Complete 14-Day Cultural and Trekking Highlights of Nepal
- 14 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (March to May) & Autumn (September to December)
We combine guided heritage tours in Kathmandu, wildlife safaris in Chitwan, and a scenic trek to Poon Hill in a single 14-day itinerary.
At a glance
Trip overview
We design this 14-day journey to connect Nepal's most significant cultural hubs with an accessible trekking route in the Annapurna foothills. Starting from the historic squares of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, our itinerary moves south to the subtropical forests of Chitwan National Park and west to the sacred birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini.
After exploring the Newar architecture of Palpa and the lakeside city of Pokhara, our team leads a short trek up through Ulleri and Ghorepani to the ridge of Poon Hill at an altitude of 3210 m. This balance of cultural heritage, wildlife viewing, and moderate hill walking suits travelers seeking a comprehensive introduction to the midhills and lowlands of Nepal.
We manage all road transfers in private tourist vehicles, provide licensed guides for every stage of the route, and arrange comfortable teahouse and hotel accommodations throughout. While the walking days involve stone staircases and sustained uphill climbs, the overall physical demands remain moderate and achievable for reasonably fit walkers.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Poon Hill Sunrise
We hike before dawn to the 3210 m ridge of Poon Hill for panoramic views of Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri.
UNESCO Heritage Sites
Our team guides you through the ancient squares and temples of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur.
Chitwan Wildlife Safari
We explore the subtropical lowlands of Chitwan National Park in search of one-horned rhinos and Bengal tigers.
Birthplace of Buddha
We visit the sacred Maya Devi Temple and monastic zones in the flat plains of Lumbini.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport upon your arrival and transfers you to your hotel in Kathmandu. We use the afternoon to brief you on the upcoming tour schedule and check your equipment for the trek.
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing and Nagarkot Drive
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing and Nagarkot Drive
Meals: B / L / D
We spend the morning visiting Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square before driving out to Bhaktapur. After exploring the medieval brick courtyards of Bhaktapur, we continue our drive to the hill station of Nagarkot for the evening.
Day 3
Nagarkot Sunrise to Chitwan National Park
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Nagarkot Sunrise to Chitwan National Park
Meals: B / L / D
We rise early to watch the sunrise over the Himalayan range from Nagarkot before setting off on the overland drive south toward Chitwan. The road descends through winding hill highways into the flat Terai region by late afternoon.
Day 4
Jungle Activities in Chitwan National Park
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Jungle Activities in Chitwan National Park
Meals: B / L / D
Our local naturalist guides lead us through the riverine forests and grasslands of Chitwan on jeep safaris and canoe trips. We keep watch for Marsh Mugger crocodiles, one-horned rhinoceroses, and diverse bird species along the Rapti River.
Day 5
Chitwan to Lumbini
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Chitwan to Lumbini
Meals: B / L / D
We depart the Terai lowlands after breakfast and drive westward along the East-West Highway toward the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. The afternoon is dedicated to walking through the peaceful monastic zones of Lumbini.
Day 6
Lumbini Exploration to Palpa (Tansen)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Lumbini Exploration to Palpa (Tansen)
Meals: B / L / D
We spend our morning visiting the Maya Devi Temple and the sacred garden pool where Buddha was born. Afterward, we drive up the winding mountain road into the historic hill town of Palpa, Tansen.
Day 7
Palpa to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Palpa to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
We walk through the traditional Newari alleys of Tansen to observe local brassware craft before driving down to the lakeside city of Pokhara. The afternoon is free for a quiet boat ride on Phewa Lake beneath the shadow of Machhapuchhre.
Day 8
Pokhara Sightseeing to Birethanti and Ulleri
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Pokhara Sightseeing to Birethanti and Ulleri
Meals: B / L / D
We visit Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Cave in the morning before driving to Birethanti to commence our walk. The trail climbs steadily up stone staircases through terraced fields to reach the village of Ulleri.
Day 9
Ulleri to Ghorepani
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Ulleri to Ghorepani
Meals: B / L / D
Our route continues upward through dense rhododendron and oak forests, crossing small streams before breaking out onto the ridgeline of Ghorepani. We check into our teahouse by mid-afternoon to prepare for the early morning summit.
Day 10
Ghorepani to Poon Hill and Ghandruk
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Ghorepani to Poon Hill and Ghandruk
Meals: B / L / D
We make a pre-dawn ascent to the 3210 m summit of Poon Hill to watch the sunrise light up Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna massif. After breakfast back in Ghorepani, we descend along stone paths through Tadapani to the Gurung village of Ghandruk.
Day 11
Ghandruk to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Ghandruk to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
We spend our final morning walking down through stone-paved lanes and farm terraces to the Modi Khola valley floor. A private vehicle meets our team at the roadhead to drive us back to Pokhara for a restful afternoon.
Day 12
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 12
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We board our private tourist vehicle for the return drive along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers back to the capital. The evening is spent relaxing or picking up final souvenirs in Thamel.
Day 13
Free Day in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 13
Free Day in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
This flexible day allows for independent exploration of Kathmandu's backstreets or additional visits to Swayambhunath Stupa. In the evening, our team hosts a traditional farewell dinner featuring local Nepali cuisine and folk performances.
Day 14
Final Departure
Meals: B
Day 14
Final Departure
Meals: B
Our driver picks you up from your hotel at the scheduled time and transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international flight home.
Inclusions
Whatβs included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in private vehicle
- Twin-share hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast
- All ground transport in private tourist bus or car as per itinerary
- Licensed English-speaking guide and porter support during the trek
- All meals during the trekking and Chitwan jungle safari portions
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS card
- Chitwan National Park entry fee and jungle activities
Not included
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee obtained on arrival at airport
- Travel insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation up to 4000 m
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Personal expenses such as hot showers, device charging, and bottled drinks
- Tips for guides, drivers, and porters
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
Our maximum altitude on this trip reaches 3210 m at Poon Hill, which limits the risk of acute mountain sickness. However, our guides monitor every participant closely during the uphill climbing sections in the Annapurna foothills.
Fitness expectations
The itinerary combines easy cultural sightseeing with several days of moderate mountain walking involving steep stone staircases. Regular cardiovascular training and hill walking practice prior to departure will ensure you enjoy the trek comfortably.
Accommodation on tour
We accommodate you in standard tourist-class hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan, featuring private rooms and attached bathrooms. On the Poon Hill trekking section, teahouses provide twin-share rooms with basic shared sanitation facilities.
Drinking water
Single-use plastic bottles are discouraged along the trail to protect local ecosystems. We advise carrying a reusable water bottle and utilizing iodine drops, purification tablets, or boiled water purchased at teahouses.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy hiking bootsEssential
Footwear
Must be broken in prior to arrival to prevent blisters on stone steps.
Woolen socksEssential
Footwear
Bring 4 pairs of merino wool socks.
Waterproof shell jacketEssential
Clothing
Required for protection against mountain rain or afternoon showers.
Fleece jacket or wool pulloverEssential
Clothing
Needed for chilly mornings and evenings at higher teahouse elevations.
Sleeping bag rated to -10Β°CEssential
Camping
Teahouse blankets can be thin during colder months at Ghorepani.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Camping
Pair with purification tablets to treat local sources.
High-altitude travel insurance policy documentEssential
Documents
Must explicitly cover emergency medical evacuation up to 4000 m.
Valid passport and passport-size photographsEssential
Documents
Required for park entry permits and hotel check-ins.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu β nothing for you to do.Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
PermitRequired for entering the Annapurna region trail network.
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card
PermitMandatory registration card for trekkers in Nepal.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum altitude reached on this trip?
The highest point on our itinerary is Poon Hill, standing at an altitude of 3210 m.
Is this trip suitable for children and seniors?
Yes, the tour combines gentle cultural sightseeing with moderate walking, making it accessible for family groups of varying ages when prepared for daily stair walking.
Do I need a visa to enter Nepal?
Most international visitors can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu by paying the standard fee.
How heavy should my day pack be while trekking?
You should carry only your daily essentials such as a waterproof shell, fleece, water, and camera gear in a 25 to 30-litre day pack. Our porters carry the main duffel bags.
Are vegetarian meals available on the trek?
Teahouses along the Poon Hill route routinely serve vegetarian options such as dal bhat, vegetable noodles, and potato dishes.
What kind of footwear do I need for the trek?
Sturdy, broken-in light hiking boots with good ankle support and reliable tread are essential for managing the stone staircases on the trail.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 14 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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