Nepal Nature and Culture Tour - 14 days

You will arrive at the capital city of Kathmandu in Nepal via the Tribhuvan International Airport. Following your landing, you will be welcomed by our representatives from Third Rock Adventures in the terminal. You will be transferred to a hotel located in Thamel, 5km away from the airport.

In Thamel, there is a lot to do and see, including the narrow alleyways filled with restaurants and hotels and some important religious shrines. After refreshment, you can visit our office nearby to meet our team and then stroll around the lively streets.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, we will brief you about the tour and then assist you in getting the permits and preparing the required documentation. Kathmandu is referred to as the "city of temples" because of the numerous religious sites situated in the city. We will be visiting some of the UNESCO World Heritage Site on these days.

We will start the tour from Kathmandu Durbar Square, situated in Basantapur/ Freak street. You can visit the ancient Malla palace, which has now been transformed into the Hanuman Dhoka Museum. You can also explore the different temples and monuments located in the vicinity of the courtyard.

Your next stop will be in Swayambhunath Stupa, in the western hills of Kathmandu valley. The stupa is situated at a hilltop, so you must climb many stairs amidst a lush forest to reach the top. Above the giant dome is the eye of the Buddha, overlooking the entire city. You can explore the numerous temples surrounding the vicinity. If time permits, you can also visit the Pashupatinath temple located north of the city. It is a holy Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Early in the morning, we will take a drive to Chitwan, in western Terai's serene and lush jungles. Along the way, you will witness the views of the hills covering the valley as you depart from Tribhuvan Highway up till Naubise then to Prithvi Highway further west. Upon reaching Chitwan, you will be greeted by views of lush trees that span a considerable distance.

After relaxing at your hotel, you will visit the Elephant Breeding Center, where you can witness domesticated Elephants, wild boards, deers, peacocks, and other birds. In the evening, there is a popular Tharu Cultural Show that you can watch. There are dramas, traditional stick dance, and more as Chitwan is the home of ethnic Tharu culture. You can enjoy the local snail soup, marinated duck, and other local dishes popular in this region.

Overnight stay in Chitwan.

Chitwan is known best for the oldest national park of Nepal, which is home to the most comprehensive range of birds and mammals. After having breakfast, you will head for a Jungle Safari via Elephant ride or a jeep safari. Some tourists also prefer nature walks to soak in the soil and flex their muscles. You can also go for a bird-watching adventure.

However, a half or full-day jungle safari will be ample to witness mammals and birds like antelopes, blackbucks, Gaur, Wild Elephants, deers, Kingfisher, Kashmir Flycatcher, Kalij Pheasant, Goose, and the one-horned Rhino. You might even spot the rare Royal Bengal tiger if you are lucky.

In the afternoon, after the safari, you can take a short canoe ride in the Rapti river to witness the alligators up close.

Overnight stay in Chitwan.

On this day, you will drive further up west to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. From your hotel, you will unpack then head to the Lumbini gardens. Inside, visit the Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, and take a short boat ride in the canal.

The temple and pillar contain archaeological findings of prince Gautam Buddha's birth before his incarnation into Lord Buddha. After a full day of exploring the Buddhist religion and history, head back to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Lumbini.

On this day, you will drive from Lumbini and head east to Palpa district, which is known best for its capital, Tansen. It is known for its historical significance in the formation of modern Nepal. You can visit the Tansen Durbar Palace and Rani Mahal on your brief stop here. Make sure to buy the famous locally made Dhaka Topi (Cap) as a souvenir.

In the afternoon, drive further up to Pokhara, the city of Lakes. You will be dropped off at the hotel near Lake Phewa in Baidam.

Overnight stay at Pokhara.

Before breakfast, you will take a long drive to Sarangkot hill station, a short drive in the hills of Pokhara. From the hill of Sarangkot, you will witness the rising sun over the mountains. Enjoy up-close views of Annapurna Massif and Mt. Machhapuchhre while you have your breakfast. From there on, head back to Pokhara in the afternoon for a day filled with adventure.

You can take a long boat ride in Phewa Lake and visit the island temple of Tal Barahi. Engage in Tibetan singing bowl therapy or medication therapy to relax.

Overnight stay in Pokhara.

On this day, you will spend your time traveling to different tourist destinations within Pokhara city. You can visit the Bindabasini temple located in the center of the old bazaar. Explore the natural Gupteshwor cave and Bat cave a short distance from the Pokhara airport. Click pictures at the Davis falls situated in the southern part of the city, famously named after a Swiss woman who drowned while swimming here. Check out the Seti River Gorge and the Mahendra and Prithvi HighWay bridge or the KI Singh bridge.

If the time permits, also visit Tashiling village or Tashi Palhel villages known for being the residence of the Tibetan Refugees who see handicrafts.

Overnight stay in Pokhara.

Pack up your belongings after breakfast and take a ride along the Prithvi Highway to head back to Kathmandu. On the way, the bus will make brief stops for lunch. Make sure to try some local fish dishes in Muglin. After the long drive, you will be tired, so that you can rest at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

On this day, you can explore the different cultural and natural places of Kathmandu valley. Take an early morning drive to the southeastern outskirts of Kathmandu city to visit the Newari town of Pharping. You will come across terraced rice fields and locals working on their fields. After exploring the town, further to the east, you can head to the Dakshinkali Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali. You can offer your prayers to the idol in the main temple and further explore the area.

In the afternoon, head to Godawari in the southeastern edge of Kathmandu, known for the rich wildlife. Enter the Godawari National Botanical Garden, home to more than 256 species of birds, 4500 species of flora, and more.

From there, head to Patan Durbar Square, located in the Newari town of Patan. It was the residence of the royal Malla dynasty. You can check out the museum's art, crafts, wood, and metal carvings and the different temples in the courtyards.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

It is a day for a cultural tour around the valley, starting with visiting the Boudhanath Stupa. Considered one of the largest stupas in Nepal, it is situated on the city's northeastern outskirts. You can circle the dome offering prayers, spin the giant prayer wheel and then drive off to the city's east to Changunarayan temple.

Situated atop a hill, Changunarayan is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is the oldest temple in Nepal. Explore the architectural temples and shrines like the Mandev pillar, Chhinnamasta temple, and more.

Continue the drive further up the hills towards Nagarkot, which is a popular viewpoint.

Overnight stay in Nagarkot.

Before dawn, take a hike up the hilltop to the tower of Nagarkot to witness the early sunrise and the amazing views of the mountains Ganesh Himal, Jugal, Langtang range, and more.

Following your breakfast, take a drive to the oldest city in Nepal, Bhaktapur. Visit the durbar square to witness the ancient palaces of Malla rulers. Explore history in the National Art Museum, Brass and Bronze Museum, 55 Window palace, and Nyatapola temple.

Drive off from Bhaktapur back to Kathmandu city.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

This is your last stay in Kathmandu, so you can spend the day trying out new cuisine, visiting spas, yoga, and meditation centers. Pick up some Dhaka wears, dream catchers, Thangka paintings as souvenirs to take back home. You can party with your newfound friends in Nepal in the evening to make the day memorable.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, our team will bid farewell to you and transfer you to the International Airport for your flight back home. You are likely to remember the fantastic time you had exploring the religions, culture, traditions, and nature of the different tourist destinations of Nepal.

If you wish to revisit Nepal for a similar tour or trek, get in touch with our representatives to plan the best adventures in Nepal.