Where to Go in Nepal · Routes

Can you do Kathmandu and Pokhara in 4 days?

By Base Camp Tours, licensed Nepal travel agency (Tourism License 3121/080) · Updated · 2 min read

The short answer

Yes, if you fly between them. A tidy shape is two days in Kathmandu, a flight to Pokhara, and a full day on the lake and viewpoints. It is a taste, not the whole story.

Four days works best for travellers who want one temple day, one mountain-view morning and one lake day, and who accept leaving other things for next time.

Key facts

Day 1 and 2
Kathmandu sights
Day 3
Fly to Pokhara
Day 4
Lake and viewpoint

How it works

  1. Day 1: arrive and see the east sideCheck in, then Boudhanath at dusk for the stupa and the kora, and an early dinner.
  2. Day 2: the old centrePashupatinath in the morning, Durbar Square at midday, Swayambhunath at sunset.
  3. Day 3: fly to PokharaTake the earliest flight, then walk the lakeside and take a boat at dusk.
  4. Day 4: sunrise and fly backSarangkot at dawn if the sky is clear, then fly to Kathmandu or onward.

A sample four days

Day one covers Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Day two covers Pashupatinath and Boudhanath, then an evening flight or a flight next morning to Pokhara. Day three starts with sunrise at Sarangkot, then Phewa Lake, the Peace Pagoda or a quiet lakeside walk.

Day four is for a last viewpoint, a short stroll and the flight or drive home. Keep the schedule loose, since weather can delay flights.

Making the most of it

Start early each day, when light is best and crowds are lighter. Stay near the lake in Pokhara so you can walk to dinner and enjoy the evening. Use a driver for the Kathmandu sights to save time.

If you have even one more day, add Bhaktapur or Nagarkot. If you must go by road, add a day, because the drive takes most of one day.

Insider tip

Keep the Pokhara sunrise for the morning after you land.

Avoid this

Do not do this by road; it eats a day.

Related questions

Is the schedule too tight?

It is tight but workable if both flights run. Add a fifth day if you want any slack.

What should I skip?

Skip Bhaktapur and Patan on this plan. They need their own half day.

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  • Licensed agency, Tourism License 3121/080
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