Glimpses of Nepal Heritage and Wildlife Tour
- 8 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- January to May & September to December
We combine the cultural heritage of Kathmandu, mountain panoramas from Sarangkot, the peace of Lumbini, and jungle safaris in Chitwan in an 8-day itinerary.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our eight-day Glimpse of Nepal tour is designed for travellers who want a comprehensive look at the country's diverse landscapes and traditions within a limited timeframe. We bring together ancient royal squares, major pilgrimage sites, Himalayan viewpoints, and lowland wildlife reserves into a single continuous route.
We begin in the capital valley, exploring foundational heritage sites in Kathmandu before driving west toward the lakeside city of Pokhara. From the ridge of Sarangkot, our team leads you to view the early morning light over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. Continuing south and west, our route passes through terraced hillsides and river valleys to reach Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama.
The final leg of our journey takes us into the subtropical flatlands of Chitwan National Park. Here, our local naturalists guide you through river canoeing and jeep safaris to observe indigenous flora and fauna along the Rapti River before we return by road to Kathmandu.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
We explore historic architecture and active religious shrines at Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath.
Sarangkot Sunrise Panorama
We watch the morning light illuminate the Annapurna massif and Dhaulagiri range from the ridge above Pokhara.
Birthplace of Lord Buddha
We visit the Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, and sacred garden complex in Lumbini.
Chitwan National Park Safari
We track wildlife on jeep safaris and canoe down the Rapti River to observe crocodiles, rhinos, and numerous bird species.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our representative greets you upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. Later in the day, we conduct a trip briefing to review route logistics and safety measures before you have free time to walk around Thamel.
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Heritage Tour
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Heritage Tour
Meals: B / L / D
Our expert guide leads a full-day city tour starting around 10 in the morning. We visit Pashupatinath Temple on the Bagmati River, the massive stupa of Boudhanath, Swayambhunath Stupa, and the historic courtyards of Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Day 3
Kathmandu to Pokhara Drive
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Kathmandu to Pokhara Drive
Meals: B / L / D
After an early breakfast, we board our private vehicle for the 200 km drive to Pokhara. Following the Prithvi Highway along the Trishuli River, we pass terraced farmlands and roadside settlements, arriving by evening.
Day 4
Sarangkot Sunrise & Pokhara Sightseeing
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Sarangkot Sunrise & Pokhara Sightseeing
Meals: B / L / D
We take an early morning drive up to Sarangkot to catch the sunrise over the Annapurna massif and Machhapuchhre. Returning to Pokhara, we spend the afternoon visiting Devi's Falls, Gupteswor Cave, and Bindabasini Temple.
Day 5
Pokhara to Lumbini Drive
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Pokhara to Lumbini Drive
Meals: B / L / D
We set out on a 125 km drive southward toward the Terai plains, reaching Lumbini in five to six hours. Upon arrival, we visit the sacred Maya Devi Temple, the Ashoka Pillar, and the Pushkarini pond.
Day 6
Lumbini to Chitwan National Park
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Lumbini to Chitwan National Park
Meals: B / L / D
Our journey continues eastward to Chitwan over a 165 km route. After checking into our jungle lodge, we take a traditional wooden canoe ride on the Rapti River followed by an afternoon jeep safari through the park's dense sal forests.
Day 7
Chitwan Bird Watching & Drive to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Chitwan Bird Watching & Drive to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We head out for an early morning bird-watching walk in the buffer zone, where we may spot kingfishers, storks, and eagles. Following breakfast, we drive 180 km back to Kathmandu and gather for a traditional farewell dinner.
Day 8
Final Departure
Meals: B
Day 8
Final Departure
Meals: B
Our team provides a private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours prior to your scheduled international flight home.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in private vehicle
- 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lumbini with breakfast
- 3-star jungle resort in Chitwan with full-board meals
- All ground transportation by private vehicle
- Guided sightseeing tours and monument entry fees
- Jungle safari and canoe ride in Chitwan National Park
- Traditional farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- Government taxes and official service charges
Not included
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lumbini
- Tips for tour guides and drivers
- Travel insurance covering medical evacuation
Before you go
Good to know
Physical Fitness
This tour is categorized as easy and involves short walks through city streets, heritage monuments, and gentle jungle terrain. No technical mountaineering experience or high-altitude fitness is required.
Accommodation Standard
We accommodate you in three-star hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lumbini on a bed-and-breakfast basis. In Chitwan National Park, accommodation includes full-board meals to support our daily jungle activities.
Cultural Etiquette
When visiting temples, monasteries, and shrines in Kathmandu and Lumbini, we advise dressing modestly with shoulders and knees covered. Always walk clockwise around Buddhist stupas and mani walls.
Transportation
All ground travel between cities and sights is conducted in private air-conditioned vehicles driven by our experienced, licensed local drivers.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
Footwear
Required for uneven stone steps at heritage sites.
Lightweight clothingEssential
Clothing
Breathable fabrics suitable for warm Terai and valley conditions.
Sun hat and sunglassesEssential
Clothing
Protection against strong sunlight during daytime tours.
Sunscreen and insect repellentEssential
Safety
Essential particularly during jungle activities in Chitwan.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Camping
To reduce single-use plastic waste on the road.
Passport and visa copiesEssential
Documents
Required for hotel check-ins and park entries.
DaypackEssential
Camping
For carrying water, cameras, and layers during daily excursions.
Light fleece or jacketEssential
Clothing
Useful for chilly mornings at Sarangkot.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What kind of vehicle is used for long-distance drives?
We provide comfortable private cars, vans, or tourist buses depending on your group size for all inter-city transfers.
Are meals included throughout the entire tour?
Breakfast is included at hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lumbini. In Chitwan, all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are fully covered during your stay.
Can I customize the itinerary destinations?
Yes, our team can adjust the schedule or add extra days based on your personal travel preferences.
What wildlife can we expect to see in Chitwan?
During jeep safaris and walks, visitors frequently spot one-horned rhinoceros, spotted deer, wild boars, and various bird species, with occasional sightings of Bengal tigers.
Is travel insurance required for this trip?
While not legally mandatory for city tours, we strongly recommend holding comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical care and emergency evacuation.
Do I need any special permits for this tour?
No restricted area permits or trekking information management systems (TIMS) cards are required for this cultural tour route.
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 8 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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