Overview
This relaxed Nepal tour takes the country's classic hill-and-valley route at a genuinely unhurried pace over six days. You start among the temples of the Kathmandu Valley, drive up to the old Newari town of Bandipur, settle into lakeside Pokhara with a full free day to do as you please and catch the Sarangkot sunrise, then drive back to Kathmandu after breakfast and some free time on the last day. It is built for slow travel, with more leisure than sightseeing, which makes it a favourite for couples, families and anyone who wants to relax into Nepal rather than tick off a list.
The itinerary
- Pickup from your Kathmandu hotel with your licensed guide
- Guided visit to Patan Durbar Square and its Newari temples
- Explore the great stupa of Boudhanath, with time for lunch nearby
- Finish among the shrines of the valley's cultural heart, then back to your hotel
- Overnight in Kathmandu
- Scenic drive up the Prithvi Highway to the hill town of Bandipur
- Wander the car-free bazaar and old Newari streets
- Enjoy the views over the surrounding hills and mountains
- Overnight in Bandipur
- Slow start and breakfast in Bandipur
- Short drive down to lakeside Pokhara
- Check in, then free time by Phewa Lake, with a boat ride or a lakeside cafe
- Overnight in Pokhara
- Early drive to Sarangkot for sunrise over the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhre
- Visit the World Peace Stupa for valley views
- See the hilltop Shiva temple at Pumdikot
- Overnight in Pokhara
- A full free day to relax at your own pace
- Options: kayaking on Phewa Lake, an ultralight flight, or a spa session
- Or explore cafes, bookshops and quieter Begnas Lake
- Overnight in Pokhara
- Breakfast at your hotel, then free time in Pokhara
- Check out and drive back to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway, usually six to nine hours
- Drop-off at your Kathmandu hotel, end of the trip
What the price covers
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Things to carry
- Comfortable shoes for light walking
- A warm layer for early mornings and viewpoints
- Sun protection and a hat
- Modest clothing for the temples
- A camera
Good to know
Nepal at a gentle pace
Some trips are about seeing as much as possible; this one is about slowing down. Over six easy days it follows Nepal's classic hill-and-valley route, from the temples of the Kathmandu Valley to the old town of Bandipur and lakeside Pokhara, but with the pace turned right down: a full free day, unhurried mornings and free time on the last day before the drive home. It is a tour for people who would rather relax into a place than rush through it.
What the relaxed Nepal tour covers
Over six days you start with a guided day among the Kathmandu Valley's heritage, drive up to Bandipur for a night in the hills, spend three nights in Pokhara with a free day among the lakes and viewpoints, and drive back to Kathmandu on the last day. The days mix light sightseeing with plenty of downtime, comfortable hotels and a guide on the touring days. If you have less time or prefer a slightly brisker version, our Bandipur, Pokhara and Kathmandu tour covers the same three places in five days.
Bandipur and Pokhara
Bandipur sets the tone: a quiet hilltop town with a car-free bazaar, old shuttered houses and long mountain views. Pokhara is where the tour really unwinds, three nights by Phewa Lake with a sunrise at Sarangkot, a hilltop stupa and shrine, and a whole free day to boat, walk, or simply sit by the water with the Annapurnas in view. It is the most relaxed stretch of any Nepal trip.
The Kathmandu Valley
The tour starts in the Kathmandu Valley, the cultural heart of the country, with a guided day among its heritage: the royal city of Patan, the great stupa of Boudhanath and the shrines that fill the valley. These are living sites, busy with worship and daily life, and a guide brings out the stories behind them. If you would like to add an easy hill walk with valley views, our Shivapuri Peak day hike is a good option from the city.
Who it suits and good to know
This tour is best for couples, families and anyone who wants comfort and calm rather than a full schedule. Expect easy days, short walks and real free time. October to April is the clearest season, though it runs all year. There is no trekking or altitude to prepare for, just comfortable shoes, a warm layer for the early Sarangkot start, and modest clothing for the temples. Tell us your dates and starting point and we will tailor the pace to you.
