Nepal Highlights Tour
The Nepal highlights tour is a 12-day journey through the best of Nepal without a long trek. Explore Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, watch sunrise over the Himalaya at Nagarkot and hike to Changunarayan, stay in the hill town of Bandipur, spend three nights by the lake in Pokhara with sunrise at Sarangkot, and finish with a jungle safari in Chitwan National Park.
Graded easy, it suits first-time visitors, families and couples. Hotels, private transport, guides, entry fees, breakfasts and all meals in Chitwan are included.
Trip highlights
- Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur UNESCO sites
- Himalayan sunrise at Nagarkot and the Changunarayan hike
- Car-free hill town of Bandipur
- Pokhara, Phewa Lake and Sarangkot sunrise
- Chitwan jungle safari
Short itinerary
View detailed itinerary- Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) 1,400 m
- Day 2 Kathmandu sightseeing 1,400 m
- Day 3 Patan and Bhaktapur, drive to Nagarkot 2,175 m
- Day 4 Nagarkot sunrise, hike to Changunarayan 2,175 m
- Day 5 Drive to Bandipur 1,030 m
- Day 6 Bandipur to Pokhara 820 m
- Day 7 Pokhara: Sarangkot and the lake 1,600 m
- Day 8 Pokhara: free day 820 m
- Day 9 Drive to Chitwan 150 m
- Day 10 Chitwan National Park 150 m
- Day 11 Return to Kathmandu 1,400 m
- Day 12 Departure from Kathmandu 1,400 m
Nepal Highlights Tour overview
Quick answer: this 12-day tour covers Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, Nagarkot, Bandipur, Pokhara and Chitwan, and costs from US$1,390 per person, including hotels, private transport, guided sightseeing, entry fees and safaris.
It balances culture, mountain views, short walks and wildlife, at a comfortable pace with no early-morning flights. Add a short trek like Australian Camp or Ghandruk from Pokhara if you want a taste of trekking. See also our itinerary guide.
At a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 days |
| Places | Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, Nagarkot, Bandipur, Pokhara, Chitwan |
| Grade | Easy |
| Best time | October–April |
| Cost | From US$1,390 per person |
Day-by-day itinerary
What’s included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Hotels in Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Pokhara, heritage guesthouse in Bandipur and jungle lodge in Chitwan (11 nights)
- Private vehicle throughout
- Licensed, English-speaking guides for sightseeing
- Entry fees to all sites listed
- Chitwan park fees, activities and naturalist guides
- Breakfast daily, dinners as listed, and all meals in Chitwan
- All government and local taxes
Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners not listed
- Paragliding and optional activities
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips for guides and drivers
Useful info
Pace
A comfortable pace with some early starts for sunrise. The longest drives are about 5 hours.
What to wear
Modest clothing for temples, comfortable walking shoes, neutral colours for the safari, and a warm layer for sunrise and winter evenings.
Health
Use insect repellent in Chitwan and ask a travel clinic about malaria prevention for the lowlands.
Packing list
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Modest clothing for temples
- Warm layer for sunrises
- Neutral-coloured clothes for the safari
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Camera and binoculars
Add-ons & trip options
Choose add-ons and quantities on the booking form.
More options, quoted on request:
- Short trek from Pokhara (2–3 days).
- Lumbini after Chitwan.
- Everest mountain flight in Kathmandu.
Frequently asked questions
12 days.
Only short walks, such as the Nagarkot–Changunarayan hike.
From US$1,390 per person.
Yes, it is easy and varied.
Yes, a short trek from Pokhara.
October–April.