Classic Nepal - 12 Days
Discover Nepal’s incredible landscapes and captivating natural and cultural heritage. Head into the jungle on the lookout for Royal Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, one-horned rhinoceros and sloth bears in Chitwan. Admire a stunning sunrise in Nagarkot. Visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha and meet Buddhist monks. Explore the enchanting Pokhara, Nepal’s adventure capital. Interact with Hindu Holy Men at Pashupatinath Temple. Soak up the atmosphere of a mystical Kathmandu full of colors, culture, nature and flavors, and experience the warm Nepalese hospitality.
Nepal is so much more than the Himalayas. If you love nature, adventure, amazing wildlife, new cultures and friendly people, Nepal will surprise and fascinate you. There are a lot of reasons why someone should include Nepal on their bucket list.
You will discover Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal and home to historical and spiritual places such as Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa, and Bhaktapur, the city of devotees. You will also visit Pokhara, Nepal’s adventure capital. The jungle of Chitwan National Park will introduce you to the Royal Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceros, Asian elephants and majestic birds. This trip will also take you to the birthplace of Lord Buddha – Lumbini, and Tansen, an unspoiled gem in the Palpa district.
DAY 01. WELCOME TO NEPAL
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our friendly representative will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign displaying your name. He will then drive you to your hotel. At the hotel, you will receive a short pre-departure briefing.
Depending on your time of arrival, you are free to relax or explore the city.
DAY 02. CULTURAL TOUR IN KATHMANDU AND BHAKTAPUR
After breakfast, we will take you on a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and the Kathmandu Valley by private car/van.
We will visit Pashupatinath Temple, a holy pilgrimage site for Hindus. Pashupatinath is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for devotees of Lord Shiva. Devotees are regularly taking ritual baths in the holy Bagmati river. You will see a wide range of very interesting cultural activities. We will also meet many Hindu Holy Men (also known as Sadhus).
Then, we will visit Boudhanath Stupa. Boudhanath is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and a very important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Walk clockwise around the stupa, enjoy the mystical atmosphere, encounter the Buddhist monks and take lots of pictures under the colorful prayer flags.
In the afternoon, we will drive to Bhaktapur, the city of devotees, located 13 km outside Kathmandu.
Sightseeing tour in Bhaktapur
The ancient Newari town is renowned for its fine religious architecture and its traditional handicrafts. Among other places, we will visit:
- the Brass & Bronze Museum (Metal Museum),
- the Woodcarving Museum,
- the 55 Window Palace,
- the Golden Gate,
- and the Five Storeys Temple (Nyatapola Temple).
Then, we will head to Nagarkot, a top spot famous for its beautiful sunset and sunrise views.
DAY 03. NAGARKOT – CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy a stunning sunrise over the Himalayas.
After breakfast, we will drive to Chitwan by private car/van. The jungle of Chitwan National Park is home to the Royal Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceros, Asian elephants, river dolphins, sloth bears and many majestic birds. In Chitwan, you will get a welcome drink at the Resort.
After lunch, we will visit a typical Tharu community village.
In the evening, we will take you to the nearby Tharu Culture Center, where we will watch the native Tharu culture dance show.
DAY 04. CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK
After a filling breakfast, you will go on a river safari. During the river safari, you will see a lot of crocodiles and different species of birds. Don't forget to bring your binoculars!
DAY 05. LUMBINI
Early in the morning, we will drive to Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Lord Buddha, by private car/van. Check in to the hotel. Relax and soak up the peaceful atmosphere in Lumbini.
DAY 06. LUMBINI SIGHTSEEING TOUR
We will explore the Wetlands and encounter the gorgeous Sarus Cranes.
DAY 07. TANSEN
Today, we will drive to Tansen, an unspoiled gem in the Palpa district, by private car/van. The authentic town with its narrow streets is one of the most charming places in Nepal. In the evening, we will hike up to the view tower on the Shreenagar Hill to enjoy the sunset view over the Himalayas. We will spend the night at a local family's home.
Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Tansen.
DAY 08. TANSEN AND RANI MAHAL
In the morning, we will drive to Rani Mahal (Ranighat Palace), also known as the Taj Mahal of Nepal due to its history.
Then, we will spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful town. We will also go for some shopping, for those who want to take a taste of Nepal home with them. Tansen is famous for its Dhaka (a unique Nepali hand woven fabric) and Karuwa (a traditional ritual water vessel).
Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Tansen.
DAY 09. POKHARA
We will visit Tal Barahi Temple, a Hindu temple located on a small island in the middle of Phewa Lake.
DAY 10. SARANGKOT & POKHARA SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Early in the morning, we will head to Sarangkot to catch the sunrise. Sarangkot is famous for its view of Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993 m) and the Annapurna mountain range. We will return back to our hotel for breakfast.
- The beautiful World Peace Pagoda (Shanti stupa).
- Davis falls and Gupteshwor Mahadev cave.
- The Matepani Gumba Buddhist Monastery.
- The International Mountain Museum.
DAY 11. POKHARA – KATHMANDU
After breakfast, we will head back to Kathmandu by private van/car.
DAY 12. DEPARTURE
What’s included
- Pre-departure support.
- Airport pick-up & drop-off.
- Experienced and government licensed English speaking guide during the entire tour.
- All ground transportation (private comfortable car).
- Sightseeing tours and activities as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Entrance fees for Monasteries, temples, and world heritage sites.
- Conservation and National Park entrance fees.
- Accommodation (11 nights): 2 nights in Kathmandu, 1 night in Nagarkot, 2 nights in Lumbini, 2 nights in Tansen, 2 nights in Chitwan and 2 nights in Pokhara.
- Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan).
- First aid kit.
- Farewell dinner.
- All government taxes, VAT and service charges.
What’s NOT included
- International flights and domestic flights.
- Tips for guide, driver & others.
- Personal expenditures, all bar bills, laundry, shopping, telephone calls.
- Optional trips.
- Some meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan).
- EMERGENCY EVACUATION EXPENSES, Insurance of any kind. It is strongly recommended that you subscribe a proper travel insurance policy that covers illness, medical emergencies, trip cancellation, etc.
- Visa fees.
- Anything else not specified in the ‘what’s included’ section above.
Accommodation:
- Kathmandu (2 nights): Carefully selected 3-Star hotel.
- Nagarkot (1 night): Carefully selected 3-Star hotel.
- Chitwan (2 nights): Carefully selected Resort.
- Lumbini (2 nights): Carefully selected 3-Star hotel.
- Tansen (2 nights): Carefully selected Homestay.
- Pokhara (2 nights): Carefully selected 3-Star hotel.
Meals:
- Day 1: N/A.
- Day 2: Breakfast.
- Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
- Day 4: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
- Day 5: Breakfast.
- Day 6: Breakfast.
- Day 7: Breakfast.
- Day 8: Breakfast.
- Day 9: Breakfast.
- Day 10: Breakfast.
- Day 11: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner.
- Day 12: Breakfast.
