Things to Do in Nepal: Kathmandu and Pokhara Picks

Quick answer

The best things to do in Nepal on a Kathmandu–Pokhara trip are the evening aarti at Pashupatinath, the Boudhanath and Swayambhunath stupas, the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, sunrise over the Annapurnas from Sarangkot, boating on Phewa Lake and an Everest mountain flight. Paragliding is Pokhara's top adventure. Indians pay lower SAARC entry fees at most heritage sites.

13 things worth your time in Nepal

01
Pashupatinath Temple and evening aarti
Landmark
Nepal's holiest Shiva temple on the Bagmati. Hindus can enter the main courtyard, and the evening aarti on the ghats is open to everyone.
2–3 hoursIndian visitors are usually not charged; other foreigners pay about NPR 1,000 (₹625)
Do not photograph cremations at Arya Ghat — it is considered disrespectful.
02
Boudhanath Stupa
Landmark
One of the largest stupas in the world, ringed by Tibetan monasteries, butter-lamp shops and rooftop cafés. Walk the circuit clockwise with pilgrims at dusk.
1.5–2 hoursAbout NPR 100–400 (₹60–250), depending on nationality
Rooftop cafés facing the stupa give the best sunset photos.
03
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
Landmark
A hilltop stupa painted with the Buddha's eyes, with a wide view over the Kathmandu valley at the top of 365 steps.
1.5 hoursAbout NPR 50–200 (₹30–125), depending on nationality
Monkeys grab food and sunglasses. A road reaches the western entrance if steps are hard.
04
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Landmark
The old royal square with pagoda temples, the Kumari Ghar (home of the living goddess) and Hanuman Dhoka palace. Some temples are still being rebuilt after the 2015 earthquake.
2 hoursAbout NPR 150 (₹95) for SAARC nationals; about NPR 1,000 for others
A licensed guide at the entrance costs about NPR 1,000–1,500 and brings the stories alive.
05
Patan Durbar Square
Landmark
The best preserved of the three royal squares, with the stone Krishna Mandir and the Patan Museum, one of the finest museums in South Asia.
2–3 hoursAbout NPR 250 (₹155) for SAARC nationals; about NPR 1,000 for others
The museum's courtyard café is a quiet lunch stop.
06
Bhaktapur
Landmark
A medieval Newar town with three squares, the five-tiered Nyatapola temple and a potters' square. Try juju dhau, the creamy 'king curd', served in a clay pot.
Half dayAbout NPR 500 (₹310) for SAARC nationals; NPR 1,800 for others
The ticket is valid for several days — keep it if you plan to return.
07
Everest mountain flight
Experience
A dawn flight along the Himalaya from Kathmandu, with views of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. The easiest way for families and seniors to see Everest.
1 hourAbout ₹12,000–20,000 per person (fares vary by nationality)
Flights are cancelled in cloud, so book for your first or second morning and keep a spare.
08
Sarangkot sunrise, Pokhara
Nature
Watch first light hit Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range from a hilltop above Phewa Lake.
3 hoursFree; taxi about NPR 1,500–2,500 (₹940–1,560) return
Leave by 5 am in autumn; clouds usually build by mid-morning.
09
Phewa Lake boating and Tal Barahi temple
Experience
Row out to the island temple of Tal Barahi, with the mountains reflected in the water on calm mornings.
1–2 hoursBoat about NPR 600–1,000 (₹375–625) an hour
Go early for still water; the lakeside promenade is lovely in the evening too.
10
Paragliding in Pokhara
Experience
Tandem flights from Sarangkot glide over Phewa Lake with the Annapurnas behind — among the most popular paragliding spots in Asia.
2 hours (20–30 minutes airborne)About ₹5,000–8,000 per person
Book a licensed operator; flights stop in poor weather and strong wind.
11
World Peace Pagoda
Landmark
A white Japanese-built stupa on a ridge above Phewa Lake, looking over Pokhara town to the Annapurnas.
2 hoursFree
Cross the lake by boat and walk up in about 45 minutes, or drive almost to the top.
12
Manakamana cable car
Day trip
A cable car from Kurintar on the Kathmandu–Pokhara highway climbs to Manakamana temple, where devotees pray for wishes to be granted.
2–3 hoursAbout ₹1,000–2,000 return, depending on nationality fare
Queues are long on Saturdays and festival days; go on a weekday.
13
Thamel evening
Shopping
Kathmandu's travellers' quarter for trekking gear, singing bowls, thangka paintings and rooftop restaurants.
2–3 hoursFree
Bargain — first prices are often double. Many 'pashmina' shawls are acrylic blends.

How to split your time in Nepal

Most first trips pair the Kathmandu valley (three days) with Pokhara (two days). The valley has seven UNESCO-listed monument zones within an hour of each other: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, and Changu Narayan. Pokhara is for lake and mountain views and soft adventure. The two are about 200 km apart — six to eight hours by road or a 25-minute flight. If anyone gets carsick, fly.

What do Indians pay at heritage sites?

As SAARC nationals, Indian passport holders pay much less than other foreigners at most sites — for example about NPR 500 at Bhaktapur against NPR 1,800 for others. Carry your passport or voter ID to show at the counter. Fees are charged in Nepali rupees; Indian rupees are widely accepted at the fixed rate of ₹1 = NPR 1.6, and after a 2026 Nepal Rastra Bank notice, ₹200 and ₹500 notes can be carried up to ₹25,000 per person.

Best experiences by traveller type

Senior citizens: Pashupatinath aarti, the Everest mountain flight, the Manakamana cable car and Phewa Lake boating.
Families with children: Swayambhunath's monkeys, Bhaktapur's potters' square and Pokhara's lakeside.
Friends and couples: paragliding, Sarangkot sunrise, Thamel evenings and a short hike to Australian Camp.

Plan the rest of your trip

Mountain views depend on the season — see the best time to visit Nepal. Our 6-day Nepal itinerary puts these sights in order, where to stay in Kathmandu helps you pick a base, and the Nepal trip cost guide covers flights and fees. ID rules are in the Nepal visa guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can non-Hindus enter Pashupatinath Temple?

Only Hindus are allowed inside the main temple courtyard, and Indian visitors are generally admitted without question. Everyone else can walk the ghats, the surrounding shrines and the terraces across the Bagmati, which give a good view of the temple roof and the evening aarti.

Is the Everest mountain flight worth it?

Yes, for anyone who will not trek. In about an hour you fly along the Himalaya, and each passenger gets a turn at the cockpit for a view of Everest. It only works in clear weather, so book it early in your stay and keep a spare morning in case it is cancelled.

Is paragliding in Pokhara safe?

Tandem paragliding in Pokhara has a good record with licensed operators and certified pilots. Flights are short and gentle, and weight limits apply. Avoid cheap street deals, check that insurance is included, and skip it if you have back, neck or heart problems.

How we checked this page

Last reviewed 28 October 2026

Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.