Nepal Luxury Escape Cultural and Heli Tour
- 9 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- March to May and September to November.
We invite you to experience Nepal through a curated journey combining luxury hotels, historic monuments, and an Everest helicopter flight.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our nine-day luxury escape provides a balanced exploration of Nepal's cultural heritage, lowland wildlife, and Himalayan heights. Designed for travelers who appreciate high standards of comfort without sacrificing authentic regional encounters, we pair stays at premier four and five-star properties with private transport and expert local guides. From the ancient capitals of the Kathmandu Valley to the subtropical plains of Chitwan National Park, every stage of the itinerary is structured for steady pacing and deep discovery.
The route moves deliberately from the Hindu and Buddhist shrines of Kathmandu to a high-altitude helicopter flight over the Khumbu Valley, landing briefly at Kalapatthar (5346 m) for direct views of Mount Everest. We then descend to the Terai lowlands for jungle safaris at Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge in Chitwan, before journeying west to the sacred birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini. The tour concludes along the lake shores of Pokhara and a sunrise viewpoint at Sarangkot (1592 m) overlooking the Annapurna range.
Logistics are managed entirely by our team, including private ground transfers, domestic road travel, and permits. While the physical demands are minimal compared to our high-altitude trekking itineraries, the combination of travel distances and altitude shifts—from 150 m in Lumbini to over 5300 m during the morning helicopter excursion—requires mindful hydration and preparation.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Everest Heli Flight
We fly by private helicopter over the Khumbu Valley, landing at Kalapatthar (5346 m) with breakfast views at Kwande.
Kathmandu World Heritage
Our guides lead private tours through Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Chitwan Jungle Safari
We explore Chitwan National Park from Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge with 4WD jeeps, river safaris, and guided bird watching.
Birthplace in Lumbini
We visit the Maya Devi Temple and the Ashoka Pillar to study the early history and archaeology of Buddhism.
Pokhara Lakes & Sarangkot
We watch sunrise over Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre from Sarangkot (1592 m) and cruise across Phewa Lake.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our representative meets our guests at Tribhuvan International Airport (1335 m) holding a Himalaya Treks signboard. We transfer by private vehicle to our hotel in Kathmandu for check-in and an evening briefing over dinner.
Day 2
Everest Heli Tour to Kalapatthar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Everest Heli Tour to Kalapatthar
Meals: B / L / D
An early morning departure takes us on a private helicopter flight toward the Khumbu region. We fly over Everest Base Camp, land briefly at Kalapatthar (5346 m) for mountain photographs, and stop at Kwande for breakfast with views of Mount Everest before returning to Kathmandu.
Day 3
Kathmandu Valley Cultural Sites
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Kathmandu Valley Cultural Sites
Meals: B / L / D
Our lead guide conducts a full-day exploration of Kathmandu's historical landmarks. We walk through the courtyards of Kathmandu Durbar Square, observe cremation rituals at Pashupatinath Temple, walk the massive mandala base of Boudhanath Stupa, and view the city from Swayambhunath.
Day 4
Drive to Chitwan National Park
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Drive to Chitwan National Park
Meals: B / L / D
We depart Kathmandu by private 4WD vehicle on a 175 km drive descending through the middle hills toward the Terai plains. We check into Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge (415 m) by late afternoon in time for initial lodge briefings.
Day 5
Wildlife Activities in Chitwan
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Wildlife Activities in Chitwan
Meals: B / L / D
Our day at Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge is dedicated to wildlife observation. We embark on a 4WD jungle safari with local naturalists, take a river safari by wooden boat, and spend time identifying resident and migratory bird species along the riverbanks.
Day 6
Drive to Lumbini
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Drive to Lumbini
Meals: B / L / D
We travel west across the Terai highway for 185 km to Lumbini (150 m), the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Our afternoon includes walking the sacred garden grounds to examine the Maya Devi Temple and the ancient Ashoka Pillar.
Day 7
Drive to Pokhara via Palpa
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Drive to Pokhara via Palpa
Meals: B / L / D
We take a 200 km scenic road journey through the hills and valleys via Palpa to reach Pokhara (825 m). En route and upon arrival, we visit Gupteshwor Cave, the Seti River Gorge, Davis Falls, Bindabasini Temple, and take an evening boat ride on Phewa Lake.
Day 8
Sarangkot Sunrise and Return to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Sarangkot Sunrise and Return to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We drive before dawn to Sarangkot (1592 m) to watch the sun rise over Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna II, and Machhapuchhre. Following breakfast at the hotel, we drive 200 km back to Kathmandu for a farewell dinner at Krishnaarpan Restaurant.
Day 9
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 9
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our team provides a private transfer from the hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport (1335 m) three hours prior to our scheduled international flight.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off by private vehicle
- Four and five-star hotel accommodations throughout the tour
- Full board meals during stays in Kathmandu, Chitwan, Lumbini, and Pokhara
- Private helicopter flight to the Everest region including Kalapatthar landing
- Guided sightseeing tours with monument entrance fees included
- All ground transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
- Chitwan National Park safari activities and naturalist guides
- Government taxes and operational service charges
Not included
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee obtained upon arrival
- Alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks
- Personal travel insurance covering high-altitude helicopter evacuation
- Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude considerations
Although most of the tour remains below 1500 m, Day 2 includes a helicopter flight reaching 5346 m at Kalapatthar. We advise moderate hydration and slow movement during the brief landing to minimize acute mountain sickness symptoms.
Accommodations and transport
We accommodate our guests in four and five-star hotels in Kathmandu, Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge in Chitwan, and five-star properties in Lumbini and Pokhara. All ground movements are conducted using private vehicles with experienced drivers.
Clothing and footwear
Layering is necessary due to the climatic shift between the warm Terai plains (Chitwan/Lumbini) and the cold morning air during the Everest helicopter flight. Comfortable walking shoes are required for uneven stone surfaces at heritage sites.
Booking and permits
All necessary conservation area entry fees, national park permits, and local taxes are arranged directly by our office as part of the package inclusions.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy walking shoesEssential
Footwear
Required for uneven stone pavements at UNESCO heritage sites.
Down jacket or windproof shellEssential
Clothing
Necessary for cold temperatures during the morning Everest helicopter landing.
Lightweight cotton clothingEssential
Clothing
Suitable for warm subtropical conditions in Chitwan and Lumbini.
UV sunglasses and sun hatEssential
Clothing
Essential protection against strong glare at high altitudes and the Terai plains.
Valid passport and insurance documentsEssential
Documents
Required for hotel check-ins and emergency medical coverage proof.
DaypackEssential
Clothing
For carrying water, cameras, and extra layers during daily excursions.
Personal toiletries and sunscreenEssential
Clothing
High SPF sunscreen is recommended for high altitude and safari days.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Clothing
To maintain daily hydration levels.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum altitude reached on this tour?
The highest elevation is 5346 m at Kalapatthar during the Everest region helicopter excursion on Day 2.
What kind of accommodation is provided?
We book four and five-star hotels in Kathmandu, Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge in Chitwan, and five-star properties in Lumbini and Pokhara.
Are park entrance fees and monument charges included?
Yes, all required conservation fees, national park entry permits, and heritage site admission tickets are covered.
How do we travel between cities?
All intercity travel is conducted in private vehicles with professional drivers, supplemented by a private helicopter for the Everest flight.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency helicopter evacuation up to 5500 m is mandatory.
What meals are included during the tour?
Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are provided throughout the itinerary stays in each region.
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 9 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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