Nepal Luxury Himalayan Escape
Eight days through the two faces of Nepal — the temple-studded valley of Kathmandu and the lakeside calm of Pokhara — from 5-star hotels and a private Everest mountain flight to sunrise over the Annapurna range, with every transfer, hotel and moment of sightseeing arranged around you.
The Himalayas, without the compromises
Nepal rewards travellers who go deep — but it doesn't have to mean hostels and long bus rides. This eight-day itinerary is built for guests who want the country's defining experiences — its UNESCO temple squares, its mountain panoramas, its lakeside calm — delivered through premium hotels, private transfers and a curated pace that leaves room to actually enjoy where you are.
You'll spend your first days in Kathmandu, tracing the valley's living heritage through Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath, with a sunrise scenic flight past Everest and the Eastern Himalayas along the way. Then it's on to Pokhara, where the pace slows: Phewa Lake at your doorstep, the Annapurna range framing every view, and a sunrise from Sarangkot that's widely rated among the best mountain views reachable without a trek.
Every hotel, transfer and included sightseeing stop is arranged before you land. Want it more private, longer in Pokhara, or built around a specific interest — spa, photography, a proposal? This itinerary is the framework; we shape the rest around you.
What makes this Luxury, not just a tour
A scenic flight past Everest
An early-morning mountain flight from Kathmandu that traces the Eastern Himalayan skyline — Everest included on clear mornings, alongside Lhotse, Makalu and a run of 8,000m giants — with a guaranteed window seat and no trekking required. Weather-dependent, like any mountain flight.
Kathmandu's UNESCO heritage circuit
Durbar Square's palace complex, the hilltop Swayambhunath stupa, the great mandala of Boudhanath and the sacred riverside temples of Pashupatinath — four of the valley's seven UNESCO-listed sites, covered with a private guide over two unhurried days.
Sarangkot sunrise over the Annapurnas
A pre-dawn drive to the hilltop viewpoint above Pokhara for one of Nepal's most-rated sunrise views — the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and the fishtail peak of Machhapuchhre catching the first light, with Phewa Lake and the valley below.
Premium hotels & private transport throughout
5-star and boutique-luxury properties in both cities , private vehicles with driver for every transfer and excursion, and a pace with real downtime — not a coach schedule.
Your 8-day itinerary
Two cities, a considered pace, and space to breathe between the mountain views — with breakfast daily and every listed transfer included.
You're met at Tribhuvan International Airport and transferred privately to your hotel in the Kathmandu valley. The rest of the day is yours to settle in and adjust — many guests spend the evening exploring Thamel's lanes or simply resting after the flight in, ready for an early start tomorrow.
A pre-dawn hotel pickup for the one-hour scenic mountain flight along the Eastern Himalayan range, with a guaranteed window seat and views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Ama Dablam when skies are clear. Back on the ground by mid-morning, spend the afternoon at Kathmandu Durbar Square — the former royal palace complex, its pagoda temples and courtyards forming one of the valley's three UNESCO-listed Durbar Squares — followed by Swayambhunath, the hilltop stupa known for its panoramic view over the city.
Morning at Boudhanath, one of the largest spherical stupas in the world and the spiritual centre of Kathmandu's Tibetan Buddhist community — walk the circumambulation path among prayer wheels and rooftop cafés. In the afternoon, Pashupatinath, Nepal's most significant Hindu temple complex on the banks of the Bagmati River, viewed respectfully with your guide explaining its rituals and history. Evening at leisure, with dinner arranged at your hotel or a recommended restaurant.
A short domestic flight west to Pokhara , trading the valley's temple crowds for lake, mountain air and a noticeably slower rhythm. Check in to your lakeside hotel, then spend the afternoon at Phewa Lake — a boat out to the island Tal Barahi Temple, or simply time by the water with the Annapurna range as backdrop.
A pre-dawn drive up to Sarangkot, Pokhara's premier viewpoint at around 1,600m, for sunrise over the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and the distinctive fishtail silhouette of Machhapuchhre, with Phewa Lake and the valley waking up below. Back at the hotel for a late breakfast, then the rest of the day is open — the World Peace Pagoda, Devi's Fall and the Old Bazaar are all easy half-day options your guide can arrange, or simply rest at your hotel.
A day built around what you're here for. Popular add-ons include paragliding over Phewa Lake, a spa afternoon, a private photography walk around the lakeside, or a half-day trip to the World Peace Pagoda for another angle on the Annapurna panorama. Tell us what interests you when you enquire and we'll curate the day around it.
A short flight back to Kathmandu, with the rest of the day free for last-minute shopping in Thamel, a final temple visit, or simply resting before your departure tomorrow. We can arrange a farewell dinner at a heritage courtyard restaurant if you'd like to close the trip on a high note.
A final breakfast before your private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Want to extend into the Chitwan lowlands, an Annapurna trek, or a longer Pokhara stay? Let us know and we'll build it into your itinerary.
Indicative itinerary. The exact order of sightseeing, flight times and transfers is confirmed at the time of booking and may adapt to weather, flight schedules and local conditions. Mountain flights and sunrise viewpoints depend on clear skies — spectacular views are common but never guaranteed.
What's included — and what's not
Clear from the start, so there are no surprises when you travel.
Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- Daily breakfast
- Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- Intercity transfers where applicable
- Sightseeing as listed in the itinerary
- Selected entrance fees
- Local assistance throughout
Not included
- International flights (unless stated)
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Meals not stated in the itinerary
- Optional activities & hotel upgrades
- Tips & gratuities
Before you go
Best time to visit
Nepal's clearest mountain views come in autumn (October–November) and spring (March–April), when both the Everest mountain flight and Sarangkot sunrise have the best odds of clear skies. Summer brings the monsoon, with more cloud and flight delays.
Currency
The Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Cards are accepted at most hotels and higher-end restaurants in Kathmandu and Pokhara; carry cash for temples, markets and smaller vendors.
Mountain flights & weather
The Everest mountain flight and Sarangkot sunrise both depend on clear conditions. Flights operate year-round but can be delayed or rescheduled for weather — we build a little flexibility into the itinerary and most operators offer a rescheduled flight or refund if it's cancelled outright.
Visas & documents
Most nationalities can obtain a Nepal visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport, though requirements and fees vary by passport. Please verify based on your own nationality before you travel — we're happy to point you to the right official source.
What to pack
Layers — Kathmandu and Pokhara sit at moderate altitude and mornings can be cool, especially for the pre-dawn Sarangkot sunrise. Modest, covered clothing for temple visits, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket for the mountain flight's early departure.
Getting between Kathmandu & Pokhara
This itinerary is built around a domestic flight between the two cities — a scenic, time-efficient alternative to the multi-hour road transfer. Let us know if you'd prefer the drive instead; it can be arranged as a private car with a scenic stop along the way.
From temple square to mountain lake
Good to have answered
Is the US$1,399 price per person? What does it cover?
Yes — that's a starting price, per person, for the 8-day itinerary based on twin-share accommodation. It covers your hotels, daily breakfast, airport and listed transfers, the sightseeing in the itinerary, selected entrance fees and local assistance. The final figure depends on your travel dates, chosen hotels, group size and whether the Everest mountain flight and Kathmandu–Pokhara flights are bundled or quoted separately, so we confirm an exact, itemised quote when you enquire.
Will we definitely see Everest on the mountain flight, or the Annapurnas from Sarangkot?
Both are scheduled at the times of day with the best odds — early morning, before cloud typically builds. Views are common, especially in the clearer autumn and spring months, but neither can be guaranteed, since both depend on weather. If the mountain flight is cancelled for visibility, operators typically offer a reschedule or refund.
Are international flights or the Everest mountain flight included?
International flights into Kathmandu aren't included unless specifically stated in your quote. The Everest mountain flight is built into this itinerary as a signature experience, but we'll confirm in writing whether it's bundled into your quoted price or itemised as an add-on, along with the domestic Kathmandu–Pokhara flight.
Can this itinerary be customised or run privately?
Yes — this is a template, not a fixed package. Extend your time in Pokhara, add a short Chitwan safari, upgrade hotels further, or build the whole trip around a specific occasion. Tell us what you have in mind and we'll shape it around you.
Will altitude be an issue on this trip?
No trekking or high-altitude overnight stays are involved in this itinerary. Kathmandu sits at roughly 1,400m and Pokhara at around 800m — both comfortable for the vast majority of travellers, with no acclimatisation needed. Sarangkot's viewpoint, at about 1,600m, is a short drive and walk, not a climb.
Do I need a visa for Nepal?
Most nationalities can arrange a visa on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, but requirements, fees and validity vary by passport. Please verify based on your own nationality before you travel — we're glad to point you to the right official source.
How do I book or get a quote?
Send us an enquiry with your rough dates and traveller numbers and we'll come back with a tailored, itemised quote and next steps. There's no obligation, and no payment needed to get a proposal.
Let's plan your Nepal escape
Tell us your dates and who's travelling. We'll send back a tailored itinerary and a clear, itemised quote — with the flexibility to make it exactly the trip you want.