Embark on an expansive “9 Days 8 Nights” Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini tour program, delving into the diverse cultural and natural landscapes of Nepal. Begin your journey in Kathmandu, where you’ll explore the spiritual sanctuaries of Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple, resonating with centuries of religious devotion. Wander through the historical sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square, adorned with intricate architecture and cultural relics. Journey to Pokhara, where the tranquil Phewa Lake and the majestic Annapurna Range await, offering opportunities for boating and scenic hikes. Continue to Chitwan National Park, where thrilling wildlife safaris unveil the beauty of Nepal’s wilderness. Conclude your adventure in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, immersing yourself in the spiritual ambiance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, ensuring an enriching and comprehensive exploration of Nepal’s cultural heritage and natural wonders.
Day – 01 – Kathmandu Arrival and Transfer to Hotel
Arriving in Kathmandu on a clear day is an exhilarating experience, with breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling below, leaving a lasting impression. Upon arrival, a representative and driver from our office will greet and accompany guests to their designated hotel or resort. They will assist with check-in procedures and provide a briefing on the day’s activities. Guests are encouraged to spend the day exploring the local area before retiring for the night at their hotel or resort in Kathmandu.
Day – 02 – Sightseeing around Kathmandu
After an early morning breakfast, guests will embark on a sightseeing tour to explore key landmarks in Kathmandu. The tour will include visits to Swoyambhunath, a nearly 2500-year-old site believed to have been settled by the Radiant Lotus of the valley when drained by Manjushri, the god of Wisdom. Next, guests will visit Boudhanath, the world’s largest stupa of Tibetan Buddhist Culture, followed by Pashupatinath temple, situated along the Bagmati River and dedicated to Lord Shiva. Please note that non-Hindus are not permitted inside the Pashupatinath temple. In the afternoon, the tour continues with visits to Kathmandu Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka, Mahadev and Parvati Temple, and Machhender Bahl. Additionally, guests will explore Bhaktapur City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient town and medieval city of devotees. The evening will be free for guests to leisurely stroll around local bazaars, with accommodations provided at a hotel or resort in Kathmandu for the night.
Day – 03 – Sightseeing tour around Bhaktapur & Patan and flight to Lumbini (Birth place of Buddha)
After enjoying an early morning breakfast, guests will visit the Bhaktapur old durbar square, renowned for its unique culture and exquisite craftsmanship. Bhaktapur stands as the only place in Nepal untouched by Western culture. Key attractions include the Lion Gate, Golden Gate, Art Gallery, Statue of King Bhupatindra, Nyatapola Temple, and the fifty-five windowed Malla Palace. Following this, guests will be driven to Patan to explore its Durbar Square, Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple, and other notable sites. Patan serves as an open museum showcasing intricately carved windows, roof struts, statues, and temples designed in pagoda style with erotic carvings and metalwork facades. Guests can also visit the handicraft center in Patan. Later in the evening, guests will take a flight to Bhairahawa airport, followed by a 25-kilometer, one-hour drive to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. Accommodation will be provided at a hotel or resort in Lumbini for the night.
Day – 04 – Shightseeing in Lumbini and drive to Chitwan.
After breakfast, guests will visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. Following the visit, they will have lunch and then embark on a 4-5 hour drive to Chitwan. Situated in the Terai plains, Chitwan offers a serene retreat to jungle and nature enthusiasts. Historically, Chitwan served as the Royal hunting grounds for Nepalese Kings and dignitaries, later becoming a favored spot for big game safari hunters. Today, it is a destination where guests can immerse themselves in jungle observation at Chitwan National Park. The highlight of the visit is the Elephant Safari in the jungles, typically conducted in the evening depending on the arrival time of guests at the resort. After the Elephant ride, guests can enjoy a slide show or opt for a Tharu Folk Dance performance. The evening is free for a village walk and to enjoy the sunset view. Accommodation for the night will be provided at a hotel in Chitwan.
Day – 05 – Chitwan Sightseeing
Early in the morning, guests will embark on a nature walk to observe the forest and various bird species. Following this, they will enjoy a boat ride on the lakes, ponds, and rivers of Chitwan, offering a chance to encounter diverse wildlife. Floating down the river on a canoe for about an hour, followed by a leisurely walk back to the camp, is a popular activity among tourists. For those seeking more adventure, pedaling down the fast-flowing Karnali and Geruwa Rivers is an exciting option. After returning to the resort for lunch, late afternoon is reserved for an Elephant safari. Guests will ride on an elephant to explore the jungle and wildlife, with opportunities to spot the one-horned rhinoceros, various deer species, monkeys, wild boar, bison, sloth bears, leopards, and if fortunate, the Royal Bengal tiger. The safari lasts for 2-3 hours, followed by a night stay at the resort in Chitwan.
Day – 06 – Drive Chitwan to Pokhara 4-5 hrs drive
If guests missed the Elephant ride the previous evening, they can opt for an Elephant Safari in the morning. Following the safari, breakfast will be served, after which they will embark on a drive to Pokhara. Located 165 kilometers away and approximately a 5-hour drive from Chitwan, Pokhara sits at an elevation of 900 meters and is the largest valley in Nepal. Guests can enjoy the scenic mountain-side drive or opt for a picturesque half-hour flight to reach this valley. Pokhara is renowned for its lakes and stunning views of the Himalayan Peaks. Sightseeing in Pokhara includes visits to the Old Bazaar, Bindhayabasini temple, Seti George, Buddhist monastery, Pokhara regional museum, Devis Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, Tibetan refugee camp, and Barahi temple, situated in the central part of Lake Fewa. Upon reaching Pokhara, guests will check in at the hotel and have the evening free to explore the area. Night stay will be at Pokhara.
Day – 07 – Pokhara Sightseeing
Early in the morning, guests will embark on a drive to Sarangkot hill to witness the breathtaking sunrise and panoramic views of the mountain chain. From Sarangkot, they can admire majestic peaks including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Mt. Machhapuchhre, and many others. After experiencing the sunrise, they will return to the hotel for breakfast.
Following breakfast, the next destination is the Peace Stupa. Guests can choose to reach the Stupa by crossing Fewa Lake via boat and then undertaking a 45-minute climb, or they can opt to go there by bus or Jeep. Upon reaching the Peace Stupa, they can enjoy the serene ambiance and panoramic views.
After visiting the Peace Stupa, guests will proceed to explore David Falls and Gupteshwor Cave. David Falls is a beautiful waterfall, and Gupteshwor Cave is an intriguing underground cavern. In the evening, guests will return to the hotel in Pokhara, where they will spend the night.
Day – 08 –Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu, 7-8 hrs drive or by flight 20 minute and Nagarkot Transfer
Nagarkot is renowned for its stunning vistas of Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks, making it one of the prime locations for mountain viewing in eastern Nepal. Its claim to fame lies in its spectacular sunrise views over the Himalayas. Spending a night at Nagarkot is essential to witness the breathtaking sunrise and catch glimpses of Mount Everest and the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Apart from its Himalayan panoramas, Nagarkot also offers a splendid view of the Indrawati River valley to the east. Situated at an elevation of 2,195 meters, Nagarkot’s beauty is captivating throughout the year, with November to March being particularly favorable for clearer views.
Upon arrival, guests will check into their hotel, where they can settle in and prepare for the stunning sunset, if they arrive in time. Spending the night at Nagarkot ensures an unforgettable experience of witnessing the sunrise and the majestic Himalayan peaks.
Day – 09 – Final departure
Departing from Nagarkot to Kathmandu Airport, guests will have the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing sunrise from Nagarkot, which offers a panoramic view extending from Dhaulagiri in the west to Kanchenjunga in the east. Situated at an altitude of about 7,500 feet, Nagarkot provides a breathtaking vista, where on clear days, one can even catch a glimpse of the tip of Mount Everest.
After soaking in the beauty of the sunrise, guests will embark on a drive of approximately 35 kilometers to reach Kathmandu Airport. Depending on the flight timings, guests may have some time to explore Thamel or visit other places of interest along the way to the airport. This journey marks the conclusion of the trip, forwarding guests to their onward destinations.