About this trip
This 12-day tour moves through Nepal's classic circuit, from Kathmandu's heritage sites to the jungles of Chitwan and the hills around Pokhara. It's a broad, easy-paced introduction rather than a deep dive into any one place.
You start in the Kathmandu Valley exploring medieval architecture and Newar culture in Patan and Bhaktapur, then head south to the plains for a spell in Chitwan National Park. From there the route swings west to Lumbini, Buddha's birthplace, before climbing into the hills at Palpa and Pokhara, with a final stop in the Newar town of Bandipur on the way back to Kathmandu.
It's designed to be manageable for most travellers, including families with children, and runs year-round.
What you'll do
- Explore UNESCO heritage sites and Newar culture in Patan and Bhaktapur
- Jungle safari in Chitwan National Park, spotting rhinos and possibly Bengal tigers
- Visit Lumbini, birthplace of Buddha, including the Ashoka Pillar and Mayadevi Temple
- See the Rani Mahal and local culture in Palpa
- Take in Phewa Lake, Davis Falls, and Mahendra Cave in Pokhara, with views of Machhapuchhre
- Wander the hillside Newar town of Bandipur
- A fairly easy-paced trip, suited to families and first-time visitors to Nepal
- Partially guided, with a good deal of ground covered by road between stops
Worth it if you're reasonably fit and appreciate hands-on operator attention. Think twice if poor road conditions concern you.
- Owner Bhagwat personally meets you on arrival and last evening; guides like Badri, Babu and Raj are genuinely knowledgeable and hospitable.
- Itinerary hits genuine breadth: history, culture, wildlife, pilgrimage sites, mountain views. Includes jungle safari with elephant rides and mountain flight.
- National roads are poor condition with challenging drivers; requires good health and comfort with long travel days despite excellent driver skill.
- Well-balanced mix of scheduled group tours and free time to explore independently; some towns genuinely isolated but walkable.
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Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Kathmandu · 20 Jul – 21 Jul
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