Itinerary Details
Nepal boasts countless cultural heritages, magnificent landscapes of Himalayan ranges and rich wildlife living. The Best of Nepal is specially designed to experience some of the best spots, including the cultural Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, serene Pokhara, sacred Lumbini and virgin Chitwan. During the 12 days of vacation, you will have a chance to explore the splendid temples and palace and to taste the traditional Nepal delicacies. Of course, the remarkable views of lakes and snow mountains in Bhaktapur will also impress you. Besides, you will also get close to the birthplace of Gautama Buddha to learn about the Buddhist culture and to Chitwan National Park to come across various wild animals.
Welcome to Kathmandu!
Upon arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by your private guide with warm welcome and be transferred to your hotel by private car. The rest of today is free at leisure.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Accommodation option:
- Hotel Shanker
- (4 Ratings)
breakfast and lunch
Today, you will start a cultural tour in Kathmandu. In the morning, your private tour guide will pick you up to Kathmandu Durbar Square. It is the centre of the old city and preserve the temples and palaces complex from the 12th to the 18th century. There are a number of splendid temples to visit, including Kasthamandap, Taleju Temple, Kal Bhairab (God of Destruction), Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, and the statue of King Pratap Malla, etc.
Then visit Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. Located on a small hillock in west Kathmandu, it boasts excellent view of the valley. The stupa was built in 460 A.D. by King Manadev and soon became an important center of Buddhism.
Afterwards, go head to visit the giant Buddhist Stupa - Boudhanath. It is the largest stupa in Kathmandu Valley at about 131ft (40km) high and is the center hub of Buddhism in Nepal. It is surrounded by numerous temples, painted images of deities.
Continue drive to Pashupatinath Temple, the largest and holiest shrines for Hindus. Situated on the bank of Bagmati river, it was built in the 5th century. There are around 492 temples, 15 Shivalayas (shrines of Lord Shiva) and 12 Jyotirlinga (phallic shrines) to explore. Although only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river. After the tour, return to hotel.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Accommodation option:
- Hotel Shanker
- (4 Ratings)
Kathmandu Durbar Square
breakfast and lunch
In the morning, we will drive to beautiful city of Patan to experience a cooking class with the locals. It is really a good opportunity to discover secret recipes of Nepal's food and learn to cook the traditional dishes. Besides, you can also know the various vegetables and how they are grown.
In the afternoon, go head to ancient city of Bhaktapur. Located in 12 km east of the Kathmandu city, it is the birthplace of medieval Nepalese art and architecture. And it still preserves brick paved roads, charming red brick houses and the way of life that goes back to medieval times.
With three different styles square - Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square and Dattatreya Square, this old city is the best place to explore traditional Nepalese architecture. The exquisite religious architecture, ancient palace courtyards, narrow alleys and vibrant squares will allow you to witness the glory of medieval period.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Accommodation option:
- Hotel Shanker
- (4 Ratings)
Nepalese Cooking Class
breakfast and lunch
In the morning, your guide will pick you up to airport to catch the flight to Pokhara. Upon arrival at Pokhara, transfer to hotel and check in.
In the afternoon, take a short hike to World Peace Stupa that situated at an altitude of almost 1000 meters on the southwest of Pokhara. Once reach the top, you can enjoy the wide panoramic view of stretching towering mountains. While seeing the stunning natural sights around, you will immerse yourself in the peaceful ambience.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Accommodation option:
- Temple Tree Resort & Spa
- (4 Ratings)
World Peace Stupa
breakfast and lunch
Get up early in the morning and drive to Sarangkot to enjoy stunning sunrise view over the Himalayas. Sarangkot is probably the best place to enjoy sunrise and panoramic mountains view. Then return to hotel for breakfast. (Optional: Self-paying activity like paraglider can be available in Sarangkot)
In the afternoon, proceed for half day city tour in Pokhara. First, pay a visit to Bindabasini Temple. It is the oldest temple in Pokhara and is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga, the patron saint of Pokhara. The views of the Himalayas from the north of the temple are breathtaking while from the south are the expanse view of Pokhara city.
Then drive to the Devis Fall, a stream from Phewa Lake falls straight down and vanishes underground through a natural cave. Then walk across the Devis Fall area and explore the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave. It is one of the longest caves in Nepal at 2950 meters and is a sacred cave enshrined Hindu gods.
Finally, enjoy a relaxing boat riding on Fewa Lake. Take a beautifully painted boat around the lakeshore, you will enjoy the beauty and serenity of the lake and mountains. Besides, the most important religious monument of Pokhara, Barahi Temple, is located on an island at the center of Fewa Lake.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Accommodation option:
- Temple Tree Resort & Spa
- (4 Ratings)
Sarangkot
breakfast
Today you will transfer to Lumbini with 6-7 hours’ driving. After checking in, the rest of the time is free at leisure.
Overnight at Lumbini.
Accommodation option:
- Buddha Maya Garden by KGH Group
- (4 Ratings)
Odhi tree
breakfast and lunch
In the morning, your private tour guide will pick you up to Lumbini Park where you can visit plenty of historical sites, including Ashoka Pillar, Maya Devi Temple, and various monasteries of different country, etc.
In the heart of Lumbini gardens, Maya Devi Temple is traditionally considered as the birthplace of Gautama Buddha in 623 B.C. It is well-known as one of the holiest and ancient Buddhist temples in Nepal. Beside is the sacred pool called Pushkarini, believed to be the place where Queen Maya Devi bathed before giving birth to the Buddha.
In the sacred garden stands an ancient Bodhi tree decorated with colorful prayer flags. It is said Gautama Buddha had an epiphany under the Bodhi tree. The nearby pillar of Ashoka, dating back around the 3rd century BC, is a marker stone marks the spot where the Buddha was born.
Besides, the complex inside the UNESCO World Heritage Site includes a number of brick stupas and splendid monasteries.
Overnight in Lumbini
Accommodation option:
- Buddha Maya Garden by KGH Group
- (4 Ratings)
Maya Devi Temple
breakfast and lunch
After breakfast, proceed driving to Chitwan (Approx. 5 hours). Upon reaching your resort, check-in and have lunch.
Later enjoy stunning sunset from Rapti River Beach.
Overnight in Chitwan.
Accommodation option:
- Green Park Chitwan
- (4 Ratings)
Rapti River Beach
breakfast and lunch
You will join in a full day jungle activities like bird watching, elephant safari, canoe ride and nature walk.
Wake up in the morning and take a nature walk to discover various birds. Then you will start jungle safari on elephant back to closely see different kinds of deer, rhinoceros, wild boar, leopard and many other smaller animals. Afterwards, proceed for Dugout Canoe Ride along with Rapti River to see rare species of crocodile.
In the late afternoon, you will visit Tharu village on an ox-drawn cart. The village itself is comprised of several mud and reed huts. You can see the domestic and farm animals roam around. And there’s a small museum which displays the tools and traditional clothes people use out in the field. In the evening, Tharu Tribal Dance will be presented by the local Tharu villagers.
Overnight in Chitwan.
Accommodation option:
- Green Park Chitwan
- (4 Ratings)
Chitwan National Park
breakfast and lunch
After breakfast, you will start a Jeep safari to Chitwan National Park. During the trip, your guide will hang at the back of the vehicle to spot animals. He will introduce the information about the environment and wildlife to you.
During the whole day, you will drive inside Chitwan National Park where you will see many species of reptiles, birds, mammals, including one horn rhino and royal Bengal tiger if you are lucky.
Overnight in Chitwan.
Accommodation option:
- Green Park Chitwan
- (4 Ratings)
Jeep Safari
breakfast
After breakfast in the morning, drive back to Kathmandu with scenic views of countryside, which takes about 5hrs. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, check in. The rest of the day is at leisure for individual activities.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Accommodation option:
- Hotel Shanker
- (4 Ratings)
breakfast
About 3 hours before your international flight, your guide will pick you up to the airport for your departure flight.