This Nepal tour package is an 8-day private journey through the country's highlights: the UNESCO World Heritage temples and royal squares of the Kathmandu Valley, sunrise over the Himalaya from Nagarkot, a jungle safari in Chitwan National Park to see one-horned rhinos, and the lakeside town of Pokhara with sunrise from Sarangkot over the Annapurna range.
The tour is easy, with comfortable hotels, private transport and licensed English-speaking guides, and suits families, couples and first-time visitors. It can run on any date and combines well with a short trek such as Ghorepani Poon Hill. The best time is October to April, although the tour runs all year. Everything is arranged by our local team in Kathmandu.
If you want to see the best of Nepal in about a week without trekking, this classic tour is the perfect introduction. It combines living culture, mountain views and wildlife: ancient temples where daily worship continues as it has for centuries, sunrise over snow peaks, jeep safaris in search of rhinos, and quiet evenings by a mountain lake.
The route follows a natural loop: two days exploring the Kathmandu Valley, a night at Nagarkot on the valley rim, two nights in Chitwan in the subtropical lowlands, and two nights in Pokhara beneath the Annapurnas, before a short flight back to Kathmandu.
| Trip fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 days |
| Destinations | Kathmandu Valley, Nagarkot, Chitwan National Park, Pokhara |
| Grade | Easy |
| Transport | Private vehicle; flight Pokhara – Kathmandu |
| Accommodation | Hotels and a jungle lodge |
| Guides | Licensed English-speaking city guide and Chitwan naturalist |
| Best time | October–April; possible all year |
| Suitable for | Families, couples, first-time visitors, older travellers |
The Kathmandu Valley has seven monument zones on the UNESCO World Heritage List. On your first sightseeing day you visit Swayambhunath, the hilltop "Monkey Temple"; Kathmandu Durbar Square, the old royal palace and home of the living goddess Kumari; Pashupatinath, the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal, on the Bagmati River; and Boudhanath, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. The next day you explore Patan, with its Durbar Square and excellent museum, and Bhaktapur, the best-preserved of the royal cities, famous for its pottery and five-tiered Nyatapola Temple.
Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protects grasslands and sal forest home to the greater one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, sloth bear, crocodiles and more than 500 bird species. Your two nights in a jungle lodge include a jeep safari, a canoe trip on the Rapti river, a guided jungle walk with naturalists, a visit to a Tharu village and an evening of traditional dance. We do not include elephant rides, in line with animal welfare guidance.
Pokhara sits beside Phewa Lake with the fishtail peak of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range rising behind. You watch sunrise from Sarangkot, row across the lake to the island temple of Tal Barahi, and walk up to the World Peace Pagoda. Free time allows paragliding, cycling or simply relaxing in lakeside cafés.
The tour suits anyone who wants to experience Nepal comfortably: families with children, couples, older travellers and first-time visitors. There is some walking at heritage sites and viewpoints, but no trekking. Every tour is private, so the pace, hotels and sightseeing can be adjusted.
October–November offers clear skies and mountain views, with the festivals of Dashain and Tihar. December–February is cool and clear, and excellent for Chitwan. March–April is warm, with good wildlife viewing. During the monsoon (June–September) the tour still runs. The countryside is green but the mountains hide more often, and some Chitwan activities may be limited.
Add a short trek such as the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek from Pokhara, an Everest mountain flight or helicopter tour from Kathmandu, a visit to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, or a night in the hill town of Bandipur.
This is an easy tour with some walking at heritage sites, viewpoints and on the jungle walk. Comfortable shoes are all you need.
Roads in Nepal are winding and can be slow. Drives between Nagarkot, Chitwan and Pokhara take about 5–6 hours each, with stops. We use private vehicles with experienced drivers.
Kathmandu Valley heritage sites charge entrance fees for foreign visitors, which fund conservation. They are not included, but can be added to your package.
On walking safaris, stay with your naturalist guides, walk quietly and follow their instructions. Wear neutral colours and use insect repellent.
Drink only treated or bottled water, and ask your doctor about recommended vaccinations and precautions for lowland Nepal.
Most nationalities can get a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or apply online. Indian citizens do not need a visa.
Choose add-ons and quantities on the booking form.
More options, quoted on request:
This 8-day tour covers the Kathmandu Valley, Nagarkot, Chitwan and Pokhara at a comfortable pace. With 10–12 days you can add Lumbini, Bandipur or a short trek.
Yes. The tour runs privately on your dates, with your own vehicle and guide, and can be adjusted to your pace and interests.
Most visitors see one-horned rhinos, deer, monkeys, crocodiles and many birds. Bengal tigers live in the park but are rarely seen.
No. In line with animal welfare guidance, we offer jeep safaris, canoe trips and walking safaris instead.
Yes, on clear mornings from Nagarkot and Sarangkot, and from Pokhara. Views are best from October to April.
Yes. It is an easy tour with comfortable hotels and private transport, and the pace can be adjusted.
October–April offers the best weather and views. The tour runs all year, but monsoon months have fewer mountain views.
Kathmandu Valley heritage site fees are not included but can be added. Chitwan National Park fees are included.
Yes. The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek from Pokhara is a popular addition of 4–5 days.
Yes. An Everest mountain flight or helicopter tour from Kathmandu can be added on your first morning.
Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival or apply online; Indian citizens do not need a visa.
It's priced per person, and groups get a discount; the price box has the details. It includes hotels, private transport, guides, the Chitwan safari package and the Pokhara flight.
