Nepal Holiday 12 Days featuring Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bandipur, Pokhara, Lower Seti River rafting, and Chitwan safari.Nepal Holiday 12 Days featuring Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bandipur, Pokhara, Lower Seti River rafting, and Chitwan safari.

12 Days Nepal Holiday - Kathmandu, Bandipur, Pokhara, Lower Seti Rafting & Chitwan Safari

  • Duration12 Days
  • Route Grade Comfort Travel
  • Trip Style Culture, Easy Hiking, Rafting, and Wildlife Safari
  • Starting City Kathmandu
  • Ending City Kathmandu

Overview 

This 12 Days Nepal Holiday is built to show you everything that makes this country special, all in one trip. Over 12 days you will walk through ancient squares in Kathmandu, wander a hilltop town many tourists never care about, wake up to the Annapurna range turning gold at sunrise, paddle through the Lower Seti River, and sit quietly in a jeep waiting for a rhino to cross your path in Chitwan National Park. It really gives you the clear picture of Nepal, beyond the mere tourist highlights. 

We built this Nepal Holiday Tour Package for all of you who want culture, mountains, a little adventure, and real wildlife, all without needing to be a trekker or an extreme adventurer. Whether you are traveling as a family, a couple, or on your own, with this trip you move at a pace that lets you actually enjoy each place instead of rushing through it.

Trip at a Glance

Detail

Information

Duration

12 Days, 11 Nights

Destinations

Kathmandu, Bandipur, Sarangkot, Dhampus, Pokhara, Damauli, Gaighat, Chitwan

Trip Style

Culture, Easy Hiking, Rafting, and Wildlife Safari

Highest Point

Sarangkot, approximately 1,600m

Group Size

Private trip or small group, fully customizable

Best Season

March to May, and September to November

Trip Difficulty

Easy to moderate

Accommodation

Hotels and lodges throughout, plus one night at a tented rafting camp

Meals

Breakfast daily, with full board during the trekking and rafting days

Starts and Ends

Kathmandu

Nepal Holiday Highlights

  • Walk through UNESCO listed temples, stupas, and palace squares in Kathmandu

  • Spend a night in Bandipur, a preserved Newari hill town with car free streets

  • Catch sunrise over the Annapurna range from Sarangkot

  • Hike through Gurung villages at Dhampus and Australian Camp

  • Enjoy Phewa Lake, caves, and viewpoints on your Pokhara Tour Package

  • Take on the Lower Seti River Rafting, a fun stretch of rapids for all levels

  • Go on jungle safari drives, canoe rides, and nature walks inside Chitwan National Park

  • Round it all off with a Tharu cultural evening in Chitwan

Cost Includes

What's Included

  • Airport pickup and drop off in a private vehicle

  • All ground transportation throughout the itinerary in a private vehicle

  • Accommodation as listed for each night, in hotels, lodges, a heritage guesthouse in Bandipur, and a tented camp during the rafting section

  • Breakfast daily, with full board included on the Dhampus, rafting, and Chitwan days

  • An experienced, English speaking guide throughout the trip

  • Entrance fees for the sightseeing included in the itinerary

  • All rafting equipment and safety gear for the Lower Seti River section

  • Jeep safari, canoeing, and a visit to the elephant breeding center in Chitwan

  • Tharu cultural show in Chitwan

  • Phewa Lake boating and Tal Barahi Temple visit in Pokhara

  • All applicable government and local taxes

 

What's Not Included

  • Nepal visa fee, payable on arrival

  • International flights to and from Kathmandu

  • Meals other than those specified in the itinerary

  • Travel insurance

  • Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and phone or internet use

  • Optional activities such as paragliding or zip flying in Pokhara

  • Tips for your guide and driver

Itinerary

Your Nepal Holiday begins the moment you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, where our team will be waiting to greet you and take you to your hotel in Kathmandu. There is nothing to worry about on this first day, no rush, no agenda. Settle in, take a walk around Thamel if you feel like it, and get your bearings before the trip properly begins tomorrow.

Route

Distance

Travel Time

Altitude

Accommodation

Meals

Highlights

Airport to Kathmandu Hotel

Approx. 6 km

20 to 30 minutes

Approx. 1,400m

Hotel in Kathmandu

None included

Airport pickup, free time in Thamel

    Today you'll explore Kathmandu Valley with a local guide who knows these sites inside and out. You'll visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, the old royal palace complex, then head to Swayambhunath, one of the oldest Buddhist sites in the world, followed by Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River, and end at Boudhanath Stupa, a major center of Tibetan Buddhist life in the city.

    Route

    Distance

    Travel Time

    Altitude

    Accommodation

    Meals

    Highlights

    Kathmandu city sightseeing loop

    Approx. 20 to 25 km combined

    Full day

    Approx. 1,400m

    Hotel in Kathmandu

    Breakfast

    Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath

      After breakfast, you'll drive out of the Kathmandu Valley toward Bandipur, a small hilltop town that feels frozen in time. The drive itself is scenic, winding through hills and villages. Once you arrive, spend the afternoon walking Bandipur's car free streets, browsing local shops, and soaking in views of the Himalayan range from the town's edge.

      Route

      Distance

      Travel Time

      Altitude

      Accommodation

      Meals

      Highlights

      Kathmandu to Bandipur

      Approx. 140 km

      4 to 5 hours

      Approx. 1,030m

      Heritage guesthouse in Bandipur

      Breakfast

      Newari architecture, mountain views, evening stroll

        This morning you'll continue toward Pokhara, then climb up to Sarangkot, one of the region's most loved viewpoints. Once you reach your lodge, you'll have the rest of the afternoon to relax and take in the view before an early start tomorrow for sunrise.

        Route

        Distance

        Travel Time

        Altitude

        Accommodation

        Meals

        Highlights

        Bandipur to Sarangkot

        Approx. 80 km

        2.5 to 3 hours

        Approx. 1,600m

        Lodge in Sarangkot

        Breakfast

        First views of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre

          Wake up early for sunrise over the Himalayas from Sarangkot, one of the real highlights of this trip. Afterward, you'll drive to Naudanda and begin an easy hike into Dhampus, a Gurung village where life still moves at its own pace. It's a good chance to see how mountain communities actually live, not just pass through them.

          Route

          Distance

          Travel Time

          Altitude

          Accommodation

          Meals

          Highlights

          Sarangkot to Naudanda by drive, then hike to Dhampus

          Drive approx. 25 km, hike approx. 4 km

          Drive 1 hour, hike 2 to 3 hours

          Approx. 1,650m

          Guesthouse in Dhampus

          Breakfast, lunch, dinner

          Sunrise at Sarangkot, Gurung village life

            From Dhampus, a short and pleasant hike takes you to Australian Camp, known for its wide open views of the Annapurna Himalayas without any strenuous climbing involved. From there, you'll head back down to Pokhara, where the evening is yours to enjoy the lakeside.

            Route

            Distance

            Travel Time

            Altitude

            Accommodation

            Meals

            Highlights

            Dhampus to Australian Camp hike, then drive to Pokhara

            Hike approx. 3 km, drive approx. 35 km

            Hike 2 hours, drive 1.5 hours

            Approx. 2,050m at Australian Camp

            Hotel in Pokhara

            Breakfast

            Panoramic Annapurna views, relaxed evening by Phewa Lake

              Today is all about Pokhara itself. You'll take a boat ride on Phewa Lake to visit Tal Barahi Temple, then head up to the World Peace Pagoda for sweeping views over the city and lake. The day also includes stops at Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Cave, two of Pokhara's more curious attractions.

              Route

              Distance

              Travel Time

              Altitude

              Accommodation

              Meals

              Highlights

              Pokhara city and lakeside sightseeing

              Approx. 15 to 20 km combined

              Full day

              Approx. 820m

              Hotel in Pokhara

              Breakfast

              Phewa Lake boating, World Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave

                This morning you'll drive to Damauli to begin the Lower Seti River Rafting section of your trip. It's a fun mix of exciting rapids and calm stretches, with forested banks and small villages passing by on either side. You'll spend the night camped right on the riverbank.

                Route

                Distance

                Travel Time

                Altitude

                Accommodation

                Meals

                Highlights

                Pokhara to Damauli by drive, then rafting

                Drive approx. 45 km, rafting approx. 10 km

                Drive 1.5 hours, rafting 2 to 3 hours

                Approx. 450m

                Tented camp on the riverbank

                Breakfast, lunch, dinner

                First stretch of Lower Seti River Rafting

                  You'll continue rafting downstream to Gaighat, taking in a few more rapids and quiet river scenery before pulling out and driving on to Chitwan. By the time you check into your lodge, you'll already be in a completely different landscape, warm, flat, and full of birdlife.

                  Route

                  Distance

                  Travel Time

                  Altitude

                  Accommodation

                  Meals

                  Highlights

                  Rafting to Gaighat, then drive to Chitwan

                  Rafting approx. 15 km, drive approx. 40 km

                  Rafting 2 to 3 hours, drive 1.5 hours

                  Approx. 150m

                  Lodge in Chitwan

                  Breakfast, lunch, dinner

                  Final rafting stretch, arrival in the jungle

                    A full day dedicated to Chitwan Jungle Safari activities. Depending on park rules at the time of your visit, this can include a jeep safari, a canoe ride along the Rapti River, a visit to the elephant breeding center, and a Tharu cultural show in the evening. This is your best shot at spotting a rhino, and if you're lucky, much more.

                    Route

                    Distance

                    Travel Time

                    Altitude

                    Accommodation

                    Meals

                    Highlights

                    Activities inside and around Chitwan National Park

                    Varies by activity

                    Full day

                    Approx. 150m

                    Lodge in Chitwan

                    Breakfast, lunch, dinner

                    Jeep safari, canoeing, elephant breeding center, Tharu cultural show

                      After breakfast, you'll drive back to Kathmandu, retracing the highway through pretty countryside and small towns. Once you arrive, the evening is free for some last minute shopping in Thamel or simply relaxing before your flight out tomorrow.

                      Route

                      Distance

                      Travel Time

                      Altitude

                      Accommodation

                      Meals

                      Highlights

                      Chitwan to Kathmandu

                      Approx. 165 km

                      5 to 6 hours

                      Approx. 1,400m

                      Hotel in Kathmandu

                      Breakfast

                      Countryside drive, free evening in Thamel

                        After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport in good time for your flight home, bringing your 12 Days Nepal Holiday to a close.

                        Route

                        Distance

                        Travel Time

                        Altitude

                        Meals

                        Highlights

                        Hotel to Airport

                        Approx. 6 km

                        20 to 30 minutes

                        Approx. 1,400m

                        Breakfast

                        Departure transfer

                          Before You Travel

                          This itinerary is intended to give you a clear picture of your journey through Nepal. Distances, travel times, accommodation, meals, and daily activities are included to help you prepare before arrival. While minor adjustments may be necessary due to weather, road conditions, or local events, the overall experience remains the same.

                          Trip Information

                          Destinations You'll Visit

                          • Kathmandu, Nepal's Cultural & Historical Capital

                          Kathmandu is where most journeys into Nepal begin, and it earns every bit of the attention it gets. The valley holds seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from ancient Durbar Squares to sacred temples and stupas that have stood here for centuries. It's also simply a fascinating city to walk through, loud in places, calm in others, and always layered with history. Even a couple of days here gives you a real sense of Nepal's spiritual and cultural roots before the rest of the trip takes you into the hills.

                          • Bandipur, Nepal's Charming Hilltop Heritage Town

                          Bandipur doesn't show up on every itinerary, and that's exactly why it's worth including. This small Newari trading town sits on a ridge with car free streets, old wooden buildings, and views of the Himalayas that catch you off guard. It's the kind of place you slow down in without really trying. A single afternoon and evening here is often enough to leave a lasting impression, and it gives you a very different feel from the bigger cities on this Bandipur Tour.

                          • Sarangkot, Himalayan Sunrise & Mountain Views

                          Sarangkot is one of the most popular viewpoints near Pokhara, and for good reason. Come here at sunrise and you'll watch the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre, also known as Fishtail Mountain, light up in shades of gold and pink. It's a short drive up, but the payoff is one of the best mountain moments of the entire trip. Even if you've seen photos of this view before, standing there in person is a different thing altogether.

                          • Dhampus, Traditional Gurung Village

                          Dhampus is a small village home mostly to the Gurung community, and it gives you a genuine look at how life continues in the hills of the Annapurna foothills. The walk in is easy, and the setting, surrounded by mountains, is hard to beat. This is one of the more authentic stops on the trip, where you're not just viewing a village from a bus window but actually walking through it, talking to people, and seeing daily life unfold around you.

                          • Australian Camp, Scenic Annapurna Viewpoint

                          Australian Camp is a favorite for travelers who want big mountain views without a demanding trek. The walk here from Dhampus is gentle, and the reward at the top is a wide, open panorama of the Annapurna range. It's a great example of what makes this Nepal Adventure Holiday work so well for families and first time visitors, real mountain scenery without needing serious trekking gear or experience.

                          • Pokhara, Nepal's Lake City

                          Pokhara has a completely different energy from Kathmandu. It's calmer, set around Phewa Lake, with the mountains rising up right behind it. This is where a lot of travelers find themselves wanting to stay longer than planned. Between the lake, the caves, the viewpoints, and the relaxed cafe culture along the waterfront, Pokhara gives you a good mix of activity and downtime, which is exactly what this stage of the trip is designed for.

                          • Lower Seti River, Scenic White Water Rafting

                          The Lower Seti River offers a rafting experience that feels adventurous without being intimidating. There's a good mix of rapids and calmer stretches, making Lower Seti River Rafting suitable for both first timers and those with some experience. Beyond the thrill of the rapids, the scenery along the riverbanks, forests, small villages, farmland, adds a nice contrast to the more urban and cultural days earlier in the trip.

                          • Chitwan National Park, Nepal's Wildlife Paradise

                          Chitwan National Park is Nepal's oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right. It's home to the greater one horned rhinoceros, along with deer, crocodiles, and, if you're fortunate, the elusive Bengal tiger. A Chitwan Jungle Safari is often one of the most memorable parts of a Nepal trip simply because it's so different from everything before it. After days of temples, hills, and rivers, this is where the trip shifts fully into nature and wildlife.

                          Experiences Included

                          • Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Discover ancient temples, stupas, and palace squares across Kathmandu Valley with expert local guides.

                          • Discover Traditional Nepalese Villages: Walk through Bandipur, Dhampus, and other villages where traditional Newari and Gurung culture remains vibrant and intact.

                          • Enjoy Easy Hiking in the Annapurna Foothills: Experience the beauty of the Himalayas through short, scenic hikes suitable for beginners and families, without the demands of a full trek.

                          • Experience White Water Rafting on the Lower Seti River: Paddle through thrilling rapids and calm river stretches on a rafting adventure suited to all experience levels.

                          • Go on a Jungle Safari in Chitwan National Park: Spot rhinos, deer, and other wildlife on jeep safaris, canoe rides, and guided walks through one of Asia's best preserved wildlife reserves.

                          • Witness Himalayan Sunrise & Mountain Views: Catch unforgettable sunrise views over the Annapurna range from Sarangkot and other scenic viewpoints along the route.

                          • Experience Nepal's Culture, Nature & Adventure in One Trip: This itinerary is built to balance heritage, hiking, rafting, and wildlife, giving travelers a complete, well rounded picture of Nepal in under two weeks.

                          Add-Ons & Options

                          Add On Experiences

                          1. Paragliding in Pokhara
                            Pokhara is one of the best places in the world for paragliding, thanks to reliable thermals and the Annapurna range as a backdrop. It's a popular add on for travelers who want an extra dose of adrenaline during their time in the Lake City.

                          2. Everest Mountain Flight from Kathmandu
                            For those who won't be trekking to Everest Base Camp on this trip, a short mountain flight from Kathmandu offers close up views of Everest and its neighboring peaks from the air, all within about an hour.

                          3. Zip Flying near Pokhara
                            One of the longest and steepest zip lines in the world operates just outside Pokhara, offering a fast paced way to take in the Annapurna scenery from a very different angle.

                          4. Bungee Jumping near Pokhara
                            For thrill seekers, a bungee jump over a deep gorge near Pokhara adds a short but intense adventure to your time in the region.

                          Note: These add ons aren't included in the standard package, but they can easily be arranged for you if you'd like to build a little extra adventure into your Nepal Vacation Package.

                          Trip Preparations
                          • Is 12 days enough for a Nepal holiday?

                            Yes. Twelve days gives you enough time to properly cover Kathmandu, Bandipur, the Annapurna foothills, Pokhara, a rafting adventure, and Chitwan without feeling rushed between stops.

                          • Yes. The hikes are gentle village walks, and the rafting section is suitable for people with no prior rafting experience.

                          • No. Both walks follow easy trails and are manageable for most fitness levels, including families with older children.

                          • The Lower Seti River is generally considered a good option for beginners, and the rafting section includes trained guides and standard safety equipment.

                          • The greater one horned rhinoceros is the most commonly spotted animal, along with deer and various bird species. Bengal tigers and other wildlife are also present in the park, though sightings of tigers are not guaranteed.

                          • March to May and September to November tend to offer the clearest skies and most comfortable conditions for hiking and rafting.

                          • A mix of hotels, mountain lodges, a heritage guesthouse in Bandipur, and one night at a tented camp during the rafting section.

                          • Yes. We're happy to adjust dates, pace, or activities to suit your preferences.

                          • It can be, given the easy to moderate pace, though we'd recommend talking to us about individual fitness levels before booking so we can advise honestly.

                          • Yes, we recommend travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and adventure activities such as rafting.

                          • There are several road transfers on this trip, with the longest being Kathmandu to Bandipur and Chitwan back to Kathmandu, each taking roughly four to six hours.

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