Best of Nepal Tour: Everest, Pokhara and Chitwan - 11 Days

Day Highlights

• Private guided tour of three UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Patan Durbar Square with its royal palace and temples
• Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world
• Pashupatinath Temple, the most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide and private vehicle will pick you up for a full day of sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley.

Your first stop is Patan Durbar Square. Patan is one of the three royal cities in the valley and is known for its fine Newa architecture. You will see the ancient royal palace, the Krishna Mandir temple and numerous other temples and courtyards. The square is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is filled with intricate wood and stone carvings. Your guide will explain the history and significance of each monument.

Next, you will drive to Boudhanath Stupa. This is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. You will see the massive white dome with the all seeing eyes of Buddha painted on all four sides. Tibetan Buddhist monks walk around the stupa spinning prayer wheels. You can join them in circumambulating the stupa. The area around Boudhanath is filled with monasteries, shops selling Tibetan crafts and rooftop cafes where you can rest and take in the views.

Your final stop of the day is Pashupatinath Temple. This is the most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple complex sits on the banks of the Bagmati River. As a non Hindu, you cannot enter the main temple, but you can view it from across the river. You will see sadhus or holy men, meditating on the steps. You may also observe cremation ceremonies taking place on the river banks. These ceremonies are a normal part of life and death in Nepal. Your guide will explain the rituals and beliefs associated with this sacred site.

After the tour, you will be driven back to your hotel. The evening is free for you to rest or explore more of Kathmandu on your own.

Practical Tips

• Dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees, especially at Pashupatinath
• Remove your shoes before entering any temple or stupa
• Ask permission before taking photos of sadhus or cremation ceremonies
• Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated
• Wear comfortable walking shoes as you will walk through the squares

Important Note: Photography is not allowed inside the main temple area at Pashupatinath. Respect the rules and the privacy of grieving families during cremation ceremonies.

Activity Cultural Sightseeing

Trip Duration 6-7 hours

Max Altitude 1,400m / 4,593ft

Meals Breakfast

Accommodation 4-Star Hotel in Kathmandu

Day Highlights

• Early morning transfer to Kathmandu airport
• Scenic helicopter flight to the Everest region
• Landing at Kalapatthar or Everest Base Camp for close up mountain views
• Breakfast at the famous Everest View Hotel with Mount Everest in front of you

Today is a very early start. You will be picked up from your hotel before dawn and driven to Kathmandu airport for your Everest helicopter tour. This is a shared helicopter experience with other travelers. For detailed information about this specific tour, please visit our dedicated Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour package page.

Note:

Everest Helicopter Tour is Weather Dependent

The helicopter tour is completely weather-dependent. If the weather is bad, the flight may be delayed or cancelled. If cancelled, you will be offered an alternative date and we will take actions to accommodate you as per our. Your safety is our first priority. Do not panic, stay calm and our team will take care of everything.

The helicopter takes off from Kathmandu and flies east towards the Everest region. As you gain altitude, you will see the landscape change from green hills to brown mountains to white snow-capped peaks. The flight offers stunning views of the Himalayan range, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and many other peaks.

The helicopter will land at Kalapatthar or at Everest Base Camp, depending on weather conditions and aviation regulations. Kalapatthar is a famous viewpoint at 5,545 meters. From here, you get the closest possible view of Mount Everest without climbing the mountain. You will see the southwest face of Everest rising above the Khumbu Glacier.

Your next stop is the Everest View Hotel, one of the highest placed hotels in the world. You will be served breakfast here while looking directly at Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks. The view from this hotel is considered one of the best in the entire region.

After breakfast, you will fly back to Kathmandu. The entire experience takes about three to four hours from pick up to drop off.

Practical Tips

• Dress in warm layers, including a jacket, hat and gloves. It is very cold at high altitude
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Bring your camera fully charged. You will want many photos
• Listen carefully to the pre-flight safety briefing
• If you feel dizzy or have a headache from altitude, inform your guide immediately
• Carry motion sickness medication if you are prone to it

Activity Everest Helicopter Tour

Trip Duration 4-6 hours

Max Altitude 5,545m / 18,192ft

Meals Breakfast at Everest View Hotel

Accommodation 4-Star Hotel in Kathmandu

Day Highlights

• Scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara with mountain views
• Boating on Phewa Lake with reflections of Machhapuchhare mountain
• Short hike to World Peace Pagoda
• Sunset views over Pokhara Valley and the Annapurna range

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to Kathmandu airport for your flight to Pokhara. The flight takes about twenty-five minutes. On a clear day, you will see the Himalayan range, including Manaslu, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri from the window of the plane.

Once you arrive in Pokhara, our local representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel by private vehicle. Check in and take some time to settle in.

In the afternoon, you will head to Phewa Lake, the second-largest lake in Nepal. You will go boating on the calm waters of the lake. From the middle of the lake, you can see the reflection of Machhapuchhare mountain, also known as Fishtail Mountain and the Annapurna range in the water. The view is unforgettable.

After boating, you will take a short hike up to the World Peace Pagoda. The hike takes about forty-five minutes to an hour. The trail goes through the forest with views of the lake and mountains along the way. At the top, you will find a large white Buddhist stupa built by Japanese monks. The pagoda is a symbol of peace and offers a panoramic view of Pokhara Valley, Phewa Lake and the entire Annapurna range, including Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhare.

If you time your hike correctly, you will reach the pagoda around sunset. The golden light on the mountains is a beautiful reward after the climb. You will then hike back down to the lakeside and return to your hotel.

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable walking shoes for the hike to World Peace Pagoda
• Carry a light jacket as it gets cooler in the evening
• Bring your camera for the sunset photos
• Carry water for the hike
• Start the hike early enough to reach the pagoda before sunset

Important Note: The hike to World Peace Pagoda involves walking up a hill with stairs. Take your time. Rest when you need to. This is a great place to go at your own pace. Your guide will wait for you.

Activity Boating and Hiking

Trip Duration 4-5 hours

Max Altitude 822m / 2,697ft

Meals Breakfast

Accommodation 4-Star Hotel in Pokhara

Day Highlights

• Sunrise view of the Annapurna range from Sarangkot Hill
• Visit to Devi’s Fall and Gupteshwor Cave
• View of Seti River Gorge from the bridge
• Blessings at Bindhyabasini Temple

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide and private vehicle will pick you up for a full day of sightseeing around Pokhara Valley.

Pokhara is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Annapurna range rising behind the city and Phewa Lake at its centre. Your guide will take you to the most scenic and culturally important spots in and around the city. The exact locations may vary depending on your interests, the weather and the time available. This flexibility allows your guide to avoid crowds, adjust for weather conditions and focus on what interests you most.

That said, here are some of the places your guide may include in your sightseeing tour.

You may visit Sarangkot, a hilltop viewpoint that offers a panoramic view of the entire Annapurna range. Many travellers enjoy coming here in the morning to see the sunrise over the mountains. If you choose to go here, your guide will wake you early because the view is worth it.

Note: The sunrise at Sarangkot happens very early. If you are going, your guide will confirm the pick-up time the night before. Do not be late. The view is worth the early wake-up.

You may visit Devi’s Fall, a unique waterfall where water crashes into a deep underground gorge and disappears. The sound of the falling water is powerful and mesmerising. Right next to it is Gupteshwor Cave, a sacred cave with a natural Shiva lingam. The cave is dark and narrow in places, so your guide will lead you carefully.

You may visit the Seti River Gorge, where the river has cut a deep canyon through the center of Pokhara city. You can see the white water rushing far below from a bridge viewpoint.

You may visit Bindhyabasini Temple, one of the oldest temples in Pokhara. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is an important pilgrimage site for local people. The temple sits on a small hill and offers a nice view of the city.

You may visit the International Mountain Museum, which tells the story of the Himalayas, the people who live there and the climbers who have attempted to summit the peaks. You will see exhibits about the history of mountaineering, the culture of the Sherpa people and the flora and fauna of the mountain regions.

Your guide will work with you to decide which of these places fit best into your day. Some travelers prefer a relaxed pace with fewer stops. Others want to see as much as possible. This is your tour. Your guide will adjust accordingly.

After the tour, you will be driven back to your hotel. The evening is free for you to rest or explore the lakeside area on your own.

Practical Tips

• Wake up early to catch the sunrise
• Wear comfortable walking shoes for the cave and museum
• Bring a jacket. Mornings at Sarangkot are cold
• Carry water and snacks
• Listen to your guide inside the cave. It is dark and slippery in places

Activity Sightseeing

Trip Duration 6-7 hours

Max Altitude 1,600m / 5,249ft

Meals Breakfast at hotel

Accommodation 4-Star Hotel in Pokhara

Day Highlights

• Scenic drive from Pokhara to Bandipur through the Nepali countryside
• Arrival at the preserved Newa hill town of Bandipur
• Walk through the cobbled streets with traditional architecture
• Sunset views of Annapurna and Manaslu from the Tundikhel viewpoint

After breakfast at your hotel, you will check out and begin your drive from Pokhara to Bandipur. The drive takes approximately three to four hours along the Prithvi Highway. Your private vehicle will take you through the countryside with views of green hills, terraced farmlands and small villages along the way.

Bandipur is a traditional Newa hill town perched on a ridge at an altitude of about 1,030 meters. It is known for its preserved architecture, cobbled streets and stunning mountain views. Unlike Pokhara and Kathmandu, Bandipur sees fewer tourists, which gives it a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere.

Upon arrival in Bandipur, you will check into your hotel. Take some time to rest and freshen up.

In the afternoon, you can explore the main street of Bandipur on foot. The street is lined with traditional Newa houses with carved wooden windows. You can visit the Bindabasini Temple, a small hilltop temple with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. If you are feeling energetic, you can walk up to the Bandipur viewpoint or Tundikhel, a large open field that was once used as a helipad. From here, you can watch the sunset over the Himalayas.

Your guide will walk with you and explain the history of the town. The evening is free for you to enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants or at your hotel.

Practical Tips

• Pack an overnight bag. Your main luggage will be in the vehicle
• Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring Bandipur on foot
• Carry a light jacket for the evening as it gets cool
• Bring your camera for the sunset mountain views
• Take it slow while walking up to the viewpoint. The path has stairs

Note: Bandipur is a small town with limited restaurant options. Your guide will recommend the best places to eat. If you have specific dietary needs, inform your guide in advance.

Activity Drive and walking

Trip Duration 5-6 hours

Max Altitude 1,030m / 3,379ft

Meals Breakfast

Accommodation 4-Star Hotel in Bandipur

Day Highlights

• Enjoy a scenic 4–5 hour drive from the hill town of Bandipur to the tropical plains of Chitwan.
• Experience the dramatic change in landscape from lush hills to the fertile Terai and dense jungle.
• Check in to a comfortable jungle resort near the Chitwan National Park.
• Attend a detailed briefing about the upcoming jungle activities, wildlife, and safety guidelines.
• Relax in the peaceful jungle surroundings and soak in the natural beauty before your wildlife adventure begins.

After breakfast at your hotel in Bandipur, you will check out and begin your drive to Chitwan. The drive takes approximately four to five hours. You will descend from the hills of Bandipur down to the lowland Terai region of Nepal. As you drive, you will notice the landscape changing from green hills and forests to flat farmlands and jungle.

The temperature also changes as you lose altitude. Chitwan is warmer than the hills, especially in the middle of the day.

Upon arrival in Chitwan, you will check into your jungle resort. The resort is located near the edge of Chitwan National Park. Take some time to rest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

In the late afternoon, you will have a briefing about the jungle activities planned for the next day. The resort staff will explain what to expect, what to wear and what to bring. This is also a good time to ask any questions you have about the national park and the animals you might see.

The evening is free at the resort. You can walk around the property, listen to the sounds of the jungle or simply relax before the busy day ahead.

Practical Tips

• Pack an overnight bag for Chitwan. Your main luggage will be in the vehicle
• Wear light cotton clothes. Chitwan is warm and humid
• Carry insect repellent. Mosquitoes are present near the jungle
• Keep your camera ready for bird sightings, even at the resort
• Drink plenty of water. The Terai heat can dehydrate you

Note: Chitwan might have some mosquitoes. So, we recommend using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants during jungle activities. Your safety is our first priority.

Activity Drive to Chitwan National Park

Trip Duration 4-5 hours

Max Altitude 415m / 1,362ft

Meals Breakfast

Accommodation 4-Star Resort in Chitwan National Park

Day Highlights

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Chitwan National Park on a full day of wildlife activities.
  
• Enjoy a traditional canoe ride on the Rapti River while spotting gharials, crocodiles, and water birds.
  
• Take a guided jungle walk and learn about the park’s rich flora, fauna, and wildlife tracking.
  
• Experience an exciting jeep safari in search of one-horned rhinoceroses, Bengal tigers, deer, and other wildlife.
  
• End the day with a vibrant Tharu cultural dance performance and an overnight stay at a jungle resort.

Today is a full day of jungle activities inside Chitwan National Park. The national park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, elephants, crocodiles, deer, monkeys and over five hundred species of birds.

Your day will start early. Before breakfast, you will go on a morning bird-watching walk or an elephant briefing session, depending on the resort schedule. The early morning is the best time to see birds and animals before the heat of the day.

After breakfast, you will go on a canoe ride on the Rapti River. You will sit in a traditional dugout canoe and float slowly down the river. Along the riverbanks, you will see marsh crocodiles basking in the sun and gharials, a fish-eating crocodile with a long, thin snout. You will also see many species of water birds.

After the canoe ride, you will take a short jungle walk with an armed naturalist guide. The walk takes you through the forest where you may see deer, monkeys and rhino footprints. Your guide will point out different trees, plants and animal signs.

You will return to the resort for lunch.

In the afternoon, you will go on a jeep safari into the deeper parts of the national park. The safari lasts about three to four hours. You will drive through grasslands and forests searching for wildlife. This is your best chance to see a one-horned rhino. If you are very lucky, you may see a Bengal tiger, though tiger sightings are rare.

Note:

The full day of jungle activities on Day Eight is organised by the resort based on weather, park schedules and wildlife movement. The order of activities may change. You might do the jeep safari in the morning and the canoe ride in the afternoon. This is normal. Your resort guide will give you the exact schedule the evening before.

Also, you may not see a tiger as tiger sightings are very rare. Most visitors see rhinos, crocodiles, deer and many birds, which are already a rewarding experience.

In the evening, you will watch a Tharu cultural dance performance. The Tharu people are the indigenous community of the Terai region. The dancers perform traditional stick dances and other folk dances accompanied by drums and singing. The performance is energetic and joyful.

After the dance, you will return to your resort for dinner and an overnight stay.

Practical Tips

• Wear neutral colours like olive, brown or beige. Avoid bright colours and white
• Wear long pants and long sleeves for the jungle walk
• Use insect repellent on exposed skin
• Carry your camera in a waterproof bag during the canoe ride
• Listen carefully to your naturalist guide. They know how to keep you safe
• Stay quiet during the jeep safari. Loud noises scare away animals
• Drink plenty of water. It is easy to get dehydrated in the heat

Activity Jungle activities and jeep safari inside Chitwan National Park

Trip Duration 7-8 hours

Max Altitude 415m / 1,362ft

Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the resort

Accommodation 4-Star Resort in Chitwan National Park

Day Highlights

• Scenic drive from the Terai lowlands back to the Kathmandu Valley
• Stop for lunch along the highway
• Arrival in Kathmandu and check in at your hotel
• Free evening to rest or explore Thamel

After breakfast at your jungle resort, you will check out and begin your drive back to Kathmandu. The drive takes approximately five to six hours. You will travel from the lowland Terai region back up into the hills towards the Kathmandu Valley.

The drive follows the same route you took on day seven but in reverse. You will pass through small towns, riverside villages and scenic countryside. You can stop along the way for lunch at a local restaurant.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will check back into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to rest after the long drive. You can also go for a walk in Thamel or simply relax at the hotel.

Practical Tips

• Pack water and snacks for the long drive
• Wear comfortable clothes for sitting in the vehicle
• Take a rest when you arrive in Kathmandu. The drive is tiring
• Drink water to rehydrate after the warm drive from Chitwan

Note: The road from Chitwan to Kathmandu can have traffic jams, especially near the city. Do not worry if the drive takes longer than expected. Your driver knows the road well and will get you there safely.

Activity Drive

Trip Duration 5-6 hours

Max Altitude 1,400m / 4,593ft

Meals Breakfast

Accommodation 4-Star hotel in Kathmandu

Day Highlights

• Free day with no scheduled activities
• Shopping in Thamel for souvenirs and handicrafts
• Optional sightseeing to any missed attractions
• Relaxing spa or massage treatment
• Farewell dinner with Nepali cultural performance

Today is a free day with no scheduled activities. After a full week of traveling, you can rest at your hotel, sleep in and recover your energy.

If you feel like going out, you can explore the streets of Thamel for shopping. Thamel is packed with shops selling pashmina shawls, singing bowls, trekking gear, Buddhist artifacts, jewelry, handicrafts and souvenirs. Bargaining is expected, so do not be shy to negotiate the price.

You can also visit any sights you may have missed on the first day. Swayambhunath Stupa, also called the Monkey Temple, is an easy taxi ride from Thamel. It offers a great view of the Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu Durbar Square is another option, with its old royal palace and temples.

If you prefer to relax, you can book a massage or spa treatment at one of the many spas in Thamel. Traditional Ayurvedic massages are available and are a good way to unwind after your tour.

In the evening, you can enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant. Our team will arrange this dinner for you. You will be served authentic Nepali food while watching a cultural dance performance.

Activity: Leisure day with optional shopping and sightseeing

Trip Duration: Flexible

Max Altitude: 1,400 meters / 4,593 feet

Meals: Breakfast at hotel and farewell dinner

Accommodation: 3 star hotel in Kathmandu

Practical Tips

• Bargain at the shops. Shopkeepers expect it
• Carry small denomination Nepali rupees for shopping
• Wear comfortable walking shoes if you plan to walk in Thamel
• Drink bottled water only. Avoid tap water
• Confirm the time and location of the farewell dinner with our team

Note: If you choose to visit Swayambhunath or Kathmandu Durbar Square, there is an entrance fee of approximately 200 to 1,000 rupees. This fee is not included in the package. Our guide can help arrange transportation if you request it the night before.

Activity Shopping and sightseeing

Trip Duration Flexible

Max Altitude 1,400m / 4,593ft

Meals Breakfast & farewell dinner

Accommodation 4-Star hotel in Kathmandu

Day Highlights

• Final breakfast in Nepal
• Private vehicle transfer to the airport
• Departure from Kathmandu

Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today. After breakfast at your hotel, you will check out.

Our representative will meet you at your hotel at the scheduled time and drive you to Tribhuvan International Airport by private vehicle. The drive takes about thirty minutes depending on traffic.

You should arrive at the airport at least three hours before your international flight departure time. This gives you enough time to check in, go through security and complete the immigration process.

Say goodbye to Nepal until your next visit. On your flight home, you will have plenty of time to look through your photos and plan your next adventure in the Himalayas.

Practical Tips

• Confirm your flight departure time and airport pick-up time with our team the night before
• Pack your bags the night before to avoid rushing in the morning
• Keep your passport, boarding pass and travel documents in your hand luggage
• Arrive at the airport at least three hours before your flight
• Say goodbye to your guide and driver. They will appreciate your gratitude and any tips you choose to give

Note: If your flight is in the evening or at night, you may need to check out of your hotel in the morning. We can store your luggage at our office or at the hotel reception until your departure time. Please inform our team of your flight schedule so we can arrange the appropriate pickup time.

Activity Airport transfer

Trip Duration 30 minute

Max Altitude 1,400m / 4,593ft

Meals Breakfast