Lumbini & Pokhara
Trace the Buddha's birthplace and Pokhara's lakeside serenity in one journey.
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Kathmandu-direct pricing — no middleman markup.
This seven-day journey traces two of Nepal's defining experiences — the spiritual and the scenic. It begins in the Kathmandu Valley among UNESCO-listed temples and squares, rises to the hill station of Nagarkot for a Himalayan sunrise, then travels west to Pokhara, the country's lakeside resort beneath the Annapurna range. The pilgrimage heart of the trip is Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of gardens, the Maya Devi Temple, the Ashoka Pillar, and monasteries built by Buddhist nations from around the world. It is an easy, comfortable route of driving and gentle sightseeing, well suited to families, first-time visitors to Nepal, and pilgrims of any faith. Every TempleFront departure is private to your group, run by the same family team that has welcomed travellers since 1996.
Group Trips
Upcoming Group Departures
Reserve your spot — no payment upfront
Itinerary
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Airport welcome and transfer to hotel.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Kathmandu sightseeing (full day, 6 hrs); drive to Nagarkot
The valley's UNESCO sites, then up to the hill station of Nagarkot for sunset over the ranges.
Overnight: Nagarkot
Sunrise; Bhaktapur sightseeing; drive to Pokhara via Manakamana Temple
Dawn Himalayan panorama, the medieval city of Bhaktapur, then west to Pokhara via Manakamana.
Overnight: Pokhara
Sunrise at Sarangkot; Pokhara sightseeing
Annapurna sunrise, then Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, Phewa Lake, and the World Peace Pagoda.
Overnight: Pokhara
Drive to Lumbini & sightseeing — birthplace of Gautam Buddha
The Maya Devi Temple, sacred garden, Ashoka Pillar, and the international monastic zone.
Overnight: Lumbini
Drive back to Kathmandu
A long but scenic drive back to Kathmandu through the lowland Terai and up into the hills — a chance to watch rural Nepal pass by. The evening is free in Thamel for last-minute shopping or rest.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Transfer to airport
Gallery
Moments from the route
Route
Route Map
Route and durations are approximate and can be customised to your schedule.
Included
What's Included
Exclusions
Not Included
Before You Go
Important Notes
- Best season: October–November (clear skies) and March–May (spring). July–August is monsoon — expect occasional delays.
- Fitness: Easy. This is a driving and sightseeing tour with gentle walking at each stop (2–4 hrs on foot per day). Comfortable shoes are sufficient.
- Lumbini etiquette: the Maya Devi Temple and monastic zone are active places of worship — dress modestly, remove your shoes where required, and keep voices low in the sacred garden. Photography is restricted inside the Maya Devi shrine.
- Distances: this is a road-based tour with some long drives (Pokhara to Lumbini is around 4–5 hours). The roads are scenic but winding, so travellers prone to motion sickness should come prepared.
- Nepal visa: available on arrival at Kathmandu airport for most nationalities. USD 30 (15 days) / USD 50 (30 days). Bring 2 passport photos and USD cash.
- Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for any international trip.
- Permits: Site entry fees only (included in your package). No trekking permits required.
Frequently Asked
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a private tour?
Yes — every TempleFront itinerary is run exclusively for your group. We never combine you with other travellers.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Routing, hotel tier, duration, and activities can all be adjusted to suit your group.
What makes Lumbini significant?
Lumbini is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Maya Devi Temple marks the exact birth spot, and the international monastic zone features temples built by Buddhist nations from around the world.
Is Lumbini suitable for non-Buddhists?
Absolutely. Lumbini is a place of universal peace and historical significance. Visitors of all faiths — and none — find the garden serene and the monastic zone fascinating. There are no religious obligations.
Do I need a Nepal visa?
Most nationalities receive a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days. Bring two passport photos and USD cash.
What meals are included?
Breakfast and dinner are included at your hotels throughout the tour. Lunch is on your own account at local restaurants — your guide will recommend the best spots.
Is travel insurance required?
Not mandatory but strongly recommended. Comprehensive cover including emergency evacuation is best practice for any Nepal trip.
How do I confirm a booking?
Send us a WhatsApp or email enquiry. We respond same day with a detailed quote. A deposit secures your dates.
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Ready?
Ready to plan your trip?
Every tour is private and fully customisable. Drop us a message and we'll build the perfect itinerary for your group.