Highlights of Nepal – 9 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Welcome to Kathmandu! Upon your arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll receive a welcome drink and a briefing about your trip.

Day 2: Kathmandu & Bhaktapur

This morning, visit the Bodhnath Stupa, a beautiful site of Buddhist worship adorned with spinning prayer wheels and prostrating pilgrims. Next, head to the ancient city of Bhaktapur, Nepal’s cultural gem known for its traditional lifestyle and famous pottery. Explore Bhaktapur’s picturesque Durbar Square and visit Pottery Square to test your pottery-making skills. Finally, visit Patan, an old Newari city with a historic Durbar Square filled with temples. This evening, enjoy dinner accompanied by a traditional Nepali dance performance.

Day 3: Travel to Chitwan National Park

Today, we travel by road to Chitwan National Park (approximately a 5-hour drive), arriving in time for lunch. Chitwan is renowned as one of Asia’s finest game parks, home to over 500 species, including the endangered one-horned rhino, various types of deer, the Indian elephant, and the elusive Bengal tiger. Over the next two days, engage in various lodge activities, including a jeep safari, where we hope to encounter wildlife like the one-horned rhino, deer, boar, monkeys, leopards, and, with some luck, the Bengal tiger. Other activities include a local village walk, a nature walk in the jungle, a scenic dugout canoe ride on the Rapti River, and bird watching. One evening, enjoy a traditional Tharu dance performance with dinner.

Day 4: Chitwan National Park to Pokhara

Today, take a short flight from Chitwan to Pokhara. Arriving in the early afternoon, the rest of the day is free for you to relax or stroll around this scenic lakeside town, the gateway to the magnificent Annapurna Range.

Day 5: Sunrise and Sightseeing in Pokhara

This morning, witness a stunning sunrise at the World Peace Pagoda, which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range. After a short walk, enjoy panoramic views of the mountains and Pokhara valley while having breakfast at the Raniban Retreat Resort. Following breakfast, embark on a scenic 2-hour walk through Raniban Forest back down to Lake Phewa, where you’ll enjoy a boat ride across the lake. Later, visit the Tashiling Tibetan refugee camp to gain insight into the lives of Tibetan refugees in Pokhara.

This afternoon, explore the tranquil Jangchub Choeling Monastery in Hemja, where you can witness the monks as they engage in their daily prayers.

Day 6: Free Day in Pokhara

Today is yours to explore Pokhara at your leisure. Participate in optional activities such as paragliding, ultra-light flights, zip lining, bungee jumping, mountain biking, cycling, boating, and horse riding, or simply relax by the lake.

Day 7: Return to Kathmandu

This morning, fly back to Kathmandu. In the afternoon, continue exploring the city. Visit the stunning Swayambhunath Stupa, which offers beautiful views of the city, and then walk to Kathmandu Durbar Square, home to over 50 impressive temples and shrines. Enjoy a rickshaw ride from Hanuman Dhoka to Thamel, taking in the bustling back streets of the city—an excellent way to observe daily life. This evening is free for you to wander around the Thamel market for any last-minute souvenirs.

Day 8: Departure from Kathmandu

Our tour concludes today with a transfer to the airport for your onward journey.