The 13-Day Nepal Highlights Tour offers sightseeing in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur, Chitwan, and Lumbini. It showcases Nepal’s rich cultural diversity, history, traditions, and architecture, providing a firsthand experience of its varied topography and landscape. The tour emphasizes Nepal’s exceptional hospitality and the practice of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guests are God). Highlights include UNESCO World Heritage sites, Chitwan National Park for wildlife exploration, Lumbini’s significance as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and the picturesque lakeside of Pokhara. Customizable options for fixed-date departures and accommodation upgrades are available upon request.
Please note that you have the option to join one of our fixed-date departures or request a private tour customized to your preferred dates. Additionally, accommodations can be upgraded upon request.
Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival at the airport, an Asian Heritage Treks & Travel representative will be there to greet you, holding your nameplate. From the airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Along the way, you’ll pass through some important landmarks, including the Pashupatinath Temple, the Royal Palace Museum (also known as Narayanhity Palace), and the Garden of Dreams, before reaching Thamel, the tourist hub where your accommodation is located. The streets of Thamel offer plenty of opportunities for exploration.
Accommodation: an overnight stay at the Yatri Suites & Spa hotel or a similar one in Kathmandu.
Today, you’ll embark on a captivating journey to Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage gems. A private vehicle and an expert guide will accompany you. Kathmandu Durbar Square unveils its ancient charm, showcasing exquisite wood-carved temples and historic edifices. Witness the fusion of Buddhism and Hinduism’s spiritual coexistence at Swyambhunath while soaking in Kathmandu’s panoramic vistas. Venture to Pashupatinath Temple, a paramount Hindu pilgrimage site in South Asia. Here, you’ll witness the sacred cremation rituals along the holy Bagmati River.
Nearby, explore Guweyswori Temple, another pilgrimage gem. Your journey continues to Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO site dating back to the 14th century, epitomizing Buddhism’s essence. Delve into its serene surroundings. Having completed this enriching expedition, return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest. Today’s adventure promises a profound cultural experience and spiritual insights in the heart of Kathmandu.
Accommodation: an overnight stay at the Yatri Suites and Spa hotel or a similar one in Kathmandu.
Today’s adventure near Kathmandu encompasses two ancient cities: Patan and Bhaktapur. Patan boasts UNESCO World Heritage gems like the Krishna Temple and Patan Durbar Square. Dive into history at the Patan Museum, unveiling the reigns of bygone kings. Explore the sacred Golden Temple, cherished by both Hindus and Buddhists, and the revered Banglamukhi Temple.
Bhaktapur, a city frozen in time, is enchanted with its meticulously preserved architecture. Witness the enchanting wood-carved structures that adorn the cityscape. Bhaktapur Durbar Square, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, awaits your exploration, as does the majestic Nyatapola Temple, one of Nepal’s loftiest pagodas. After this enriching journey, return to Kathmandu, unwind at your hotel, and savor a well-deserved respite.
Accommodation: an overnight stay at the Yatri Suites and Spa hotel or a similar one in Kathmandu.
On the fourth day of the 13-Day Nepal Highlights Tour, we head towards Bandipur. The village is located in the west of Kathmandu. This charming village is approximately 150 kilometers away from the capital city. En route, you can enjoy the lush vegetation of Nepal, with the picturesque Trishuli River accompanying you on your journey to Bandipur. Upon arrival in this scenic village, embark on a guided sightseeing tour to explore its beauty. Once you’ve completed your sightseeing adventure, return to the hotel and take a well-deserved rest.
Accommodation: an overnight stay at Bandipur Mountain Resort or a similar one in Bandipur.
Continuing your journey, you will head towards Chitwan, located in the south-western direction, approximately 45–50 kilometers away from Bandipur. Along the route, you’ll come across numerous small shops and a mini-market. As you approach Chitwan, you’ll notice the forest becoming denser.
Upon your arrival in Chitwan, check into your hotel and take some time to relax. Afterward, explore the local market and streets in the area. In the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to attend the Tharu cultural program show. Enjoy the performance, and then return to your hotel.
Accommodation: an overnight stay at Rainforest Resort or a similar one in Chitwan.
On the sixth day of your 13-Day Nepal Highlights Tour, experience an exhilarating jungle safari by Jeep. Dive into the community forest to spot the one-horned rhino, wild boar, deer, leopards, and more. Crossing the Rapti River takes you to the main national park area, where you might be lucky enough to encounter the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger amidst 5–6-foot-tall bushes. Marvel at wild elephants and diverse wildlife species. After the adventure, savor a delectable lunch at your hotel.
Later, explore Tharu village with a guided tour and immerse yourself in the local culture. Then, embark on a canoeing expedition on the Rapti River. Witness the Marsh Mugger and Gharial crocodiles basking along the riverbanks in Chitwan. After a day of exploration, return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Accommodation: an overnight stay at Rainforest Resort or a similar one in Chitwan.
Start your day early with a captivating bird-watching experience along the Rapti riverbank in Chitwan, Nepal. Renowned as a top destination for bird enthusiasts, Chitwan attracts students and researchers eager to study its diverse bird species. Our expert tour guide will share insights into these avian creatures and their winter migratory patterns as they journey from around the world to Chitwan.
After this bird-watching adventure, head to the Elephant and Crocodile Breeding Center to witness the remarkable life cycles of these creatures and the National Park’s dedication to their conservation efforts. Then, continue your journey to Lumbini, a mere 150 kilometers from Chitwan.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel, unwind, and explore the nearby attractions at your own pace. This day promises an enriching blend of nature, wildlife, and cultural exploration.
Accommodation: an overnight stay at Sakya Guesthouse or a similar one in Lumbini.
On the eighth day of the 13-Day Nepal Highlights Tour, we commence a full day of sightseeing in and around the actual birthplace of Lord Buddha. You will visit the sacred garden, where you can explore the Ashoka pillar, the small pond Pushkarini, the Maya Devi temple, and the remaining meditation site, along with the residential monastery for monks. Following that, you’ll have the opportunity to tour some of the monastic establishments in the monastery zone before returning to the hotel.
Accommodation: an overnight stay at Sakya Guesthouse or a similar one in Lumbini.
You will head towards Pokhara, situated to the northeast of Lumbini and approximately 210 kilometers away. Upon reaching Pokhara, check in at the hotel and take a moment to rest. Later in the afternoon, you can explore the charming lakeside streets and the scenic shoreline of Phewa Lake.
Accommodation: an overnight stay at Hotel Crystal Palace or a similar one in Pokhara.
On the tenth day of the 13-Day Nepal Highlights Tour, begin with an early drive to Sarangkot to witness the serene city view before dawn as the first sunbeams kiss the distant mountains. Sarangkot boasts breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas, featuring Annapurna, Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, and more.
Your next stop is the World Peace Stupa, perched atop a hill, offering an hour’s drive from Pokhara. Here, you’ll be awestruck by panoramic views of the northern and western mountain ranges, including Annapurna, Nilgiri, Glacier Dome, Fishtail, and Dhaulagiri.
Following this, a 40- to 60-minute hike takes you to Phewa Lake’s bank, where a boat tour awaits to visit the Barahi Temple in the lake’s center. After temple exploration, head to Devi’s Fall, Gupteswor Cave, and Seti Gorge. Once sightseeing is complete, return to your hotel and unwind, having experienced the magic of Nepal’s natural beauty.
Accommodation: an overnight stay at Hotel Crystal Palace or a similar one in Pokhara.
Today, you will enjoy a scenic drive back to Kathmandu, departing from Pokhara after breakfast. Upon reaching Kathmandu, our team will transfer you to your designated hotel, where you can relax. Later in the evening, feel free to explore the vibrant downtown area of Thamel.
Accommodation: an overnight stay at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar one in Pokhara.
Today is a free day for you in Kathmandu. You can spend your day on your personal activities or on optional activities. You can have enough rest, or if you’re interested, you can go strolling around the streets of Thamel. Or you can go shopping for souvenirs for your friends and family.
Optional activities you can do in your free day:
This marks the end of the Nepal Highlights Tour.
Accommodation: an overnight stay at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar one in Pokhara.
The 13-Day Nepal Highlights Tour comes to an end today. After breakfast, our representative will pick you up with a private van and drop you off at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours before your scheduled flight back to your home or other destination.
Have a safe journey onward, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future.