Nepal Golden Triangle Tour

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Explore the cultural, natural, and wildlife gems of Nepal on this immersive 9-days Nepal Golden Triangle Tour, connecting the iconic destinations of Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan National Park. Begin your journey in the Kathmandu Valley, visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sacred Hindu and Buddhist temples, and ancient royal palaces. Continue to the serene lakeside city of Pokhara, where you’ll enjoy panoramic Himalayan views, peaceful boating on Fewa Lake, and visit the International Mountain Museum. Your adventure ends in Chitwan, Nepal’s top wildlife destination, with jeep safaris, canoeing, and a Tharu cultural experience inside the lush Chitwan National Park, home to the one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, and crocodiles. This well-rounded tour offers a perfect mix of culture, nature, and wildlife—ideal for families, couples, or first-time travelers to Nepal.

Trip Facts
Country
Nepal
Duration
9 Days
Trip Grade
Easy
Max. Altitude
1350 meters
Starts
Kathmandu
Ends
Kathmandu
Activities
Tour
Accomodation
Hotels
Meals
Breakfast
Best Time
All Season (Jan - Dec)

Highlights of 9 Days Nepal Golden Triangle Tour (Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan)

  • Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath & Pashupatinath
  • Experience the spiritual heart of Nepal with ancient temples, palaces, and living goddess Kumari
  • Enjoy a scenic drive or flight to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna Mountains
  • Explore Pokhara’s natural and cultural gems: Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, Peace Stupa & Mountaineering Museum
  • Boating on Fewa Lake and visit to the Tal Barahi Temple
  • Discover rich biodiversity with Jeep Safari in Chitwan National Park
  • Spot one-horned rhinos, crocodiles, deer, exotic birds – and possibly Royal Bengal tigers
  • Enjoy Tharu cultural dance, village walks & canoe rides
  • Ideal combination of cultural sightseeing, nature exploration & jungle adventure
  • Perfect for families, couples, photographers & first-time visitors to Nepal

Nepal Golden Triangle Tour is a perfect 9-day journey that blends culture, nature, and wildlife. Starting in the historic capital of Kathmandu, travelers explore ancient temples and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The tour continues to the tranquil city of Pokhara, known for its lakes, caves, and Himalayan panoramas. Finally, in Chitwan National Park, enjoy thrilling jungle activities including jeep safaris and cultural encounters with the indigenous Tharu people. This tour offers a well-rounded experience of Nepal’s heritage, scenic beauty, and biodiversity—ideal for first-time visitors and culture lovers alike.

Outline Itinerary

Itinerary
Day 01:Arrival in Kathmandu (1350 m)
Max Altitude
1,350m / 4,429ft
Walking/Hiking
-
Itinerary
Day 02:Kathmandu Heritage Sightseeing
Max Altitude
-
Walking/Hiking
-
Itinerary
Day 03:Kathmandu - Pokhara (Drive)
Max Altitude
820m / 2,690ft
Walking/Hiking
Drive
Itinerary
Day 04:Pokhara City Sightseeing
Max Altitude
820m / 2,690ft
Walking/Hiking
Drive
Itinerary
Day 05:Pokhara – Chitwan
Max Altitude
415m / 1,361ft
Walking/Hiking
Drive
Itinerary
Day 06:Chitwan Jungle Activities
Max Altitude
415m / 1,361ft
Walking/Hiking
Drive
Itinerary
Day 07:Chitwan – Kathmandu (Drive)
Max Altitude
1,350m / 4,429ft
Walking/Hiking
Drive
Itinerary
Day 08:Kathmandu - Bhaktapur Sightseeing
Max Altitude
1,350m / 4,429ft
Walking/Hiking
Drive
Itinerary
Day 09:Departure from Kathmandu
Max Altitude
-
Walking/Hiking
-

Nepal Golden Triangle Tour Detailed Itinerary

Starts: Kathmandu
Ends: Kathmandu

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our correspondent who will assist with your transfer to the hotel. Once checked in, we will arrange a pre-trip meeting where we will brief in short about the trek, answer any queries you have and meet your trekking guide as well. After the short brief, you can relax and spend rest of the day at your leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel.

We will visit cultural places and UNSESCO Listed World Heritage sites like:  Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudha and Pashupatinath today. Stay overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu. 

  • Kathmandu Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Kathmandu Durbar Square is a historic and culturally rich complex located in the heart of the capital. Renowned for its exquisite Newari architecture and intricate woodcarvings, the square served as the royal palace of the Malla kings. This area is home to iconic landmarks such as the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the House of the Living Goddess (Kumari Ghar), the fierce statue of Kal Bhairav, the Ashok Binayak Temple, and the ancient Kasthamandap Temple—built from a single tree. Visitors are also fascinated by the Temple of Taleju and numerous pagoda-style temples adorned with erotic carvings and centuries-old statues. Dating from the 15th to 18th centuries, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a living museum of Nepal’s medieval art, religion, and royal history.
  • Boudhanath Stupa (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest and most significant Buddhist monuments in the world, with a diameter of around 100 meters. Built during the 15th century by Lichchhavi King Mana Deva, this magnificent stupa stands on an octagonal base adorned with prayer wheels. The massive white dome, topped with a gilded spire, represents the stages of enlightenment and symbolizes peace, compassion, and wisdom. Surrounding the stupa are dozens of Tibetan monasteries representing various schools of Vajrayana Buddhism. Early morning and evening are the best times to visit, as locals and monks walk around the stupa in a ritual known as kora, spinning prayer wheels and chanting mantras. The atmosphere is deeply spiritual and meditative.
  • Pashupatinath Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Pashupatinath Temple is Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and a major pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Lord of Destruction and Transformation. Located along the banks of the holy Bagmati River, the temple is an architectural marvel with a two-tiered golden roof and intricately carved silver doors. The temple complex includes hundreds of shrines, Shiva lingams, and statues of deities. Only Hindus are allowed inside the main temple, but non-Hindus can witness the rituals, cremation ceremonies, and spiritual activities from the eastern bank of the river. The site is especially vibrant during the Maha Shivaratri festival, attracting thousands of devotees and sadhus from across 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—often referred to as the City of Lakes—you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed afternoon. Take time to rest or explore the vibrant Lakeside area, known for its serene ambiance, local shops, cafés, 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 the Tibetan Refugee Camp, where you can witness traditional Tibetan carpet weaving and learn about the refugee community’s lifestyle and history. Next, explore the Pokhara International Mountaineering Museum, which showcases Nepal’s mountaineering legacy, Himalayan culture, and the evolution of climbing.

Continue to the mystical Gupteshwor Cave, 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.

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 hotel in Pokhara. 

Today we will prepare to visit one of the popular destinations for tour where we get to experience the wild life and complete different cultural than from Annapurna region. We will drive from Pokhara to Chitwan which takes about 5 hours in private vehicle. 

As we reach hotel in Chitwan, we will be provided with briefing about the program / activities in Chitwan and then we will rest in hotel for a while. In afternoon, we will have lunch and then head to 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.

NOTE: We have three options to travel Chitwan from Pokhara, i.e. flight / private vehicle and tourist bus. It takes 20 minutes by flight, about 5 hours by private vehicle and t 6-7 hours by tourist bus to reach Chitwan (Bharatpur).

This day we will have breakfast in the morning and then prepare of 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 we are lucky, we will have encounter with Royal Bengal Tiger.

After safari we 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, we will 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 an early breakfast at the hotel, we begin our journey back to Kathmandu from Chitwan. The scenic drive covers approximately 170–180 kilometers and takes around 5–6 hours by private vehicle, depending on road and traffic conditions. As we travel along the winding highways, you'll enjoy views of lush hills, river valleys, charming local villages, and occasional glimpses of terraced farmlands and Himalayan foothills. We'll make short stops for tea, snacks, or photography along the way.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure—perfect for shopping, strolling around Thamel, or relaxing before your departure. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Today after having breakfast prepare yourelf for half day sightseeing in Kathmandu. Today you will visit 2 beautiful UNESCO listed world heritage sites: Swoyambhunath & Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Stay overnight at hotel. 

  • Swoyambhunath, one of the most iconic Buddhist stupas in Nepal, also known as the Monkey Temple due to the many monkeys that reside there. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhunath is believed to be over 2,000 years old and holds great significance for both Buddhists and Hindus. The white dome, golden spire, and all-seeing eyes of Buddha provide a serene spiritual atmosphere and panoramic views of the city.
  • Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional architecture, intricately carved wooden temples, palaces, and traditional Newari culture. Highlights include the 55-Window Palace, Vatsala Temple, Nyatapola Temple, and the Pottery Square where artisans still practice age-old traditions.

After half day sightseeing free day for shopping / massage / etc before your departure from Kathmandu. 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.

Altitude Chart

Unit:

Nepal Golden Triangle Tour: Cost Details

Includes

  • Transfer from Airport – Hotel – Airport
  • 3 nights in Kathmandu at 4-star hotel including breakfast in twin sharing basis
  • 2 night in 4 star hotel in Pokhara including breakfast in twin sharing basis
  • 2N/3D Full board package including jungle activities in Chitwan
  • AC Transportation in private vehicle during the tour as per the itinerary
  • Government license holder, English-speaking tour guide during the tour
  • Entrance fees during the tour as mentioned in itinerary
  • 1 Bottle of Mineral Water per person / per day
  • Farewell dinner with Nepali Cultural Show
  • All necessary government taxes and fees

Excludes

  • Personal equipment
  • Personal, Rescue and Medical Insurance
  • Lunch & Dinner during in Kathmandu & Pokhara (except Chitwan)
  • Bar bills and drinks (such as mineral water, Coca-Cola, beer, etc.).
  • Everest Panoramic Mountain flight (1 hour)
  • Unforeseen expenses caused by uncontrollable circumstances such as flight cancellations or delays, blocked roads, weather conditions, natural disasters, altitude sickness, early termination or return of the program, etc.
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips
  • Any other services not listed above

Dates & Availability

Once you’ve booked your trek, we’ll share the available dates and times for an online trip briefing. During this session, we’ll walk you through the gear checklist, explain what to expect on the journey, and answer any questions you may have. The briefing will be scheduled after we receive your essential documents.

Essential Information

Best Season / Time for Nepal Golden Triangle Tour

Nepal Golden Triangle Tour can be enjoyed year-round, but each season offers a distinct experience.

  • March to May (Spring), the weather is pleasant with clear skies and blooming flowers, making it one of the best times for sightseeing and mountain views from Sarangkot.
  • June to August (Summer/Monsoon) brings warm temperatures but also frequent rain showers, which can affect visibility and road conditions; however, the lush greenery adds a fresh vibrancy to the landscapes.
  • September to November (Autumn) is another ideal season with clear skies, mild temperatures, and excellent visibility for both cultural exploration and sunrise views over the Himalayas. 
  • December to February (winter) is colder, especially in the mornings and evenings in Kathmandu, but the days remain sunny and perfect for touring heritage sites with fewer crowds.

Overall, while spring and autumn are the most popular times, Nepal Golden Triangle Tour is doable in all seasons with proper preparation.

Accommodations during Nepal Golden Triangle Tour

During the Nepal Golden Triangle Tour, accommodation is carefully selected to provide comfort and convenience throughout your journey. You will spend 3 nights in Kathmandu at a comfortable 4-star hotel, where rooms are arranged on a twin-sharing basis and include a daily breakfast. In Pokhara, you will stay for 2 nights at a similarly rated 4-star hotel, also with twin-sharing rooms and breakfast included, offering easy access to lakeside attractions and mountain views.

For your wildlife experience, you will spend 2 nights and 3 days in Chitwan at a jungle lodge, enjoying a full board package that includes all meals and organized jungle activities, such as jeep safaris and cultural programs. This combination of accommodations balances urban comfort with immersive nature experiences, making your Golden Triangle Tour both relaxing and memorable.

Packing List during Nepal Golden Triangle Tour in Nepal

Below are the packing list for Nepal Golden Triangle Tour in Nepal - 9 Days as below: 

Clothing

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime sightseeing
  • A light jacket or sweater (especially for mornings/evenings in Nagarkot & during Winter)
  • Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
  • Modest attire for visiting temples and heritage sites (shoulders and knees covered)
  • Sunglasses and hat for sun protection
  • Rain jacket or umbrella (especially if traveling during monsoon: June–August)
  • Scarf or shawl for temple visits (optional but useful)

Day Essentials

  • Small daypack for daily use
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
  • Wet wipes or hand sanitizer
  • Power adapter (Nepal uses Type C, D, and M plugs; voltage: 230V)
  • Personal toiletries
  • Basic first aid kit (band-aids, any personal medication, etc.)

Electronics

  • Camera or smartphone for photos
  • Charging cables and power bank
  • Travel documents (passport, visa, travel insurance, printed itinerary)

Money

  • Nepalese Rupees (NPR) for entry tickets, meals, and shopping
  • Credit/debit cards (some places accept them, but cash is more widely used)
  • Small change for tips, local snacks, etc.

Nepal Golden Triangle Tour FAQs

The best months are March to May and September to December, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures. However, the tour is doable year-round.

Yes, it’s a comfortable and cultural tour with moderate walking. Suitable for all age groups, including families and older travelers.

Yes, jeep safaris are conducted with trained naturalists and are safe. Wildlife sightings depend on luck, but rhinos, deer, and birdlife are commonly seen.

Absolutely! You can add paragliding in Pokhara, extra nights, or a short trek. Customizations can be arranged to suit your preferences.

Nepal Golden Triangle tour includes hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and jungle lodges in Chitwan, with breakfast included (full board in Chitwan).

All travel is by private vehicle, but flight upgrades (e.g., Pokhara–Kathmandu) are available upon request.

  • Nepalese Rupees (NPR): Essential for local purchases, entrance fees, shopping, meals, and tips.
  • US Dollars (USD): Widely accepted at hotels, travel agencies, and for high-value payments. You can also use USD to exchange for NPR at banks or money exchange counters.
  • Euros (EUR), Pounds (GBP), and other major currencies: These can also be exchanged easily in Kathmandu and Pokhara, though USD is more commonly used.

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