Kathmandu, Chitwan, Lumbini and Pokhara Tour – 11 Days

Immerse yourself in the rich history and deep spirituality of the Kathmandu Valley today. Accompanied by your expert private guide, you will explore four magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

• Kathmandu Durbar Square: Wander through ancient palace courtyards that showcase the exquisite wood carvings, courtyards, and architecture revealing the lifestyle of Nepal’s former royals.

• Pashupatinath Temple: Visit one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world, situated along the holy Bagmati River, to witness traditional rituals and architectural grandeur.

• Swayambhunath Stupa (The Monkey Temple): Climb the hilltop steps to discover this ancient stupa adorned with the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha, offering panoramic views across the entire Kathmandu Valley.

• Boudhanath Stupa: Conclude your day at one of the largest spherical stupas in the world, where you can join Tibetan pilgrims in walking the sacred kora circuit amidst fluttering prayer flags.

• Location: Kathmandu Valley

• Elevation: 1,400 meters / 4,593 feet

• Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Kathmandu

• Meal Plan: Breakfast included

Today, your cultural exploration continues as you discover two more magnificent, art-filled kingdoms within the Kathmandu Valley—Patan and Bhaktapur. Both cities are proud UNESCO World Heritage Sites celebrated for their extraordinary preserved architecture, ancient courtyards, and divine stone and wood idols.

• Patan Durbar Square: Often called the city of fine arts, Patan showcases master craftsmanship at every turn. You will admire the intricate palace courtyards and visit the iconic 17th-century Krishna Mandir, a stunning stone temple built by carving a single rock, dedicated to Lord Krishna.

• Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Step back in time as you wander through this remarkably preserved traditional medieval city. Here, you will explore majestic landmarks including the towering Nyatapole Temple, the ornate Golden Gate, the 55 Window Palace, the National Art Gallery, and the sacred Bhairavnath and Dattatreya temples, all reflecting a deeply rooted and unique local lifestyle.

• Location: Patan & Bhaktapur (Kathmandu Valley)

• Elevation: 1,400 meters / 4,593 feet

• Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Kathmandu

• Meal Plan: Breakfast included

After a hearty breakfast this morning, you will depart Kathmandu and embark on a scenic 6-hour overland drive westward toward the stunning lakeside city of Pokhara. As your private vehicle winds along the highway, you will enjoy wonderful views of the rushing Trishuli River, lush green hills, terraced farmlands, and charming roadside villages. You will stop for a relaxing lunch along the way. Upon your arrival in Pokhara, the majestic Annapurna mountain range will greet you like a giant wall of snow-capped peaks. In the late afternoon, you can enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake and take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets of the lakeside market.

• Location: Pokhara

• Elevation: 822 meters / 2,697 feet

• Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Pokhara

• Meal Plan: Breakfast included

Your day begins bright and early with a scenic drive to Sarangkot hill to witness an unforgettable sunrise over the Himalayas. From this panoramic vantage point, you will watch the first rays of sunlight gently kiss the snow-capped summits of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges to the north, while looking down over the peaceful Pokhara valley to the south.

After returning to the city for breakfast, you will explore the rich cultural and natural landmarks of Pokhara:

• Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave (Shiva Cave) & Davis Falls: Discover the mysterious underground waterfall where the Pardi Khola river plunges into a subterranean cavern, alongside the sacred underground Shiva cave shrine.

• Mahendra Cave: Explore this fascinating limestone cave filled with remarkable stalactite and stalagmite formations.

• Bindhyabashini Temple: Visit one of the oldest and most revered Hindu temples in Pokhara, dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati.

• International Mountain Museum (IMM): Gain deep insight into Himalayan mountaineering history, local mountain communities, and legendary climbing expeditions.

• World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa): Conclude your afternoon by crossing Phewa Lake to visit this gleaming white Buddhist stupa, which offers a breathtaking, panoramic spectacle of the entire city and surrounding lakes.

• Location: Pokhara

• Elevation: 822 meters / 2,697 feet (Sarangkot rises to approx. 1,600 meters / 5,249 feet)

• Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Pokhara

• Meal Plan: Breakfast included

After enjoying a pleasant breakfast this morning, you will depart Pokhara and travel southeast toward the subtropical lowlands of Chitwan. Upon your arrival at the jungle resort, our friendly lodge staff will greet you with a refreshing welcome drink and provide a helpful briefing about your exciting afternoon jungle activities.

Following a delicious lunch, you will take a guided walking tour to a traditional Tharu village. Here, you will experience the unique culture, traditions, and self-sufficient lifestyle of the indigenous Tharu people who have inhabited the Terai region for generations. Afterward, you can relax and unwind at the edge of Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s premier wildlife reserve covering 932 square kilometers of rich subtropical forest and grassland.

• Location: Chitwan National Park

• Elevation: 415 meters / 1,362 feet

• Accommodation: Jungle Resort / Lodge in Chitwan

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

Immerse yourself fully in the natural wonders of Chitwan National Park today, a protected sanctuary that serves as a vital habitat for over 50 mammal species, 525 bird species, and numerous reptiles. Throughout the day, expert naturalists will guide you through a series of thrilling wildlife activities designed to showcase Nepal’s rich biodiversity:

• Canoe Trip & Crocodile Walk: Glide peacefully down the Rapti or Narayani River in a traditional dugout canoe, keeping an eye out for rare Gharial crocodiles and basking mugger crocodiles along the riverbanks.

• Jungle Safari & Wildlife Spotting: Search the subtropical forests and grasslands for endangered species, including the One-horned Rhinoceros, wild elephants, spotted deer, and—with a bit of good fortune—the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger.

• Bird Watching: Spot vibrant avian wildlife, including the Bengal Florican, Giant Hornbill, and various migratory storks.

• Cultural Tharu Dance Evening: Conclude your unforgettable day by gathering around in the evening to watch an energetic Tharu folk dance performance, where local villagers dressed in traditional colorful costumes celebrate their heritage through music and rhythm.

• Location: Chitwan National Park

• Elevation: 415 meters / 1,362 feet

• Accommodation: Jungle Resort / Lodge in Chitwan

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

Following a delightful breakfast this morning, you will embark on a scenic 192-kilometer overland drive westward from the subtropical plains of Chitwan to Lumbini, the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha. Enjoy the peaceful countryside views along the way, stopping for a nice lunch upon your arrival.

In the afternoon, you will explore the serene monastic zone and visit the revered Maya Devi Temple, which marks the exact birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. Walking through this tranquil UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a profound sense of peace and spiritual reflection as you discover ancient pillar inscriptions, sacred ponds, and international monasteries built by Buddhist communities from around the world.

• Location: Lumbini

• Elevation: 150 meters / 492 feet

• Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Lumbini

• Meal Plan: Breakfast included

Continue your deep spiritual journey today by exploring the profound historical and sacred sites of Lumbini. As the birthplace of Lord Buddha, this peaceful sanctuary draws pilgrims and seekers from all over the world.

Accompanied by your guide, you will visit the sacred Maya Devi Temple, which houses the exact ruins and the marker stone identifying the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama in 623 BC. Nearby, you will observe the holy Puskarni Pond, where Queen Maya Devi took a ritual dip before giving birth, and the historic Ashoka Pillar inscribed with Emperor Ashoka’s historical visit.

Your tour also includes an excursion to the nearby ancient kingdom of Kapilvastu (Tilaurakot), where Prince Siddhartha spent his formative early years, as well as a peaceful tour through the international monastic zone to admire the unique architecture of global Buddhist stupas and temples.

• Location: Lumbini & Kapilvastu

• Elevation: 150 meters / 492 feet

• Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Lumbini

• Meal Plan: Breakfast included

After enjoying a relaxing breakfast this morning, you will check out of your jungle resort and embark on a scenic overland drive back toward the capital city of Kathmandu. Upon your arrival, you can check into your hotel to freshen up and rest after the journey.

In the late afternoon and evening, you are free to explore the vibrant and bustling local markets of Thamel and Aasan. These lively historic streets offer wonderful opportunities to shop for unique local handicrafts, traditional singing bowls, pashminas, and memorable souvenirs as tokens of love for your family and friends.

• Location: Kathmandu

• Elevation: 1,400 meters / 4,593 feet

• Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Kathmandu

• Meal Plan: Breakfast included

As your incredible Himalayan journey comes to an end, we thank you so much for being a wonderful part of our tour and travel family. After a final breakfast at the hotel, our representatives will ensure a smooth check-out and provide a comfortable private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight time. We bid you a warm farewell, hoping for the opportunity to welcome you back soon for another unforgettable program in Nepal!

• Location: Kathmandu

• Elevation: 1,400 meters / 4,593 feet

• Accommodation: None (Departure Day)

• Meal Plan: Breakfast included