Nepal, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, has breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural diversity and a tapestry of ancient traditions. This eight-day journey takes in the temples and Durbar Squares of Kathmandu Valley, the lakeside calm of Pokhara beneath the Annapurna range and the jungles of Chitwan, a blend of spirituality, natural beauty and warm hospitality. It starts and ends in Kathmandu.
Upon arrival at TIA, Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel. After check-in, take time to refresh, then set out for sightseeing.
Boudhanath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest and most iconic stupas in the world. Surrounded by a vibrant Tibetan community, it features a massive mandala, prayer wheels and a serene atmosphere. Pashupatinath is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with intricate architecture and cremation ghats along the Bagmati River. Guhyeshwari Temple, near Pashupatinath, is dedicated to the goddess Parvati and is one of the revered Shakti Peethas. Its name means ‘Goddess of the Secret Caves’, and it is especially important in the Tantric tradition. Overnight at the hotel.
Following breakfast, visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath and Patan Durbar Square.
Kathmandu Durbar Square is a UNESCO-listed historic site in the heart of the capital and one of the three Durbar Squares of the valley. It is divided into two courtyards, with Kasthamandap, Kumari Ghar and the Shiva Parbati Temple in the outer one, and Hanuman Dhoka and the main palace at the intersection.
Swayambhunath, the ‘Monkey Temple’, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient hilltop stupa, hung with colourful prayer flags and watched over by the eyes of the Buddha, offers panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley.
Patan Durbar Square, in the heart of Lalitpur, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its intricately carved temples, palaces and courtyards built by the Malla kings. Highlights include the 17th-century Krishna Mandir and Patan Palace, which now houses the Patan Museum with its collection of traditional Nepalese art. Overnight at the hotel.
After an early breakfast, begin the 201 km journey to Pokhara, about 8–9 hours. En route, visit Manakamana Temple. Manakamana is a revered pilgrimage site in the Gorkha district, famous for its temple dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati, who is believed to fulfil the wishes of devotees. The temple is reached by a scenic cable car with views over the surrounding hills and valleys.
On reaching Pokhara, complete hotel check-in and relax for the rest of the day. Overnight at the hotel.
Early in the morning, drive to Sarangkot, about 13 km from Lakeside in Pokhara. At 1,600 m, this vantage point looks over the city as it wakes, with the snow-capped Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail) and Dhaulagiri glowing in the sunrise light. After sunrise, return to the hotel for breakfast, then go sightseeing around Pokhara.
Bindhabasini Temple, the oldest in Pokhara, is dedicated to the goddess Bhagawati and draws local and foreign visitors alike. Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is a limestone cave with a revered Shiva lingam, striking rock formations and an underground waterfall. Devi’s Fall (Patale Chango) is a cascade into a deep gorge whose water disappears into an underground tunnel.
After sightseeing, drive to Fewa Lake for boating. Fewa (Phewa) Lake is a freshwater lake mirroring the Annapurna range, a favourite for boating and relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Chitwan, a distance of 171 km that takes around 6–7 hours depending on road conditions and traffic.
On arrival, begin exploring Tharu culture. The Tharu people, indigenous to Chitwan, have a rich and distinctive culture tied to the lush Terai plains. They are known for festivals such as Maghi and Dashain, celebrated with traditional music, dance and ritual, and for thatched-roof houses adorned with colourful geometric patterns. Rice cultivation is the cornerstone of Tharu livelihood. Overnight at the hotel.
After an early breakfast, set out for a full day of jungle activities. Experience a walking jungle safari, a jeep safari, a river safari in traditional canoes and wildlife viewing. Chitwan is home to the greater one-horned rhinoceros, spotted deer, hog deer, barking deer and a wide variety of birdlife, with a chance of glimpsing the leopard, sloth bear and royal Bengal tiger. Visit the elephant camp to learn about these majestic animals and, if you wish, help wash an elephant in the river. Experienced guides explain jungle life, flora, birdlife and the conservation programmes run here. Overnight at the hotel.
Following breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu, a distance of about 181 km that takes around 5–6 hours. On arrival, proceed to the hotel, complete check-in and relax. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast and check-out, you are transferred to TIA about three hours before your flight. Trip ends.
Note: All information in this itinerary is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but changes can occur due to flight schedules, traffic, weather or government policies. Journey DMC will keep you informed of any changes but cannot be held liable for alterations to the published itinerary.