The Hills and Horizon Tour offers a balanced journey through Nepal's most scenic hill stations, peaceful valleys, and historic towns. This itinerary connects the ancient streets of the Kathmandu Valley with the lakeside serenity of Pokhara, the preserved medieval charm of Bandipur, and the panoramic viewpoints of Nagarkot.

Duration
7 Days
Trip Grade
Easy
Country
Nepal
Maximum Altitude
2,175 meters (7,135 feet)
Starts
Kathmandu
Ends
Kathmandu
Group Size
Up to 12 Pax (Standard)
Best Time
Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May)

The 7-day Hills and Horizon Tour offers a seamless experience into Nepal’s diverse terrain and cultural sites. Contrary to the Himalayan treks, our tour eliminates the physical demands of high-altitude trekking, making it suitable for travelers of all ages.

On your 7-day excursion, you will connect Kathmandu Valley with the lakeside city of Pokhara, the historic trading outpost of Bandipur, and the ridge-line town of Nagarkot. In Pokhara, you will bypass the touristy crowd as you take on a pre-dawn drive to Sarangkot for panoramic views of the Annapurna range. A visit to Devi's Fall and Gupteshwor Cave, later in the day, reveals the region's unique topography.

In Bandipur, you will walk the brick-paved streets of the main bazaar amid well-preserved 18th-century Newari townhouses. Your tour ends in Nagarkot. Enjoy the expansive Himalayan views from this hill station before heading downhill for a quiet walking tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Adventure Trek in Himalaya manages all logistics across all destinations to ensure a seamless experience. If you are planning a visit in 2026 or 2027, contact our travel expert. Together, we will plan a schedule that suits your travel style.

Why Go on the Hills and Horizon Tour in Nepal?

The Hills and Horizon tour (Pokhara, Bandipur, and Nagarkot) is an immersive low-altitude Nepal tour of the country's low valleys and mountain landscapes. Combining accessible viewpoints with historic towns, this easy Nepal tour itinerary introduces you to the vast geography and distinctive cultures of different regions without the physical demands of high-altitude trekking. Here are the top reasons to choose this 7-day tour:

Himalayan Viewpoints: Your tour takes you to two hill stations offering expansive views of the Himalayan peaks. Sarangkot places you in front of the massive Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. In Nagarkot, you get a broad view of the central Himalayas, including a distant peek of Everest on mornings with crisp visibility.

Preserved Newari Architecture: Travel back in time into the medieval Newari towns of Bandipur and Bhaktapur. In both cities, you will find historic architecture that has remained largely unchanged. While Bandipur offers a relaxing tour of the brick-paved streets, Bhaktapur is famous for its Malla-era architecture and live-clay pottery workshops.

Geological and Cultural Sites: Experience the regional geology by visiting spots like Devi's Fall and Gupteshwor Cave in Pokhara. In the winter months, the water volume at the falls drops significantly, making it possible to visit the lower chambers of the cave.

Low-Altitude Accessibility: With the highest point reaching 2,175 meters at Nagarkot, our 7-day Hills and Horizon tour keeps you safe from any altitude-related ailments. This makes the journey physically manageable for older travelers, families with young children, or anyone wishing to avoid high-altitude exertion.

Typical Day during the Hills and Horizon Tour 2026/2027

Your days begin early, particularly on mornings scheduled for sunrise viewings at Sarangkot or Nagarkot. On these mornings, departures can be as early as 5:00 AM, making a warm windbreaker essential as ridge-line temperatures drop significantly before dawn. Breakfast typically follows around 7:30 AM, with departures by 8:30 AM to stay ahead of local school buses and regional truck traffic.

During driving segments along the Trishuli River, we select roadside stops where local long-distance drivers eat. Ordering Dal Bhat is the most practical choice here. It is prepared fresh and served hot.

By mid-afternoon, sightseeing concludes to avoid the peak heat and tourist crowds. This leaves your late afternoons free. In Pokhara, this is the optimal time to rent a wooden boat on Phewa Lake, as water conditions and wind currents are calmest before sunset.

Hills and Horizon Tour: Cost for Logistics and Permits

Managing a multi-city tour requires careful logistical planning. Our travel experts and guides manage transport, accommodation, and entrance permits, delivering a hassle-free experience. There are multiple entry fees involved, including heritage site tickets for Bhaktapur, entrance permits for the Pokhara attractions, and municipal conservation fees in Bandipur.

Adventure Trek in the Himalaya takes care of all these logistics on your behalf. Our tour packages include reliable private transport, comfortable accommodations, entrance fees, and the services of a licensed local guide, helping you avoid unexpected costs during your journey.

Hills and Horizon Tour Highlights 2026/2027

  • Watch the sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from the hilltop of Sarangkot.
  • Explore Pokhara's natural sights, including Devi's Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, and the giant Shiva Temple at Pumdikot.
  • Enjoy a peaceful afternoon boat ride on the calm waters of Phewa Lake.
  • Step back in time in the preserved, vehicle-free Newari village of Bandipur.
  • Watch the sunset and sunrise over the central Himalayas from the ridge of Nagarkot.
  • Discover the medieval architecture, woodcarvings, and traditional pottery of Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
  • Savor authentic Nepalese cuisine during a traditional cultural welcome and farewell dinner.

Customized Hills and Horizon Tour in Nepal

The Hills and Horizon itinerary is designed to offer a comfortable and enriching travel experience. We understand that every traveler has unique interests and requirements. Our itineraries can be customized to adjust driving routes, upgrade accommodations, or include domestic flights to suit your personal preferences.

Share your travel plans with our team, and we will design a personalized itinerary that matches your style and pace.

7 Days Hills and Horizon Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel

Your 7-day Hills and Horizon tour begins upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Our representatives will meet you at the arrivals gates and help transfer you to your hotel. Take some time to rest and unwind. In the evening, you will join your guide for logistical briefings and a welcome dinner.

Max Altitude: 1,440 meters
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2

Drive to Pokhara

The day begins with an early morning drive toward Pokhara. Your journey winds alongside the Trishuli River. The highway connecting Kathmandu and Pokhara is currently undergoing expansion, resulting in dusty, unpaved sections. To minimize discomfort, we recommend keeping your windows closed and wearing a face mask during the drive. Alternatively, you can ask our team to upgrade your package to include a scenic 25-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

Upon reaching Pokhara, you will check in and relax at your lakeside hotel.

Max Altitude: 822 meters
Meals: Breakfast
Duration: 7 Hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Mode of transportation: Drive
Day 3

Sarangkot Sunrise and Pokhara Sightseeing

It's time for another early morning departure. Be prepared to leave your hotel by 5:00 AM for Sarangkot for a panoramic sunrise view over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Ranges. Later, you will explore the dimly lit Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave and the adjacent Devi’s Fall.

For the late-afternoon Phewa Lake boat ride, request a stop near the Tal Barahi temple to observe the local priests conducting the evening lakeside prayers.

Max Altitude: 1,600 meters
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Duration: Full - day
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 4

Drive to Bandipur Village and Newari Village Excursion

Today, you leave Pokhara and drive to Bandipur. Upon reaching the hilltop bazaar, you will park your vehicle and explore the ancient Newari town on foot, as vehicles are prohibited in the central bazaar.

In the late afternoon, climb the stone trail up to Thani Mai Temple for an unobstructed, 360-degree sunset view over the surrounding mountain valleys.

Max Altitude: 1,030 meters
Meals: Breakfast
Duration: 4 hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Mode of transportation: Drive
Day 5

Drive to Nagarkot and Sunset View

From Bandipur, your journey takes you back to Kathmandu, then to Nagarkot. The road to Nagarkot is full of twists and turns; travelers prone to motion sickness should prepare accordingly.

You will reach your hotel by 5:00 PM and check into your room. Our travel experts select rooms with private east-facing balconies, allowing you to enjoy the spectacular Himalayan sunrise directly from your room, while the sunset can be viewed from the hotel’s main terrace or viewpoint.

Max Altitude: 2,175 meters
Meals: Breakfast
Duration: 6 Hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Mode of transportation: Drive
Day 6

Sunrise, Everest View, Drive to Bhaktapur, and Cultural Dinner

Nagarkot is a premium vantage point offering panoramic sunrise views over the Himalayas. On clearer mornings, you can see a clear view of the Langtang range and a tiny peek of Mount Everest.

After breakfast, you head down to Bhaktapur. Explore the quiet alleys around Dattatreya Temple and the main Durbar Square. Try local juju dhau (sweet "king curd") served in a traditional clay pot, locally known as a bhyaga.

Max Altitude: 1,400 meters
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Duration: 4 Hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Mode of transportation: Drive
Day 7

Departure

You have come to the end of your 7-day tour. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast as you prepare to depart for the airport.

Tribhuvan International Airport requires check-in three hours before international flights. Depending on your scheduled boarding time, our representatives will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport.

Meals: Breakfast
Plan Your Trip Your Way
Can't find a suitable date? No worries! Our experts will help you plan a departure date that fits your schedule and make your adventure happen at the perfect time.

Cost Details

Includes

  • Private, comfortable vehicle (car, jeep, or van depending on group size) for all overland transfers, airport pickups, and sightseeing as per the itinerary
  • All heritage site entrance fees, including Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Bandipur municipal fees, and entry permits for Pokhara attractions (Devi's Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, and Pumdikot Shiva Temple)
  • Peaceful afternoon boat ride on Phewa Lake in Pokhara
  • 6 nights of quality accommodation on a twin-sharing basis (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur, and Nagarkot)
  • Daily breakfast at your hotels
  • Traditional cultural welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu
  • An experienced, government-licensed, English-speaking local tour guide throughout the journey

Excludes

  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Nepal entry visa fees
  • Optional domestic flight upgrade (Kathmandu to Pokhara)
  • Lunches and dinners throughout the tour (except for the scheduled welcome and farewell dinners)
  • Personal expenses, laundry, telephone calls, and bar bills (including bottled water, soft drinks, and alcohol)
  • Personal travel, medical, and emergency evacuation insurance
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff

7 Days Hills and Horizon Tour Equipment List

Since this tour covers both the warm valley of Pokhara and the cooler hill stations of Nagarkot and Sarangkot, packing versatile layers is the best approach.

Clothing and Footwear
  • A warm fleece jacket, sweater, or light down jacket for early mornings
  • Lightweight, breathable cotton clothing for daytime sightseeing
  • A windproof jacket for outdoor viewpoints
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A sun hat and sunglasses

Sun and Health Protection

  • Broad-spectrum sunscreen and moisturizing lip balm
  • Personal prescription medications and a small first-aid kit
  • Insect repellent for outdoor walks
  • Hand sanitizer and travel wet wipes

Electronics and Conveniences

  • A camera or binoculars to view distant mountain ranges
  • A reliable power bank and a universal travel adapter
  • A small daypack to carry your water bottle, sunscreen, and camera during day tours
  • Cash in small Nepalese rupee denominations

Essential Information

Best Time for the Hills and Horizon Tour?

Planning the 7-day Hills and Horizon Tour during the right seasons helps ensure clear mountain views and comfortable travel. The recommended periods are autumn, from September to November, and spring, from March to May. These months typically offer moderate temperatures and stable weather, providing reliable visibility of the Annapurna and central Himalayan ranges from viewpoints in Sarangkot and Nagarkot.

The winter months of December and January also feature crisp, clear skies, though early morning temperatures drop significantly, requiring heavy, warm clothing. Conversely, the monsoon season from June to August is generally avoided.

Heavy rains during summer often obscure the mountain horizons and can cause travel disruptions along the highways connecting Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Bandipur, making overall road transit less predictable.

How Difficult is the Hills and Horizon Tour? Who Can Go on This Tour?

This tour is classified as easy and is suitable for travelers of all ages, including young children and senior citizens. The itinerary does not involve long treks or high-altitude climbs, meaning there is no risk of altitude sickness.

This tour is ideal for:

  • Families looking for a relaxed vacation with minimal physical strain.
  • Couples and honeymooners seeking scenic viewpoints and quiet, historic settings.
  • Travelers who want to experience Nepal’s mountain scenery and cultural history without challenging treks.
Speak to an Expert
Sudarsan Naupane
Sudarsan Naupane