Nepal Tour (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lumbini & Chitwan)

Arrival at Kathmandu airport, pick up by our correspondent and transfer to the hotel. (At the foot of the Himalayas, where they assure that their gods live, Nepal stands, a land of spectacular landscapes, temples and cities with a rich cultural heritage. These seem to transfer the traveler to medieval times on their walks through KATHMANDU, BHAKTAPUR and PATAN, the three urban cities that represent the backbone of the country. Stay overnight at 4-star hotel.

Today after having breakfast in the hotel, prepare to visit UNESCO listed Heritage sites around Kathmandu: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath, Boudhanath & Pashupatinath. 

• Kathmandu Durbar Square: Located in the heart of Kathmandu, built in 12th–18th centuries, the durbar square was once the royal palace complex of the Malla and Shah kings and remains a powerful symbol of Nepal’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. Kathmandu Durbar Square is a living museum of Newari culture, art, and architecture. It reflects a blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions, with daily rituals, festivals, and local life still active within the square. Major festivals such as Indra Jatra and Dashain are celebrated here with great enthusiasm and royal traditions. The major highlights during the visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square is: Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, Kumari Ghar (House of the Living Goddess), Taleju Temple, Jagannath Temple & Kal Bhairav Statue. The visit to this durbar square offers a deep insight into Nepal’s royal past, artistic excellence, and spiritual traditions.
• Swayambhunath Stupa: Commonly known as“Monkey Temple” this is one of the oldest and most sacred religious sites in Nepal believed to be more than 2,000 years old, making it one of the oldest stupas in Nepal. The stupa sits at top of a hill west of Kathmandu Valley, offering stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding Himalayan foothills. This heritage site is deeply important for both Buddhists and Hindus religion admirers symbolizing harmony between the two religions. The main highlights are: Main Stupa, Prayer Wheels & Flags, Harati Temple, Monkey Population and Viewpoint which offers one of the best sunrise and sunset viewpoints in Kathmandu Valley. Swayambhunath is a major centre for Buddhist pilgrimage and meditation. Pilgrims walk clockwise around the stupa (kora), chanting mantras and spinning prayer wheels to accumulate merit and peace of mind. It is not only a religious landmark but also a cultural icon of Nepal, offering visitors a deep sense of peace and timeless heritage.
• Boudhanath Stupa: Believed to have been built during the 5th century AD in the Licchavi period, Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The massive mandala-shaped monument is an important centre of Tibetan Buddhism, attracting pilgrims from Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and around the world. The iconic Buddha Eyes painted on all four sides symbolize wisdom and compassion, while the stupa’s pinnacle represents the path toward enlightenment and nirvana. The Major Highlights for visitors visiting Boudhanath Stupa is: Buddha’s Eyes (Wisdom Eyes) painted on all four sides of the stupa tower and Massive Mandala Design, one of the largest spherical stupas in the world. The area around the stupa is home to more than 50 Tibetan monasteries, traditional shops, and rooftop cafes with panoramic views of the stupa, especially beautiful during sunset. Early morning and evening are the best times to visit Boudhanath, when locals and pilgrims gather to perform the sacred Kora (circumambulation), spin prayer wheels, and chant prayers, creating a vibrant and deeply spiritual experience.
• Pashupatinath Temple: The temple is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Pashupati (Lord of Animals), this sacred temple complex is a spiritual centre, cultural landmark, and historical treasure of Nepal. The temple is associated with the traditions of the 12 Jyotirlingas and serves as a major centre for pilgrimage, devotion, and Shaivism in Nepal. Entrance to the temple precinct is permitted to the Hindus only. The major highlights of Pashupatinath Temple include its magnificent main temple complex, a beautiful pagoda-style structure with a golden roof, silver doors, and intricate wood carvings dedicated to Lord Shiva. Along the sacred Bagmati River lie the famous cremation ghats, where Hindu last rites are performed, symbolizing the cycle of life and death. Visitors are especially drawn to the mesmerizing evening Aarati ceremony, where lamps, bells, chants, and devotional music create a deeply spiritual atmosphere along the riverbank. The temple complex is also known for its colourful sadhus and ascetics, particularly during the Maha Shivaratri festival, the largest annual celebration that attracts thousands of pilgrims from Nepal and India. Surrounding the main temple are dozens of smaller shrines, statues, Shiva lingams, and sacred spaces that add to the religious and cultural importance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pashupatinath Temple is not only a temple but a deeply spiritual experience. It represents the essence of Hindu belief in life, death, and liberation. With its ancient history, sacred rituals, and vibrant atmosphere, it remains one of the most significant religious landmarks in South Asia.

Today, we embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, covering approximately 200 kilometers. The journey takes around 6 to 7 hours in a comfortable private vehicle, winding along rivers, terraced fields, and traditional villages, offering glimpses of rural life and distant Himalayan views on clear days.

Upon arrival in Pokhara—you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed afternoon. Pokhara is one of Nepal’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its serene lakes, stunning Himalayan views, and relaxed atmosphere. Often called the “City of Lakes,” it offers beautiful experiences like boating on Phewa Lake, sunrise views from Sarangkot, and visits to peaceful landmarks such as the World Peace Pagoda. Pokhara is an ideal destination for travelers seeking nature, comfort, and scenic beauty in Nepal.

Take time to rest or explore the vibrant Lakeside area, known for its serene ambiance, local shops, cafes, and views of Phewa Lake and the Annapurna range. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara. 

After breakfast, get ready to explore the beautiful City of Lakes. Today’s sightseeing tour takes you to some of Pokhara’s most iconic cultural and natural attractions.

We begin with a visit to these exciting palces of Pokhara:

• Peace Stupa: Today early morning we will go to Peace Stupa for amazing view of sunrise. A serene hilltop monument in Pokhara offering panoramic views of the Himalayas, Fewa Lake, and the city below.
• Tibetan Refugee Camp, where you can witness traditional Tibetan carpet weaving and learn about the refugee community’s lifestyle and history.  
• Seti Gorge: A hidden natural marvel in Pokhara, where the milky-white Seti River flows through a deep, narrow limestone gorge.
• Gupteshwor Cave: This mystical cave is one of the longest caves in Nepal, which holds a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Just across the road lies Devi's Fall, a dramatic waterfall that disappears into an underground gorge.
• Devi's Fall: A dramatic underground waterfall in Pokhara where the Pardi Khola stream vanishes into a deep cavern with a roaring plunge.
• Visit to Tal Barahi temple: In the evening, enjoy a tranquil boating experience on Phewa Lake, and visit the Tal Barahi Temple, located on a small island in the lake. Surrounded by calm waters and mountains in the backdrop, this spiritual stop offers a peaceful end to your day.

Stay overnight at 4-star hotel in Pokhara. 

After having breakfast at the hotel, prepare to begin the scenic drive towards Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The journey covers approximately 200 km and takes around 6–7 hours by private vehicle, passing through beautiful landscapes, rivers, and rural villages of the Terai region. Upon arrival in Lumbini, check in to your hotel and relax.

Lumbini is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the world and the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha. Located in the southern plains of Nepal, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major centre of peace, meditation, and Buddhist learning. Lumbini holds immense historical and spiritual importance as Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) here in 623 BCE. Key historical elements include: Maya Devi Temple, marking the exact birthplace & Ashokan Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE confirming the site. Also, other highlights include: peaceful Sacred Garden filled with ancient ruins, prayer flags, and meditation spaces, the historic Monastic Zone, divided into Eastern and Western sections, where monasteries built by countries such as Thailand, Myanmar, China, Germany, Korea, and France showcase diverse Buddhist architecture and traditions from around the world. With its ancient history, peaceful gardens, and international monastic zone, it offers a deeply meaningful experience for pilgrims and travellers alike. Stay overnight at hotel.

Today after having breakfast in the hotel, prepare to explore Birthplace of Lord Buddha. You will explore around: 

• Maya Devi Temple: The exact birthplace of Lord Buddha, this sacred site houses a marker stone and the ruins of ancient temples dating back to the 3rd century BCE.
• Ashoka Pillar: Erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE, this stone pillar bears inscriptions confirming Lumbini as the birthplace of the Buddha.
• Sacred Garden: A peaceful area surrounding the Maya Devi Temple, symbolizing enlightenment and home to the Bodhi tree, sacred pond (Puskarini), and ancient stupas.
• Puskarini Sacred Pond: Said to be where Queen Maya Devi bathed before giving birth and where infant Buddha received his first purification bath.

After visiting this side of Lumbini, you will continue to visit the Monastic Zone (East and West). Lumbini’s monastic zone is divided into two sections:

1. East Zone (Theravāda monasteries)
2. West Zone (Mahayāna and Vajrayāna monasteries)

Explore different monasteries like:

Royal Thai Monastery, Myanmar Golden Temple (Lokamani Cula Pagoda) & Cambodian Monastery (Wat Anandokharam). Again, explore around: Great Lotus Stupa (Germany), Zhong Hua Chinese Buddhist Monastery, Korean Buddhist Temple (Woncheuk), Nepal Vajrayana Mahavihara and Drigung Kagyud Monastery (Germany/Tibet).

After having breakfast, prepare to leave the land of Buddha and drive from Lumbini to Chitwan, enjoying scenic views of the Terai plains as you travel towards Nepal’s premier wildlife destination, home to Chitwan National Park. It takes about 5-6 hours to reach Chitwan Hotel. 

As you reach hotel in Chitwan, you will be provided with briefing about the program / activities in Chitwan and then you can rest in hotel for a while. In the late afternoon, head for Tharu village walk (Tharu: one of the ethnic groups of Nepal) and visit Tharu Cultural Museum. Tharu people are indigenous to the area, and their culture is very unique, different from what can be found in Nepal or even India. Or those who prefer to explore jungle can opt to go for Jungle Walk where we can watch birds, flora, fauna and get the whole nature experience. At the evening, we will have presentation from the experts about Chitwan National Park, animals and so on. Stay overnight at hotel in Chitwan.

This day you will have breakfast in the morning and then prepare for the most adventurous and exciting Jeep Safari. The safari will be of 3-4 hours. During the safari, we can see floras, faunas, and different animals like one-horned rhino, countless species of deer, Bisons, and if you are lucky, you can have encounter with Royal Bengal Tiger.

After safari you will have lunch and then we will go to visit Crocodile Conservation Project. Established in 1971, the Gharial (distinguished from other crocodiles by its narrow snout) conservation center has been breeding this endangered species and releasing them to the wild every year. At the evening, you can go for Canoeing and end our safari for the day. Then at late evening, we will enjoy Tharu Cultural Dance. The dance is an age-old tradition of the Tharus and is usually performed to appease the gods during religious festivals. Stay overnight at hotel in Chitwan.

After having breakfast prepare to end this beautiful journey from mountains to Terai and drive from Chitwan to Nagarkot whcih takes about 6-7 hours of drive. 

Nagrkot is a scenic hilltop near Kathmandu renowned for its panoramic Himalayan views and peaceful atmosphere—perfect for a relaxing evening after the long drive. It is one of the most popular mountain resort destinations in the Kathmandu Valley rim. Located 32 km east of Kathmandu, Nagarkot is a magnificent place to spend the night and awaken to view the sun rising across the wide Himalayan range of Langtang, Gaurisanker and Everest range. 

Upon arrival in Nagarkot, check in hotel, this is one of the beautiful destination near Kathmandu, you can enjoy beautiful views of sunset in the himalayas (if weather permits). Relax your stay. Stay overnight at hotel.

While you wake up for breakfast in the morning you can see beautiful view of sunrise above the clouds in Nagarkot. Enjoy your breakfast and then prepare to return back to Kathmandu while visiting Bhaktapur Durbar Square on the way.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Bhaktapur DS is one of the most beautifully preserved medieval palace squares in Nepal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the historic city of Bhaktapur, about 13 km east of Kathmandu. It is often called a “living museum” because of its rich art, architecture, traditions, and vibrant local life. Bhaktapur Durbar Square was developed between the 12th and 18th centuries, mainly under the Malla kings. The major highlights of the square are: the iconic 55-Window Palace,Vatsala Temple, dedicated to Goddess Vatsala Devi and nearby Taumadhi Square is home to the towering Nyatapola Temple, Nepal’s tallest pagoda temple, symbolizing strength and protection. Visitors can also engage in Pottery Square, where traditional clay pots are still handcrafted using ancient techniques, and admire the stunning Golden Gate (Lun Dhwakha), considered one of the most exquisite metal artworks in the world. The entire square is surrounded by vibrant traditional Newar life, with ancient houses, bustling local markets, skilled artisans, woodcarvers, and colourful cultural festivals that keep centuries-old traditions alive. Overall, this square is a masterpiece of medieval Nepalese architecture and culture as well as spiritual heritage of the Newar civilization. 

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check in hotel and rest day for shopping / massage and you can buy souveniers for your relatives. Stay overnight at hotel. 

At your scheduled departure time, our correspondent will pick you up from the hotel, transfer you to the airport, and bid you farewell with warm hearts.