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9 days
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Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara
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Easy
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From 1 person
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Cultural tour
Highlights
- The temples and royal squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur
- Jungle safari in Chitwan National Park
- Lakeside Pokhara below the Annapurna range
- Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath
- A relaxed pace with time to explore on your own
- A perfect first introduction to Nepal
Overview
This 9-day tour covers Nepal’s best-known sights: the temples and royal squares of the Kathmandu Valley, a jungle safari in Chitwan National Park and the lakeside city of Pokhara below the Annapurna range. You travel by private vehicle with a local guide, and no trekking experience is needed.
The pace is relaxed, with time to explore on your own in each place, and you stay in comfortable hotels and lodges throughout. It is a good introduction to Nepal and can easily be combined with a short trek such as Ghorepani Poon Hill.
Good to know
Best time to go
Nepal can be visited all year. October to April is the most comfortable time, with dry weather and clear mountain views.
The monsoon (June to September) brings warm, humid weather and afternoon rain, but sightseeing is still very possible and the countryside is at its greenest.
Who it suits
The tour suits all ages and fitness levels. Walking is limited to sightseeing at each site, and no trekking experience is needed.
Practical information
Dress modestly at temples and monasteries, with shoulders and knees covered, and walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels.
See Includes/Excludes for what is covered in the price.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later in the day your tour guide gives a short briefing on the tour and answers any questions. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
With your guide you visit Pashupatinath, Nepal's most sacred Hindu temple, the great stupa of Boudhanath, the hilltop Swayambhunath and the palaces and temples of Kathmandu Durbar Square, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
You visit Patan Durbar Square with its fine temples and craft workshops, and the medieval town of Bhaktapur with its pottery square and pagodas, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
A scenic drive of seven to eight hours along the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers takes you west to Pokhara. The evening is free to enjoy the lakeside and the view of Machhapuchhre. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara (820 m).
An early drive to Sarangkot (1,592 m) for sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Later you take a boat on Phewa Lake and visit Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave and the World Peace Pagoda. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara (820 m).
A drive of five to six hours takes you down to the lowlands and Chitwan National Park. In the afternoon you walk through a Tharu village and watch the sunset over the Rapti River, followed by a Tharu cultural dance. Overnight in a lodge in Chitwan.
A full day in the national park with a canoe ride, a guided jungle walk and a jeep safari to look for rhinos, deer, crocodiles and, with luck, a tiger. You also visit the elephant breeding centre. Overnight in a lodge in Chitwan.
After early-morning bird-watching you drive back to Kathmandu, a journey of six to seven hours through the hills. The evening is free to relax or explore the city. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Your tour ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours for last-minute shopping or a final stroll, before a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
