# Nepal Tour: Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan > This Nepal tour package is an 8-day private journey through the country's highlights: the UNESCO World Heritage temples and royal squares of the Kathmandu Valley, sunrise over the Himalaya from Nagarkot, a jungle safari in Chitwan National Park to see one-horned rhinos, and the lakeside town of Pokhara with sunrise from Sarangkot over the Annapurna range.The tour is easy, with comfortable hotels, private transport and licensed English-speaking guides, and suits families, couples and first-time visitors. It can run on any date and combines well with a short trek such as Ghorepani Poon Hill. The best time is October to April, although the tour runs all year. Everything is arranged by our local team in Kathmandu. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 8 days - **Difficulty:** Easy - **Activity:** Sightseeing, safari and short walks - **Max altitude:** 2,175 m / 7,136 ft (Nagarkot) - **Best season:** Oct–Apr (all year possible) - **Group size:** 1–15 people - **Accommodation:** Hotels in Kathmandu, Nagarkot and Pokhara; jungle lodge in Chitwan - **Meals:** Breakfast daily; all meals in Chitwan - **Price:** from US$890 per person - **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/nepal-tour-kathmandu-pokhara-chitwan - **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=nepal-tour-kathmandu-pokhara-chitwan ## Overview If you want to see the best of Nepal in about a week without trekking, this classic tour is the perfect introduction. It combines living culture, mountain views and wildlife: ancient temples where daily worship continues as it has for centuries, sunrise over snow peaks, jeep safaris in search of rhinos, and quiet evenings by a mountain lake. The route follows a natural loop: two days exploring the **Kathmandu Valley**, a night at **Nagarkot** on the valley rim, two nights in **Chitwan** in the subtropical lowlands, and two nights in **Pokhara** beneath the Annapurnas, before a short flight back to Kathmandu. ### Nepal tour at a glance Trip factDetailsDuration8 daysDestinationsKathmandu Valley, Nagarkot, Chitwan National Park, PokharaGradeEasyTransportPrivate vehicle; flight Pokhara – KathmanduAccommodationHotels and a jungle lodgeGuidesLicensed English-speaking city guide and Chitwan naturalistBest timeOctober–April; possible all yearSuitable forFamilies, couples, first-time visitors, older travellers### Tour highlights - **Kathmandu Valley UNESCO sites**: Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. - **Patan and Bhaktapur**, the valley's royal cities of art and architecture. - **Sunrise at Nagarkot** over the Himalaya on clear mornings. - **Chitwan jungle safari**: jeep safari, canoe trip, jungle walk and Tharu culture. - **Pokhara**: boating on Phewa Lake, the World Peace Pagoda and Sarangkot sunrise. ### Kathmandu Valley: heritage and living culture The Kathmandu Valley has seven monument zones on the UNESCO World Heritage List. On your first sightseeing day you visit **Swayambhunath**, the hilltop "Monkey Temple"; **Kathmandu Durbar Square**, the old royal palace and home of the living goddess Kumari; **Pashupatinath**, the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal, on the Bagmati River; and **Boudhanath**, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. The next day you explore **Patan**, with its Durbar Square and excellent museum, and **Bhaktapur**, the best-preserved of the royal cities, famous for its pottery and five-tiered Nyatapola Temple. ### Chitwan National Park: jungle safari **Chitwan National Park**, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protects grasslands and sal forest home to the **greater one-horned rhinoceros**, **Bengal tiger**, sloth bear, crocodiles and more than 500 bird species. Your two nights in a jungle lodge include a **jeep safari**, a **canoe trip** on the Rapti river, a guided **jungle walk** with naturalists, a visit to a **Tharu village** and an evening of traditional dance. We do not include elephant rides, in line with animal welfare guidance. ### Pokhara: lakes and mountain views **Pokhara** sits beside Phewa Lake with the fishtail peak of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range rising behind. You watch sunrise from **Sarangkot**, row across the lake to the island temple of **Tal Barahi**, and walk up to the **World Peace Pagoda**. Free time allows paragliding, cycling or simply relaxing in lakeside cafés. ### Who is this tour for? The tour suits anyone who wants to experience Nepal comfortably: **families** with children, **couples**, **older travellers** and **first-time visitors**. There is some walking at heritage sites and viewpoints, but no trekking. Every tour is private, so the pace, hotels and sightseeing can be adjusted. ### Best time for a Nepal tour **October–November** offers clear skies and mountain views, with the festivals of Dashain and Tihar. **December–February** is cool and clear, and excellent for Chitwan. **March–April** is warm, with good wildlife viewing. During the **monsoon (June–September)** the tour still runs. The countryside is green but the mountains hide more often, and some Chitwan activities may be limited. ### Extending your Nepal tour Add a short trek such as the **Ghorepani Poon Hill trek** from Pokhara, an **Everest mountain flight** or **helicopter tour** from Kathmandu, a visit to **Lumbini**, the birthplace of the Buddha, or a night in the hill town of **Bandipur**. ### Why book your Nepal tour with Himalayan Hiking? - **Private tour** on your own dates, with private transport throughout. - **Licensed local guides** who bring the history and culture to life. - **Responsible safari** with experienced naturalists and no elephant rides. - **Flexible**: add treks, flights or extra nights easily. ## Highlights - Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a licensed guide - Patan and Bhaktapur royal cities - Sunrise over the Himalaya from Nagarkot - Chitwan jungle safari: jeep safari, canoe trip and jungle walk - Pokhara: Phewa Lake, World Peace Pagoda and Sarangkot sunrise - Private transport and a short flight back to Kathmandu ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) We pick you up at the airport and drive you to your hotel. Evening welcome dinner and briefing. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Dinner · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing: Swayambhunath, Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath A full day with a licensed guide at four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ending with the evening kora around the great stupa of Boudhanath. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 3: Patan and Bhaktapur, drive to Nagarkot (2,175 m) Explore Patan Durbar Square and museum, then Bhaktapur's squares and pottery workshops, before driving up to Nagarkot for sunset over the Himalaya. _Altitude: 2,175 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 4: Nagarkot sunrise, drive to Chitwan (about 150 m) Watch sunrise over the Himalaya, then drive to Chitwan National Park (about 5–6 hours). Afternoon Tharu village walk and sunset by the Rapti river. _Altitude: 2,175 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Jungle lodge_ ### Day 5: Chitwan jungle safari Morning canoe trip and jungle walk with naturalists, afternoon jeep safari into the park to look for rhinos, deer, crocodiles and birds, and an evening Tharu cultural show. _Altitude: 150 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Jungle lodge_ ### Day 6: Drive to Pokhara (820 m) Drive to Pokhara (about 5 hours). Afternoon boating on Phewa Lake to the Tal Barahi temple and a walk along the lakeside. _Altitude: 820 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 7: Pokhara: Sarangkot sunrise and sightseeing Early drive to Sarangkot for sunrise over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Machhapuchhre, then visit the World Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls and the International Mountain Museum. Free afternoon. _Altitude: 1,600 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 8: Fly to Kathmandu and departure Short scenic flight to Kathmandu and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles - Hotels: 2 nights Kathmandu, 1 night Nagarkot, 2 nights Pokhara with breakfast - 2 nights in a Chitwan jungle lodge with all meals - Chitwan activities: jeep safari, canoe trip, jungle walk, Tharu village visit and cultural show - Chitwan National Park entry fees - Private vehicle for all road transfers and sightseeing - Flight Pokhara – Kathmandu - Licensed English-speaking city guide in Kathmandu and naturalist guide in Chitwan - Welcome dinner in Kathmandu - All government and local taxes ## Not included - International flights and Nepal visa fee - Travel insurance - Entrance fees at Kathmandu Valley heritage sites (can be added) - Lunch and dinner outside Chitwan, except the welcome dinner - Drinks, personal expenses and optional activities such as paragliding - Tips for guides and drivers ## Useful information ### Pace and walking This is an easy tour with some walking at heritage sites, viewpoints and on the jungle walk. Comfortable shoes are all you need. ### Road travel Roads in Nepal are winding and can be slow. Drives between Nagarkot, Chitwan and Pokhara take about 5–6 hours each, with stops. We use private vehicles with experienced drivers. ### Entrance fees Kathmandu Valley heritage sites charge entrance fees for foreign visitors, which fund conservation. They are not included, but can be added to your package. ### Safari etiquette On walking safaris, stay with your naturalist guides, walk quietly and follow their instructions. Wear neutral colours and use insect repellent. ### Health Drink only treated or bottled water, and ask your doctor about recommended vaccinations and precautions for lowland Nepal. ### Visa Most nationalities can get a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or apply online. Indian citizens do not need a visa. ## Packing list - Comfortable walking shoes and sandals - Light clothing in neutral colours for Chitwan - Warm layer for Nagarkot and Sarangkot sunrise - Modest clothing for temples (covering shoulders and knees) - Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen - Insect repellent - Binoculars and a camera - Light rain jacket ## Frequently asked questions ### How many days do I need for a Nepal tour? This **8-day** tour covers the Kathmandu Valley, Nagarkot, Chitwan and Pokhara at a comfortable pace. With 10–12 days you can add Lumbini, Bandipur or a short trek. ### Is this Nepal tour private? Yes. The tour runs privately on your dates, with your own vehicle and guide, and can be adjusted to your pace and interests. ### What will we see in Chitwan? Most visitors see **one-horned rhinos**, deer, monkeys, crocodiles and many birds. Bengal tigers live in the park but are rarely seen. ### Do you include elephant rides? No. In line with animal welfare guidance, we offer jeep safaris, canoe trips and walking safaris instead. ### Can I see the Himalaya on this tour? Yes, on clear mornings from Nagarkot and Sarangkot, and from Pokhara. Views are best from October to April. ### Is the tour suitable for children and older travellers? Yes. It is an easy tour with comfortable hotels and private transport, and the pace can be adjusted. ### What is the best time for a Nepal tour? **October–April** offers the best weather and views. The tour runs all year, but monsoon months have fewer mountain views. ### Are entrance fees included? Kathmandu Valley heritage site fees are not included but can be added. Chitwan National Park fees are included. ### Can I add a trek to this tour? Yes. The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek from Pokhara is a popular addition of 4–5 days. ### Can I add an Everest flight? Yes. An Everest mountain flight or helicopter tour from Kathmandu can be added on your first morning. ### Do I need a visa for Nepal? Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival or apply online; Indian citizens do not need a visa. ### How much does this Nepal tour package cost? It's priced per person, and groups get a discount; the price box has the details. It includes hotels, private transport, guides, the Chitwan safari package and the Pokhara flight.