Nepal, Kathmandu to Chitwan
14 Nights /15 days
Group Experience
Nepal unfolds vistas of unparalleled grandeur, largely attributed to the sinuous traverse of the Himalayan Mountain range at border with Tibet. It’s a rich cultural land, serene lakeside villages, ancient sacred enclaves and a unique fauna in the lowlands of the South near India. From the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bhaktapur to the breathtaking views of Nagarkot and the untamed wonders of the lush jungles of Chitwan National Park, each destination offers a unique blend of tranquility and adventure.
Start your journey through the bustling bazaars of Kathmandu, exploring the markets, shops, bars and temples of Thamel filled with deities, and miniature shrines.
Venture on the banks of the Bagmati River, the holiest Hindu sanctum in Nepal, and the spend a relaxing afternoon at Buddhanātha, one of the largest stupa in Asia.
The UNESCO World Heritage medieval citadel of Bhaktapur will transport you back in time while Nagarkot welcomes visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas.
The ambiance is spiritual, the rituals profound and the untamed beauty simply breathtaking.
Nepal, Kathmandu
Nepal
Nepal, nestled in the heart of South Asia, is a landlocked country located between China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. Its capital city, Kathmandu, lies in the Kathmandu Valley, surrounded by the mighty Himalayas in the distance and serves as the vibrant epicenter of this culturally rich nation.
What makes Nepal a special destination is its harmonious blend of breathtaking landscapes and diverse traditions. Beyond the adventure, the country’s spiritual sanctuaries add a profound dimension to every journey, making Nepal a destination where nature and culture coexist harmoniously.
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive in Kathmandu; the busy, colourful and chaotic capital city of Nepal. Check your bags; your hotel is about 30 minutes’ drive from Tribhuvan International airport. Get some rest, have a dip in the pool or go for a walk in to the centre of the bustling town which is around 15 minutes from the Hotel Shanker (or similar).
DAY 2
Start the day with a walking tour, visiting the Durbar Square area, the centre of old Kathmandu and the nearby market, a fascinating mixture of people selling fruit, vegetables and spices amidst local shops and temples. In the afternoon we plan to visit the Temple of Pashupatinath on the banks of the Bagmati River with a visit to and also Boudhanath, the largest stupa in the country, where you will have the change to spin prayer wheel with monks and pilgims.
DAY 3
In the morning, drive to the city of Bhaktapur, a city wwith a huge medieval feel with its temples adorned with intricate stone and wooden carvings. In the afternoon, continue to your lodge, The Fort Resort (or similar) at Nagarkot where sunset views from are breathtaking.
DAY 4
It is worth getting up early to catch the sunrise from the roof of the lodge and after breakfast take a walk to a nearby hilltop along the ridge for spectacular views over the Himalayas. Nagarkot (altitude of 2,174 m,) stands 35 kilometres east of Kathmandu on a ridge between the Kathmandu and the Indrawati valley. Enjoy the short walks and visits to the neighbouring farms under the spectacular backdrop
DAY 5
Morning departure descending at the lower altitude and driving through the valley – on clear days you will have spectacular views of the Ganesh Himal, Manaslu and Annapurna ranges. Feeling adventurous? En route you’ll have the option of a half-day’s whitewater rafting on the Trisuli River (Grade III-III+). It does not require previous experience but you’ll need to be confident swimming for at least 25 metres unaided in tumutous waters. Reach Riverside Springs Resort (or similar).
DAY 6
We make our way to the small hill bazaar of Gorkha, driivng approximatively 1hour and a half to the end of the surfaced road. The town gave its name to the feared Gurkha soldiers an their Kukuri knives. Take a walk up to the ridge to the old palace fort.The view is well worth the climb and offers a spectacular view over the surrounding Annapurna and Manaslu ranges.
DAY 7
In the morning there is an option to visit the nearby Manakamana Temple (1302m), the sacred place of the Hindu Goddess Bhagwati, taking a cable car up to the temple. Local people call the goddess the wish fulfilling deity and the temple is a popular pilgrimage site. Tne journey continues to Pokhara situated beside Lake Phewa Tal beneath the Annapurna range. Head to The Lake Side Retreat (or similar) for the night.
DAY 8
Pokhara is a gorgeous town by the Phewa lake, reflecting the nearby snow-capped peaks. Take a walk through some small Gurung and Chettri settlements to the World Peace Pagoda, situated on a ridge above Pokhara. Soak the spectacular views of the Annapurna mountain range. The rest of the day is left free to explore the tranquil town of Pokhara, perhaps taking a boat trip on the lake, or simply sitting back and admiring the breathtaking beauty all around.
DAY 9
After breakfast, there is a visit to the Mountain Museum housing expedition memorabilia and information on Nepal’s ethnic groups and the very unique flora and fauna of teh country. Then, you’ll head to Tashiling, a long established settlement of Tibetan refugees, spending some time watching wool being sorted, dyed and eventually made into Tibetan carpets. You’ll end the day with the visit the village’s Buddhist monastery before heading to your resort.
DAY 10
Leave Pokhara today and take a short drive to the hilltop town of Bandipur. After a short walking tour of the town and the local bazaar, enjoy some free time to explore this traditional Nepali town. Bandipur is a small, quiet town that doesn’t attract as many tourists as nearby Pokhara. There are also several small temples to visit and you can finish the day looking at the stunning views back across the Himalaya. Head to The Old Inn Bandipur (or similar) for the night.
DAY 11
Once a private hunting ground, Chitwan is now a National Park. With many activities available, including jeep safaris searching out the elusive one-horned rhino, bird watching, jungle walks and drives and dugout canoe trips along the Rapti River (depending on the water level). Engage in a nature walk with a trained native naturalists, walking along trails in the less densely forested parts of the park. Head back to Tigerland Safari Resort (or similar).
DAY 12
Chitwan National Park, situated in the heart of Nepal, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. This lush expanse offers the chance to encounter a wealth of animals, including some of the 450 bird species that can be found in the park. It will be a full day exploration before returning to the resort for dinner.
DAY 13
Leaving Chitwan for an approximately 7-8 hours drive back to Kathmandu at the Shanker Hotel (or similar). The Shanker Hotel is a historic oasis blending elegance and cultural heritage. Set within a former palace, the hotel offers a luxurious retreat with traditional Nepalese architecture. lush gardens, and a welcoming pool.
DAY 14
Today is left free to explore the bustling streets of Kathmandu and do some final shopping. You may also choose to visit the Swayambunath Stupa. Perched atop a hill and overlooking the city, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a sacred symbol of Buddhism in Nepal. There is also the option to drive to Durbar Square in Patan to discover the city’s finest collection of palaces, courtyards, and intricately carved temples. Enjoy a traditional dinner in Thamel before heading back to your hotel.
DAY 15
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Kathmandu. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Kathmandu at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you’ll need to depart from Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM).
What Your Trip Includes
- Breakfast: 14 / Lunch: 5 / Dinner: 7
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Explore Tour Leader / Boat Crew
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Driver(s) / Local Guide(s) / Naturalist(s)
- Transport by Bus & 4WD
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12 nights comfortable hotel / 2 nights comfortable lodge
- River guides
- Helmet
- Life jacket
- Lunch.
What Your Trip Does Not Include
- International flights > request your flight for this trip.
- visa & tax
- Personal Gear & equipment
- Travel / Repatriation / Medical Insurance > you must have an adequate valid travel insurance
- Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.
- For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 – please check with us for further details.
Gear List For Your Trip
FAQ
How can I acclimatise to the high altitudes?
Take it slow, stay hydrated, and listen to your body. One effective strategy is to maintain a steady pace, stay well-hydrated, and take regular breaks. Get some cardio workouts and do long walks outdoors weeks before your trip.
Are there any cultural norms or etiquettes I should be aware of?
Respect for local customs is paramount in Nepal. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially in religious sites. Always seek permission before taking photographs of locals. When entering homes or temples, removing your shoes is a sign of respect. During religious ceremonies, maintain a respectful distance and avoid interrupting worshippers.
What local dishes should I try?
Don’t miss momos, delicious dumplings usually filled with meat or vegetables, and dal bhat, a staple lentil soup served with rice. For a unique experience, try Gurung bread in the Annapurna region. Be cautious with street food, but food enthusiasts will enjoy a savoring thukpa, a hearty noodle soup in on of the local restaurants of Kathmandu.
What vaccinations are recommended before traveling to Nepal?
It’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for vaccinations such as Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis. Additionally, consider a polio booster and ensure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Carry a basic first aid kit, including altitude sickness medication and water purification tablets.
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