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Durbar Square

Kathmandu to Lumbini Extension

Example 12 Day Tour
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Travel to Nepal and experience ancient customs and traditions on this 12-day tour. Learn more about history, art, culture, and religion, and explore Buddhist and Hindu ways of life in Nepal. Kathmandu is considered the entrance to the Nepalese Himalayas and is home to several world heritage sites, including the Pashupatinath Temple, the Swyambhunath and Boudhanath Stupas, and the Kathmandu Durbar Square. Visit Chitwan National Park's majestic mountains and winding roads to spot the world's largest terrestrial mammals and smaller species. Explore Buddhist religious sites and the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini. Discover Kathmandu's most treasured works of art and architecture.
Local PeoplePatan, NepalNepal's Traditional RoofsPashupatinathBuddhist Prayer WheelsBoudhanath Stupa, KathmanduBoudhanath StupaWildlife ViewingElephant RideDurbar Square
Highlights
  • Visit Kathmandu, the temple city and capital of the Kingdom of Nepal
  • Experience rural life, eat organic food, and meet the village locals
  • Stay in an eco-lodge in Chitwan National Park
  • Hike to the Peace Stupa and ride a boat on Phewa Lake
  • Explore historical sites in Lumbini
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal

On your arrival at the international airport in Kathmandu and after clearing customs & immigration, a representative will escort you to your hotel. 

Day 2: Patan, Nepal

After breakfast, get ready for a sightseeing tour of Patan City and stroll the nooks and corners of the Patan Durbar Square and the exquisite Patan Museum, set within the restored royal palaces of the Malla Era. Enjoy the old city of Patan, which is known for its carved temples, royal courtyards, water spouts, public baths, and traditional neighborhoods. A walk through the heritage and culture of the Newari architecture and ancient urban designs. 

Take a drive to Swayambhunath, one of the most respected Buddhist Stupas in the World. Set majestically high on a hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley, popularly known as the monkey temple, after the tribe of monkeys that inhabits the hills. With the symbolic all-seeing eyes of the Buddha, 17th Century frescoes help you understand why Kathmandu is a meeting point of ancient religions and cultures. 

In the afternoon, visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, the epicenter of historic Kathmandu. Explore the ancient temples, palace squares, narrow alleyways, and architectural marvels with a guide while witnessing local people offering libations and prayers to various gods and goddesses.

Day 3: Chitwan National Park

Take a six-hours scenic drive through the pristine mountain and winding roads to Chitwan National Park, followed by a sumptuous lunch at the resort.

Chitwan National Park: This park has numerous lakes and streams that form lifelines for animals and enable a rich floral diversity. The Chitwan valley is characterized by tropical and subtropical forests, with Sal trees being the dominant tree species. Plants like wild ginger, wild turmeric with beautiful inflorescence, and other medicinal herbs grow in profusion, and the locals are allowed to harvest them from the community forests. The atmosphere of Chitwan is very conducive to wild orchids, with over 100 species recorded here. The grasslands are mainly located in the floodplains of the rivers and form a diverse and complex community with over 50 different types of grasses. The Kaleidoscope of different habitats and sub-eco-systems all come together to make a whole that is most favorable to supporting rich biodiversity.

Here one can find the world’s largest terrestrial mammal, a five-ton elephant. The pygmy shrew is one of the tiniest animals, weighing only seven grams. Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur, rhinos, and wild dogs are among the 68 mammals documented in Chitwan National Park. Porcupines, otters, martens, and shrews are the smaller species. The proximity of Chitwan to the Himalayas gives the park a geographical advantage, making it an ideal shelter for birds migrating both in winter and summer. Indigenous and migrant species like Great Hornbill, Painted storks, Pied Kingfishers, and Red Headed Trogon are a few of the most exotic birds seen here. Chitwan is a high-priority destination for birders as the total tally of birds recorded in the park is over 600.

Take a cultural tour in Tharu village in the afternoon to learn about the way of life there. Stay overnight at the lodge, and in the evening, listen to and learn from one of the resident naturalists as they discuss the history and details of the Royal Chitwan National Park.

Day 4: Chitwan National Park

Take part in activities at the park, including a jeep safari, jungle walk, bird-watching, river safaris, wildlife viewing, and photographing with highly experienced naturalists. Journey into the habitat of the greater one-horned Rhinoceros spotted Deer, Hog Deer, Sambar deer, barking deer, and an abundance of flora and fauna. Get prepared for the rare sightings of a leopard, sloth bear, or even the Royal Bengal Tiger.

In the evening, watch as the farmers of the nearby villages show some of their traditional Tharu cultural skills and dances. 
 

Day 5: Chitwan | Rajko Danda

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, take a 5-hour drive towards Rajko Danda and stay at a village homestay. Taste organic cuisine and encounter real rural life. Visit the primary school and enjoy a walking tour of the village after lunch. Due to its last reigning royal dynasty, this district has a special place in the history of Nepal. Additionally, this district is one of many used for recruiting by the legendary Gurkha troops.

Watch a cultural performance performed by the women's group in the evening. As part of the merging of cultures, you can take in the cultural show and consume locally distilled hooch.
 

Day 6: Rajko Danda | Pokhara

Early in the morning, walk to Shiva temple (approx. half an hour) for the sunrise over the Himalayas (weather permitting). You will get a Himalayan panorama of more than 300 kilometers.

After breakfast, start the scenic drive of about 4 hours to Pokhara. This picturesque lakeside town is Nepal's second most important tourist destination after Kathmandu. Visit the Gurkha museum, which explains the Bindabasini temple and famous warrior history; the important Hindu temple of Pokhara; and Devi Falls.

Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of 900m above sea level and 200km west of the Kathmandu valley, the city is a center of adventure. The enchanting town has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the Himalayas’ magnificence rising behind them create an ambiance of peace and magic.

In the afternoon, visit Devi Falls. It is also known as Devin's and David's falls. It is a lovely waterfall about 2 km southwest of the Pokhara airport. A legend has it that a trekker (David or Devin) got washed away by the Pardi Khola and disappeared into an underground canal beneath the waterfall. The Gupteswore Cave is one of the largest caves in Pokhara dedicated to Lord Shiva and is another natural wonder in Pokhara.

Day 7: Pokhara

In the morning, visit the Bindabasini Temple. This Temple is honored by the Hindu deity Durga (a manifestation of Bhagwati, a blood-thirsty version of the goddess). This temple is located near the Old Bazaar of Pokhara. The white pagoda-styled building is of great religious significance to the Hindus of Pokhara. Devotees throng this temple daily and also offer animal sacrifices. One might even get to witness a Hindu wedding ceremony taking place on the temple premises.

Hike to the Peace Stupa for about 2 hours in the afternoon, from where one can have panoramic mountain views of the Fishtail, Annapurna ranges, Manaslu, and the Phewa Lake with valley (subject to weather). Hike down through the forest, take a boat on Phewa Lake, and visit the Barahi Temple on a small island in the lake. You are free to shop at the lakeside market and enjoy a 1-hour boat ride at Phewa.

Day 8: Bhairahawa | Lumbini

  • 1 Breakfast
Take a short 20-minute flight to Bhairahawa and drive for 45 minutes to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. Spend the afternoon around the world heritage site, visiting significant monuments and various Buddhist temples.
 

Day 9: Tilaurakot

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, drive to Tilaurakot and visit some important Buddhist temples, historical places, and archaeological sites in this region.

Day 10: Kathmandu

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your journey to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, check in to your hotel, relax, and rest.

Day 11: Kathmandu

Take a drive to Boudhanath Stupa, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Stupa is the spiritual home of the Tibetan exile community in Nepal. It is on the original trade route to Lhasa and is one of the world's largest and oldest Buddhist stupas. Apart from its religious interest, the life around the Stupa is colorful, unique, and vibrant, and a wide array of Tibetan antiques, brocades, and jewelry can be found here.

Pashupatinath (UNESCO World Heritage Site), situated on the River Bagmati banks around 8 km from the city, is one of the holiest Hindu shrines. The Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. According to Nepal's Mahatmaya and Himvatkhanda, the deity here gained great fame as Pashupati, the Lord of the Animals. The existence of the Pashupatinath Temple dates back to 400 A.D. The richly ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga, or holy symbol, of Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to pay homage to this temple, known as the Temple of Living Beings. The presiding deity here is Shiva, who is worshipped in the form of the lingam. However, only Hindus are allowed inside.

In the evening, transfer to a restaurant for a farewell dinner (Nepalese menu). Enjoy an evening of traditional Nepalese culture as you taste various delicious local dishes and experience classical folk music and dances from all over Nepal. Listen to the traditional folk music performed live, watch elegant dances performed in beautiful, glittering costumes, and learn about Nepal’s rich and diverse culture.

If you wish for additional excursions during your time in Kathmandu, contact us for the optional activities and current excursion pricing.

Day 12: Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, on-time departure transfer to the airport to board the flight for home.

Accommodations

Baber Mahal Vilas

Baber Mahal Vilas
Hotel Exterior Area
Baber Mahal Vilas

Into The Wild Eco Resort

Into The Wild Eco Resort
Into The Wild Eco Resort
Dinning Area

The Lakeside Retreat - Pokhara

The Lakeside Retreat - Pokhara

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$5,000

Notes

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Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners
  • 11 Nights Accommodations
  • 2 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Entrance Fee to Places of Visit and Monuments.
  • Hotel, Airports and Railway Assistance
  • 4 Nights Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
  • 2 Nights in Deluxe Eco lodge in Chitwan with all meals, and safari activities
  • 1 Night at Homestay with cultural show, organic meals, and village tour
  • 2 Nights in Deluxe Eco lodge in Pokhara with Breakfast
  • Domestic Flight: Kathmandu to and from Pokhara
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Electronic Visa upon Entry
  • Personal Expenses (such as laundry, telephone, tipping, etc.)
  • Any Travel Insurance Fee
  • International Airfare

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
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