Sunset and Sunrise Tour

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, a friendly airport representative will warmly welcome you. From there, we take charge of all your travel needs. Our team ensures a seamless check-in process at your designated hotel, prioritizing your comfort and convenience. With no scheduled activities for the day, you have the freedom to explore the nearby surroundings on foot or enjoy some well-deserved relaxation in the comfort of your rooms.

After breakfast, our guide and private vehicle will pick you up at around 9 am. We will visit 4 most popular UNESCO heritage sites today. The sites we visit are as follows:

Swayambhunath

Swayambhunath, a highly revered Buddhist site, sits atop a hillock 3 km west of Kathmandu. The base of the hill is adorned with prayer wheels and deities. The name "Swayambhu" translates to self-sprung, with the belief that the stupa spontaneously emerged like a lotus from the once vast Kathmandu lake. The premises house numerous shrines and monasteries. The hilltop Swayambhu Stupa can be accessed via a steep stone step or a motor road reaching almost to the summit. The steep stairs pose a considerable challenge. From the top, a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley unfolds. The site is also home to a local population of monkeys, leading some to dub it the "Monkey Temple affectionately."

Patan

Patan, or "Lalitpur," is a city situated 5 km southeast of Kathmandu. The heart of this city, Patan Durbar Square, is a UNESCO world heritage site and the oldest city in Nepal. Within the square stands the Krishna Temple, crafted entirely from stones, boasting mesmerizing carvings and architectural details. Pagoda temples, representing the zenith of Nepali architecture, dominate Patan Durbar Square. The streets of Patan exude an old-world charm, with narrow paths and vibrant brick houses. 

Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa, located on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley, is an ancient Buddhist stupa. It ranks among the world's largest spherical stupas and holds UNESCO world heritage status, drawing both tourists and Buddhist devotees. Tibetan texts attribute the stupa's construction to the 5th century, while locals in Kathmandu believe it was built during the early Licchavi King's reign. Numerous monasteries, including Kopan and Fulhari, surround the stupa, known for Tibetan learning and meditation. The area is bustling with street vendors offering traditional Buddhist art and souvenirs. 

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple holds immense significance as a holy pilgrimage for Hindu devotees worldwide. It stands among the largest and oldest Hindu temples globally, with a history dating back to 400 CE. Designated as one of Nepal's seven UNESCO world heritage sites, the temple graces the banks of the sacred Bagmati river. Dedicated to Lord Pasupati, an incarnation of the Hindu God Shiva as the "lord of the animals," the temple has a legend associated with it. According to the tale, Lord Shiva and Parvati once assumed the form of antelopes in the Bagmati river's forest. One of their broken horns is now said to be a divine linga at Pashupatinath. The site comprises 518 mini-temples and a central pagoda house. Nearby, sacred temples like Guhyeshwari Temple and Gorakhnath Temple add to the spiritual aura.  

Having covered all these sites, we'll then travel to Nagarkot for an overnight stay, approximately an hour's drive from Kathmandu. 

Nagarkot

Nagarkot, famed for its sunrise views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest and other peaks in eastern Nepal, also provides glimpses of the Kathmandu Valley. The site reveals an extensive panorama of the Himalayas, showcasing eight of Nepal's thirteen Himalayan ranges, such as Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Jugal, Rolwaling, Mahalangur (Everest) and Numbur. Overlooking the Kathmandu Valley and Shivapuri National Park, Nagarkot offers hiking opportunities for nature lovers, including the popular Nagarkot eco trail (nature walk) and Nagarkot panoramic hiking trail.

Arriving at Nagarkot, we head to the observation tower, only 65 steps from the parking area. From this high point, we take in the breathtaking view of the world's tallest mountains. We witness the enchanting sight of the setting sun delicately disappearing behind the mountain peaks, casting a warm golden-brown glow over the vast Himalayan range. Afterward, we go to our hotel, have dinner, and rest for the night.

As dawn unfolds over Nagarkot, a breathtaking sight emerges in the sky. We can enjoy the view from our hotel or walk to the Nagarkot View Tower. The first rays of sunlight gently touch the horizon, warming the world with golden hues. The mountains, veiled in night's mystery, gradually reveal their majestic shapes in the soft light. We enjoyed the captivating view and had breakfast.

Our next destination is Bhaktapur, where we'll delve into ancient Newari architecture. It takes about half an hour to reach Bhaktapur from Nagarkot. Let's have a look at the places we will visit in Bhaktapur.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once the home of the Bhaktapur royal family. Also called Khwopa, it has four different squares – Taumadhi Square, Durbar Square, Pottery Square, and Dattatreya Square. Visitors can explore the royal palaces, temples, and ancient structures from the 17th and 18th centuries here.

55 Windows Palace

Constructed by King Jitamitra Malla to honor his 55 wives, the Palace of Fifty-five Windows features a window for each spouse. Dating back to the 18th century, this architectural marvel stands as a symbol of love.

Nyatapola Temple

Nyatapola Temple is an ancient temple dating back to the 18th century. It holds the distinction of being the tallest building in the valley and the country's tallest temple. Constructed in 1702, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Siddhi Lakshmi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati.

Bhaktapur is known for "Juju Dhau," which translates to "The King Yogurt" in Newari. It's a sweet custard with a yogurt-like taste. You can enjoy this treat and other Newari foods in the area. After a satisfying lunch in Bhaktapur, we head to Chandragiri. 

About Chandragiri

Situated southwest of the capital, Kathmandu, Chandragiri Hill is a beautiful location offering panoramic views of the Kathmandu valley and the Himalayan ranges from Annapurna to Everest. Prithvi Narayan Shah, the king of the Shah dynasty, observed the Kathmandu Valley from Chandragiri Hill during Nepal's unification campaign, shaping the country's state formation. A statue of Prithvi Narayan Shah stands on the hill and attracts visitors who often take pictures with it. The Bhaleshwar Mahadev temple in the area is a religious attraction for Hindus. 

At Chandragiri, a cable car station takes you to the hill's summit, providing panoramic views of Kathmandu and glimpses of the Himalayan range. The 2.5 km cable car ride takes 9 to 14 minutes, depending on the wind speed. Experiencing this thrilling ride, we enjoy the mesmerizing sunset from the top of the hill before returning to our hotel and concluding our day's journey.

After breakfast, we catch our bus to Pokhara around 9 or even earlier (as per your wish). The car departs from Kathmandu, offering views of lush valleys, terraced fields, and traditional villages. The journey follows the Trishuli River, where turbulent waters carve through rocky terrain. The car stops several times en route, allowing us to stretch and appreciate local culture at roadside tea stalls or markets. The changing scenery reflects the transition from the bustling capital city to the serene landscapes around Pokhara. As the car nears Pokhara, anticipation builds for the first glimpses of Phewa Lake and the iconic Annapurna mountain ranges. We will stay overnight preferably at a lakeside hotel in Pokhara. 

We'll rise early, around 4 or 5 am, and head to Sarangkot in a jeep. 

Sarangkot

Sarangkot village is renowned for its spectacular sunrise and sunset panoramas of Annapurna, also serving as a prime paragliding launch site. Situated at an elevation of 1600 meters above sea level, the village provides an optimal location to capture enchanting vistas of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, the Manaslu Mountain Ranges, and the Pokhara Valley.  Notably, the village is renowned for hosting one of the world's fastest Ziplines. Additionally, a prominent viewpoint is situated at the site of an ancient fort, accessible by a brief ascent from the main village.

The roads are usually clear in the early morning and the drive takes about 30 minutes. We'll visit two places: the viewpoint and the summit. The viewpoint offers glimpses of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, while the summit provides a 360-degree panoramic view.

After covering both spots and having breakfast, we'll return to Pokhara. Next, we'll go boating on Phewa Lake, the second-largest lake in Nepal. The lake reflects the majestic Machhapuchhre, featuring a charming island in the middle. We can choose from various boat types, including driven boats, rowboats, and sailboats. After a relaxing hour or two on the lake, we'll have lunch and drive to Kande, approximately taking 45 minutes to an hour. 

Upon reaching Kande, we'll start a hike to Australian Camp, which takes around an hour and a half. The path for hiking from Kande to Australian Camp is in good condition and efficiently maintained, with a stone-paved old trekking trail making for an easily traversable route.

Australian Camp

Australian Camp is in the northwestern part of Pokhara Valley. At an elevation of 2060 meters above sea level, it provides a magnificent view of mountain ranges and the surrounding area. The place offers a splendid view of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli on the right, along with the majestic Machhapuchhre, dominating the entire landscape. It is also an ideal spot for meditation and yoga, free from the noise of vehicles and crowds.

Prepare for an amazing experience at Australian Camp. We'll see the beautiful colors of the sunset, giving us a clear view of the big mountains. As the day ends, we'll finish our evening with a satisfying dinner, and then we'll spend the night at Australian Camp in its peaceful surroundings.

After breakfast at Australian Camp, we'll head out to enjoy the magnificent sunrise. A hiker shared, "The sunrise is magical—one of the best ones I've seen! There was an incredible mix of reds, oranges, and pinks melting into the cool blue hues of the Himalayas." The Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, and Manaslu range proudly stand on the horizon, creating a breathtaking tableau against lush green hills. We'll then journey back to Pokhara. Today, we'll explore the city's attractions, stopping at famous locations. These places have rich cultural stories and scenic beauty, allowing us to experience the essence of Pokhara.

Stop 1: Gupteshwor Cave

Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, situated just 2 km from Pokhara Airport, is a sacred Hindu site and considered one of Nepal's longest caves, measuring 2950m. The entrance is across from Devi's Falls. Discovered in the 16th century by locals clearing grass, it was formally consecrated in 1992. Within the Dark Cave are shrines and statues dedicated to Shiva and other Hindu deities like Mahadev, Paravati, Nageswor, and Saraswati. Apart from its religious significance, the cave allows exploration of natural wonders. Walking slowly is advised due to slippery paths from waterfall drips. The cave is not recommended for senior citizens and children due to low light and wet narrow alleys.

We will head to Devi’s fall after exploring Gupteshwor Cave which is nearby.

Stop 2: Devi’s Fall

Devi's/Davis Waterfall stands out from other waterfalls in the country because of its distinctive natural occurrence. It signifies the spot where the Pardi Khola stream vanishes beneath the ground, leaving no trace of its presence. On July 1961, Mrs. Davis, a Swiss lady, was swept away by a sudden flood from Fewa Lake while bathing with her husband. Since then, this place has been called Devi's Falls. The waterfall is in a fast-moving river in a narrow canyon, going underground and through caves after the falls. It's also known as 'Patale Chhango' in Nepali, meaning underground waterfall.

After enjoying the chill breeze at the waterfall we head towards our next destination for the day. It will take about 15 mins to reach Peace Pagoda. 

Stop 3: Peace Pagoda (Sunset)

The Peace Pagoda in Pokhara, also known as Shanti Stupa, is one of 80 Peace Pagodas worldwide. These structures aim to promote global peace and unity. Completed in 1996, this Pagoda is the result of collaboration between Japanese Buddhist monks and the local Nepalese community. Located atop Anadu Hill, the stupa symbolizes harmony, honoring the teachings of Lord Buddha and his enduring message of peace. 

Upon arriving, we'll hike briefly to the Pagoda. We'll explore the well-kept grounds, grasp its history, and enjoy the stunning views. Spending time meditating or sitting quietly, we'll absorb the peaceful atmosphere. Our guide will share insights into the spiritual significance. As the sun sets, we'll position to witness vibrant hues enveloping the Annapurna Himalayan Range.

Optional Stop: Pumdikot

We can spend an hour or two at Peace Pagoda, then choose to go back or take a detour to Pumdikot, about 10 minutes away. The spot has a viewpoint at an altitude of 1500 m and features the second tallest Shiva statue in Nepal, following the Kailashnath Mahadev Statue.

After discovering much of what Pokhara has, we'll head back to our hotel to enjoy a pleasant dinner before retiring for the night.

The seventh day signals our return to Kathmandu, wrapping up our adventure. The drive provides an opportunity to ponder the experiences gathered during our exploration. Also, for those desiring more adventure, there's the choice of a Chitwan Jungle Safari.

After completing the Sunrise-Sunset Tour, it's time to say goodbye to Nepal. Three hours prior to your scheduled international flight to your next destination, you will be transported to the international airport. Should you desire to explore more of the captivating destinations Nepal has to offer, you have the option to extend your stay. We genuinely hope you have enjoyed our time together and kindly consider recommending us to your friends and family.