Example Itinerary

Classic Nepal

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Amazing Landscapes, Post-Covid Wellness, National Parks
Destinations
Nepal

This 9-day action-packed itinerary covers all of Nepal’s most iconic sites and some lesser-known areas, providing a comprehensive overview of the country from UNESCO World Heritage cities to remote countryside and the spectacular Himalayas. Visiting busy Kathmandu, adventure-centric Pokhara, lush Kathmandu valley, and the national parkland of Chitwan, this is the perfect itinerary for travelers looking for equal doses of outdoor thrills and cultural enrichment.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Extreme Pokhara: An ultralight flight over Pokhara Valley and Phewa Lake, taking in spectacular views of the Annapurna mountain range.
  • Majestic Mountains: The Himalayas take center stage in Nepal, home to several of the world's highest peaks including Everest and Annapurna. Get close to these towering peaks by hiking, paragliding, or helicopter.
  • Wildlife Safari: Explore the dense forests and grassy plains of the Terai lowlands in Chitwan National Park in search of rare animals such as the one-horned rhinos and Bengal tigers.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Kathmandu

Begin your journey in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Upon arrival, you will be met off the plane and escorted through the airport. A private vehicle will transfer you to your hotel to check in and freshen up. Spend the afternoon strolling around Durbar Square in the old city, which acts as a historic record of four kingdoms, sporting architecture from each reign. Here you’ll see the Kumari Living Goddess Palace - the residence of the Royal Kumari, a young girl believed to be the incarnation of the goddess Taleju. You’ll also visit Swayambhunath Stupa, the Monkey Temple, a complex of temples of different faiths dating back to the 5th century. After summiting its 365 steep steps, explore the complex while also keeping an eye on the rascal monkeys that call the temple home.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu, one of Kathmandu, Nepal’s most stunning pieces of architecture, sits within walking distance of the famous Pashupatinath temple, while also being just a short drive away from the airport.

History: The hotel hosts an impressive array of artifacts dating back as far back as the 13th century. The area itself is also teeming with ancient culture, with an impressive history that spans two millennia.

Service: Guests will love the warmth of traditional Nepalese hospitality for which this hotel is widely-praised.

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Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Map

Kathmandu

Climbing Mount Everest, the world's tallest peak, is an arduous and difficult journey that takes months, and even longer to prepare for. Yet if seeing Everest up close is on your bucket list, you will definitely want to opt for a helicopter that will fly you near the Everest Base Camp. Replete with stunning views of the mountains as you fly over the range, and if permitted a brief 2-3 minute touchdown at Kala Patthar, truly an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience. The rest of today is dedicated to Kathmandu's prominent holy sites, Boudhanath Stupa and Pashumatinath Temple, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. At Pashumatinath temple, make your way to the ghats that line the river. Local Hindus cremate their dead at these burning ghats and the ashes are carried away by the water. From an observation area, you may observe the ceremony rituals. Around the temple, you will also see the Sadhus, colorfully decorated holy men who subsist on alms.

Kathmandu
Kathmandu

Day 3

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Chitwan National Park

Today head south to the grassy lowlands of Chitwan National Park, a 5-6 hour drive away or quick 20-minute flight and less than an hour's drive. A UNESCO-designated site, Chitwan National Park is popular as the home of the rare and endangered one-horned rhino and the royal Bengal tiger. Asiatic elephants also roam the plains in herds while gharial and marsh mugger crocodiles bask along the riverbanks. This afternoon, head out with your resort's expert naturalist in an open 4x4 vehicle on a wildlife safari through the dense jungles.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Set on the banks of the Rapti River, the Taj Meghauli Serai offers beautiful, dramatic landscapes and some of the best wildlife-viewing opportunities in the world, making it a highly sought-after destination.

Service: Taj Safaris is renowned for offering their guests unique wildlife experiences coupled with outstanding personalized service, creating the feeling of living in nature’s lap.

History: Established back in 1973, Chitwan National Park was Nepal’s first national park and - thanks to its rich array of flora and fauna and the opportunity to see rare animals - it was granted the status of World Heritage Site 11 years later.

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Taj Meghauli Serai Preferred Hotel

Day 4

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Chitwan National Park

Explore more of Chitwan National Park today, with a nature hike along the riverbank, spotting native birds and taking in the unspoiled beauty of the surrounding forest. Expert trackers and naturalists will acquaint you with the grassland and the many smaller creatures that often elude the eye. You’ll also have the chance to experience a boat safari in the floodplains where you may see storks, kingfishers, otters, and even fishing cat. Besides wildlife, visit a village and meet the Tharu, formerly isolated local folk who inhabit the Himalayan foothills and live in the forest.

Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park

Day 5

Map

Pokhara

Fly onward to Pokhara, a laid-back charming city built around Phewa Lake and gateway to the Annapurna Circuit. Upon arrival, head to Phewa Lake for a scenic cruise. The far side remains densely forested and alive with birdlife. Enjoy views of snow-capped Machapuchare Peak in the distance and bright blue skies reflected in the lake's surface. Then visit Devi's Fall and Mahendra Cave a scenic point awash in mystery and mixed origin stories.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Located on top of a majestic mountain in one of Nepal’s most stunning regions, with the Himalayas as a backdrop, this area offers views of a lifetime in a setting that is the stuff of dreams.

History: The area was only accessible by foot until the first road was built in 1968 when a highway was constructed, tourism grew rapidly shortly after the opening. The region is homed to three out of ten of the worlds tallest mountains meaning its is a haven for mountain trekkers and adventures alike.

Service: If guests are looking for a little bit of an extra special touch perhaps they will look to some dining within the comforts of their lodge, as you wait on server brings the finest nepalese dishes to your veranda simply relax and take in the natural beauty of Nepal.

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Tiger Mountain Lodge Preferred Hotel

Day 6

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Pokhara

Pokhara's stunning landscape has much to offer to thrill-seekers. Adventurers will want to opt for the ultimate paragliding experience from Sarangkot hilltop at sunrise. Flying tandem with a trained instructor at the helm, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Annapurna mountain range and Phewa Lake before touching down in Pame. Alternatively, try a similar experience by ultralight flight, a very intimate 2-seat fixed-wing aircraft. If you’re up for more thrills, you have the option of going on an exhilarating white-water rafting trip downriver. Those who prefer to stay on the ground can enjoy the rugged Himalayan terrain and mountain air on a nature walk with a stop at the International Mountain Museum. Dedicated to mountains and all things mountaineering, it has a wing dedicated to Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, as well as an exhibition about the legend of the Yeti. Another interesting museum in the area is the Gurkha Memorial museum. Each year thousands of aspiring young men try out for the Gurkhas in Pokhara though only a few hundred are chosen.

Pokhara
Pokhara

Day 7

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Kathmandu Valley

It's back to Kathmandu today where you will trade the city for the countryside of Kathmandu Valley. As you make your way to the hotel, stop to visit the ancient city of Bhakpatur. Wander around its Durbar Square and admire the remarkable medieval architecture, exquisite woodcarvings and metal craft. Centuries old festivals are still celebrated in the square, keeping the old city vibrant while preserving traditional customs. A large number of women in Bhaktapur can be seen wearing their traditional Newari attire in black and red. Check in to Dwarika's Dhulikhel for the evening. This charming boutique resort is family-run and offers guests views overlooking the vast Himalayan range.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Perched at an impressive 5,000 feet above sea level, it is a feat to reach this resort, though such remoteness guarantees an intimate experience and breathtaking views.

Zen: From a spa to morning classes to a meditation maze, this resort provides no shortage of opportunities to find physical and mental relaxation.

Activities: Never mind the natural beauty and fresh meals, with meditation sessions, arts and craft classes, and a library there are plenty of ways to fill one’s day.

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Dwarika's Resort, Dhulikhel Preferred Hotel

Day 8

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Kathmandu Valley

Relish the fresh mountain air as you go on an easy morning bike ride around the valley. Travel down quiet dirt routes and around lush green mountains, stopping at scenic points, goempas, and traditional villages. Visit the quiet Dhulikhel town, small and easily explored on foot. This town has long been an important trading center along the commercial route linking Nepal to Tibet. Have lunch at the resort while enjoying views of the snowcapped mountains in the distance, one of the finest panoramic views in the world. Spend this afternoon at leisure and take in the final moments of your Nepal journey in peace. Dwarika's Dhulikhel is well-situated for those seeking relaxation amongst the serene landscape and offers mindful and wellness activities such as salt-room bathing, chakra-alignment sessions, and yoga with a guru. 

Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu Valley

Day 9

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Departure

Go for a quiet morning walk or sunrise on a hilltop before breakfast, if you wish. The morning is yours to spend at leisure until your private transfer to the airport for your flight onward.

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