10 Days Nepal Tour
Grand Nepal Circuit: Kathmandu Temples, Pokhara Lakes, Mustang Villages & Muktinath
10 Days Nepal Tour
This 10 Days Nepal Tour weaves together the country's three signature experiences in one seamless circuit: ancient heritage in Kathmandu, lakeside calm in Pokhara, and the high Himalayan culture of the Mustang valley. You begin among the UNESCO temples and stupas of the Kathmandu Valley, then fly to Pokhara for boat rides on Phewa Lake and sunrise over the Annapurna range. A scenic 4WD drive carries you into the Gurung village of Ghandruk and through the Kali Gandaki Gorge to apple-rich Marpha and the sacred Muktinath Temple at 3,800m. Relaxing hot springs at Tatopani, a cable car ride to Manakamana, and panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre round out the journey. Designed for travellers who want to see the real Nepal without rushing, this itinerary balances spiritual sites, mountain scenery, and authentic village life. Comfortable hotels, experienced guides, and unhurried pacing make it ideal for first-time visitors seeking a complete and meaningful introduction to the Himalayas.
Why This Tour
Tour Kathmandu's UNESCO sites: Boudhanath, Pashupatinath & Swayambhunath- Scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Stay in the Gurung village of Ghandruk with Annapurna views
- Drive the Kali Gandaki Gorge to apple village of Marpha
- Pilgrimage to sacred Muktinath Temple at 3,800m
- Sunrise at Sarangkot and a cable car ride to Manakamana Temple
Detailed Itinerary
Our Debyani Tours representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. After a refreshment break and a short trip briefing, you head out in the evening to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist monuments in the world. Join pilgrims walking clockwise around the dome, spin prayer wheels, and watch butter lamps glow at dusk before dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the stupa.
- Airport pickup
- Trip briefing
- Boudhanath Stupa at sunset
Explore Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal's holiest Hindu shrine on the banks of the Bagmati River, where you observe morning rituals from a respectful distance. Climb to Swayambhunath, the hilltop Monkey Temple, for sweeping 360-degree valley views. Finish at Kathmandu Durbar Square, home to old royal palaces, the residence of the Living Goddess Kumari, and centuries-old Newari wood carving.
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Swayambhunath Stupa
- Kathmandu Durbar Square
Take a short, scenic flight to Pokhara with aerial views of the Himalaya, then settle into a lakeside hotel. Stroll along Phewa Lake, take a colourful boat to the island shrine of Tal Barahi Temple, and enjoy a peaceful sunset over the water with the Annapurna range reflected on the surface.
- Scenic flight to Pokhara
- Phewa Lake boat ride
- Tal Barahi Temple
Travel by 4WD jeep to Ghandruk, a beautifully preserved Gurung village set against Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. Wander the stone-paved lanes, visit local homes, and learn about Gurung and Gurkha traditions before settling into a traditional mountain lodge with mountain hospitality.
- 4WD drive to Ghandruk
- Annapurna South views
- Gurung village lodge
Visit the Gurung Museum to understand mountain culture and Gurkha history, then begin the dramatic drive through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. You arrive in Marpha, the apple capital of Nepal, where you can taste apple brandy and pie and explore its tidy whitewashed Thakali streets.
- Gurung Museum
- Kali Gandaki Gorge drive
- Marpha apple village
Drive up to the sacred Muktinath Temple at 3,800m, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, where pilgrims bathe under 108 waterspouts beside the eternal flame. Stop at the turquoise Dhumba Lake, then descend in the evening to Tatopani to soak in natural riverside hot springs.
- Muktinath Temple darshan
- 108 waterspouts
- Tatopani hot springs
Follow the Kali Gandaki River back toward Pokhara, passing terraced farms and small mountain settlements along the way. Arrive in the afternoon with free time to relax by the lake or browse the shops and cafes of the Lakeside area.
- Scenic Kali Gandaki drive
- Lakeside free time
- Souvenir shopping
Rise early for the famous Sarangkot sunrise, watching golden light spread across the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Later visit the World Peace Pagoda, Devi's Fall, and Gupteshwor Cave, with optional add-ons such as paragliding or a zip-line for adventurous travellers.
- Sarangkot sunrise
- World Peace Pagoda
- Devi's Fall and Gupteshwor Cave
Depart Pokhara and stop at Kurintar for a cable car ride up to Manakamana Temple, dedicated to the wish-fulfilling goddess. Continue the drive to Kathmandu and gather for a farewell dinner celebrating your Nepal journey.
- Manakamana cable car
- Wish-fulfilling goddess temple
- Farewell dinner
Enjoy a final breakfast and any last-minute shopping before our team transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight, carrying home memories of Nepal's temples, mountains, and villages.
- Final breakfast
- Last-minute shopping
- Airport transfer
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Round-trip flights (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu)
- Private 4WD jeep for mountain sections
- 9 nights in comfortable hotels and lodges
- Daily breakfast and an English-speaking guide
- All area permits, temple entry fees, and Manakamana cable car tickets
Not Included
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Nepal visa fees
- Lunch and dinner (except breakfast)
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
- Alcohol and extra beverages
- Tips for guide and driver and costs from weather or road delays
What to Expect
A True Cross-Section of Nepal
From temple-rich Kathmandu to lakeside Pokhara and the high desert of Mustang, this circuit shows the country's full diversity in a single trip.
Authentic Village Stays
A night in the Gurung village of Ghandruk and lodge stops in Marpha let you experience mountain hospitality rather than just passing through.
Sacred Muktinath at 3,800m
The pilgrimage highlight sits at moderate altitude with 108 waterspouts and an eternal flame sacred to Hindus and Buddhists alike.
Rugged Mountain Roads
The Kali Gandaki section is travelled by 4WD on rough, scenic roads, so plans may adjust for weather and road conditions.
Comfortable Pacing
Sightseeing, scenic drives, and rest are balanced so families and first-time visitors can enjoy the trip without exhaustion.
Best Time to Visit
Autumn
Oct - NovClear skies, the best mountain views, and the festive Dashain and Tihar season. Peak time with warm days and cool nights.
Spring
Mar - MayExcellent visibility, blooming rhododendrons, and mild temperatures. A second ideal window for the full circuit.
Winter
Dec - FebVery clear skies but cold, especially at Muktinath where temperatures can drop near -10C. Warm clothing is essential.
Monsoon
Jun - AugFewer tourists and lower prices, but rain can make mountain roads muddy and views cloudy. Lush green landscapes.
How to Reach
Arrive in Kathmandu
FlightFly into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), where we arrange your airport pickup and hotel transfer.
Fly to Pokhara
25 minShort scenic flight from Kathmandu with aerial Himalayan views.
4WD into Mustang
6-8 hrsPrivate jeep drive through the Kali Gandaki Gorge to Ghandruk, Marpha, and Muktinath.
Return via Manakamana
7-8 hrsDrive back to Kathmandu with a cable car stop at Manakamana Temple.
Tour Photos
Common Questions
Basic fitness is enough. The 4WD jeep covers the hard ground and there is no major trekking, but you should be able to walk and climb stairs at temples and viewpoints.
Muktinath sits at 3,800m, which is moderate altitude. We pace the drive with stops, and you should drink plenty of water and tell your guide immediately if you feel a headache, dizziness, or nausea.
October to November and March to May offer the clearest skies and most comfortable weather. Winter is very cold at Muktinath and monsoon roads can be muddy.
Comfortable 3 star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, a traditional lodge or home stay in Ghandruk, and clean village lodges in Marpha and the Muktinath area.
Yes. The balanced pace, mix of culture and nature, and private vehicle make it well suited to families, culture lovers, and first-time visitors to Nepal.
