Looking to explore the cultural, more relaxing side of Nepal? Showcasing dazzling temples and world heritage squares, placid lakes and serene mountains, this week-long itinerary takes in the classic sights of Nepal as well as the more off-the-beaten path experiences, including Nepal’s famous lake town, Pokhara.

Day 1 – Welcome to Kathmandu

Start your journey in Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu, the chaotic nature of which provides you with an excuse to walk to the hilltop Buddhist stupa, Swayambhunath, frequently known as the Monkey Temple.

Watch the sun set over the valley and the Himalaya to your north. Enjoy a nine-course Nepali meal in a restaurant housed in a century-old Roman Greco palace. End your day at a traditional Newari Inn in the twin city of Patan.

Day 2 – Ancient & Modern Places of Gathering

A stop at the famous Patan Durbar Square in the morning and a walk through the numerous narrow alleys will take you back hundreds of years. After lunch, you can visit Karma Coffee, the only boutique coffee parlor in Nepal.

Enjoy the day at your own pace. At the end of June, you can witness great live music events by one of Nepal’s great contemporary bands. Overnight at Patan.

Day 3 – UNESCO Heritage Sites

A stop at two of Nepal’s most iconic places of worship – Pashupatinath and Boudhanath – both listed as UNESCO World heritage site. Revered and worshipped by Hindus and Buddhist all over the world, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath are testimony to the fact that Nepal is a meeting point of two great religions.

After lunch, we’ll drive to Nagarkot. An idyllic hill resort at 2300m, Nagarkot these will be your best chance for views of the great Himalaya around the Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at Nagarkot.

Day 4 – Himalayan Sunrise & Ancient Alley Ways

After breakfast beneath the shadow of the mighty Himalaya, we drive down to Bhaktapur, the smallest of the three kingdoms of the Kathmandu valley with some of the finest architectural marvels of 17th century Nepal.

The day can be spent visiting the numerous temples and palaces around the square, or the more adventurous can take to the various alleys and streets that cut through Bhaktapur. Overnight at Bhaktapur.

Day 5 – A Visit to Pokhara

After breakfast, we meet the yoghurt man “Humans of Bhaktapur”. We observe the centuries-old family tradition of yoghurt making before going to the airport to catch a flight to charming Pokhara, one of Nepal’s most popular destination and its second biggest city.

In 20 minutes, you are surrounded by stunning countryside dominated by the Annapurnas and placid lakes. A welcome change from chaotic Kathmandu. Overnight at Pokhara.

Day 6 – Exploring around Pokhara

Pokhara, the adventure capital of Nepal, offers you a wide range of outdoor activities, from a short hike up to the Peace Stupa to boating on the lake. A myriad of limestone caves lined with bats is another attraction. A waterfall created by a river cutting through a limestone gorge is another.

The more adventurous can walk to Sarangkot for great views the Himalaya, where you can also go tandem paragliding. Pokhara will keep you on your toes. Overnight at Pokhara.

Day 7 – Farewell, Nepal

Free for a leisurely breakfast by the lake before catching a scenic, 20-minute flight back to Kathmandu. You’ll be collected at the airport and dropped off at your point of request for your onward journey.

Expert tip: try to sit on the left side of the flight for mountain views.