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My grandmother (Nani) is deeply religious and a devoted follower of Hinduism. Her bucket list primarily includes visiting temples across India. However, there was one temple outside India that she had dreamed of visiting for years: the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal. She often urged me to plan a trip to Nepal, and in August 2019, I finally decided to fulfill her long-cherished wish with a short, three-day family trip.
Traveling to Nepal is convenient as Indian citizens don’t require a visa; immigration formalities are completed at the airport. Our hotel was ideally located near the Pashupatinath Temple, within walking distance of Tribhuvan International Airport.
On our first day, we visited the iconic Pashupatinath Temple, a historic and sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is an architectural marvel, designed in the traditional Nepalese Pagoda style. Lord Shiva is revered here as Pashupati, the "Lord of All Living Beings," with Pashu meaning "animal" in Hindi. The temple’s spiritual ambiance was deeply moving.
After the temple visit, we explored the lively Thamel market, Kathmandu's main commercial hub. Thamel is a vibrant tourist hotspot, bustling with shops, restaurants, and various outlets offering everything from souvenirs to adventure gear. The colorful atmosphere, combined with the diverse crowd of locals and tourists, made it a delightful experience.
One of the most famous attractions in Thamel is Mandala Street, which is known for its trendy cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops. We decided to stop by Himalayan Java Coffee, a popular spot in the area, and were delighted by their delicious desserts. A hot cup of coffee paired with your choice of dessert here is truly a treat—simple yet amazing!
The next day, we had a flight booked for Pokhara. Although we planned only one day for Pokhara, I would highly recommend dedicating at least two days to explore the city properly. At that time, the only airline operating between Kathmandu and Pokhara was Yeti Airlines. The journey was unique as it was my first experience traveling in a small passenger aircraft, with a capacity of just 20-25 passengers. The flight itself was an adventure, and it took us about an hour and a half to reach the stunningly beautiful city of Pokhara.
After checking out from the airport, Akshit and I booked a cab driver for the entire day. We agreed on a deal where he would take us to all the main tourist spots in Pokhara. It turned out to be a perfect decision, especially since our Nani was with us. Having a car readily available made the trip much more comfortable for everyone.
Our first stop was the Bindhyabasini Temple, the oldest temple in Pokhara. This sacred place is dedicated to Bindhyabasini, an incarnation of Goddess Kali. The serene atmosphere and panoramic views from the temple were a great way to begin our exploration.
Next, we visited KI Singh Bridge, which spans the Seti River. The highlight of this spot is witnessing the fascinating flow of “White Water.” Locals explain that this unique phenomenon is caused by the fast-moving Himalayan water rushing through limestone formations, creating a striking milky appearance. It was truly an amusing and captivating sight.
Our next stop was the famous “Devi’s Falls,” one of the most visited attractions in Nepal. There’s an interesting yet tragic story behind its name. Years ago, a Swiss couple went swimming here, but sadly, the woman drowned. Her father, named David, wanted to name the place “David’s Falls.” Over time, however, it became known as “Devi’s Falls.” Also referred to as the "Underworld Waterfall," the site is surrounded by lush greenery. The soothing rustle of the cascading water created a tranquil and almost meditative atmosphere.
Following Devi’s Falls, Akshit and I decided to take on a short trek to the “World Peace Pagoda.” My mom and Nani, however, opted to sit this one out. Also known as Shanti Stupa, it holds the honor of being Nepal's first World Peace Stupa. Reaching the top was absolutely worth it—offering stunning views of the majestic Himalayan range and the iconic Phewa Lake. It was a moment of peace and awe rolled into one.
As our day in Pokhara was coming to an end, it was time to visit our final destination before heading back to Kathmandu—the stunning Phewa Lake. This picturesque lake is one of the most iconic spots in Pokhara. We enjoyed a peaceful boating experience and visited the holy Tal Barahi Temple, a two-storied pagoda located on a small island in the middle of the lake. It was a special moment to spend quality time as a family amidst the serene surroundings.
After boating, hunger hit hard, so we stopped for supper at the renowned “Krazy Gecko Bar & Restaurant.” The food was delicious, but what truly elevated the experience was the mesmerizing view of Phewa Lake right in front of us. It was the perfect way to end our Pokhara visit—great food, breathtaking scenery, and warm memories. A solid 5 stars to Krazy Gecko from me!
On our last day in Nepal, there were still a few places left to explore, so we hired a taxi for the full day. Our first stop was the Narayanhiti Palace Museum, also known as the Royal Palace of Nepal. Once the residence and primary workplace of the monarch of the Kingdom of Nepal, the palace has now been converted into a museum showcasing Nepal's rich history. Mobile phones were strictly prohibited inside, so we stored them in lockers provided at the entrance. The museum tour offered a glimpse into the royal lifestyle and Nepal's historical transition to democracy.
After the palace visit, we enjoyed lunch at the vibrant Thamel market, a place that never disappoints with its variety of food options. After lunch, we visited the Guhyeshwari Temple, an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati. The temple’s surroundings were lively, with many friendly monkeys adding a unique charm to the experience.
Our final destination for the day was the Budhanilkantha Temple, also known as the Narayanthan Temple. This serene temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, features an impressive reclining stone statue of the deity in the middle of a water pond. It was a peaceful way to conclude our sightseeing in Nepal.
By late evening, we were back at our hotel, packing up for our flight the next morning. The next day, we boarded our return flight to Delhi, taking with us wonderful memories of our short yet unforgettable trip to Nepal.
Kathmandu and Pokhara - Nepal gems. It was a short and sweet family trip that left us with beautiful memories. Nepal is not only a stunning country with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes but also a perfect destination for a family getaway. From serene temples to scenic spots, every moment was special and unforgettable.
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