Nepal highlights 10 Days TourNepal highlights 10 Days Tour

Nepal Highlights - 10 Days Nepal Tour

  • Duration10 Days
  • Route Grade Comfort Travel
  • Trip Style Classical Tours
  • Starting City Kathmandu
  • Ending City Kathmandu
Price fromUS$875US$975
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Nepal Highlights - 10 Days Nepal Tour map

Trip Overview

This 10 day tour is the ultimate cultural and natural showcase of Nepal, covering Nagarkot, Kathmandu, Bandipur, Pokhara, Lumbini and Chitwan. The trip offers you a complete glimpse of Nepal's Himalayan viewpoints, UNESCO heritage sites, adventure activities and wildlife, all combined into one comfortable, well paced journey.

Trip Detail

Information

Details

Trip Code

 

Starting Point / Ending Point

Kathmandu to Kathmandu

Accommodations

9 nights in comfortable 3+ star hotels

Maximum Altitude

2,100 m (Nagarkot)

Duration

10 Days, 9 Nights

Country

Nepal

Trip Grade

Easy

Activities

Heritage sightseeing, sunrise viewpoints, village walks, whitewater rafting, boating, short hikes, jungle safari, canoeing, cultural experiences, and rickshaw ride

Best Season

Spring (March to May), Autumn (September to November), and Winter (December to February)

Transportation

Private vehicle transfers throughout the tour

Meals

9 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners

Suitable For

Families, couples, solo travelers, small groups, and first time visitors to Nepal

Itinerary Overview

This 9 night, 10 day tour takes you through Nepal's most iconic destinations, combining Himalayan viewpoints, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, whitewater rafting, charming hill towns, Pokhara's natural beauty, the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini, and a wildlife safari in Chitwan. Travel comfortably by private vehicle with guided sightseeing, making it an ideal journey for first time visitors seeking Nepal's cultural, natural, and adventure highlights.

Here's a quick look at how your 10 day tour unfolds:

  • Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu and drive to Nagarkot for Himalayan views.

  • Day 2: Sunrise at Nagarkot, then visit Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath, and Bouddhanath before overnighting in Kathmandu.

  • Day 3: Whitewater rafting on the Trishuli River, then continue to Bandipur.

  • Day 4: Sunrise walk in Bandipur, drive to Pokhara, visit Begnas Lake, the International Mountain Museum, and enjoy a boat ride on Phewa Lake.

  • Day 5: Sunrise at Sarangkot, hike to the World Peace Pagoda and Pumdikot Shiva Temple, followed by Pokhara sightseeing.

  • Day 6: Scenic drive via Tansen to Lumbini and visit the sacred Mayadevi Temple.

  • Day 7: Explore Lumbini's monasteries and temples before driving to Chitwan.

  • Day 8: Full day Chitwan National Park safari with jeep safari, canoe ride, and cultural activities.

  • Day 9: Return to Kathmandu and visit Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

  • Day 10: Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
     

Why You Will Love This Trip

  • Himalayan Sunrise Viewpoints: You will catch sunrise over the Himalayas from three different viewpoints, Nagarkot, Bandipur, and Sarangkot, each offering its own spectacular mountain scenery.

  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Your Kathmandu Valley sightseeing includes five UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

  • Trishuli River Rafting: You will spend two exciting hours rafting on the world famous Trishuli River, a thrilling adventure between Kathmandu and Bandipur.

  • Bandipur Hilltop Village: You will stay overnight in this beautifully preserved Newari hill town, with a sunrise hike and an evening walk through its charming, vehicle free streets.

  • Lumbini, Birthplace of Buddha: You will visit the sacred Mayadevi Temple and explore the monasteries built by different countries within the peaceful Lumbini Garden.

  • Chitwan Jungle Safari: You will spend a full day exploring Chitwan National Park with a jeep safari, canoe ride, cultural show, and a visit to the elephant breeding centre, where you may spot one horned rhinos, crocodiles, deer, and a variety of birdlife.

  • Comfortable Travel Throughout: Every transfer is arranged by private vehicle, making your journey smooth, comfortable, and hassle free.
     

Altitude & Activities

This is an easy cultural and adventure tour, with elevations ranging from 150 m in Lumbini and Chitwan to approximately 2,100 m at Nagarkot, the highest point of the journey. The itinerary includes short walks, light hikes, and guided sightseeing, making it suitable for travelers with a normal level of fitness.

Day

Location

Altitude

Activities

Travel Time

Day 1

Nagarkot

2,100 m

Airport transfer, drive to Nagarkot, Himalayan views

1 hr drive (25 km)

Day 2

Kathmandu

1,324 m

Sunrise at Nagarkot, Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath, and Bouddhanath sightseeing

45 min drive to Bhaktapur, short transfers between sites

Day 3

Bandipur

1,030 m

Trishuli River rafting, drive to Bandipur, village walk

3 hrs drive, 2 hrs rafting, 2 hrs drive

Day 4

Pokhara

827 m

Sunrise hike, drive to Pokhara, Begnas Lake, International Mountain Museum, Phewa Lake boating

45 min hike, 2 hrs drive, short sightseeing transfers

Day 5

Sarangkot & Pokhara

1,600 m / 827 m

Sarangkot sunrise, hike to the World Peace Pagoda and Pumdikot Shiva Temple, Pokhara sightseeing

30 min drive, 2 to 3 hrs hike

Day 6

Lumbini

150 m

Drive via Tansen, sightseeing, Mayadevi Temple visit

4 hrs drive to Tansen, 2 hrs drive to Lumbini

Day 7

Chitwan

150 m

Lumbini temples tour, drive to Chitwan, village walk, sunset excursion

4 hrs drive

Day 8

Chitwan

150 m

Jeep safari, canoe ride, elephant breeding centre visit, cultural show

Full day

Day 9

Kathmandu

1,324 m

Drive to Kathmandu, Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, rickshaw ride

5 hrs drive

Day 10

Kathmandu

1,324 m

Breakfast, airport transfer

Airport transfer

Accommodation and Meals

Throughout your journey, you'll spend one night at Club Himalaya Nagarkot, one night in Kathmandu, one night in Bandipur, two nights in Pokhara, one night in Lumbini, two nights in Chitwan, and one final night in Kathmandu before your departure. Your package includes 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners, as outlined below.

Day

Location

Accommodation

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 1

Nagarkot

Club Himalaya Nagarkot

N/A

N/A

Not Included

Day 2

Kathmandu

Comfortable 3+ Star Hotel

Included

Not Included

Not Included

Day 3

Bandipur

Comfortable 3+ Star Hotel

Included

Included

Not Included

Day 4

Pokhara

Comfortable 3+ Star Hotel

Included

Not Included

Not Included

Day 5

Pokhara

Same Hotel

Included

Not Included

Not Included

Day 6

Lumbini

Comfortable 3+ Star Hotel

Included

Not Included

Included

Day 7

Chitwan

Comfortable 3+ Star Hotel

Included

Included

Included

Day 8

Chitwan

Same Hotel

Included

Included

Included

Day 9

Kathmandu

Comfortable 3+ Star Hotel

Included

Not Included

Not Included

Day 10

Departure

N/A

Included

N/A

N/A

Cost Includes

Cost & Inclusions

This tour includes comfortable 3+ star accommodation, private transportation, guided sightseeing, whitewater rafting, jungle activities, and 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners. We've carefully arranged every part of the journey to ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience. The table below clearly outlines everything included in your package, along with the items you'll need to arrange separately, giving you complete transparency before you travel.

Cost Includes
Cost Excludes

Airport arrival and departure transfers

International airfare to and from Nepal

Private vehicle transfers throughout the tour

Nepal entry visa fee

9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners

8 lunches and 6 dinners

One dedicated tour guide throughout the trip

Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and shopping

Heritage site, boating, national park, and viewpoint entrance fees

Tips for guides and drivers

Whitewater rafting on the Trishuli River

Travel insurance

9 nights' accommodation in comfortable 3+ star hotels

 

Itinerary

As you arrive, our representative will meet you at the airport with your name on board and drive you to Nagarkot, a journey of 25 km taking around 1 hour. Upon arrival at the hotel, check in and relax while enjoying sweeping views of the Himalayas and surrounding valleys. Overnight at Club Himalaya Nagarkot.

Route

Altitude

Accommodation

Meals

Highlights

Airport to Nagarkot

2,100 m

Club Himalaya Nagarkot

Dinner

Private transfer, Himalayan and valley views

    Enjoy the morning sunrise and views of the Himalayas from your hotel. Nagarkot is known for spectacular views as the first rays of sunlight strike the mountains. After breakfast, drive to Bhaktapur, 20 km and around 45 minutes away, to explore its four historic squares on a guided walking tour beginning at Dattatraya Square, continuing through the local bazaars and Taumadhi Square, past Pottery Square, and finally arriving at the 55 Window Palace at Durbar Square.

    From Bhaktapur, drive 45 minutes to Pashupatinath Temple for a guided walk through the temple complex, starting at Tilganga and continuing through the funeral ghats, a viewpoint, the main temple complex, and finally the car park on the northern side. We design this as a linear walking route so you can enjoy the sightseeing without a repetitive walk back to the car.

    From Pashupatinath, a short 15 minute drive brings you to Bouddhanath Stupa, one of Kathmandu's most visited sites. Your guide will share the history of this Tibetan Buddhist temple while you spin the prayer wheels, explore nearby monasteries and take in rooftop views of the stupa, timed to avoid harsh midday light. A rooftop restaurant near the stupa also makes an excellent lunch spot.

    From Bouddhanath, drive to your hotel in the Thamel neighborhood, Kathmandu's main tourist hub of bazaars and restaurants. Overnight in Kathmandu.

    Route

    Altitude

    Accommodation

    Meals

    Highlights

    Nagarkot to Kathmandu via Bhaktapur

    1,324 m

    Hotel, Thamel Kathmandu

    Breakfast

    Bhaktapur squares, Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa

      After breakfast, depart at 7:30 am for the Trishuli River rafting point, a scenic 3 hour mountain drive covering 90 km. A light lunch is served before you set off on an exciting 2 hour rafting adventure through rapids and calm stretches, guided by an experienced rafting crew. Expect to get wet, so a t- shirt, shorts and sandals are ideal, and basic changing facilities are available at the end of the trip.

      After a short coffee break, continue by road for 2 hours to Bandipur, a picturesque mountain village at 1,030 m offering views of the Manaslu and Annapurna ranges. Check in at your hotel and rest before an afternoon guided walk through the village, taking in Tundikhel playing ground, the local monastery and the traditional bazaar. Enjoy a free and easy late afternoon. Overnight in Bandipur.

      Route

      Altitude

      Accommodation

      Meals

      Highlights

      Kathmandu to Trishuli to Bandipur

      1,030 m

      Hotel, Bandipur

      Breakfast, Lunch

      Trishuli River rafting, Bandipur village walk

        Begin with an early morning hike to the Bandipur hilltop, about 30 minutes up and 15 minutes back, to catch sunrise and Himalayan views. Afterward, check out and drive 80 km to Pokhara, with a short side trip to Begnas Lake along the way. Check in at your hotel and take time to relax with coffee.

        In the afternoon, visit the International Mountain Museum, a 15 minute drive away, home to insights on the human history of conquering the Himalayas, information on Nepal's fourteen peaks above 8,000 m, and cultural and ethnic exhibits. Afterward, take a boat across Phewa Lake to visit Tal Barahi Temple, disembarking at the westernmost end of the lakeside bazaar for a guided or independent walking exploration of its many shops and restaurants. Enjoy a free evening. Overnight in Pokhara.

        Route

        Altitude

        Accommodation

        Meals

        Highlights

        Bandipur to Pokhara via Begnas Lake

        827 m

        Hotel Batika, Pokhara

        Breakfast

        Sunrise hike, Mountain Museum, Phewa Lake and Tal Barahi Temple

          Set off early, about 30 minutes by road, to Sarangkot to witness sunrise over the Annapurna range, stretching from Manaslu in the east to Dhaulagiri in the west, one of the best sunrise viewpoints in Nepal thanks to its proximity to the city.

          Return to your hotel for a relaxed breakfast, then at 9:30 am take a boat across Phewa Lake and hike to the World Peace Pagoda and onward to Pumdikot Shiva Temple, a 2 to 3 hour hike in total, with a driving option available if preferred. The route offers fine views across the valley toward the Himalayas. At the Peace Stupa, built by a Japanese monk in the late twentieth century, enjoy views of the Annapurna range before continuing an hour further to the newly built Pumdikot Shiva Temple.

          After the hike, drive down to the Tibetan refugee camp village to learn about the local community, followed by visits to Gupteshwar Cave and Devi's Falls, all located close together. Return to your hotel for a free evening. Overnight in Pokhara.

          Route

          Altitude

          Accommodation

          Meals

          Highlights

          Sarangkot to Pokhara sightseeing

          1,600 m / 827 m

          Same Hotel, Pokhara

          Breakfast

          Sarangkot sunrise, Peace Stupa, Pumdikot Shiva Temple, Tibetan village, Devi's Falls

            After breakfast in Pokhara, set off at 8 am on a scenic 4 hour, 125 km drive to Tansen in Palpa. Take a coffee break and explore the Tansen bazaar, including Palpa Durbar and its viewpoint.

            After lunch and a short rest, continue for 2 hours and 80 km to Lumbini, driving through mountain roads with views of the Himalayas, valleys and village settlements. Check in at your hotel and relax.

            Lumbini, located 255 km west of Kathmandu and 200 km southwest of Pokhara, is the birthplace of Buddha. A marking stone and an Ashokan pillar dating to the third century BC have been excavated at the site, making it a UNESCO listed heritage location and the main tourist attraction in mid western Nepal.

            In the late afternoon at 5 pm, take a guided walk into the Lumbini Buddha Garden. Dusk is the most atmospheric time to visit the sacred Mayadevi Temple, the exact birthplace of Buddha. Take time for a short meditation session within the temple grounds before walking back to your hotel. Overnight in Lumbini.

            Route

            Altitude

            Accommodation

            Meals

            Highlights

            Pokhara to Lumbini via Tansen

            150 m

            Hotel, Lumbini

            Breakfast, Dinner

            Tansen bazaar, Mayadevi Temple, evening meditation

              After breakfast, explore the Lumbini Buddha Garden, a broader UNESCO project designed by a Japanese architect that includes the Mayadevi Temple alongside numerous other temples and monasteries. At 9 am, take a guided rickshaw tour through the garden to visit monasteries and temples built by various countries and Buddhist associations, all welcoming to visitors.

              At 10 am, depart for Chitwan, a 4 hour drive. Upon arrival, check in and have lunch at your hotel, marking the start of two days on full board including all meals and select activities. At 3 pm, walk or drive through local villages to the banks of the Rapti River to watch the sunset, keeping an eye out for the rare one horned rhino and crocodiles along the riverbanks. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

              Route

              Altitude

              Accommodation

              Meals

              Highlights

              Lumbini to Chitwan

              150 m

              Hotel, Chitwan

              Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

              Lumbini garden and monasteries, sunset river walk

                After breakfast, set out on a jeep safari inside Chitwan National Park, home to the country's largest population of Royal Bengal tigers and one horned rhinos. An experienced nature guide accompanies the trip deep into the jungle.

                Return to your hotel for lunch and a short rest. At 3 pm, take a scenic canoeing trip along the local river to spot birds, crocodiles and rhinos, followed by a visit to the elephant breeding centre to see baby elephants. Drive back to your hotel for dinner and an evening cultural show. Overnight in Chitwan.

                Route

                Altitude

                Accommodation

                Meals

                Highlights

                Chitwan National Park

                150 m

                Same Hotel, Chitwan

                Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

                Jeep safari, canoeing, elephant breeding centre, cultural show

                  After breakfast, depart at 8 am for a 5 hour drive to Kathmandu. Check in at your hotel before an afternoon of sightseeing at Swayambhunath, known as the Monkey Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

                  Swayambhunath is about 20 minutes from your hotel. From the base, known as Bhagwan Pau, or feet of the god, walk up to the temple hilltop, which also offers fine views of the Kathmandu Valley on clear days, especially common in winter given the valley's 1,350 m elevation. This ancient Buddhist site in northwestern Kathmandu includes several stupas dating back to antiquity, along with monasteries where child monks live and study. The visit takes about 1.5 hours.

                  Afterward, drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square, the medieval palace square and home to numerous temples, including the Living Goddess Kumari Temple, an old Nepali style palace and classical courtyards, historically the centre of cultural and financial life in Nepal. Highlights include Kasthamandap Temple, recently restored after the 2015 earthquake, Maru Ganesh, the Kumari Temple, the Shiva and Vishnu temples, the Classical Palace, the Kalbhairav and Akash Vairab statues, the Hanuman Dhoka Palace courtyards, Taleju Temple, viewable only from a distance, and a small museum documenting earthquake damage. The square also offers several excellent coffee spots, and the visit takes about 2 to 3 hours.

                  From Kathmandu Durbar Square, take an iconic rickshaw ride, the traditional means of tourist transport in this area since the 1960s, through the old markets of Ason and Indrachowk, historically where locals could find everything from salt to gold. The rickshaw ride takes about 30 minutes and ends at your hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.

                  Route

                  Altitude

                  Accommodation

                  Meals

                  Highlights

                  Chitwan to Kathmandu

                  1,324 m

                  Hotel, Kathmandu

                  Breakfast

                  Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, rickshaw tour of old markets

                    After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kathmandu airport three hours before your flight time, bringing your 10 day Nepal Highlights tour to a close.

                    Route

                    Meals

                    Highlights

                    Kathmandu departure

                    Breakfast

                    Airport transfer for onward flight

                      Trip Information

                      Know Before You Book

                      • Visa Requirements: All citizens of the world except Indian passport holders need a visa to enter Nepal, and most travelers can obtain a Visa on Arrival. A 15 day tourist visa costs USD 30, comfortably covering your 10 day trip. We recommend completing the online visa application in advance to save time at the airport.

                      • Passport Validity: Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date, with at least one blank page for your visa stamp.

                      • Fitness Level: This is an easy tour with short hikes at Bandipur, Sarangkot, and the World Peace Pagoda. Most walking sections take between 1 and 3 hours, making the trip suitable for travelers with a normal level of fitness. No previous trekking experience is required.

                      • Travel Insurance: Travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical emergencies and flight delays is recommended.

                      • Currency and Payment Methods: We accept payments in major currencies such as USD, EUR and GBP, though it is a good idea to carry some Nepali Rupees for smaller personal expenses.
                         

                      Accommodations, Meals & Transportation

                      • Typical Accommodation Used: Club Himalaya in Nagarkot, comfortable 3+ star hotels in Kathmandu, Bandipur, Pokhara, Lumbini, and Chitwan.

                      • Meals: The package includes 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners. Meals not listed in the itinerary can be enjoyed at local restaurants of your choice.

                      • Guide Support: A dedicated tour guide accompanies you throughout the trip, assisting with sightseeing, cultural insight and smooth arrangements.

                      • Transportation: Your package includes private vehicle transfers throughout the land journey. 
                         

                      Seasonal & Weather Updates

                      • Best Seasons: Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, are the best times for this tour, typically offering clear mountain views and pleasant temperatures for sightseeing, rafting and hiking.

                      • Winter Conditions: Winter brings cool mornings and evenings, particularly in Nagarkot and Bandipur, but days are generally sunny and offer crisp Himalayan views.

                      • Monsoon Conditions: During monsoon, expect regular rainfall and occasional cloud cover that may limit mountain views, though the hills around Bandipur and Pokhara turn lush and green.
                         

                      Health & Safety

                      • General Wellbeing: The highest point on this trip is approximately 2,100 m at Nagarkot. As the itinerary does not involve high altitude trekking, altitude sickness is not expected.

                      • Healthcare Facilities: Full hospital facilities are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara, with basic medical support accessible in Bandipur, Lumbini and Chitwan.
                         

                      Packing Checklist

                      • Essential Clothing: Comfortable layered clothing suitable for city sightseeing, village walks and short hikes, plus a light jacket for cooler mountain evenings.

                      • Footwear: A comfortable pair of walking shoes for the Bandipur, Sarangkot and the World Peace Pagoda hiking sections, plus sandals suitable for rafting.

                      • Rafting and Hill Gear: A quick dry t-shirt and shorts for rafting, along with a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a light rain jacket for changing weather in the hills.

                      • Personal Items: A small daypack, reusable water bottle, personal toiletries, camera and any personal medications you need.
                         

                      Important Notices

                      • Travel Advisories: Before you travel, we recommend checking the latest travel advice issued by your home country. If you have any questions before your trip, our team will be happy to provide the latest local updates and travel information.

                      • Responsible Travel: We encourage you to respect local customs, dress appropriately when visiting temples, and help protect Nepal's natural and cultural heritage by avoiding littering and supporting local communities.

                      Trip Preparations

                      • Is this trip suitable for families and first time visitors to Nepal?

                        Yes. This tour is designed for families, couples, small groups, and first time visitors who want to experience Nepal's culture, nature, wildlife, and adventure at a comfortable pace.

                      • No. The Trishuli River rafting is guided by professional rafting instructors, and the hikes at Bandipur, Sarangkot, and the World Peace Pagoda are short and suitable for travelers with a normal level of fitness.

                      • During your jeep safari and canoe ride, you may spot one horned rhinos, crocodiles, deer, monkeys, and a wide variety of bird species. With a bit of luck, you may also see the Royal Bengal tiger.

                      • The tour includes visits to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and the sacred Mayadevi Temple in Lumbini.

                      • Most sightseeing is relaxed, with short walks through heritage sites and villages. Optional hikes, including Bandipur Hill, Sarangkot, and the World Peace Pagoda, generally take between one and three hours.

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