8 Days • 7 Nights
Classic Nepal: Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll explore the medieval temples and stupas of the Kathmandu Valley, travel to lakeside Pokhara beneath the shimmering peaks of the Annapurnas, watch the sun rise over the Himalaya, and take a jungle safari in Chitwan National Park in search of one-horned rhinos and elephants. Prayer flags, mountain views and Tharu villages fill the days.
With comfortable hotels and a jungle lodge, private guides and the transport arranged, all you have to do is take in the wonders of Nepal.
Trip Highlights
- The temples and stupas of the Kathmandu Valley
- The medieval Durbar Squares of Patan and Bhaktapur
- Lakeside Pokhara beneath the Annapurna peaks
- A Sarangkot sunrise over the Himalaya
- A Chitwan jungle safari for rhinos and tigers
- A Tharu cultural village and dance
- The great Boudhanath and Swayambhunath stupas
- A blend of culture, mountains and jungle
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Arrive in Nepal's vibrant capital and settle in. A welcome dinner introduces Nepali flavours as your journey begins.
Explore the medieval Durbar Square, the hilltop Swayambhunath 'Monkey Temple', the great Boudhanath stupa and the artisan city of Patan or Bhaktapur.
Fly to lakeside Pokhara beneath the Annapurna peaks, with a boat ride on Phewa Lake and the Peace Pagoda at sunset.
Rise early for the sunrise over the Himalaya from Sarangkot, with the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhre glowing gold, then explore Pokhara's caves and waterfalls.
Travel to Chitwan National Park in the lowland Terai, settling into a jungle lodge with a first nature walk and a Tharu cultural show.
A full day of jungle safari — a jeep or canoe safari in search of one-horned rhinos, deer, crocodiles and, if you are lucky, a Bengal tiger, plus birdwatching.
Fly back to Kathmandu for a final evening, with time to explore the bazaars of Thamel.
A final breakfast before your transfer to the airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and private guides throughout
- 2N Kathmandu, 2N Pokhara, 2N Chitwan jungle lodge, 1N Kathmandu
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and full board at the Chitwan lodge
- A Kathmandu Valley tour — Durbar Square, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath
- Bhaktapur or Patan and a Pokhara lakeside and Sarangkot sunrise tour
- A Chitwan jungle safari with a canoe trip and a Tharu cultural show
- Domestic flights Kathmandu-Pokhara and Chitwan-Kathmandu as arranged
- All entrance and park fees per the itinerary
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal visa fees (visa on arrival or online)
- Travel insurance (mandatory, with high-altitude and helicopter evacuation cover for treks)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional activities and personal trekking gear
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities for guides and porters
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or online in advance; bring a passport photo and US dollars in cash for the fee. Your passport should be valid at least six months
- Currency: The currency is the Nepali Rupee. Cards work in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but carry cash for trekking, villages and small purchases — ATMs are only in the cities
- Best season: October to November and March to April are the prime seasons, with clear skies and the best mountain views. The monsoon (June to September) brings cloud and rain; winter is cold at altitude but clear in the lowlands
- Altitude: High treks reach serious altitude (Everest Base Camp over 5,300m), where altitude sickness is a real risk. We build in acclimatisation days, ascend slowly, and your guide watches for symptoms
- Trek insurance: For any trek, travel insurance that specifically covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation is mandatory — this is essential and non-negotiable
- Trekking life: On trek you stay in simple teahouse lodges with basic rooms and shared bathrooms; hot showers and charging often cost extra. A good level of fitness and broken-in boots make all the difference
- Mountain flights: Domestic flights (including the famous Lukla flight for Everest) are weather-dependent and delays are common, so we build in buffer time; a helicopter option can be arranged
- Temple etiquette: Remove shoes and leather items at Hindu temples, walk clockwise around Buddhist stupas, and note that some temple interiors are open only to Hindus
- Health: Drink only bottled or purified water, carry any personal medication, and consult a travel clinic about altitude medication and vaccinations. Comprehensive insurance is essential
- Power & connectivity: Power cuts are less common than before but carry a power bank; a local SIM gives data in towns and along popular trails. Nepal uses type C/D/M plugs at 230V
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, with full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on trek and at the Chitwan jungle lodge, plus a welcome dinner in Kathmandu. Elsewhere, lunches and dinners are left free to explore Nepal's food.
Are guides and transfers arranged?
Yes — you have private guides and drivers for sightseeing, and an experienced trekking guide (and porters) on any trek, all arranged for you.
Do I need a visa for Nepal?
Most visitors can get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or apply online beforehand. Bring a passport photo and US dollars in cash for the fee; we guide you through it.
When is the best time to visit?
October-November and March-April are the prime seasons, with clear skies and superb mountain views. The monsoon (June-September) is cloudy and wet; winter is cold high up but clear in the lowlands.
Do I need to be fit for the treks?
The trekking itineraries require a good level of fitness and preparation, with several hours of walking a day on hilly terrain. We grade each trek clearly and build in acclimatisation; the cultural tours need no special fitness.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, treks, hotels and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add a scenic Everest flight, a jungle safari, a luxury lodge or a shorter or longer trek. Just tell us what you have in mind.
Is insurance really mandatory for trekking?
Yes — for any trek you must have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation. This is essential for your safety and is non-negotiable.
Can I see the Himalaya without trekking?
Absolutely — this trip gives superb mountain views from Pokhara and the Sarangkot sunrise, and you can add a scenic Everest flight, all without a high-altitude trek.
Will we see a tiger in Chitwan?
Chitwan is famous for its one-horned rhinos, which are commonly seen, along with deer, crocodiles and abundant birds. Bengal tigers are present but shy, so sightings are a rare and thrilling bonus.
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