Nepal is wonderfully varied, so this plan pairs Kathmandu Valley’s heritage with ’s mountain scenery. I’ve kept each day’s stops close together where possible; assuming “SE citizen” means a South-East Asian citizen, check current visa rules for your specific passport before booking.
Budget
Approximately NPR 35,000–65,000 per person for 5 days, excluding international flights, accommodation and personal shopping. The total depends mainly on your Kathmandu–Pokhara transport choice, meals and vehicle sharing.
Best time to visit
October–November for clear skies and comfortable weather, or March–April for spring blooms and generally pleasant conditions.
Kathmandu: Thamel and Kathmandu Durbar Square
Ease into the trip around central Kathmandu, with a walkable mix of historic sights, local food and a relaxed evening.
Morning
Explore
See the old royal palace complex and its temples. Allow about 15 minutes by taxi from , or walk roughly 20 minutes.
About NPR 1,000Afternoon
Visit the
Take a restful break in this historic garden; it’s about 15 minutes on foot from Durbar Square.
About NPR 400Evening
Dinner in
Return to in about 5 minutes by taxi, or 10–15 minutes on foot, for a choice of Nepali and international restaurants.
About NPR 1,000–2,000
Kathmandu: Swayambhu and Patan
Start at the hilltop stupa, then spend the rest of the day among Patan’s closely grouped squares, temples and craft shops.
Morning
Visit
Climb to the stupa for city views and a lively introduction to Nepalese Buddhist traditions. It’s around 15–25 minutes by taxi from , depending on traffic.
About NPR 200Afternoon
Explore
Head to Patan by taxi in about 25–40 minutes, then explore the palace courtyards and nearby lanes on foot.
About NPR 1,000Afternoon
Visit the
The museum is within the Durbar Square complex, just a few minutes’ walk away, and offers an excellent introduction to Nepalese art.
About NPR 250Evening
Have dinner in Patan
Stay in the square’s surrounding lanes for a relaxed meal; most nearby options are a 5–15 minute walk from the museum.
About NPR 1,000–2,000
Kathmandu: Boudhanath and Pashupatinath
Spend the day in eastern Kathmandu, visiting two major religious sites with time to enjoy the atmosphere around each.
Morning
Walk around
Join the gentle clockwise walk around the stupa and browse the surrounding shops. Allow about 25–40 minutes by taxi from central Kathmandu.
About NPR 400Afternoon
Explore
Travel by taxi in around 15–25 minutes to this important Hindu temple complex; follow local guidance and observe respectfully, especially near the river.
About NPR 1,000Evening
See the evening aarti at Pashupatinath
If the ceremony is running during your visit, stay at the temple complex for the evening ritual rather than making another cross-town trip. Confirm the schedule locally.
About Included with entry
Pokhara: Lakeside and Phewa Lake
Travel to and keep the first day easy, with a lakeside stroll and a calm boat ride if conditions allow.
Morning
Travel from Kathmandu to
A tourist bus usually takes about 7–9 hours, while a flight takes roughly 25 minutes in the air, plus airport time. Choose the option that suits your schedule and comfort.
About NPR 1,000–3,500 by bus; flights often NPR 8,000–15,000Afternoon
Stroll along
Settle into Lakeside and enjoy the waterfront; cafés and the main promenade are generally only a short walk away.
FreeEvening
Take a boat ride on
Hire a boat from the Lakeside shore for a gentle outing; allow a few minutes on foot from the promenade. Prices vary by boat, duration and season.
About NPR 500–1,500
Pokhara: Sarangkot and Lakeside
Enjoy an early Himalayan viewpoint, then return to Lakeside for a low-key final afternoon and dinner.
Morning
Watch sunrise from Sarangkot
Leave before dawn by taxi or arranged car; the drive from Lakeside usually takes about 30–45 minutes. Mountain visibility depends on weather.
About NPR 1,500–3,000 for a return vehicle, sharedAfternoon
Relax around Lakeside
Return from Sarangkot by car in around 30–45 minutes and take time for lunch, a gentle walk or souvenir browsing.
About NPR 800–1,500Evening
Enjoy a final dinner in Lakeside
Choose a restaurant along the waterfront, usually just a short walk from your hotel or the main promenade.
About NPR 1,000–2,000
Good to know
Passport and visa
Visa-on-arrival eligibility and fees depend on your exact passport. Check Nepal’s official immigration guidance before travel; do not assume South-East Asian citizens share the same rules.
Getting around
Kathmandu traffic can make short distances slow. Use a licensed taxi or a ride-hailing app where available, and allow extra time for airport transfers.
Temple etiquette
Dress modestly, ask before photographing people or ceremonies, and follow posted rules about footwear and restricted areas.
Weather and altitude
Mountain views are never guaranteed, so keep expectations flexible. This itinerary stays at relatively moderate elevations; take it easy if you feel unwell.
Prices
Entry fees, transport fares and schedules can change. Confirm current prices locally, and carry some Nepalese rupees for smaller purchases.