Nepal Explorer | Overland Tour - 15 Days
NEPAL EXPLORER OVERLAND TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
- Discover Nepal’s incredible landscapes and captivating natural and cultural heritage.
- Interact with Hindu Holy Men at Pashupatinath Temple.
- Visit Tansen, the gem of the Palpa district.
- Head into the jungle on the lookout for Royal Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, one-horned rhinoceros and sloth bears in Chitwan.
- Find peace in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
- Explore Pokhara, Nepal’s adventure capital.
- Admire a stunning sunrise in Nagarkot.
- Scenic drive along the world's deepest canyon - the Kali Gandaki.
- Experience the warm Nepalese hospitality.
- Enjoy the spectacular views of the Annapurnas in Lower Mustang.
DAY 01. WELCOME TO NEPAL | PRE-DEPARTURE BRIEFING
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 | DRIVE TO NAGARKOT
After breakfast, we will take you on a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and the Kathmandu Valley.
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.
Overnight in Nagarkot.
DAY 03. NAGARKOT – DRIVE TO CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy a stunning sunrise over the Himalayas.
After breakfast, we will drive to Chitwan. 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.
Overnight in Chitwan.
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!
Overnight in Chitwan.
DAY 05. DRIVE TO LUMBINI
Early in the morning, we will drive to Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Check in to the hotel. Relax and soak up the peaceful atmosphere in Lumbini.
Overnight in Lumbini.
DAY 06. LUMBINI SIGHTSEEING TOUR
We will explore the Wetlands and encounter the gorgeous Sarus Cranes.
Overnight in Lumbini.
DAY 07. DRIVE TO TANSEN
Today, we will drive to Tansen, an unspoiled gem in the Palpa district. 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.
Overnight in Tansen.
Meals: Breakfast.
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).
Overnight in Tansen.
Meals: Breakfast.
DAY 09. DRIVE TO POKHARA
We will visit Tal Barahi Temple, a Hindu temple located on a small island in the middle of Phewa Lake.
Overnight in Pokhara.
DAY 10. DRIVE TO KALOPANI (2530m)
Overnight in Kalopani.
DAY 11. DRIVE TO KAGBENI (2804m) VIA MUKTINATH (3710m)
Today, we will drive to Muktinath. Temples and religious shrines are the major attractions of this holy place. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. In Muktinath, if you have the courage to do so, you can follow Hindu devotees and take a holy bath under the 108 chilled fountains (Muktidhara).
Then, we will drive to Kagbeni, the main gate to the Last Forbidden Kingdom. In Kagbeni, you will witness the great views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Tukuche peaks, and the Kali Gandaki (the deepest canyon in the world).
Overnight in Kagbeni.
DAY 12. DRIVE TO TATOPANI (1190m)
We will leave the beautiful Kagbeni and drive to Tatopani. In the afternoon, we will enjoy Tatopani's natural hot springs. Don't forget to bring your swimsuit!
Overnight in Tatopani.
DAY 13. DRIVE BACK TO POKHARA
Overnight in Pokhara.
DAY 14. DRIVE BACK TO KATHMANDU
After breakfast, we will head back to Kathmandu by private van/car.
DAY 15. DEPARTURE
What’s included
- Pre-departure support.
- Airport pick-up & drop-off (private vehicle).
- Experienced and government licensed English-speaking guide.
- All ground transportation (private comfortable vehicle with a private driver).
- Accommodation (14 nights): 2 nights in Kathmandu, 1 night in Nagarkot, 2 nights in Lumbini, 2 nights in Tansen, 2 nights in Pokhara, 1 night in Tatopani, 1 night in Kagbeni, 1 night in Kalopani and 2 nights in Chitwan.
- Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan).
- Sightseeing tours as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Entrance fees & National Park entrance fees.
- All necessary permits (ACAP Permit & TIMS).
- Jungle activities as mentioned in the itinerary.
- First aid kit/s.
- Travel map.
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
- All government taxes, VAT and service charges.
What’s NOT included
- International flights and domestic flights.
- Tips for driver, guides & others.
- Personal expenditures, all bar bills, laundry, telephone calls, nutri-bars, etc.
- Visa fees.
- Travel and rescue insurance.
- 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 Jungle Resort.
- Lumbini (2 nights): Carefully selected 3-Star hotel.
- Tansen (2 nights): Carefully selected Homestay.
- Pokhara (2 nights): Carefully selected 3-Star hotel.
- Tatopani (1 night): Carefully selected lodge.
- Kagbeni (1 night): Carefully selected lodge.
- Kalopani (1 night): Carefully selected lodge.
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, Lunch & Dinner.
- Day 11: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
- Day 12: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
- Day 13: Breakfast.
- Day 14: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner.
- Day 15: Breakfast.
