Compare Classic Nepal by Intrepid Travel vs Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour by Peregrine Treks and Tours

Day 1 Kathmandu

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Arrive in Kathmandu and take your complimentary airport transfer to the hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. The evening is free to explore the streets of Kathmandu, whose mixture of ancient architecture and modern development, and rich artistic and cultural heritage means it remains the legendary destination it has been for decades. Crowded markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life, and the narrow streets are home to holy men, monks, bicycles, incense, goats, and sacred cows. You may like to join your leader and group for an optional dinner at one of Kathmandu's fine Nepali restaurants.

Day 2 Kathmandu

Weather permitting, you'll have the option to take a Mount Everest scenic flight this morning. This experience will take you over Sagamartha National Park through a crescendo of the highest peaks in the world, getting up close to Mount Everest. After breakfast, you'll explore Kathmandu, visiting Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here you'll see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. You'll also visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the most significant Buddhist shrines in the world, where you can observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. After lunch, it's time to explore Swayambhunath Temple (the Monkey Temple). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one of the city's most famous temples and fascinatingly reflects Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. From here, you'll head to Durbar Square, which sits at the front of the old royal palace. You'll get a chance to admire the beautiful temples and browse the stalls of merchant's wares. The evening is yours to explore the city as you wish.

Day 3 Pokhara

Today you'll leave your hotel early and hit the road to Pokhara in a private vehicle. Time to relax after you arrive. If you wish, you can stroll around and take in the views of the lake (Phewa Tal), which is the second largest in Nepal.

Day 4 Pokhara

If you're an early riser, you'll have the option to wake up early and enjoy the sunrise over Sarangkot Hill this morning. Then, after breakfast, you'll visit the Peace Pagoda, where spectacular views of the mountains await. Take in vistas that span the Annapurnas to the famous fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare, and back to Pokhara. From here, you'll visit the fascinating International Mountain Museum to learn the amazing tales of past climbing expeditions – some ending in triumph, some ending in tragedy. After a morning of exploring, you'll head to a local Tibetan Refugee Camp for lunch. You'll hear stories of their journey from Tibet to Nepal, learn about local life and take part in a traditional cooking demonstration to find out how to make delicious momos (steamed dumplings). Of course, you'll sit down for a group lunch and tuck into the fruits of your labour. In the afternoon, you'll take a scenic boat ride across the lake (Phewa Tal). You can stretch your legs and check out Taal Barahi temple in the middle of the lake or simply admire the views from the boat.

Day 5 Bandipur

Today you'll travel to Bandipur by private vehicle. This traditional Nepalese town is a natural treasure and one of the country's hidden gems. Bandipur was once an essential stop for traders travelling to Tibet, and the town's single main street is still lined with buildings that once housed a wide variety of merchants. Many of the buildings have been converted now, but their architecture remains. Enjoy a peaceful stay in this charming, rural location.

Day 6 Bandipur

Enjoy a day of free time to explore Bandipur further. The surrounding hills are ideal for hiking along trails that will take you through tribal villages and hilltop shrines that once doubled as fortresses. Bandipur is saddled on a high ridge above Dumre, making for an exceptional view of the Himalayan panorama. You may prefer to visit the town's temples or relax with a coffee and a spectacular view.

Day 7 Chitwan National Park

After breakfast, you'll drive to Chitwan National Park. After arriving and settling in, you'll be introduced to the camp staff and resident naturalists, who'll discuss the activities for the upcoming days. A late-afternoon safari will take you through forests and across grasslands to spot wildlife and explore the park. In the early evening, the local Tharu dance troupe may perform a cultural program. You'll enjoy dinner as a group and then the evening will be all yours – maybe relax in the bar and discuss the day's animal sightings or listen to the stirrings of the jungle at night.

Day 8 Chitwan National Park

Embark on an early-morning excursion. This could include another safari to different parts of the park (in search of the great Indian rhino, deer and exotic birdlife) or joining one of the other activities available in the park. After breakfast, you’ll leave the lodge and go on a dugout canoe adventure on the Rapti River. This is an exciting trip with chances to catch a glimpse of marsh mugger crocodiles and various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. A program will be organised for the rest of the day and may include further excursions by jeep or a visit to one of the nearby villages.

Day 9 Bhaktapur

If you’re an avid wildlife lover, an optional early-morning birdwatching safari is available today – a worthwhile addition to your trip. After breakfast, drive along the Trisuli River to Bhaktapur and enjoy a stop along the riverbank for lunch. Bhaktapur was once the capital of Nepal and the Great Malla Kingdom during the 15th century. Its rich heritage, inspiring temples and artisanal history played a big part in Bhaktapur being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy an evening of exploration on your own, soak up the lovely atmosphere in one of the local cafes, or simply relax in your hotel.

Day 10 Kathmandu

Spend the morning exploring Bhaktapur's famous temples, starting at Durbar Square, which is said to be the most beautiful piece of art in Nepal. Durbar Square is home to the majestic Lion Gate and Golden Gate. You’ll also visit the Pashupati Temple – a replica of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu. In the afternoon, drive to Kathmandu. The evening is yours to spend as you wish – your group may like to head out for an optional final dinner as your Nepal adventure comes to an end.

Day 11 Kathmandu

Your trip officially comes to an end after breakfast today. If you would like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.

Day 01 Kathmandu Arrival

Tribhuvan International Airport arrival, Kathmandu, and transfer to the hotel by our representative in a private car. It will take around 20 to 30 minutes to reach the hotel and evening time free to wandering around your hotel.

Day 02: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we will move for sightseeing in the private car. This day we will visit heritage and religious sites of Kathmandu, i.e., Pashupatinath, Swyambhunath, Bouddhanath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Pashupatinath Temple:

After breakfast drive to Pashupatinath Hindu Temple, 28-kilometer North-west from Nagarkot is the holiest of all the Shiva shrines in Nepal and is the abode of Lord Pashupatinath, the guardian spirit of Nepal. The temple of Pashupatinath is a sizeable double-roofed Pagoda of brass and gilt; the gateway is plated with silver. It stands on the western bank of the Bagmati about five-kilometer northeast of Kathmandu and contains the sacred Linga of Lord Shiva. Before the temple stands an enormous gift figure of the bull Nandi, the mount of Shiva, flanked by a golden trident. There is a crematorium outside the temple by the side of the vast but narrow river, and the wood environments are dotted with small monuments. On the occurrence of the yearly festival of Maha Shivaratri (February/March), the temple is visited by thousands of believers including a large number of pilgrims from Nepal and India. The temple is also the site of several other festival and ritual taking place throughout the year.

Boudhanath:

This Colossal Stupa, one of the biggest in the world, is situated 2 kilometers north of Pashupatinath. The splendid some of Boudhanath Stupa is approximately 120 ft in diameter, 1hec in width and 43m in height. Its straightforwardness of form is its principal feature, unique amongst massive Stupas in the valley in its lack of the attached five shrines of the Buddha. Some believe it characterizes fat Adibuddha (Half Buddha), the first or Primitive Buddha, free of conceptual releases. Only the steps built into it on the north side, seemingly the ladder that Sakyamuni ascended into Tushita heaven, Berks its regularity. A thick layer of whitewash coast the dome and the form of a double lotus depicted in saffron water paints it. This can be supported on various promising dates and is also done annually on Dashain Pune (Full Moon at the time of Dashain) occurring on the Full Moon in September by the Bouddhanath Area Development Committee. Boudhanath, the dome, is an adds terrace with a remarkable 108 inches filled with stone sculptured deities of the Nyingmapa School’s pantheon. They replace the usual five Buddha shrines in defining the content of the Stupa-Mandala, these images were almost certainly commissioned all at once by Sakya Zangpo in the 16th century when the present Stupa was built or after that. On top of the Stupa, there are five symbols of Water, Ether, air, fire, and earth.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

It lies on 10 KM west from Boudhanath Stupa. It is said to be two thousand years old, making it one of the world’s oldest and well-known Buddhist charities. The Chaitys (Stupa), which forms the main structure, is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a panicle of gilt copper. Painted on the four-sided base of the spire are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It stands a hill as Stupa style.

Day 03: Kathmandu – Pokhara

Meals: Breakfast

Drive 6-7 hours or Fly to Pokhara after breakfast. It is a 30-minute flight. Check-in hotel and rest for sometimes strolling around lakeside, hire a boat and visit Barahi Temple – unique temple situated in the middle of Phewa Lake. Lakeside is a touristy place where live music in different restaurants is held in the evenings. Music from typical Nepali Folk songs & dance to English songs is performed in various restaurants. Pokhara city is a beautiful city surrounded by lakes and mountains. It is often said that it is a paradise on Earth.

Day 04: Sightseeing in Pokhara city

Meals: Breakfast

Early in the morning, 20 minutes drive to Sarangkot and around 20 minutes hike up the hill to see beautiful mountains and sunrise views. This place is very famous for viewing Dhaulagiri Mountain and Mt. Fishtail from very close. After some time, return to the hotel for breakfast and do half day sightseeing at International Mountain Museum, Gupteshower Cave, and Devi’s falls. The rest of the time is yours- strolling and shopping around the lakeside.

Day 05: Drive to Chitwan from Pokhra

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, you will head towards Chitwan from Pokhara on a 5-6 hours’ drive in a comfortable vehicle. You will be welcomed in the resort with welcome drinks. After refreshment at the resort, you will explore and walk around Tharu village where you will witness the lifestyle of indigenous Tharu communities. Further, at the end of the village walk, you will experience the sunset view at Rapti River and then you will head to resort during the evening.

Day 06: Full day Chitwan Jungle activities

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, after breakfast, you will commence your journey to the Chitwan National Park. This park plays a pivotal role in conserving wildlife animals that are on the verge of extinction. During the safari tour, probabilities of spotting a One-Horned Rhino, woodpecker, deer, and gharials in their natural habitat is almost a certainty. However, if you are lucky you can also witness Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild bison, and genetic dolphin. You can randomly get to see many species of birds too. In total, there are 543 species of birds that habitats in the park.

Details on the activities:

Elephant Safari: It is a traditional way of exploring the Chitwan National Park by riding on the back of professionally trained Elephants.

Colorful Tharu Village Visit: Experience the culture and traditions of the Tharu people living close to the jungle and co-existing with wildlife for centuries.

Nature or Jungle Walk: If you are more interested in walking then you can the option of exploring the Chitwan National Park by walking. This way you can take your own suitable time. The experts will guide you to safe and suitable places for spotting a tiger, rhino, etc.

Elephant Bath: At Rapti River, you will take a bath via water showered upon you through elephant trunk. An elephant bath is considered very well for your health.

Cannoning trip: A typical handmade Canoe will take you along the famous Rapti River where you will encounter the harmless gharials basking under the sun at the river banks. Moreover, many aquatic birds can also be seen on the way.

Tharu Stick Dance: A melodious tribal dance performed by Tharu men. The dance shows how the rhinos and other wild animals are scared away from the village.

Day 07 Chitwan to Kathmandu drive and evening time free for shopping

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will drive or fly back to Kathmandu. On-road, it wakes 5 -6 hours, whereas the flying option will take about 20 minutes. After reaching Kathmandu, you can visit places like Thamel, which is a famous tourist spot to buy souvenirs and try different international and local cuisines. During the evening, you will have your farewell dinner in a typical Nepali Restaurant with a cultural dance show.

Day 08: Departure

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you can meet our representative at the hotel lobby with your belongings. From there, you will head to the Tribhuwan International airport 3 hours before your flight time. Our representative will then see you off, wishing you a safe journey at the departure gate of the airport.