Nepal Travel Guide: Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara

The Kathmandu Valley is where most trips to Nepal begin. UNESCO inscribed the valley in 1979 for seven groups of monuments, including the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur.

Pokhara, west of Kathmandu, is the gateway to the Annapurna region. It is the usual base for the Poon Hill walk and for viewpoints such as Sarangkot.

Places to visit in Nepal

Kathmandu

Nepal Tourism Board calls Kathmandu the largest city of Nepal and its political and cultural capital. The valley's three ancient cities were once independent states ruled by the Malla kings. UNESCO lists the stupas of Swayambhu and Bauddhanath and the Pashupati temples among the valley's monuments.

Patan

Patan, also known as Lalitpur, is described by the tourism board as the city of artisans. Patan Durbar Square was once the palace of the kings of Patan. The Krishna Temple there has 21 gilded spires and was built in 1637.

Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur sits on a hill at an altitude of 1,401 m and is known as the City of Devotees. Its Durbar Square has buildings dating from the 13th to the 18th century, and the Nyatapola temple, whose name means five storied, rises above the city.

Pokhara

The tourism board describes Pokhara as the gateway to the Annapurna region, with three lakes: Phewa, Rupa and Begnas. It adds that Pokhara is warmer than Kathmandu. It lists paragliding, boating and bird watching as activities.

Sarangkot

The tourism board says visitors drive up the hill to see the sunrise from its view tower, and that the drive from Lakeside Pokhara is 11.3 km.

Ghorepani and Poon Hill

Nepal Tourism Board describes the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek as one of the most popular short treks in Nepal. Its highlight is the sunrise from Poon Hill, at 3,210 m, when the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks glow golden. The route passes rhododendron forests and Gurung villages.

Getting to Nepal

The tourism board says you can fly directly into Tribhuvan International Airport in the Kathmandu Valley, and that buses and cars arrive from border towns. It also names Pokhara International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport in Lumbini as entry points.

Pokhara can be reached by a direct flight from Kathmandu, or by bus or car.

Getting around

In Kathmandu the tourism board suggests public buses, battery-run three-wheelers, rickshaws and taxis. It describes the government-run green Sajha buses as running along the valley's main roads, stopping only at designated stops.

For other destinations, it says tourist buses serve Pokhara and Chitwan, and long-distance buses leave from the New Bus Park at Gongabu. Pokhara is 202 km by road from Kathmandu, or 30 minutes by air.

When to go to Nepal

Spring and autumn

Nepal Tourism Board names spring and autumn as the time to visit most trekking areas. Spring is the time for rhododendrons to bloom, and the clearest skies come after the monsoon in October and November.

Monsoon (June to September)

The board says eighty percent of all rain in Nepal falls during the monsoon, from June to September. Pokhara averages 3,345 mm a year, against a national average of 1,600 mm.

Winter (December and January)

The board says Nepal can be visited the whole year round, and that even in December and January, when winter is at its severest, there are bright sun and brilliant views.

What to book ahead

• Nepal Tourism Board says specific protected areas need a licensed trekking guide and a TIMS card issued by a trekking agency. Its list for the Annapurna region includes the Poon Hill-ABC Trek, so confirm whether your route is covered.
• Entry fees apply at the main Kathmandu Valley heritage sites and are listed on the tourism board's website.
• Restricted areas need a trekking permit from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.
• Guided day trips run on fixed days, so check dates before you fix your route.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change over time. Check the current rules on the Department of Immigration website before you book, and confirm again shortly before you travel.

Official source: Department of Immigration, Government of Nepal.

Frequently asked questions

What is the UNESCO status of the Kathmandu Valley?

UNESCO inscribed the Kathmandu Valley in 1979. It covers seven groups of monuments, including the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur.

When should I go trekking in Nepal?

Nepal Tourism Board names spring and autumn as the time to visit most trekking areas. It also says Nepal can be visited all year.

How do I get from Kathmandu to Pokhara?

The tourism board says you can fly directly, or take a bus or drive. It gives the distance as 202 km by road or 30 minutes by air.

Do I need a guide for the Poon Hill trek?

Nepal Tourism Board lists the Poon Hill-ABC Trek among the Annapurna routes that need a licensed guide and an agency-issued TIMS card. Confirm the rules for your exact route before you go.

Do I need a visa for Nepal?

It depends on your nationality, and the rules change. Check the Department of Immigration website for the current requirements before you book.