# 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 facts
- **Destination:** Nepal
- **Duration:** 12 days
- **Difficulty:** Easy
- **Activity:** Cultural tour and wildlife
- **Max altitude:** About 2,175 m / 7,136 ft (Nagarkot)
- **Best season:** Oct–Apr
- **Group size:** 1–15 people
- **Accommodation:** Hotels, heritage guesthouse and jungle lodge
- **Meals:** Breakfast daily; all meals in Chitwan
- **Price:** from US$1,390 per person
- **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/nepal-highlights-tour
- **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=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](/australian-camp-dhampus-trek) or [Ghandruk](/ghandruk-trek) from Pokhara if you want a taste of trekking. See also our [itinerary guide](/blog/nepal-itinerary-guide).

### At a glance

FactDetailsDuration12 daysPlacesKathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, Nagarkot, Bandipur, Pokhara, ChitwanGradeEasyBest timeOctober–AprilCostFrom US$1,390 per person

## 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

## Day-by-day itinerary
### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Our team meets you at the airport and drives you to your hotel.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing
Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath with a guide.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 3: Patan and Bhaktapur, drive to Nagarkot
Morning in Patan, afternoon in Bhaktapur, then drive up to Nagarkot for sunset.
_Altitude: 2,175 m · Meals: Breakfast, dinner · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 4: Nagarkot sunrise, hike to Changunarayan
Sunrise over the Himalaya, then a 3–4 hour walk to Changunarayan temple and return to Kathmandu.
_Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 2,175 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel · Distance: 12 km_

### Day 5: Drive to Bandipur
Drive west along the Prithvi Highway to the hill town of Bandipur.
_Altitude: 1,030 m · Meals: Breakfast, dinner · Overnight: Heritage guesthouse_

### Day 6: Bandipur to Pokhara
Sunrise at Thani Mai, then drive about 2–3 hours to Pokhara. Evening by Phewa Lake.
_Altitude: 820 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 7: Pokhara: Sarangkot and the lake
Sunrise at Sarangkot, boating to Tal Barahi Temple, and the World Peace Pagoda.
_Altitude: 1,600 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 8: Pokhara: free day
Optional paragliding, Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Cave, or relax in Lakeside.
_Altitude: 820 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 9: Drive to Chitwan
Drive about 5 hours to Sauraha. Tharu village walk at sunset.
_Altitude: 150 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Jungle lodge_

### Day 10: Chitwan National Park
Canoe trip, jungle walk and jeep safari.
_Altitude: 150 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Jungle lodge_

### Day 11: Return to Kathmandu
Drive back to Kathmandu (or fly from Bharatpur). Farewell dinner.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast, dinner · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 12: Departure from Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_

## What is 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 information
### 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

## Frequently asked questions
### How long is the Nepal highlights tour?
**12 days**.

### Is there any trekking?
Only short walks, such as the Nagarkot–Changunarayan hike.

### How much does it cost?
From **US$1,390 per person**.

### Is it suitable for families?
Yes, it is easy and varied.

### Can I add a trek?
Yes, a short trek from Pokhara.

### When is the best time?
**October–April**.