Best of Nepal Cultural & Nature Tour

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal

Welcome to Nepal! We hope you are ready to start your adventure with us. You will be met at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) upon arrival and will be transferred to your accessible hotel in Kathmandu for the night. Here you can rest up and prepare for the start of your exciting adventure!

Day 02: City Tour to Bhaktapur and drive to Nagarkot Hill Station

We hope you are ready for your first full day in Nepal. Today we will be touring the Medieval city of Bhaktapur. Many have argued that of the three major cities in the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur is the best preserved. As you meander through the narrow streets, you will see plenty of exquisite architecture as well as ample intricately designed wood and metalcraft that is scattered around the city. The Durbar (Palace) square is the jewel in Bhaktapur’s crown, the UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to the 12th century and is the bustling and vibrant centre of the city. During the tour you will get to enjoy the culture of Bhaktapur, from local artisans working on beautiful creations to watching locals socialising in their traditional outfits, there is just so much to see and experience in this stunning city.

After our tour we will be taking a 30 minute drive to Nagarkot and what a difference half an hour makes! Nagarkot gives you a completely different experience of the Kathmandu Valley, perched high on a ridge on the northern edge of the valley, Nagarkot offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan mountains. This vista is broad, allowing you to see 8 mountain ranges (Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Jugal, Rolwaling, Everest and Numbur!). Surrounded by dense forests, Nagarkot is incredibly relaxing and in complete contrast to the lively city of Bhaktapur!

We will be spending the night in Nagarkot.

Day 03: Nagarkot to Patan Durbar Square Cultural Tour

Before breakfast we will take an early morning sunrise tour, this is one of the best times to take in the breath-taking views over the Himalayas. It truly is a magnificent experience.

After you have eaten, we will be driving back down towards Kathmandu to another of the Valleys three cities, Patan. The old Newari city lies across the river form Kathmandu and has managed to retain its old world charm, here you will enjoy touring its 55 major temples, its collection of fine metal works and its Durbar Square which is another of the Valleys UNESCO World Heritage sites. In this square you will visit the old royal palace as well as an array of beautiful temples. These temples are examples of Newari architecture and are said to be some of the best in Nepal.

You will stay in Kathmandu for the night.

Day 04: Fly from Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park

Today we will be making our way from Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park. A five hour drive or a short flight Chitwan is located at the foot of the Himalayas. Given its unique and varied landscape which covers forests, marshland and grasslands, the park was given UNESCO World Heritage site status in 1984. During your visit you’ll have the chance to spot a myriad of exciting wildlife including the one-horned rhino and the rare Bengal Tiger.  In the evening, you’ll experience the vibrant Tharu cultural dance and explore a Tharu village, followed by a breathtaking sunset view.

Day 05: Chitwan Jungle Adventure

Today will be another fun day in Chitwan. There are loads of things to do in the park, including nature walks, canoe rides, bird watching, a visit to an elephant breeding centre and a local village walk. You may even be able to watch a show performed by the local Tharu people! Overnight stay in Chitwan.

Please note, we do not promote or encourage any activities that may cause harm to animals, this includes elephant rides.

Day 06: Chitwan Jungle Adventure: Jeep Safari

On our final full day in Chitwan, we will be going on a jeep safari adventure. This is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the park’s wilderness. An experienced, English speaking guide will take you through the landscape, fingers crossed you will see something interesting!

Day 07: Drive from Chitwan to Pokhara

After breakfast we will be travelling to our next destination, the beautiful Pokhara! The drive will take 5 hours giving you ample time to enjoy the beautiful scenery passing by your window.

Pokhara is known as the city of lakes, here you can see stunning natural heritage sites including caves, temples and lakes. From the city, you’ll have great views of Phewa Taal (lake), Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Overnight stay in a hotel in Pokhara.

Day 08: Explore Pokhara

Time to explore Pokhara. Complete with a seemingly endless list of things to do and see, ample great restaurants and a laid-back charm, Pokhara is one of Nepal’s most popular destinations. Stretched along the Phewa lake, you will be blown away by the city’s surroundings, take a boat trip on Phewa’s placid waters to enjoy these views from a different perspective. Or perhaps you can take a trip out of Pokhara itself to visit some incredible sites. You simply won’t be bored during your time in Pokhara!

Day 09: Pokhara to Sarangkot and back to Pokhara

Today we will be making the journey to Sarangkot. This perfectly situated viewpoint offers you the most incredible views over the Annapurna mountain range. Here, you will get to watch the way the light changes as it rises and sets over the Himalayan peaks. You can even grab a freshly brewed hot drink from a selection of stalls and tea houses that are nearby. Sarangkot viewpoint can be accessed by car so there is no need to undertake a gruelling hike!

Day 10: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Today you will be leaving Pokhara and taking a 30 minute flight back to Kathmandu. Make sure to look out the window during this as you will get a great view of the Himalayas!

Upon arrival in Kathmandu we will be visiting Boudhanath Stupa. Erected in the 14th century, the Stupa is a sacred destination for Buddhists. The monument is used for meditation, worship and for offerings and is a focal point of the area. To represent the all-knowing nature of the Buddha, the tower’s base is adorned with decorative eyes pointing in all cardinal directions, past visitors have said that it feels as if the tower is watching you! The Stupa is incredibly beautiful and its surroundings peaceful, it’s hard not to feel relaxed in its presence. Overnight stay: Kathmandu.

Day 11: Pashupatinath – Kathmandu Durbar Square – Local market – Dinner

On your last full day with us we will be exploring two of the Kathmandu Valley’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, Pashupatinath Temple and the Kathmandu Durbar Square. Pashupatinath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the largest temple complex in Nepal. Pashupatinath is a living cultural heritage site, one of only few in the world. It is full of life and energy and here you can observe the active participation of people in rituals that are spread throughout the day. There is alot to explore in Pashupatinath including 492 temples, but keep in mind that only Hindus are allowed through the gates of the main temple.

Moving onto the Kathmandu Durbar Square, which, in the past was the site of power for the city’s Kings. Here, they were crowned, legitimised and ruled. The square remains an important part of Kathmandu’s old town, with Buddhist and Hindu holy rituals and ceremonies still taking place in the square. Consisting of a series of courtyards, architecturally interesting buildings, ancient statues and fountains the square is peaceful and meditative. Kathmandu Durbar Square is also home to the Kumari Bahal temple, which houses the Kumari Devi. The Kumari Devi is a young girl who is believed to be the living embodiment of the Hindu mother goddess, the process by which the Kumari Devi is chosen is highly selective and occurs when the outgoing Kumari Devi experiences puberty. The Kumari Devi tradition is fascinating and very much unique to Nepal, if you’re lucky you will be visiting Kathmandu during a festival of worship in which the Kumari Devi is paraded around the square in a gilded chariot!

 After a busy day immersing yourself in Kathmandu’s cultural delights, we will visit a local market before heading to our final dinner!

Day 12: Departure

Departure day! A transfer will take you to the airport. Hopefully we will see you again soon.