Kathmandu and Chitwan Cultural Wildlife Tour
- 7 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- All Round Year
We guide you from the historic palaces of the Kathmandu Valley to the lowland jungles of Chitwan National Park over 7 days.
At a glance
Trip overview
We have designed this 7-day journey to combine the architectural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley with the subtropical wildlife of the Terai plains. Starting in the capital at 1400m, our team introduces you to ancient Newar plazas, sacred Hindu and Buddhist shrines, and the panoramic hill station of Nagarkot. We ensure a balanced pace that transitions smoothly from urban exploration to rural immersion.
The second half of our itinerary takes us south by tourist bus to Chitwan National Park. Here, our local naturalists lead us through riverine forests and tall grasslands where one-horned rhinoceroses, wild boars, and various deer species find sanctuary. We also spend time interacting with the indigenous Tharu community, learning about their traditions and sustainable village life adjacent to the conservation area.
This tour suits travelers who want to experience Nepal's distinct geographical and cultural contrasts without high-altitude exertion. Our logistics cover all ground transportation, guided sightseeing, and park permits, allowing you to focus entirely on the landscapes, wildlife, and historical context we encounter along the way.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
UNESCO Heritage Sites
We explore the ancient courtyards and intricate wood carvings of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares.
Nagarkot Panorama
We watch the sunrise over the distant Himalayan ranges, including views toward Everest, from the ridge at Nagarkot.
Chitwan Jungle Safari
Our team leads jeep and elephant-back safaris through the protected Sal forests and grasslands of Chitwan National Park.
Tharu Culture
We visit indigenous Tharu villages in the buffer zone to understand local customs and traditional architecture.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Kathmandu Arrival and Briefing
Meals: B
Day 1
Kathmandu Arrival and Briefing
Meals: B
Our representatives meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport upon your arrival and transfer you to our partner hotel in Kathmandu. Later in the evening, we gather for a welcome dinner where our lead guide outlines the schedule for the coming days.
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour
Meals: B / L / D
Today we take you through the historic heart of the capital, visiting the sacred Hindu cremation site at Pashupatinath Temple and the massive Buddhist stupa at Bouddhanath. We also ascend to Swayambhunath to view the city spread across the valley floor.
Day 3
Bhaktapur and Patan Exploration
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Bhaktapur and Patan Exploration
Meals: B / L / D
After breakfast, our private vehicle transports us to the medieval brick-paved lanes of Bhaktapur Durbar Square. In the afternoon, we continue to Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur to examine ancient metalwork, stone pillars, and the courtyard of the living goddess Kumari.
Day 4
Drive from Kathmandu to Chitwan
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Drive from Kathmandu to Chitwan
Meals: B / L / D
We board an air-conditioned tourist bus in the morning for the 7-hour drive south along the Trishuli River highway. As the road descends from the middle hills into the flat Terai plains, the subtropical climate becomes immediately noticeable.
Day 5
Full Day Chitwan National Park Safari
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Full Day Chitwan National Park Safari
Meals: B / L / D
Our day begins early with a guided jungle excursion inside Chitwan National Park. We travel by jeep and foot through riverine habitats, keeping watch for one-horned rhinoceroses, sloth bears, and migratory water birds along the Rapti River.
Day 6
Drive Back to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Drive Back to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Following a morning walk through the Tharu buffer zone villages, we board our return tourist bus for the journey back up to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, we check back into our hotel and enjoy a quiet evening at leisure.
Day 7
Final Departure
Meals: B
Day 7
Final Departure
Meals: B
Our private vehicle picks you up from the hotel according to your flight schedule and transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pick up and drop off by private vehicle
- 3 night hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- 2 night 3 days full program in Chitwan including meals and activities
- All ground transportation by AC tourist bus
- Full sightseeing tour around Kathmandu Valley and Bhaktapur with guide
Not included
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Travel insurance covering medical evacuation
- Meals and drinks in the cities except breakfast
- Monument and temple entrance fees
- Tips for guides and drivers
Before you go
Good to know
Physical Demands
This tour involves easy walking on flat terrain in Chitwan and stone-paved surfaces in the Kathmandu Valley. No previous trekking experience or high-altitude fitness is required for this itinerary.
Weather and Clothing
Kathmandu sits at 1400m and can be cool in the mornings and evenings, while Chitwan in the southern plains is warm and humid year-round. We recommend packing lightweight clothing for the Terai alongside a fleece or jacket for the hills.
Cultural Etiquette
When visiting temples and religious shrines in the Kathmandu Valley, we ask our guests to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and to remove footwear where requested.
Health and Safety
Chitwan is a lowland jungle region where insect repellent and malaria precautions are advisable during the warmer months. Our guides carry basic first aid kits throughout the journey.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Lightweight walking shoesEssential
Footwear
Comfortable footwear for city walking and jungle paths.
Sun hat and sunglassesEssential
Clothing
Essential for protection against strong sunlight in the Terai plains.
Insect repellentEssential
Safety
Necessary for evening walks and jungle activities in Chitwan.
Light fleece or jacketEssential
Clothing
Useful for cooler mornings and evenings in Kathmandu.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Camping
To stay hydrated during bus journeys and walks.
Passport and visa documentsEssential
Documents
Required for hotel check-ins and park entries.
Personal toiletriesEssential
Clothing
Including sunscreen and lip balm.
DaypackEssential
Camping
For carrying water, camera, and rain gear during daily excursions.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is this tour physically demanding?
No, this is classified as an easy cultural and wildlife tour with minimal physical exertion, suitable for travelers of all ages.
What kind of accommodation is provided?
We provide standard tourist-class hotels in Kathmandu and comfortable jungle lodges or resorts during your stay in Chitwan.
Are meals included during the tour?
Breakfast is included during your stay in Kathmandu. All meals are fully included during your 3-day program in Chitwan.
What wildlife can we expect to see in Chitwan?
Chitwan National Park is home to greater one-horned rhinoceroses, spotted deer, wild boars, rhesus monkeys, and over 500 species of birds.
Do we need any special permits for this trip?
National park entry fees for Chitwan and monument entrance permits apply, which our team coordinates as part of the operational logistics.
How do we travel between Kathmandu and Chitwan?
We travel by comfortable air-conditioned tourist bus along the Prithvi Highway, a road journey of approximately 7 hours each way.
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 7 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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