Ten Day Nepal Cultural and Wildlife Tour
- 10 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- January to May and September to December
We combine heritage valley sightseeing, Himalayan viewpoints, and a lowland jungle safari across ten days in Nepal.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our ten-day Nepal Explore Tour offers a comprehensive journey through the cultural heartlands, hill stations, and subtropical lowlands of the country. We have designed this itinerary for travellers seeking a deep dive into Nepalese history, religion, and wildlife without the physical demands of high-altitude mountain trekking.
We begin in the Kathmandu Valley, navigating UNESCO World Heritage sites including Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and the ancient durbar squares of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. From there, we travel into the Himalayan foothills to Nagarkot for panoramic vistas of peaks such as Langtang and Ganesh Himal, before descending to the Rapti River banks in Chitwan National Park for jungle safaris and canoe rides.
The route continues westward to Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, and finishes in Pokhara with views of the Annapurna massif and Machhapuchhre. Throughout the journey, our licensed guides provide context on local traditions, architecture, and natural history, ensuring a grounded and educational travel experience.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Nagarkot Sunrise
We watch the morning light hit the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges from the hill station of Nagarkot.
Kathmandu Heritage Sites
We explore ancient stupas, temples, and palace squares in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur.
Chitwan Jungle Safari
We take jeep safaris and canoe rides through Chitwan National Park to spot one-horned rhinos and deer.
Lumbini Pilgrimage
We visit the Maya Devi Temple and the Ashoka Pillar at the birthplace of Buddha in 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 and transfers you to your hotel. We hold a pre-trip briefing to discuss logistics, weather conditions, and answer any questions regarding the days ahead.
Day 2
Kathmandu to Nagarkot via Bhaktapur
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu to Nagarkot via Bhaktapur
Meals: B / L / D
After breakfast, we visit Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa. In the afternoon, we drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square to view the Nyatapola Temple and Palace of 55 Windows before continuing to Nagarkot for the night.
Day 3
Nagarkot to Kathmandu Sightseeing
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Nagarkot to Kathmandu Sightseeing
Meals: B / L / D
We rise early to watch the sunrise over the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges. Returning to Kathmandu, we tour Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath Stupa.
Day 4
Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park
Meals: B / L / D
We drive south towards the Rapti River plains of Chitwan. Upon arrival, we visit a local Tharu village, view the sunset by the river, and attend a traditional Tharu stick dance performance.
Day 5
Chitwan National Park Safari
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Chitwan National Park Safari
Meals: B / L / D
We spend the day exploring the park on a morning canoe ride along the Rapti River, followed by a four-hour jeep safari through the dense Sal forests to spot rhinos, deer, and birdlife.
Day 6
Chitwan to Lumbini
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Chitwan to Lumbini
Meals: B / L / D
We visit the Elephant Breeding Centre in the morning before driving west to Lumbini. In the afternoon, we enter the Sacred Garden to tour the Maya Devi Temple and the ancient Ashoka Pillar.
Day 7
Lumbini to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Lumbini to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
We drive through the hills via Tansen to reach Pokhara's Lakeside. The evening is free for a stroll along the shores of Fewa Lake.
Day 8
Pokhara and Sarangkot
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Pokhara and Sarangkot
Meals: B / L / D
We take an early drive to Sarangkot for sunrise views over the Annapurna massif and Machhapuchhre. Afterward, we visit local sites including Bindabasini Temple and Devi's Fall.
Day 9
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We make the return drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu, following the Trisuli and Marsyangdi river valleys through roadside hill settlements.
Day 10
Final Departure
Meals: B
Day 10
Final Departure
Meals: B
We transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international flight home or onward destination.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickups and drop-offs
- Twin-share hotel accommodation
- All breakfast daily and full board in Chitwan
- English-speaking licensed guide
- Private tourist vehicle transfers
- Chitwan National Park entry and safari fees
Not included
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel insurance covering medical evacuation
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lumbini
- Personal expenses and tips for guides and drivers
Before you go
Good to know
Physical Fitness
This is an easy tour requiring no previous trekking experience or high-altitude preparation. Daily activities involve moderate walking on uneven stone pavement and city streets.
Accommodation and Meals
We provide standard hotel accommodation on a twin-share basis throughout the tour. Breakfast is included daily, with lunches and dinners provided specifically during our stay in Chitwan National Park.
Transportation
All land transfers between cities, cultural sites, and national parks are conducted using private air-conditioned vehicles driven by experienced local drivers.
Cultural Etiquette
When visiting temples and religious shrines, we ask that you dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees. Please remove shoes before entering temples and monasteries.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
Footwear
Suitable for uneven stone paths in heritage sites.
Light cotton clothingEssential
Clothing
Best for warm lowland regions like Chitwan and Lumbini.
Fleece jacket or warm layerEssential
Clothing
Needed for cooler mornings in Nagarkot and Pokhara.
Sun hat and sunglassesEssential
Clothing
Essential protection against sun exposure during daytime tours.
Sunscreen and insect repellentEssential
Safety
Particularly useful during jungle activities in Chitwan.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Camping
To reduce single-use plastic waste on the road.
Passport and passport photosEssential
Documents
Required for hotel check-ins and permit registrations.
Universal travel adapter
Camping
For charging electronic devices at hotels.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, this itinerary involves no strenuous hiking or high altitudes, making it comfortable for travellers of all age groups.
What type of vehicles are used for transport?
We use private cars, jeeps, or tourist micro-buses depending on the group size for all inter-city travel.
Are park entry fees included for Chitwan?
Yes, all necessary national park fees, safari permits, and jungle guide charges are covered in our package.
What currency should I bring for personal expenses?
Nepalese Rupees (NPR) are required for minor purchases, meals not included, and tips. Major credit cards are widely accepted in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Do I need any vaccinations for Chitwan?
We recommend consulting your doctor regarding standard travel vaccinations and precautions for lowland regions.
How do I obtain a Nepal visa?
You can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu by paying the applicable fee in cash.
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 10 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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