Kathmandu, Pokhara and Dhampus
A gentle seven-day journey: Kathmandu, Pokhara’s lake and its evening aarti, a night at the Mountain Lodges of Nepal lodge in Dhampus facing Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre, and a sunrise from Sarangkot ridge.
7 days · Signature · From US$ 1,390
Enquire- Duration
- 7 days
- Group size
- Private — 2 to 6 guests
- Best season
- Oct–Apr
Overview
This is an easy introduction to Nepal’s hills: three different views of the Annapurnas from the lake, a village and a ridge, with short drives and no long walks.
After a night in Kathmandu you fly to Pokhara, row out to the island temple of Tal Barahi and watch the evening aarti from the shore. The next day a short drive and a walk of about 30 minutes bring you to Dhampus, a Gurung village at about 1,650 m, and the Mountain Lodges of Nepal lodge on its edge.
Morning light reaches Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre straight across the valley. You return to Pokhara, then spend a last night on Sarangkot ridge before flying back to Kathmandu.
Highlights
- A night at the Mountain Lodges of Nepal lodge in Dhampus
- Dawn views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre
- Boat to Tal Barahi temple and the evening aarti on Phewa Lake
- Sunrise over the Annapurna range from Sarangkot
- Dwarika’s and The Pavilions Himalayas on the Luxury level
Gallery
Day by day
Private transfer from the airport to your hotel: Hotel Barahi (Comfort) or Dwarika’s Hotel (Luxury).
Flight to Pokhara (about 25 minutes). With your guide, a wooden boat across Phewa Lake to the island temple of Tal Barahi, then the evening aarti at Barahi Ghat at about 6 pm.
A drive of about an hour from Pokhara, then an easy walk of about 30 minutes through fields to Mountain Lodges of Nepal Dhampus (about 1,650 m). Afternoon in the village with your guide; dinner at the lodge.
Early morning views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre from the lodge garden. After breakfast, walk down to the road and drive back to Pokhara. Afternoon free.
A short drive up to Sarangkot ridge (about 1,600 m) for a night at Sarangkot Mountain Lodge, with the Annapurnas in front of the hotel.
Sunrise over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Machhapuchhre. After breakfast, drive to Pokhara airport and fly back to Kathmandu.
Private transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Choose your comfort
| Comfort tier | Lodging | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Hotel Barahi in Kathmandu (2 nights), Fish Tail Lodge on Phewa Lake (2 nights), Mountain Lodges of Nepal Dhampus (1 night, with dinner) and Sarangkot Mountain Lodge (1 night). | From US$1,390 |
| Luxury | Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu (2 nights), a chalet villa at The Pavilions Himalayas The Farm (2 nights), Mountain Lodges of Nepal Dhampus (1 night, with dinner) and Sarangkot Mountain Lodge (1 night). | From US$2,030 |
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop by private car
- Flights Kathmandu–Pokhara and Pokhara–Kathmandu
- Private car or jeep for every drive around Pokhara, Dhampus and Sarangkot
- Six nights at your chosen level, with breakfast, and dinner at Dhampus
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and all entrance fees
- Licensed guide in Pokhara, Dhampus and Sarangkot
Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners not listed above, and drinks
- Tips and personal expenses
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu (can be added)
Dates & departures
Best from October to April, when mornings are clearest. Spring brings rhododendrons in the hills and some haze by May. Price per person, based on two guests travelling together and sharing a room.
Questions, answered
How much walking is there?
Very little. The only walk is about 30 minutes each way between the road and the Dhampus lodge, on a village path with some steps.
What is the Dhampus lodge like?
A small lodge of about 14 rooms on the edge of the village, each with its own bathroom and hot water, and a garden facing the mountains. It is comfortable and simple, not a five-star hotel.
Why do we need a permit for Dhampus?
Dhampus lies inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so each guest needs the area permit. It is included and arranged for you.
Can we add sightseeing in Kathmandu?
Yes. A guided day at Kathmandu’s main heritage sites can be added on Day 1 or Day 6, or as an extra day.
Is the price per person?
Yes. The price shown is per person for two guests travelling together and sharing a room. Tell us your group size and dates and we will send an exact quote.
Kathmandu, Pokhara and Dhampus: the complete guide
The route at a glance
Kathmandu → Pokhara by air (Day 2) → Dhampus by road and a short walk (Day 3) → Pokhara (Day 4) → Sarangkot (Day 5) → Kathmandu by air (Day 6).
Luggage
For the Dhampus night, take a small overnight bag; your main luggage waits at the Pokhara hotel. A porter can be arranged on request.
What to wear
Days are mild, but mornings at Dhampus and Sarangkot are cool, close to freezing in December and January. Bring a warm layer and walking shoes.
Enquire about this journey
Share a few details for a private, tailor-made proposal.
You may also like
Golden Triangle: Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara
Eight days across three of Nepal’s most visited places: three nights in Chitwan for jeep safaris and canoeing, Pokhara’s lake, museum and viewpoints, a night on Sarangkot ridge, and a farewell dinner with music and dance in Kathmandu.
From US$ 2,000 per person
Everest and Annapurna by Helicopter
Seven days with two private helicopter mornings: breakfast at Hotel Everest View facing Everest, and breakfast at Annapurna Base Camp beneath Annapurna I. In between, Pokhara’s lake, an evening aarti and a night on Sarangkot ridge.
From US$ 6,100 per person
Sacred Kathmandu Valley Tour
From US$ 710 per person