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This 11-day classic itinerary covers all of Nepal’s most iconic sites and some off the beaten track areas, taking you through some of the country’s best UNESCO World Heritage cities to remote countryside set in the valley of the spectacular Himalayas. If you are visiting Nepal for the first time, this is the itinerary for you.
Kathmandu - Pokhara - Bandipur - Chitwan National Park - Kathmandu
11 Days/10 Nights
Highlights
- Visit Kathmandu's Durbar Square and the house of the 'living Goddess'.
- Scenic flight over Pokhara Valley and Phewa Lake, taking in spectacular views of the Annapurna mountain range
- Enjoy a day trek in Kathmandu valley, with views of terraced fields and distant Himalayan peaks.
- Explore the markets of Bhaktapur, famous for its rich history of arts and crafts including wood carving, pottery and weaving.
- Have dinner overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage monument of Bodnath Stupa while monks chant in the evening air.
Inclusions
-
Accommodation
-
Transport
-
Guide
-
Entrances
Not included is travel insurance, tips and any expense of personal nature
Extensions
Destinations
Trip Plan
Day 1
Kathmandu
Day 2
Kathmandu
Day 3
Patan City
Day 4
Kathmandu - Pokhara
Day 5
Pokhara
Day 6
Pokhara - Bandipur
Day 7
Bandipur
Day 8
Bandipur - Chitwan National Park
Day 9
Chitwan National Park
Day 10
Chitwan National Park - Kathmandu
Day 11
Kathmandu, Depart
Welcome to Nepal. Your flight lands at Kathmandu airport and you are met after you clear the immigration and custom formalities.
Our colleague assists you with your transfer to the hotel and the remainder of the day is at your leisure. You might like to wander into Durbar Square and explore its surrounding side streets.
Overnight at hotel.
Begin your sightseeing with a stop at Durbar Square in the old city, which acts as a historic record of four kingdoms and has some wonderful architecture from each reign. Here you will see the palace of the Living Goddess, the residence of the Royal Kumari, a young girl believed to be the incarnation of the goddess Taleju. Also on the tour is Swayambhunath Stupa, the Monkey Temple, a complex of temples of different faiths dating back to the 5th century.
Pashupatinath lends a touch of Hinduism to the tour. Nepal’s most important Hindu temple stands tall on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, surrounded by a bustling market of religious stalls selling marigolds, incense, rudraksha beads, and other essential pilgrim paraphernalia.
Your last stop is Bodnath Stupa. At the end of the day you get the opportunity to catch some of the evening chanting as local people and monks come to pay their respects. This is Asia’s largest stupa and hums with life as pilgrims offer their prayers under the watchful eyes of the Buddha, which gaze out from the gilded central tower.
Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner with a local family for a true taste of Kathmandu. The views overlook the Bodnath stupa and the faint chanting of the monks in the distance lends a soothing air to the experience and setting which makes it a perfect way to end the day.
Overnight at hotel.
Today you will explore the UNESCO temples and architecture of Kathmandu Valley. This beautiful green valley with its ancient towns comprise an intriguing collection of temples, shrines and palaces. Legend says that the valley was created from the bed of a sacred lake by the deity Manjushri and the basin is a patchwork of terraced fields and sacred sites each displaying some glorious examples of local architecture.
Your first stop in the picturesque valley is Patan, once a fiercely independent state but today more of a suburb of Kathmandu city. It still however houses the remains of the finest collection of temples and palaces in the country.
Here, the Krishna temple is a key attraction. Constructed from carved stone instead of the usual brick and timber this temple showcases the architecture influences of an Indian temple design. Another temple complex of note is Budhanilkantha.
Lying slightly off the beaten track most visitors tend to be local devotees and this gives the complex a slightly mystical air. Stroll around and you will see butter lamps flickering in the breeze, sweet incense smoke curling through the air, and devotees tossing red tikka powder as part of the rituals.
Another good reason to visit Patan is to enjoy the shops and restaurants set up to cater to the NGO workers and diplomats who live in the surrounding suburbs.
After exploring Patan, time permitting you will visit a Tibetan Refugee camp to watch woodcarving and carpet-weaving before returning to your hotel in Kathmandu.
Overnight at hotel.
This morning you transfer to Kathmandu's domestic terminal for your short flight to Pokhara. There are often spectacular views of the main Himalayan chain to the north on this flight.
Today, enjoy a boat ride across Phewa lake the second largest lake in Nepal. Also visit the Peace Pagoda, where more spectacular views of the mountains await. You can see the Annapurnas from here, and the famous fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare, and back across to Pokhara. At the fascinating International Mountain Museum learn some amazing tales of past climbing expeditions some of which ended in tragedy while others in triumph.
Overnight at hotel.
Wake up early this morning for an once-in-a-lifetime experience - sunrise paragliding from Sarangkot hilltop. Flying tandem with a trained instructor at the helm, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Annapurna mountain range and Phewa Lake before touching down in Pame. If you’re up for more thrills, you have the option of taking a half-day trek to a nearby village or going on an exhilarating white-water rafting trip downriver. Both options promise unforgettable views of rugged Himalayan terrain and plenty of stories to recount back at your resort in Pokhara.
Overnight at hotel.
A two hour drive brings you to the town of Bandipur today.
Bandipur is a pleasant and charming hill town is situated on a hill-crest that offers a magnificent view of the central Nepal Himalayas and the Marshyangdi valley. It is located somewhat mid–way between Kathmandu and Pokhara and only ten kilometers above the Prithivi Highway.
A quick descent to the bazaar will bring you to a unique and typical Newari town. The compact houses are built with bricks having tin or slate roofs. This is an impressive town with beautiful temples and palaces. Stroll the narrow lanes beneath traditional Newari wooden houses or sit in one of the many patis / pauwas (platform) and become part of an authentic Nepali experience.
You may also want to visit Tin Dhara, where water spouts provide cool water famous among Bandipurays near and far for bathing. If you have enough time, be sure to visit slate quarries which provide roofing material for the region.
Overnight at hotel.
Begin the day with a visit to the Khadga Devi Temple, the most sacred and auspicious temple in Bandipur. Then head up to the Martyrs Memorial Area, which honors seven Bandipur sons who were killed during the anti-Rana insurrection of 1951.
Return to the bazaar along the main trail, and visit one of the important temples of Bandipur, Bindebashini.
Bindebashini is the pagoda-roofed temple that houses goddess Durga, the guardian deity of Bandipur. The rich wooden carving and detailed brass-work that adorn the temple are replicas of those found in the many old pagoda structures of the Kathmandu valley. It displays Newari craftsmanship. The temple has rich wood carving on its struts and windows. The lintels and toranas have detailed brass work.
The rest of the day is at leisure for you to enjoy the town.
Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast you drive to Chitwan National Park, approximately 4 hrs. away.
This afternoon go on a jeep safari through the UNESCO World Heritage Park of Chitwan in search of the great Indian rhino, deer, and exotic bird life. Tiger sightings are rare these days, but these magnificent animals do inhabit the park.
In the early evening enjoy a cultural dance performance with the local Tharu dance troupe before dinner.
Overnight at hotel.
Start the morning with a nature hike along the riverbank of Chitwan National Park spotting native birds and taking in the unspoilt beauty of the surrounding forest.
Later, after breakfast go on a jeep safari through the UNESCO World Heritage Park of Chitwan.
In the afternoon enjoy a boat ride on the river as it meanders through this reserve which is home to elephants, rhinoceros, crocodiles and Bengal tigers, plus hundreds of bird species. Disembark and enjoy a serene sunset over chilled drinks or perhaps a hot cup of tea with freshly prepared savory hot snacks before returning back by surface to your Lodge.
Overnight at hotel.
The morning is at leisure. You have the option of enjoying your hotel’s facilities or taking a bullock ride through the neighbouring villages and meeting up with locals.
This afternoon you fly back to Kathmandu.
On arrival, transfer directly to your hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
It is worth waking up early for a hike to a Himalayan viewing point to watch the sunrise. Few sights can rival that of dawn in the Himalayas, and no visit to Nepal would be complete without this experience.
After breakfast, you will be driven to the airport for your departing international flight.
SEE ALL
Day 1
Kathmandu
Welcome to Nepal. Your flight lands at Kathmandu airport and you are met after you clear the immigration and custom formalities.
Our colleague assists you with your transfer to the hotel and the remainder of the day is at your leisure. You might like to wander into Durbar Square and explore its surrounding side streets.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 2
Kathmandu
Begin your sightseeing with a stop at Durbar Square in the old city, which acts as a historic record of four kingdoms and has some wonderful architecture from each reign. Here you will see the palace of the Living Goddess, the residence of the Royal Kumari, a young girl believed to be the incarnation of the goddess Taleju. Also on the tour is Swayambhunath Stupa, the Monkey Temple, a complex of temples of different faiths dating back to the 5th century.
Pashupatinath lends a touch of Hinduism to the tour. Nepal’s most important Hindu temple stands tall on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, surrounded by a bustling market of religious stalls selling marigolds, incense, rudraksha beads, and other essential pilgrim paraphernalia.
Your last stop is Bodnath Stupa. At the end of the day you get the opportunity to catch some of the evening chanting as local people and monks come to pay their respects. This is Asia’s largest stupa and hums with life as pilgrims offer their prayers under the watchful eyes of the Buddha, which gaze out from the gilded central tower.
Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner with a local family for a true taste of Kathmandu. The views overlook the Bodnath stupa and the faint chanting of the monks in the distance lends a soothing air to the experience and setting which makes it a perfect way to end the day.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 3
Patan City
Today you will explore the UNESCO temples and architecture of Kathmandu Valley. This beautiful green valley with its ancient towns comprise an intriguing collection of temples, shrines and palaces. Legend says that the valley was created from the bed of a sacred lake by the deity Manjushri and the basin is a patchwork of terraced fields and sacred sites each displaying some glorious examples of local architecture.
Your first stop in the picturesque valley is Patan, once a fiercely independent state but today more of a suburb of Kathmandu city. It still however houses the remains of the finest collection of temples and palaces in the country.
Here, the Krishna temple is a key attraction. Constructed from carved stone instead of the usual brick and timber this temple showcases the architecture influences of an Indian temple design. Another temple complex of note is Budhanilkantha.
Lying slightly off the beaten track most visitors tend to be local devotees and this gives the complex a slightly mystical air. Stroll around and you will see butter lamps flickering in the breeze, sweet incense smoke curling through the air, and devotees tossing red tikka powder as part of the rituals.
Another good reason to visit Patan is to enjoy the shops and restaurants set up to cater to the NGO workers and diplomats who live in the surrounding suburbs.
After exploring Patan, time permitting you will visit a Tibetan Refugee camp to watch woodcarving and carpet-weaving before returning to your hotel in Kathmandu.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 4
Kathmandu - Pokhara
This morning you transfer to Kathmandu's domestic terminal for your short flight to Pokhara. There are often spectacular views of the main Himalayan chain to the north on this flight.
Today, enjoy a boat ride across Phewa lake the second largest lake in Nepal. Also visit the Peace Pagoda, where more spectacular views of the mountains await. You can see the Annapurnas from here, and the famous fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare, and back across to Pokhara. At the fascinating International Mountain Museum learn some amazing tales of past climbing expeditions some of which ended in tragedy while others in triumph.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 5
Pokhara
Wake up early this morning for an once-in-a-lifetime experience - sunrise paragliding from Sarangkot hilltop. Flying tandem with a trained instructor at the helm, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Annapurna mountain range and Phewa Lake before touching down in Pame. If you’re up for more thrills, you have the option of taking a half-day trek to a nearby village or going on an exhilarating white-water rafting trip downriver. Both options promise unforgettable views of rugged Himalayan terrain and plenty of stories to recount back at your resort in Pokhara.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 6
Pokhara - Bandipur
A two hour drive brings you to the town of Bandipur today.
Bandipur is a pleasant and charming hill town is situated on a hill-crest that offers a magnificent view of the central Nepal Himalayas and the Marshyangdi valley. It is located somewhat mid–way between Kathmandu and Pokhara and only ten kilometers above the Prithivi Highway.
A quick descent to the bazaar will bring you to a unique and typical Newari town. The compact houses are built with bricks having tin or slate roofs. This is an impressive town with beautiful temples and palaces. Stroll the narrow lanes beneath traditional Newari wooden houses or sit in one of the many patis / pauwas (platform) and become part of an authentic Nepali experience.
You may also want to visit Tin Dhara, where water spouts provide cool water famous among Bandipurays near and far for bathing. If you have enough time, be sure to visit slate quarries which provide roofing material for the region.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 7
Bandipur
Begin the day with a visit to the Khadga Devi Temple, the most sacred and auspicious temple in Bandipur. Then head up to the Martyrs Memorial Area, which honors seven Bandipur sons who were killed during the anti-Rana insurrection of 1951.
Return to the bazaar along the main trail, and visit one of the important temples of Bandipur, Bindebashini.
Bindebashini is the pagoda-roofed temple that houses goddess Durga, the guardian deity of Bandipur. The rich wooden carving and detailed brass-work that adorn the temple are replicas of those found in the many old pagoda structures of the Kathmandu valley. It displays Newari craftsmanship. The temple has rich wood carving on its struts and windows. The lintels and toranas have detailed brass work.
The rest of the day is at leisure for you to enjoy the town.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 8
Bandipur - Chitwan National Park
After breakfast you drive to Chitwan National Park, approximately 4 hrs. away.
This afternoon go on a jeep safari through the UNESCO World Heritage Park of Chitwan in search of the great Indian rhino, deer, and exotic bird life. Tiger sightings are rare these days, but these magnificent animals do inhabit the park.
In the early evening enjoy a cultural dance performance with the local Tharu dance troupe before dinner.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 9
Chitwan National Park
Start the morning with a nature hike along the riverbank of Chitwan National Park spotting native birds and taking in the unspoilt beauty of the surrounding forest.
Later, after breakfast go on a jeep safari through the UNESCO World Heritage Park of Chitwan.
In the afternoon enjoy a boat ride on the river as it meanders through this reserve which is home to elephants, rhinoceros, crocodiles and Bengal tigers, plus hundreds of bird species. Disembark and enjoy a serene sunset over chilled drinks or perhaps a hot cup of tea with freshly prepared savory hot snacks before returning back by surface to your Lodge.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 10
Chitwan National Park - Kathmandu
The morning is at leisure. You have the option of enjoying your hotel’s facilities or taking a bullock ride through the neighbouring villages and meeting up with locals.
This afternoon you fly back to Kathmandu.
On arrival, transfer directly to your hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 11
Kathmandu, Depart
It is worth waking up early for a hike to a Himalayan viewing point to watch the sunrise. Few sights can rival that of dawn in the Himalayas, and no visit to Nepal would be complete without this experience.
After breakfast, you will be driven to the airport for your departing international flight.
