Nepal Cultural, Wildlife & Nature Experience Tour - 10 Days

Kathmandu Height: 1,400 meters

On arrival in Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by representative holding a placard with your name. After warm greetings, you will be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. All around city, you will take your first glimpses of bustling streets, sacred temples and shrines, traditional markets and timeless architecture that defines Nepal's capital.

After being dropped off at hotel, check in and take some time to rest, recharge and acclimate to environment. Depending on your arrival time, the rest of the day is free to take break or explore. 

You may choose to stroll around Thamel. It has aesthetic cafes, local shops and a welcoming atmosphere. It's a great spot to begin experiencing Nepali culture, try your first Nepali meal or simply enjoy city's vitality. 

This day is a gentle introduction to Nepal prior to more intense experiences of your tour starting the following day.

Begin with a relaxed breakfast at hotel before setting out for guided city tour of Kathmandu which pulses with centuries of culture, spirituality and street life. To start with, visit Swayambhunath Stupa on a hill that offers a panoramic view of the entire Kathmandu Valley. 

You will then proceed to the holy Pashupatinath Temple. It is one of the most sacred Hindu temples devoted to Lord Shiva situated on the bank of the Bagmati River.

You will next proceed to the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa. It is one of the largest stupas in the world. It's hub of Nepal's Tibetan Buddhist community and serene place where devotees spin prayer wheels and monks chant mantras. 

After some serene reflection, continue your exploration by walking over to Patan Durbar Square located in the ancient city of Lalitpur. Square is filled with stunning Newari architecture, old temples and palace museum that reflects the glory of Nepal's royal history. 

Time permitting, you will explore explore of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Changunarayan and Kathmandu Durbar Square. All these grant invaluable insights into the religious diversity as well as the architectural grandeur of Nepal.

Throughout the day, your guide will share interesting tales of Nepal's history, art and religious life. There will be an opportunity for traditional Nepali lunch at local restaurant and opportunities to purchase handmade crafts, pashminas and jewelry along crowded streets of Kathmandu. Day winds down with calming return to your hotel, where you can indulge in a rooftop supper or just unwind.

Bhairahawa Height: 87 meters 
Lumbini Height: 150 meters 
Flight Duration: 30 minutes 
Drive Distance: 25-30 kilometers 
Drive Duration: 45 minutes 

After breakfast, you will leave for the domestic terminal of Kathmandu Airport. You will board a short and scenic flight to Bhairahawa, nearest airport to Lumbini. Flight is breathtaking with bird's eye views of different landscapes of Nepal, from rolling hills of Kathmandu's outskirts to Terai's flat plains. At Bhairahawa, you will be met by your driver for smooth drive to Lumbini which is approximately 45 minutes by road.

The ride familiarizes you with Nepal's Terai, stretches of fertile fields, rural hamlets and subtropical weather. As you approach Lumbini, landscapes become greenish, setting the stage for peaceful surroundings which define this sacred site. Transition from the city's excitement to more subdued spiritual setting sets tone for your pilgrimage to the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Check into your hotel and take some time to relax. Depending on what time you arrive, you may want to stroll around or enjoy an evening walk in a serene atmosphere. Amidst prayer flags, gardens and meditation paths, Lumbini is a tranquil place that invites quiet contemplation and reflection - a fitting start to the journey that follows.

This day is devoted to exploring Lumbini, the world’s most sacred pilgrimage site and birthplace of Lord Buddha. It begins with a visit to Maya Devi Temple, the exact spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama. 

Temple is surrounded by a peaceful, sacred garden and ancient pool where the queen bathed before giving birth. You’ll also explore the Ashoka Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE which officially defines Lumbini as Buddha’s birthplace.

You will then visit the Lumbini Monastic Zone. It is a richly green and beautifully designed space separated into eastern (Theravada) and western (Mahayana) zones. Here, Buddhist nations have constructed impressive monasteries in the style of their home countries. 

Walking or biking tour of this zone is a peaceful experience with brightly colored prayer flags, chanting monks and secluded meditation points along the way. Each monastery provides insight into international presence of Buddhism and the universal commitment to Buddha's teachings.

Afternoon, take a quick visit to Tilaurakot, the ancient capital of Sakya Kingdom and believed to be where young Prince Siddhartha spent the first 29 years of his life. It is in ruins today and is an archaeological site, full of historical and spiritual value. You’ll walk through exposed palace walls, gates and foundations. 

After a full day of exploration, return to your hotel for a peaceful evening at rest.

Chitwan Height: 100-815 meters 
Drive Distance: 175 kilometers 
Drive Duration: around 5 hours 

After breakfast, begin your scenic overland drive from Lumbini to Chitwan. It is a journey of approximately 4 to 5 hours through Nepal’s picturesque southern plains. As you leave sacred site of Lumbini, landscape shifts from spiritual calm to the lush sprawl of Terai region. Chitwan is known for its rich wildlife, rural charm and local color. You travel through small towns, terraced fields and forests that offer window into Nepal's idyllic countryside.

Upon arrival in Chitwan, you'll be checking in at a jungle resort near Chitwan National Park, Nepal's most famous and oldest wildlife reserve. Everything here is completely different, tropical, humid and full of sounds of forest creatures. You'll be given a welcome drink and a brief briefing, followed by some time to unwind or take a walk around the resort's surroundings. Most of them offer relaxed atmosphere with gardens, hammocks and views of nearby jungle or riverbanks.

Later in the day, embark on leisurely activity such as a village walk (nearby Tharu village) where you will be introduced to their unique culture, architecture and way of life. You may also be entertained in the evening by Tharu cultural dance performance, a lively introduction to local culture. Dinner will be at resort as you prepare for an exciting day of jungle adventure ahead.

Chitwan National Park, Nepal's first and most renowned wildlife reserve, offers once in a lifetime jungle experience. The park is a biodiversity hotspot with grassland, marshes and dense sal forests. It is a habitat for elusive wild animals such as sloth bears, wild boars and endangered one-horned rhinoceros and Bengal tigers. 

Professional-led jeep safari or elephant back ride takes you far into the heart of the park where you can experience thrill of spotting animals in their natural habitat and relish the views of unspoiled wilderness.

Apart from safari, Chitwan offers an array of participatory jungle activities. Take quiet canoe ride along Rapti River where you have the opportunity to glimpse gharials and marsh mugger crocodiles soaking up sun on riverbanks. At elephant breeding center, learn about conservation efforts and observe baby elephants in their daily routines. Jungle walking tours with expert naturalists allow for closer observation of flora, insects and birds that are often missed during motorized safaris.

Chitwan cultural experience is also enriching. You can revisit a typical Tharu village to explore the way of life, architecture and tradition of the people. In evening, enjoy vibrant Tharu cultural dance show in which villagers familiarize you with their heritage through music and dance.

Pokhara Height: 822 meters 
Drive Distance: 160 kilometers 
Drive Duration: 4-5 hours 

The drive from Chitwan to Pokhara is a scenic land journey that shows Nepal’s diverse natural landscape. Leaving lowland jungles, you observe landscape slowly transform to hills, meandering rivers, stepped fields and tiny villages. It’s a chance to see the laid‑back pace of the Nepalese countryside and get views that are serene and captivating. 

This 5 to 6 hours of drive passes through picturesque roadside villages, colorfully decorated markets and bridges spanning wide river valleys. There are several places along way where you can stop and have a cup of tea, pick up snacks or simply enjoy the view. The transition from plains to hills is a silent reminder of Nepal’s remarkable ecological variety.

As you approach Pokhara, the climate is cooler and peaceful. Marked by lakes and the mighty Annapurna range, the city welcomes you with its laid‑back ambiance. Whether it is a glimpse of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountain or peaceful Phewa Lake shining in the afternoon sun, arriving in Pokhara is treat in itself for a day’s journey.

Your day in Pokhara begins as the city wakes quietly under clear skies, with the Annapurna range standing tall in the background. After breakfast, go out and explore natural and cultural sites of city. Start with calm boat ride on Phewa Lake where you can witness the reflection of mountains on shimmering water and visit the Tal Barahi Temple on island in the lake.

Next, head to some of Pokhara’s iconic landmarks. Visit Devi’s Fall, a striking waterfall that flows forcefully into an underground tunnel. Explore Gupteshwor Cave located just across road. Continue to International Mountain Museum which highlights culture, history and mountaineering legacy of the Himalayas. This day combines a laid back pace with rich opportunities for exploration and scenic beauty.

In the afternoon, drive or hike up to World Peace Pagoda. Standing on hill, it offers sweeping views of Pokhara, surrounding lakes and snow capped peaks in the background. In the evening, walk around the Lakeside, dotted by cafes, craft stalls and boutique shops. It is a bustling yet tranquil ambiance which is perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Day of Pokhara sightseeing is blend of nature, culture and peace and is experience to remember in Nepal's most scenic city.

Flight Duration: 25 minutes 

Begin day before dawn with short drive to Sarangkot, one of Pokhara's most well known viewpoints. As first light of sun spreads across sky, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre peaks gradually begin to shine in golden hues. Panoramic stretch of snow capped mountains against soft awakening sky is a peaceful and breathtaking view.

After soaking in the sunrise vistas to your heart's content and clicking awesome pics, return to your hotel in Pokhara for breakfast and relaxation. Depending on your flight time, you may be able to take a short stroll along Lakeside or one last cup of Nepali tea with mountain view before preparing to depart.

Later this afternoon, drive to Pokhara Airport for your short domestic flight back to Kathmandu. Flight once more offers opportunity to see Nepal's wide landscape from air, rolling hills, deep river valleys and distant peaks. Arriving in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel where you can refresh and unwind. Later, you will have a farewell dinner at a special location to celebrate your memorable journey.

Spend the final day of your Nepal trip relaxing in the hotel. Depending upon the flight schedule, you have some time to enjoy a proper breakfast, take a walk around the area or do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs.

As it is time to leave, cozy private car will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport. This road trip is last moment to catch sounds and imagery of Kathmandu: pulsating streets, chants from nearby shrines, aroma of street food stalls, ringing bells and colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind.

Your driver will assist you with your luggage and provide a smooth handover to proceed to the departure gate at the airport. Have a safe journey. We hope to see you again soon on your next travel.