Nepal’s Grand Circle: Temples, Mountains & Village Life in 10 Days
Trip Highlights:
- Visit Kathmandu’s famous temples: Boudhanath, Pashupatinath & Swayambhunath
- Take a 25-minute scenic flight with mountain views
- Stay in a real Gurung village and learn their traditions
- Sleep in a mountain teahouse like trekkers do
- Try apple brandy in Marpha, the Apple Capital of Nepal
- Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple (3,800m)
- Relax in natural hot springs at Tatopani
- Drive through the world’s deepest gorge
- Ride a cable car to Manakamana Temple
- See amazing views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri & Fishtail Mountain
Perfect for: Anyone who wants to see real Nepal – families, culture lovers, photographers, and people seeking spiritual experiences.
QUICK ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Day
Destination
Activities
Day 1
Kathmandu
Arrival, Boudhanath Stupa visit
Day 2
Kathmandu
Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Durbar Square
Day 3
Pokhara
Scenic flight, Phewa Lake, Tal Barahi Temple
Day 4
Ghandruk
4WD drive to Gurung village, mountain views
Day 5
Marpha
Gurung Museum, scenic drive through Kali Gandaki Gorge
Day 6
Tatopani
Muktinath Temple, Dhumba Lake, hot springs
Day 7
Pokhara
Drive back to Pokhara, free time
Day 8
Pokhara
Sarangkot sunrise, Peace Pagoda, Devi’s Fall
Day 9
Kathmandu
Manakamana Temple cable car, return to Kathmandu
Day 10
Departure
Airport transfer
| Day | Destination | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kathmandu | Arrival, Boudhanath Stupa visit |
| Day 2 | Kathmandu | Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Durbar Square |
| Day 3 | Pokhara | Scenic flight, Phewa Lake, Tal Barahi Temple |
| Day 4 | Ghandruk | 4WD drive to Gurung village, mountain views |
| Day 5 | Marpha | Gurung Museum, scenic drive through Kali Gandaki Gorge |
| Day 6 | Tatopani | Muktinath Temple, Dhumba Lake, hot springs |
| Day 7 | Pokhara | Drive back to Pokhara, free time |
| Day 8 | Pokhara | Sarangkot sunrise, Peace Pagoda, Devi’s Fall |
| Day 9 | Kathmandu | Manakamana Temple cable car, return to Kathmandu |
| Day 10 | Departure | Airport transfer |
BEST TIME TO VISIT
| Season | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Best Time (October–November, March–April) | Clear skies, great weather, comfortable temperature (15–25°C). October has Dashain and Tihar festivals, while spring brings colorful flowers everywhere. |
| Spring (March–May) | Perfect weather for mountains with clear views and mild temperatures. You might see Holi and Buddha’s Birthday celebrations. |
| Rainy Season (June–August) | Fewer tourists and cheaper prices, but rain can make roads muddy and views cloudy. The landscape is lush and green. |
| Winter (December–February) | Extremely clear mountain views but very cold, especially in high areas like Muktinath (as low as -10°C). Warm clothing is essential. |
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
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Arrival: Meet our Debyani Tours representative at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel.
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Afternoon: Orientation and trip briefing.
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Evening Visit: Explore Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world’s largest Buddhist monuments. Join local pilgrims in clockwise walking, spin prayer wheels, and admire butter lamps at sunset.
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Dinner: Rooftop restaurant with panoramic stupa view.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
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Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple, and observe traditional rituals by the Bagmati River.
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Climb to Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) for 360° views of the valley and its playful monkeys.
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Discover Kathmandu Durbar Square, home to ancient palaces, the Living Goddess Kumari, and centuries-old wood carvings.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
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Flight: 25-minute scenic flight to Pokhara with breathtaking mountain views (weather permitting).
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Activities: Stroll along Phewa Lake, take a boat ride to Tal Barahi Temple, and enjoy a peaceful lakeside sunset.
Accommodation: Hotel near Phewa Lake, Pokhara
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Drive: Scenic 4WD jeep ride to Ghandruk, a picturesque Gurung village.
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Highlights: Panoramic views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Fishtail Mountain.
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Experience: Explore steep stone streets, visit local homes, and enjoy authentic mountain hospitality.
Accommodation: Traditional mountain lodge in Ghandruk
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Morning: Visit the Gurung Museum to learn about Gurkha history and mountain culture.
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Drive: Journey through Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest gorge, to reach Marpha, the Apple Capital of Nepal.
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Evening: Explore clean whitewashed streets, taste apple brandy or pie, and enjoy village life.
Accommodation: Lodge in Marpha
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Morning: Drive to Muktinath Temple (3,800m), a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists. See 108 water spouts and the eternal flame.
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Stop: Visit Dhumba Lake, a peaceful turquoise sacred lake.
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Evening: Drive to Tatopani and soak in natural hot springs beside the river.
Accommodation: Lodge in Tatopani
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Route: Scenic drive following the Kali Gandaki River past terraced farms and small mountain settlements.
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Afternoon: Arrive in Pokhara. Relax by the lake or shop for souvenirs in the Lakeside area.
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
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Sunrise: Early morning drive to Sarangkot for golden sunrise views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
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Day Tour: Visit World Peace Pagoda, Devi’s Fall, and Gupteshwor Cave.
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Optional Activities: Paragliding, zip-lining, or ultra-light flight over Pokhara Valley.
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
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Morning Drive: Depart Pokhara and stop at Kurintar for a cable car ride to Manakamana Temple, dedicated to the wish-fulfilling goddess.
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Evening: Continue drive to Kathmandu. Enjoy a farewell dinner upon arrival.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
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Morning: Breakfast and final shopping time.
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Transfer: Our team will take you to the airport for your international flight with wonderful memories of Nepal.
End of Tour
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Round-trip flights (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu)
- Private 4WD Jeep for mountain areas
- 9 nights in comfortable hotels/lodges
- Breakfast every day
- English-speaking guide
- All permits for mountain areas
- Cable car tickets to Manakamana
- Entry fees for all temples and sites
- Government taxes
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Your flight to/from Nepal
- Nepal visa fees
- Lunch and dinner (except breakfast)
- Travel insurance
- Alcohol and extra drinks
- Tips for guide and driver
- Extra costs from bad weather or delays
BOOK NOW – See the Real Nepal!
Contact us today to book your trip through temples, mountains, and village life.
Important Things to Know
About Altitude:
Muktinath is at 3,800m (12,500 feet). Drink lots of water and tell your guide right away if you feel sick (headache, dizzy, or nauseous).
What to Pack:
Bring layers – from t-shirts to warm jackets. You need warm jacket, hat, gloves, sunscreen, good walking shoes, rain jacket, and basic medicine.
Road Conditions:
Mountain roads can be rough and bumpy. Sometimes we need to change plans because of weather or road problems.
Respect Local Culture:
Cover your shoulders and knees at temples. Take off shoes before entering religious places. Ask before taking photos of people.
Fitness Level:
You need to be able to walk and climb stairs. No special trekking skills needed, but basic fitness helps.
Take an amazing 10-day Nepal tour that shows you the real heart of the Himalayas. You’ll visit ancient temples, stay in traditional mountain villages, and see some of the world’s tallest peaks. Start in Kathmandu, where you’ll explore famous Buddhist stupas and Hindu temples. Then fly to Pokhara, a beautiful lake town with incredible mountain views.
Live like a local in Ghandruk village, home to the Gurung people and their unique culture. Drive through the dramatic Mustang region to visit Marpha village, famous for its apples and apple brandy. Pray at the holy Muktinath Temple (3,800m), where both Hindus and Buddhists come to worship. Soak in natural hot springs and watch the sunrise paint the Himalayan peaks golden.
This trip gives you everything Nepal has to offer. From busy city streets to quiet mountain villages, you’ll see why Nepal is such a special place.
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