Almost every trip to Nepal includes Kathmandu, and most include Pokhara too. If you're short of time, which should you prioritise?
Quick answer: Kathmandu is busy, chaotic and packed with culture: UNESCO temples, stupas and old royal cities. Pokhara is calm and green, with a lake, mountain views and adventure sports. Most visitors spend 2–3 days in each.
Side by side
| Kathmandu | Pokhara | |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Busy, historic, chaotic | Relaxed, lakeside, green |
| Highlights | Durbar Squares, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath | Phewa Lake, Sarangkot, World Peace Pagoda, caves |
| Mountain views | Only from the valley rim | Machhapuchhre and the Annapurnas from town |
| Adventure | Day hikes, mountain biking | Paragliding, zipline, boating, short treks |
| Nightlife | Thamel | Lakeside |
| Treks from here | Langtang, Helambu, flights to Everest | Annapurna, Poon Hill, Mardi Himal |
How to split your time
A typical first trip: 2–3 days in Kathmandu, then 2–3 days in Pokhara, plus a trek or a Chitwan safari. See our 3-day Kathmandu itinerary, Pokhara guide and how to get from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Prefer a ready-made plan? See our Pokhara tour and Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan tour.