Nepal Premium Heritage Tour – 10 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu, Transfer to Hotel - Overnight in Hotel (Kathmandu Guest House or Hotel Shanker)

Once you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport, you'll be received by our staff and transported to your hotel. After some rest and refreshments, we'll provide you a brief about your upcoming trek to several parts of Nepal. You will be briefed about the documents and essential gear if any, and at night you will have a welcome dinner of Nepali cuisine before heading on your epic adventure the following day. The hotel that you'll be staying tonight is one with a long history of hospitality and exemplary service.

Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing - (Bauddhanath, Pashupatinath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath); Overnight in Hotel (Kathmandu Guest House or Hotel Shanker)

A day sightseeing tour is a great beginning to an already exciting itinerary in this mountainous nation. There are plenty of places to go in this capital city full of heritage. Although it does not seem like it at first, mainly due to the chaotic traffic and the hullabaloo, there are gems of places hidden inside the valley. Take a vehicle of your choice and stay in the comfort of air-conditioning while you visit places of blissful architecture and UNESCO World Heritage sites. You will visit the Swayambhunath Stupa (aka "Monkey Temple") in the morning. Later on, have a sumptuous lunch at a restaurant in Kathmandu Durbar Square — one of the three mediaeval Durbar Squares inside the Valley. In the afternoon, you'll visit the temple of Pashupatinath, belonging to Lord Shiva, where you can soak in the atmosphere and watch the world go by from a quiet bench above the bank of Bagmati. Later in the afternoon you will circumnavigate the renowned Stupa of Bauddhanath — probably the largest stupa in the world.

Kathmandu Valley has the highest concentration of World Heritage Sites, and it's only fitting not to miss them while you're staying in the valley itself. If time allows you can indulge in a spa or a massage, or if you like, you can customise a day-trip with us as you see fit.

Day 3: Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park; Overnight in Resort (Green Park Chitwan)

Chitwan National Park is the first national park of Nepal at around 170 kilometres from Kathmandu. The drive from Kathmandu takes around five hours on a regular day. However, ongoing construction and expansion on the highway means it might take some additional time. The drive is a picturesque journey along the foothills and the raging Trishuli River. Travelling in a private acclimatised car ensures comfort — enabling you to enjoy scenic views through terraced fields, lush greenery, and winding roads along the river along the Prithvi Highway. Stop at charming viewpoints and cafes at your own pace, making for a memorable and personalised travel experience in Nepal. As the night sets in, you will check into an upscale resort (Greek Park Resort), with a homely atmosphere and luxurious amenities. The rooms have a touch of the culture, art, and vibes of Chitwan, including a vibrant jungle-life ambience.

Day 4: Full-day Activities in and around Chitwan National Park; Overnight in Resort (Green Park Chitwan)

Wake up fresh and rested close to the famed jungles of Chitwan at the comfort of your room. Begin your leisurely day with a leisurely breakfast and begin your exhilarating jungle adventure . First it's an elephant-safari inside Chitwan National Park, where you have a high chance of spotting the Royal Bengal Tiger, the unique one-horned rhinoceros, and even the elusive leopard — going about their day amid the lush greenery of the savannah. After the thrilling wildlife ride, embark on a scenic canoe ride along Rapti, one of the several rivers in Chitwan. During the canoe ride, you will see crocodiles (a typical genus called *ghadiyal* found only in Nepal), and flocks of colourful birds on the canopies nearby.

Rest comes to you in the form of a traditional Tharu lunch at a local village, after which, you will explore the culture of the native Tharu people, and even visit a museum showcasing the lifestyle of the Tharu people. Alternatively, you can take a guided nature walk to discover the park’s diverse flora and fauna, and connect with Mother Nature. As evening falls, unwind with a relaxing drink and enjoy the sunset over the tranquil landscape. At night, dinner will be accompanied by a song and dance performance by the locals — making for unforgettable memories in this natural paradise called Chitwan.

Day 5: Drive to Lumbini, Sightseeing in Lumbini; Overnight in Hotel (Lumbini Palace Resort or Buddha Maya Garden Hotel)

Wake up at leisure and enjoy a delightful breakfast before packing your bags and setting off on a five-hour drive to Lumbini. On the way to the birthplace of Lord Buddha, you will pass through stunning flat lands of the Tarai — a landscape that exists in contrast with the nearly-vertical surroundings of the rest of Nepal. Surrounded by rice and wheat fields, you will have a couple of stops for refreshments in this 85 km stretch. When you finally arrive at Lumbini, you will check into your hotel, enjoy some well-deserved rest, and head out to explore the place. You will visit the sacred Lumbini Garden and the revered Mayadevi Temple, where you can connect with the remote history and spirituality of Buddha's time. Return to the hotel, enjoy your dinner, and call it a day in the tranquil atmosphere of Lumbini.

Day 6: Sightseeing in Lumbini and Drive to Pokhara (Explore Tansen en route); Overnight in a Hotel (Fishtail Lodge or Hotel Mount Kailash Resort)

As the sun shines strong in the morning, you will begin early by visiting the Mayadevi Temple, one the main sites in Lumbini. The temple is dedicated to Buddha's mother. The spiritual heart of Lumbini, it marks the spot where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama in around 563 BC. From there you will go on a 27 km drive to the west to Tilaurakot, a site where you can explore the ancient palace and museum of King Suddhodan. Late in the morning you will embark on a scenic winding drive to Pokhara, stopping in the historical town of Tansen along the way. Tansen is nestled among charming hills known for the stunning views and rich old culture. Stroll through its quaint streets, admire traditional architecture, and perhaps visit a local café. Finally, continue your journey to Pokhara, where breathtaking landscapes and adventure await.

Day 7: Explore Pokhara; Overnight in a Hotel (Fishtail Lodge or Mount Kailash Resort)

The vibrant city of Pokhara is known for its natural beauty and adventure-activities. Visiting the iconic Phewa Lake where you can enjoy a serene boat ride, and explore the nearby Davis Falls. Visit the popular Mahendra Cave, and Bat Cave, and immerse yourself in the geography at the mountain museum. If you seek a bit of thrill, try paragliding or zip-lining at 160 km/h, or even mountain biking through the scenic valley on the outskirts of the main city. End the day with a sumptuous dinner and a warm comfortable bed.

Day 8: Sunrise view from Sarangkot | Drive to Bandipur via Begnas; Overnight in a Hotel (The Old Inn)

Wake up before dawn and drive to the viewpoint of Sarangkot high above Pokhara just north of Phewa Lake. As the sun rises above the mountains, you will witness a breathtaking panorama of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Ganesh Himal, and Machhapuchhre ranges bathed in alpenglow. The spectacular beauty of the sunrise shimmering Phewa Lake below creates a magical view. After a few clicks and inspiring views, descend back to Pokhara, have breakfast, and get ready to drive to Bandipur with a brief stoppage at the serene Lake Begnas.

Bandipur is a picturesque mediaeval trading town. The cultural and architectural heritage of this hillside town reminds you of the atmosphere of Kathmandu Valley of yore. Today, this mediaeval town is known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and pedestrian-friendly streets without the intrusion of vehicles. On a clear day, you can marvel at the panoramic views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Himalchuli, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, and Nilgiri peaks. Nearby attractions in Bandipur include the picturesque Basantapur Hill Station and the open grounds of Tundikhel. Hop into a comfortable hotel in Bandipur after a well-deserved dinner.

Day 9: Drive back to Kathmandu | Farewell Dinner - Overnight in a Hotel (Kathmandu Guest House or Hotel Shanker)

After a leisurely breakfast in front of the beautiful panorama, you will begin the drive to Kathmandu. It takes around five hours on a regular day to reach Kathmandu. However, ongoing construction and expansion on the highway means it might take some additional time. The drive is a picturesque journey along the foothills and the raging Trishuli River. Travelling in a private acclimatised car ensures comfort — enabling you to enjoy scenic views through terraced fields, lush greenery, and winding roads along the river along the Prithvi Highway. Stop at charming viewpoints and cafes at your own pace, making for a memorable and personalised travel experience in Nepal.

Once at Kathmandu, you will check into the hotel and have rest and refreshments. Later, as we gather for dinner, we will share stories of our unforgettable trip of the past few days. As you prepare to unwind for the night, you will reflect on the essence and beauty of the regions that you just visited. The scenic journey that you just undertook in Nepal will be in your memories, which you will cherish for years to come.

Day 10: Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast or depending upon your flight schedule we will transfer you to the airport. As your plane takes off from the runway in Kathmandu, your journey to Nepal comes to an end for this time — until you decide to visit again for some memorable and soul-searching trip in the Himalayas.