Tours & Sightseeing : Itinerary 9 : Kathmandu Valley

After a delightful breakfast, begin your exploration of Kathmandu with a guided tour of its four most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Your first stop is Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), an ancient and sacred site where the valley’s mythology comes alive. The stupa is surrounded by statues of the five Dhyani Buddhas and their consorts. While non-Hindus cannot enter the temple itself, the surrounding complex offers a fascinating glimpse into Nepal’s rich cultural history. Next, head to Boudhanath Stupa, the largest stupa in Nepal and a vibrant center of Tibetan Buddhist culture, surrounded by shops selling unique Buddhist artifacts. Afterward, visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest temples for Hindus, located along the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. Finally, explore the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historic site filled with palaces, courtyards, and temples that narrate Kathmandu’s glorious past.

Today, explore the rich cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley by visiting Patan Durbar Square, renowned for its stunning Newar architecture, temples, and intricate wood carvings. Key attractions include the Mahabouddha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, and the Golden Temple. Continue your journey to Bhaktapur, a city frozen in time with its medieval architecture and artistic masterpieces. Explore the Lion Gate, Golden Gate, and the Nyatapola Temple among other famous landmarks. In the afternoon, drive to Nagarkot, a hill station offering panoramic views of the Himalayas. Check into your hotel and spend the evening soaking in the tranquil surroundings.

Wake up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayas from Nagarkot. After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Panauti, an ancient town with pagoda-style temples and historical monuments. After exploring Panauti, head to Dhulikhel, a charming hill town known for its views of the snow-capped peaks and traditional Newar culture. Spend the night in Dhulikhel, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Start your day with another sunrise view in the serene surroundings of Dhulikhel. After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive back to Kathmandu via the Arniko Highway, a key route leading to the Tibet border. In the afternoon, you are free to explore Kathmandu at your own pace. You can go shopping for local handicrafts, explore the bustling streets, or simply relax at your hotel.

Today, embark on an adventure to explore some lesser-known yet culturally significant sites around Kathmandu. First, visit Dakshinkali, the temple dedicated to the Goddess Kali, where devotees make sacrificial offerings to appease the goddess. Next, explore the Chobar Gorge, an area rich in both natural beauty and mythological significance. Visit Kirtipur, a historic town with ancient temples and a stunning view of the valley. Finally, visit the traditional Newar village of Khokana, known for its mustard oil pressing industry and its 16th-century temples. Return to Kathmandu in the evening.

After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Chitwan National Park, one of Nepal’s most famous wildlife destinations. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a warm welcome with drinks. In the evening, attend a vibrant Tharu Cultural Dance Show to experience the local traditions and customs of the Tharu people. Enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night at your hotel in Chitwan.

Your day begins with an early breakfast, followed by a thrilling Canoe Ride along the Rapti River, where you can spot various species of birds and crocodiles, including the endangered gharial. Then, take a Jungle Walk to explore the park's rich biodiversity, including the famous one-horned rhinoceros, various deer species, and perhaps even a tiger! After lunch, enjoy an Elephant Safari through the park to see a wide range of wildlife in their natural habitat. In the evening, relax by the river with a stunning sunset view or attend another cultural program before returning to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, drive for approximately 3 hours to Bhairahawa, enjoying beautiful landscapes along the way. Bhairahawa is a bustling town near the Indian border and a popular gateway to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Check into your hotel and relax in the evening.

This morning, take a short drive to Lumbini, one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. Explore the sacred Lumbini Garden, visit the Maya Devi Temple, and wander through the peaceful monastery complexes. Learn about the life and teachings of Buddha and admire the serene environment that surrounds his birthplace. After your visit, return to Bhairahawa for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, drive approximately 2.5 hours to Tansen, a picturesque hill station in the Palpa district. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Explore this historic town known for its traditional Newar architecture, temples, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The evening offers a relaxed atmosphere to stroll around the charming streets of Tansen.

Today, drive for about 4 hours from Tansen to Pokhara, a city known for its natural beauty and adventure activities. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to explore Lakeside Pokhara at your own pace. You can shop for souvenirs, enjoy a relaxing stroll by Fewa Lake, or simply unwind in your hotel.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast and embark on a sightseeing tour of Pokhara’s famous attractions. Visit the Old Bazaar, the Bindhyabasini Temple, Seti Gorge, and the Buddhist Monastery. Explore the Pokhara Regional Museum for a deeper understanding of the local culture and heritage. Don’t miss Devi’s Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, and the Tibetan Refugee Camp. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Fewa Lake.

Rise early for a drive to Sarangkot, a famous viewpoint offering spectacular sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. After soaking in the morning beauty, head to Peace Stupa, a serene spot where you can hike to the top and enjoy panoramic views. Return to the lake for a relaxing boat ride on Fewa Lake.

After breakfast, drive approximately 4 hours to the scenic hilltop town of Bandipur. This charming town is known for its traditional Newar culture, stunning mountain views, and preserved architecture. Explore the narrow streets, visit the temples, and enjoy the breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas. The evening can be spent exploring or relaxing in this peaceful setting.

This morning, after breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Gorkha, home to the famous Gorkha Durbar (Palace). The climb to the palace takes about 2 hours, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the Manaslu and Himalchuli mountain ranges. After exploring the palace and the stunning surroundings, relax in the peaceful town of Gorkha.

After breakfast, drive to Daman, a popular hill station at an elevation of 2,100 meters. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, and other Himalayan peaks. Visit the View Tower for the best views and enjoy the crisp mountain air. After exploring, return to Kathmandu in the afternoon, and relax at your hotel.

For a truly unforgettable experience, take an early morning flight over the majestic Mount Everest and surrounding peaks. Enjoy panoramic views of the highest mountains in the world, including Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Shishapangma. The flight lasts about an hour, and each passenger is guaranteed a window seat for the best possible view. Return to Kathmandu for an afternoon of relaxation or exploration.

On the final day of your tour, enjoy your last moments in Nepal before being transferred to the airport for your flight home. End your journey with a wealth of unforgettable memories, rich cultural experiences, and stories to tell. Safe travels!