The Nepal Highlights Tour is an unforgettable 13-day journey through Nepal’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and sacred spiritual destinations. This 13-days Nepal Highlights Tour follows the scenic route of Kathmandu – Bandipur – Chitwan – Lumbini – Pokhara – Kathmandu, offering a perfect blend of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and adventure.
This Nepal Highlights Tour will take you to Kathmandu, which is the historic capital city of Nepal. You will have the opportunity to visit the ancient temples, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and amazing monuments showcasing the rich Hindu and Buddhist heritage of the country.
From here, your tour will continue to Bandipur, the quaint town located on top of a hill known for its intact Newari architectural design, way of life, and warm welcome. You will be able to admire stunning mountain scenery and feel the cultural vibe.
Then, you will move on to Chitwan, the subtropical plains in Nepal that are home to the UNESCO protected Chitwan National Park. Get involved in various jungle activities, go on wildlife safaris to observe the one-horned rhinoceroses, deers, crocodiles, and different birds. Learn about the Tharu culture.
Next, the tour will take you to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha and one of the major Buddhist pilgrim sites in the world. Here, you will see the famous Maya Devi Temple and the Sacred Garden. Explore the monasteries constructed by different Buddhist communities.
Travel onward to Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside city surrounded by the magnificent Annapurna Himalayan range. Enjoy the tranquil scenery of Phewa Lake, visit natural attractions such as Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, and admire panoramic mountain views from the World Peace Pagoda. Pokhara offers the perfect combination of relaxation, nature, and adventure.
Conclude your 13-days Nepal Highlights Tour with a scenic drive back to Kathmandu, carrying unforgettable memories of Nepal’s cultural treasures, spiritual landmarks, Himalayan landscapes, and wildlife experiences. This Nepal Highlights Tour is ideal for travelers seeking to discover the best of Nepal in one remarkable journey.
Tour Highlights
The Nepal highlights tour is suitable for travelers of different ages and fitness levels, with easy sightseeing and short walks. September–November and March–May are generally the best seasons, though the trip operates year-round depending on weather conditions. Accommodation includes 12 nights in comfortable hotels and lodges, with transportation and sightseeing arranged as outlined in the itinerary. Guests can choose fixed-date group departures or arrange a private tour with customized dates and optional upgrades.
Travelers should have a passport valid for at least six months, meet Nepal’s visa requirements, and arrange suitable travel insurance. Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, modest attire for cultural sites, and personal medication are recommended. Follow guides’ instructions during wildlife activities, respect local customs, and carry Nepalese rupees for personal expenses.
Ideal for couples, families, friends, and first-time visitors, this tour offers a balanced combination of sightseeing, cultural discovery, nature, wildlife, and relaxation.
You can join one of our fixed-date departures or request a private tour customized to your preferred travel dates and interests for 13-days Nepal highlights tour. Accommodation upgrades and personalized arrangements are also available upon request, ensuring a comfortable and memorable Nepal experience.
All private ground transportation, including airport transfers, ensures smooth and stress-free travel between destinations.
(Rooms are typically shared by two people. For a private room, please request during the booking process)
Standard Hotels:
The hotel accommodations are basic twin-sharing.
Expert Local Guides: Friendly, experienced, first-aid-trained, government-licensed, English-speaking local guides.
Staff costs include their salary, insurance, equipment, food, and accommodation.
Enjoy a transparent booking process with no hidden fees or additional charges.
Welcome to Nepal! After landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you’ll be greeted by a representative from Asian Heritage Treks & Expeditions with a personalized welcome sign and escorted to your hotel. On the way to the hotel in Thamel, you will be introduced to some of the highlights of Kathmandu, such as the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, historic Narayanhiti Palace Museum (former Royal Palace), and the tranquil Garden of Dreams, according to the traffic and route taken.
You can then relax after your trip, or wander around Thamel, which is Kathmandu’s famous tourist district. It is also called Kathmandu’s tourist hub because it consists of colorful streets, shops, cafes, restaurants, and trekkers’ stores.
As part of the first day of your Nepal Highlights Tour, you will have the pleasure of enjoying Kathmandu’s unique environment and getting settled before embarking on a tour of cultural sights, natural beauty, and adventure in the following 13 days of your Nepal Highlights Tour.
Includes: Private transport and an overnight accommodation at Hotel Lo Mustang or a similar hotel 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.
Includes: Breakfast, private transport, a guided sightseeing tour in English, and an overnight accommodation at Hotel Lo Mustang or a similar hotel 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.
Enjoy the experience of Bhaktapur, including trying out the popular local delicacy known as juju dhau (king curd) in case it is available.
Having spent a fulfilling day exploring the cultural attractions in Patan and Bhaktapur, go back to Kathmandu to relax at your hotel. The cultural experience provides an interesting insight into the culture of Nepal and is one reason why the Nepal Highlights Tour is so interesting.
Includes: Breakfast, private transport, a guided sightseeing tour in English, and an overnight accommodation at Hotel Lo Mustang or a similar hotel 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.
Includes: Breakfast, private transport, and an overnight accommodation at Bandipur Mountain Resort or a similar hotel 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.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, a guided sightseeing tour in English, and an overnight accommodation at Hotel Rainforest or a similar hotel 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.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, a guided sightseeing tour in English, and an overnight accommodation at Hotel Rainforest or a similar hotel in Chitwan.
After having breakfast, you will begin your journey to Lumbini. The drive from Chitwan to Lumbini offers a scenic journey through the heart of Nepal, taking about 4 to 5 hours depending on road conditions. As you leave the lush greenery and wildlife-rich landscapes of Chitwan, the road winds through rural villages and terraced fields, providing glimpses into the daily lives of the local Tharu and other ethnic communities. Lumbini is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site, the place where Buddha was born, and it attracts Buddhist pilgrims from around the world
Include Breakfast, private transport, and an overnight accommodation at Sakya Guest House or a similar hotel 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.
Include Breakfast, private transport, a guided sightseeing tour in English, and an overnight accommodation at Sakya Guest House or a similar hotel 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.
Includes: breakfast, private transport, and an overnight accommodation at Hotel Crystal Palace or a similar hotel in Pokhara.
Today, you will start with an early drive to Sarangkot to capture the tranquil and magical view of the city before sunrise and also to view the first rays of sunlight hitting the mountains in the background. Sarangkot offers panoramic views of the Annapurna, Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, and other peaks.
After spending some time in Sarangkot, you will drive back to the hotel in Pokhara, have your breakfast, and then you will have a sightseeing tour of David Falls, Gupteshwor Mahadev cafe, International Mountain Museum, and conclude your day after visiting the World Peace Stupa.
Includes: breakfast, private transport, a guided sightseeing tour in English, and an overnight accommodation at Hotel Crystal Palace or a similar hotel 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.
Includes: Breakfast, private transport, a guided sightseeing tour in English, and an overnight accommodation at Hotel Lo Mustang or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Today is a free day for you in Kathmandu. You can spend your day on your activities or 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 on your free day:
This marks the end of the Nepal Highlights Tour.
Includes: Breakfast and an overnight accommodation at Hotel Lo Mustang or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
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.
Includes: breakfast and private transport.
