Explore Kathmandu-Pokhara-Muktinath & Shivaratri 7N8D Tour

                                                    
                                                    destination
                                                    Kathmandu
                                                
                                                    duration
                                                    7 Days
                                                
                                                    grade
                                                    Beginner
                                                
                                                    start/end point
                                                    Kathmandu/Kathmandu
                                                
                                                    region
                                                    Nepal
                                                
                                                    max altitude
                                                    1,324 m
                                                
                                                    group size
                                                    2-25
                                                
                                                    meal
                                                    All Exclusive
                                                
                                                    activity
                                                    2-3 Hours
                                                
                                                    accommodation
                                                    Hotel
                                                
                                                    season
                                                    All Season

7 Nights 8 Days Explore Kathmandu-Pokhara-Muktinath and Shivaratri Festival Tour

This tour, located just a short distance from Kathmandu's bustling streets, provides an in-depth exploration of Nepal's rich culture, spirituality, and Himalayan vistas. Beginning in Kathmandu, guests visit ancient temples, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and bustling local markets. The city's bright energy, rich architecture, and centuries-old traditions offer an intriguing glimpse into Nepalese culture, making it an excellent starting place for your spiritual and cultural journey.

The journey continues to Pokhara, a peaceful lakeside city surrounded by the magnificent Annapurna range. The rolling hills, peaceful villages, and dazzling Phewa Lake provide a welcome respite from Kathmandu's fast-paced urban environment. Travelers may enjoy boat excursions, picturesque walks, and panoramic Himalayan vistas while immersed in the tranquil atmosphere that has made Pokhara a favorite among nature lovers and adventurers alike.

The Maha Shivaratri Festival is an annual Hindu event conducted at the historic Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu during the month of Magh (February/March). Maha Shivaratri, also known as the "Great Night of Lord Shiva," is observed to demonstrate love and adoration to Lord Shiva. This festival provides guests with a rare opportunity to learn about ancient Hindu culture, rituals, and traditions. The origins of Maha Shivaratri remain unknown, although it is one of the oldest and most celebrated holidays. Devotees from Nepal, India, and around the world come to the temple to worship and receive blessings. Thousands of saints and sages, shrouded in ash, also come to participate in the ceremony. As a night festival, devotees gather near the holy Bagmati River for the big Puja ceremony, during which priests offer divine light and chant mantras. Throughout the night, devotional music and the traditional Tandava dance flood the temple grounds. The pilgrimage continues to Muktinath, a sacred site adored by both Hindus and Buddhists, where visitors can observe ancient ceremonies and tour the temple complex. This journey is deliberately developed by our travel company, Himalayan Yoga And Excursion, to flawlessly integrate spirituality, nature, and culture, providing every traveler with an amazing Himalayan experience.

Travel Alert: Please note that during the monsoon season (June–September), heavy rainfall may cause floods, landslides, or road blockages, which could affect travel routes and flight schedules. Weather in the mountain regions can also be unpredictable, leading to possible delays. Our team will always prioritize your safety and comfort, and necessary adjustments will be made if required. Travelers are encouraged to have travel insurance covering emergencies and trip interruptions.

ITINERARY

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Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu

Welcome to Kathmandu, a city renowned for its vibrant markets, bustling streets, colorful temples, and grand pagodas. Our guide will meet you at the airport and take you to our hotel. The remainder of the day, you will have an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the shopping areas closest to your hotel and catch up on shopping for equipment. In the evening, our team member will give you a brief introduction and provide valuable information about the Tour.

Day 2 : Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, View Sightseeing in Pokhara Valley

On the second day of your tour, take a picturesque drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a city known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. The path takes passengers through verdant valleys, terraced farmlands, and attractive villages, providing a look into rural Nepalese life along the way. As you approach Pokhara, stunning Himalayan peaks emerge on the horizon, guaranteeing breathtaking vistas during your stay. Upon arrival, tour the picturesque Pokhara Valley, which is known for its calm lakes, flowing waterfalls, and panoramic views of the Annapurna range. Highlights may include a stroll along Phewa Lake, a visit to Devi's Fall, and a peek of the tranquil World Peace Pagoda, set atop a hill overlooking the city. This day combines relaxing sightseeing with natural beauty, preparing you for the spiritual and exciting experiences that await you on your Himalayan trek.

Day 3 : Drive from Pokhara to Kagbeni

On the third day of your tour, head from Pokhara to Kagbeni, the gateway to the mythical Upper Mustang region. The drive is intriguing, taking you from lush, green valleys to barren landscapes and harsh Himalayan hills. Along the route, you will pass through lovely villages, terraced farms, and winding rivers, experiencing Nepal's various natural and cultural landscapes. Kagbeni, located on the outskirts of Upper Mustang, is a historic settlement that embodies traditional Tibetan culture and architecture. Stroll through small alleyways lined with historic stone buildings, visit local monasteries, and immerse yourself in the distinctive culture of this high-altitude desert settlement. This day's travel mixes picturesque driving with cultural exploration, priming you for the spiritual and daring adventures that await you in Muktinath and the neighboring Mustang region.

Day 4 : Darshan at Muktinath Temple and drive return to Pokhara

Day four is the pinnacle of your spiritual adventure, as you visit the ancient Muktinath Temple (3,800m), one of the most venerated pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists. After an early start, you'll head to the temple, where devotees seek Lord Vishnu's blessings and perform rituals at the 108 water spouts and everlasting flame, which represent purity and emancipation. The tranquil location of Muktinath, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and stunning scenery, fosters a sense of deep calm and devotion. After completing your darshan (holy visit) and absorbing the spiritual essence of Muktinath, you will start your scenic trip back to Pokhara. The travel provides another opportunity to observe the different scenery, ranging from barren mountain terrain to fertile lowlands, before arriving in Pokhara for a quiet evening by the tranquil lake. This day perfectly combines holy devotion with the natural grandeur of Nepal's Himalayan mountains.

Day 5 : Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

After breakfast in Pokhara, begin the picturesque ride back to Kathmandu. The route takes you over meandering highways that follow the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers, with vistas of terraced farmlands, verdant hills, and lovely villages in the background. It's a peaceful journey that highlights Nepal's agricultural splendor, providing a contrast to the mountain scenery you saw earlier on the trip. After arriving in Kathmandu, check into your accommodation and relax for the evening. You can rest, visit surrounding markets, or simply ponder on the spiritual and cultural highlights of your trip. This day combines the natural beauty of Pokhara with Kathmandu's lively heritage, laying the groundwork for the approaching Shivaratri Festival celebrations.

Day 6 : Explore Kathmandu Valley & Shivaratri Puja at Pashupatinath Mandir

Day six is both culturally enriching and spiritually uplifting. Begin the morning with a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley, where you will explore some of its most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visit ancient temples, royal courtyards, and sacred stupas, each reflecting centuries of artistry, tradition, and devotion. Highlights may include Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square, where you can witness the timeless blend of Hindu and Buddhist culture that defines Kathmandu. In the evening, the focus shifts to the grand celebration of Maha Shivaratri at Pashupatinath Mandir, one of the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva. Thousands of devotees, saints, and pilgrims from across Nepal and India gather along the banks of the Bagmati River for an unforgettable night of devotion. Witness the mesmerizing Shivaratri Puja ceremony, where priests offer sacred light and chant hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva. Throughout the night, the temple is alive with prayers, devotional songs, and the spiritual energy of the Tandava dance, creating an experience of deep cultural and religious significance.

Day 7 : Rest and Shopping Day

After several days of travel, sightseeing, and spiritual experiences, Day 7 is set aside for you to unwind and enjoy at your own pace. Begin your morning with a leisurely breakfast and spend some time relaxing at your hotel or exploring the city's lively streets. Later in the day, you'll be able to shop in Kathmandu's lively markets, such as Thamel, Ason Bazaar, and New Road, where you can find anything from traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, and Thanka paintings to pashmina shawls, jewelry, and local spices. This is the ideal time to purchase unique presents or souvenirs that reflect Nepal's rich culture and workmanship. The day provides the opportunity to relax, explore, and prepare for the end of your journey. It’s a perfect chance to appreciate the last minutes of Kathmandu’s bustling environment before your departure.

Day 8 : Final Departure

Your memorable 7 Nights 8 Days Kathmandu–Pokhara–Muktinath and Shivaratri Festival Tour comes to an end today. After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy some last moments of leisure in Kathmandu—relaxing at the hotel or strolling through nearby streets for a final taste of the city’s vibrant culture. At the scheduled time, our representative from Himalayan Yoga And Excursion will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. As you depart, you will carry with you unforgettable memories of spiritual experiences, cultural encounters, and the natural beauty of Nepal. We hope this journey leaves you inspired and connected, and we look forward to welcoming you again for future adventures in the Himalayas.

SERVICES

COST INCLUDE

Twin-sharing accommodation (2–3 star hotels, 7 nights)
Daily breakfast, some lunches/dinners (15–18 meals total)
Private AC vehicle (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Muktinath round trip, jeep for off-road)
Airport transfers
Guided sightseeing (Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pokhara sites, Muktinath)
English-speaking guide for cultural/festival activities
Permits (ACAP, TIMS, monument entry fees)
Shivaratri festival coordination (priority darshan, prasad)
Bottled water (500ml daily)
Government taxes (13% VAT)

COST EXCLUDE

Nepal visa and international flights
Personal expenses (tips, laundry, souvenirs, phone calls)
Meals not specified (extra lunches/dinners, beverages, alcohol)
Optional activities (Phewa Lake boating, Manakamana cable car, paragliding, helicopter)
Travel insurance and personal medications
Camera/drone permits at temples
Special pujas/offerings at Muktinath or Shivaratri
Single room supplement
Jeep surcharges for small groups
Costs due to weather delays (e.g., Jomsom flights)

EQUIPMENTS

Certainly! The 7 Nights 8 Days Explore Kathmandu-Pokhara-Muktinath and Shivaratri Festival Tour with Himalayan Yoga And Excursion provides the ideal combination of spiritual exploration, cultural immersion, and Himalayan adventure. To ensure a safe and enjoyable vacation — from touring Kathmandu's historic temples to witnessing the sacred rites of Muktinath and celebrating the Shivaratri Festival — it is critical to have the proper kit. Here's a classified list of crucial goods you may require:

Clothing:
- Warm layers for mornings and evenings, especially in Muktinath.
- Comfortable trekking shoes or walking shoes.
- Lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker.
- Modest attire for temple visits (cover shoulders and knees).
Accessories:
- Sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen.
- Daypack for daily excursions.
- Water bottle and personal snacks.
Electronics & Documentation:
- Camera or smartphone for photography.
- Chargers, power bank, and travel adapter.
- Passport, travel insurance, and necessary permits.
Health & Hygiene:
- Personal medications, first-aid kit, and hand sanitizer.
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes).