Highlights
- Evening aarti at Pashupatinath
- Boudhanath and Swayambhunath stupas
- Patan Durbar Square
- Sunrise over the Annapurnas from Sarangkot
- Boat to Tal Barahi temple on Phewa lake
- Jeep safari and canoe ride in Chitwan
This is the standard first trip to Nepal, and it’s standard for a reason: the temples and old squares of Kathmandu, the lake and mountain views at Pokhara, and two nights in the jungle at Chitwan, in a loop that doesn’t double back. We fly the Kathmandu–Pokhara leg and drive the rest, so no single day is spent entirely on the road.
Day-wise itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, evening aarti at Pashupatinath
Pickup at Tribhuvan airport. After check-in, go to Pashupatinath in the evening for the aarti on the Bagmati ghats. Hindus in the group can enter the main temple; everyone can watch the aarti from the eastern bank.
Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing
Boudhanath stupa in the morning, when Tibetan families walk the circuit spinning prayer wheels. Swayambhunath on its hill, with its monkeys and a view over the valley. Afternoon at Patan Durbar Square, which is less crowded than Kathmandu’s and has the better museum.
Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Fly to Pokhara in the morning (a short flight with mountain views on a clear day), or drive along the Trishuli river, which takes most of the day. Evening by Phewa lake.
Day 4: Sarangkot sunrise and Pokhara
A pre-dawn drive up to Sarangkot to watch the sun light up the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre. Back for breakfast, then Davis Falls, the Gupteshwor Mahadev cave, and a boat to the Tal Barahi temple on its island in Phewa lake.
Day 5: Pokhara to Chitwan
Drive down to the lowlands at Sauraha, on the edge of Chitwan National Park. After lunch at your lodge, an evening walk to the Rapti river to watch the sunset, and a Tharu cultural show if you’d like one.
Day 6: Jungle safari in Chitwan
A canoe ride on the Rapti in the early morning for crocodiles and birds, then a jeep safari into the park looking for one-horned rhinos, deer and, with luck, a sloth bear. Afternoon free at the lodge, or a visit to the elephant breeding centre.
Day 7: Chitwan to Kathmandu, departure
Drive back to Kathmandu, or take the short flight from nearby Bharatpur, for your flight home. If you’re leaving by road through Sunauli, we can route you via Lumbini instead.
Fly or drive between the stops?
The drives are scenic but slow, on hill roads that get crowded with trucks. We suggest flying Kathmandu to Pokhara and driving the rest, which is the best balance of cost and time. Families with elderly parents may prefer to fly back from Bharatpur too. If budget matters more than time, all three legs can be done by road, but then add a night so no day is spent entirely in the car.
What's included and what isn't
Included
- Hotels for 6 nights (Kathmandu 2, Pokhara 2, Chitwan 2) with breakfast
- All meals and the jungle activities listed at the Chitwan lodge
- Kathmandu–Pokhara flight, or private car if you prefer to drive
- Private car with driver for sightseeing and the Pokhara–Chitwan–Kathmandu drives
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu
Not included
- Flights from India to Kathmandu (quoted on request)
- Temple, Durbar Square and national park entry fees
- Sarangkot cable car or paragliding
- Lunches and dinners outside Chitwan
- Tips and personal expenses
Visa, costs, best time and travel tips: Nepal Tour Packages from India.
