construction and was renovated by Licchavi rulers in the eighth century. The mandala design in Bouddhanath is a copy of the one in Gyangtse in Tibet. The stupa is said to entomb the remains of a Kasyap sage venerable both to Buddhistsand Hindus. Gompa monasteries, curio shops and restaurants surround Bouddhanath. Today, Bouddhanath bustles with Tibetan population, busy with carpet manufacturer, trader, and religious devotes with several monasteries accompany the majestic dome.
Kathmandu Durbar Square:
Kathmandu Durbar Square lies in the heart of the Kathmandu city. The locals know this area by its old name Hanuman Dhoka – an ancient seat of the Nepalese Royalty. The Royal Palace during medival timese were not merely for Royal Activities but also used as the center of Administration, cultural activities and festivals.
The Historical buildings and temples in the area were erected from the time of King Ratna Malla (1484-1520 AD) to Prithvi Bir Bikram Shah (1875-1911 AD) covering the Malla, Shah and Rana period of Nepalese history. The entire palace complex here is named after a monkey god called Hanuman. One can see a huge stone statue of Hanuman painted all red next to the main entrance (the golden gate) of the palace. Hanuman here is regarded as a powerful protector of the entire Durbar Square.
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (200km/6hrs approx); visit Manakamana temple on route.
We begin our journey early as we have will be visiting Manakamana on our way to Pokhara. The ride to Manakamana from Kathmandu will be approximately three hours. After paying our respects to the deity of wish fulfillment we will continue our journey to the magical city of Pokhara.
Reach at Kurintar (Cable car station)
Visit Manakamana temple by cable car
The word ‘Manakamana’ is derived from two words, mana- heart and kamana- wish or desire, the deity Manakamana is the goddess of wish fulfillment. Year round thousands of religious devotees come here to pay their respect and in hope of getting their desires and wishes fulfilled. Manakamana is famous not just as a religious ground but also for its cable car ride. The ten minutes ride takes us across hills with magnificent overview of the river below.
Continue drives to Pokhara.
Arrival at Pokhara and transfer to the hotel.
Pokhara is a remarkable place profound with natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of 900m from sea level and 200 km west of Kathmandu valley, the city is known for its natural beauty and scenic views. The enchanting town has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic.
Overnight at hotel in Pokhara on BB plan.
Day 04: Fly Pokhara/Jomsom (2800m-25min fly)
We will have our breakfast and drive to Pokhara airport to fly to Jomsom
With Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri as backdrop, Jomsom is a picturesque town located at an altitude of 2800 meters. After landing in Jomsom we will to Muktinath by Public local jeep or Bus. The ride to Muktinath is through narrow hilly paths which is thrilling with narrow roads carved in along high rocky hills.
Muktinath is one of the holiest shrines for both Hindu and Buddhist. The main shrine of Muktinath is a pagoda-shaped temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu with 108 waterspouts in the vicinity. The Jwala Mai Temple nearby has a natural spring and eternal flame fed by natural gas.
Overnight at local lodge in Muktinath.
Day 05: Explore Muktinath Temple (3200m) – Jomsom
Early morning visit Muktinath Temple.
Breakfast at hotel.
After breakfast we will drive back to Jomsom. We will be riding back through the same narrow road along the rocky barren hills.
Overnight at local lodge in Jomsom.
Day 06: Fly Jomsom/Pokhara
After breakfast we will have a brief walk to Jomsom airport for our flight back to Pokhara. Upon arrival at Pokhara we will go back to our hotel and rest for a while. After some refreshment we will continue the day with some sightseeing and visit the famous Bindhabasani Temple and Barahi Temple.
PM: Half-day visit of Bindhabasani Temple & Barahi Temple
In the afternoon we will visit Bindhabasani temple, which is one of the holiest temples in Pokhara. It is a white pagoda style temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. After Bindhabasani temple we continue on our tour and visit Barahi Temple. Barahi temple is situated on a small island at the middle of Phewa Lake. Dedicated to the Ajima as a manifestation of a bore, this temple celebrates the divine force of Shakti. We will take a boat ride on Phewa Lake and visit the island temple first and afterwards we will enjoy an hour long boat ride on Phewa Lake.
Overnight at hotel in Pokhara on BB plan
Day 07: Drive to Kathmandu
After breakfast we will drive back to Kathmandu.
Arrive at Kathmandu drop to the residence or hotel
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu on BB plan
Day 08: Depart to Airport or add up extra activities.
After Breakfast, you can enjoy your last moment packing your fruitful memory of Nepal.
If your flight is at the evening you can enjoy last moment shopping at Thamel.
All Final departure towards Airport.
Suitable Extension:
According to available extra time, travelers can chose to add some additional activates to their trip. Depending on the duration and location, wide variety of activated can be selected like, Mountain Flight, Bungee Jumping, Rafting, Paragliding, Jungle Safari, Cultural tour, Home stay and many more.