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Highlights of Nepal

Medieval Bhaktapur - Rural, hill village Nepal - Chitwan Jungle Safari - Himalayan Views - The Kathmandu Valley

ALL MEALS 'ON TOUR' INCLUDED

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Duration

13 Days
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Accommodation

Hotels and Rural Inns
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Trip Overview

An off-the-beaten-track tour of Nepal, combined with the beaten track too.

A stimulating journey on this Highlights of Nepal Tour to experience the sheer variety and beauty of the country and its people. From the hustle and bustle of chaotic Kathmandu to the hidden secrets of mediaeval Bhaktapur and the contrast of the rurality of the Kathmandu Valley at Panauti and Namobuddha, it will soon become apparent that by and large Nepal is a country of small villages scattered amongst a mountainous landscape. Meet hill village Nepal, the delights of Nuwakot and the eagle's nest' town of Bandipur before enjoying some 'r&r' in Pokhara. Then everything changes, and you head to the Terai and Chitwan National Park. Here you'll meet the Tharu tribe as well as head into the jungle in search of tigers and other exotic wildlife in Chitwan before returning to Kathmandu for a final evening of traditional Nepali cuisine and culture. The ideal introduction to Nepal for the first-time visitor and 'culture vulture'. As we specialise in custom-made Nepal journeys, this itinerary can be readily personalised.

An off-the-beaten-track tour of Nepal, combined with the beaten track too.

  • A stimulating journey on this Highlights of Nepal Tour to experience the sheer variety and beauty of the country and its people. From the hustle and bustle of chaotic Kathmandu to the hidden secrets of mediaeval Bhaktapur and the contrast of the rurality of the Kathmandu Valley at Panauti and Namobuddha, it will soon become apparent that by and large Nepal is a country of small villages scattered amongst a mountainous landscape. Meet hill village Nepal, the delights of Nuwakot and the eagle's nest' town of Bandipur before enjoying some 'r&r' in Pokhara. Then everything changes, and you head to the Terai and Chitwan National Park. Here you'll meet the Tharu tribe as well as head into the jungle in search of tigers and other exotic wildlife in Chitwan before returning to Kathmandu for a final evening of traditional Nepali cuisine and culture. The ideal introduction to Nepal for the first-time visitor and 'culture vulture'. As we specialise in custom-made Nepal journeys, this itinerary can be readily personalised.

Example Itinerary

    • Day 1
      Arrive Kathmandu
    • Day 2
      Explore Kathmandu
    • Day 3
      Medieval Bhaktapur
    • Day 4
      Panauti, Namobuddha and the rural Kathmandu Valley
    • Day 5
      To hill village Nepal, Nuwakot
    • Day 6
      Nuwakot Exploration
    • Day 7
      To Bandipur
    • Day 8
      Ramkot Round Houses
    • Day 9
      To Pokhara
    • Day 10
      To Chitwan
    • Day 11
      Chitwan Jungle Safari
    • Day 12
      Overland to Kathmandu
    • Day 13
      Depart Nepal

  • DAY
    1

    Arrive Kathmandu

    Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the KGH Hotel in the central Thamel district of Kathmandu. After a pre-tour briefing, you can enjoy dinner tonight at one of the many, many choices in Thamel.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel, - Kathmandu
    Included Meals: None

    DAY 1

    Arrive Kathmandu

    Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the KGH Hotel in the central Thamel district of Kathmandu. After a pre-tour briefing, you can enjoy dinner tonight at one of the many, many choices in Thamel.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel, - Kathmandu
    Included Meals: None

    DAY
    2

    Explore Kathmandu

    After breakfast, a private vehicle (with driver and Kathmandu City Guide, of course) will enable you to undertake a Guided Tour of the principal sights of Kathmandu. You'll first visit the sacred Hindu site of Pashupatinath on the banks of the Bagmati River. Next, you'll head up to the Swayambunath hilltop above Kathmandu, the site of a Buddhist Stupa and Hindu monuments. Back into Kathmandu, and after a leisurely lunch, your guide will take you on a walking tour of Kathmandu, including a visit to the Durbar Square. In the late afternoon, you'll visit the massive Buddhist Stupa at Boudhha.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    DAY 2

    Explore Kathmandu

    After breakfast, a private vehicle (with driver and Kathmandu City Guide, of course) will enable you to undertake a Guided Tour of the principal sights of Kathmandu. You'll first visit the sacred Hindu site of Pashupatinath on the banks of the Bagmati River. Next, you'll head up to the Swayambunath hilltop above Kathmandu, the site of a Buddhist Stupa and Hindu monuments. Back into Kathmandu, and after a leisurely lunch, your guide will take you on a walking tour of Kathmandu, including a visit to the Durbar Square. In the late afternoon, you'll visit the massive Buddhist Stupa at Boudhha.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    DAY
    3

    Medieval Bhaktapur

    You'll be taken by private vehicle to the medieval city of Bhaktapur. The frenetic hoopla of Kathmandu is now behind you, as the old part of Bhaktapur is essentially a pedestrian area. As well as exploring the temples and squares of Bhaktapur, your Bhaktapur Guide will also take you on a backstreet exploration of Bhaktapur as part of your morning guided tour. You'll have all afternoon and evening to explore Bhaktapur more independently. By late afternoon, the day trippers have usually left Bhaktapur, and this is why you're staying here tonight, as that sense of having Bhaktapur life 'to yourself' and being able to wander around and observe Bhaktapur as it really is is more than worth it.

    Accommodation: Hotel Heritage Malla - Bhaktapur
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 3

    Medieval Bhaktapur

    You'll be taken by private vehicle to the medieval city of Bhaktapur. The frenetic hoopla of Kathmandu is now behind you, as the old part of Bhaktapur is essentially a pedestrian area. As well as exploring the temples and squares of Bhaktapur, your Bhaktapur Guide will also take you on a backstreet exploration of Bhaktapur as part of your morning guided tour. You'll have all afternoon and evening to explore Bhaktapur more independently. By late afternoon, the day trippers have usually left Bhaktapur, and this is why you're staying here tonight, as that sense of having Bhaktapur life 'to yourself' and being able to wander around and observe Bhaktapur as it really is is more than worth it.

    Accommodation: Hotel Heritage Malla - Bhaktapur
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    4

    Panauti, Namobuddha and the rural Kathmandu Valley

    You'll have a private vehicle and guide in order to explore the rural delights of the Kathmandu Valley. You'll visit the ancient Hindu temples at Panauti, as well as the sacred Buddhist location of Namobuddha. As this is an unhurried day, there'll be plenty of time to stop and take a walk into the terraced farmlands, orchards, and timeless villages of the Kathmandu Valley and to observe rural life before returning to Bhaktapur.

    Accommodation: Hotel Heritage Malla- Bhaktapur
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 4

    Panauti, Namobuddha and the rural Kathmandu Valley

    You'll have a private vehicle and guide in order to explore the rural delights of the Kathmandu Valley. You'll visit the ancient Hindu temples at Panauti, as well as the sacred Buddhist location of Namobuddha. As this is an unhurried day, there'll be plenty of time to stop and take a walk into the terraced farmlands, orchards, and timeless villages of the Kathmandu Valley and to observe rural life before returning to Bhaktapur.

    Accommodation: Hotel Heritage Malla- Bhaktapur
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    5

    To hill village Nepal, Nuwakot

    Leaving city life behind, you are now taken by private vehicle out of the Kathmandu Valley. The road reaches a 2000-metre pass, from where you have panoramic Himalayan views and will be able to see the village of Nuwakot perched on a hill in the distance beneath. Following the road down to the Trisuli River Valley floor, a single-track road leads up through pine forests and to the delightful, authentic village of Nuwakot. Located high above the Trisuli Valley, you'll stay at the delightful Famous Farm here in Nuwakot. A converted Newari Manor House that retains many original features as well as being a most pleasant place to stay. Relax in the gardens here, enjoy the views, and enjoy the afternoon warmth. Perhaps in the evening after dinner, enjoy a refreshing cold beer by the open-air fire.

    Accommodation: The Famous Farm - Nuwakot
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 5

    To hill village Nepal, Nuwakot

    Leaving city life behind, you are now taken by private vehicle out of the Kathmandu Valley. The road reaches a 2000-metre pass, from where you have panoramic Himalayan views and will be able to see the village of Nuwakot perched on a hill in the distance beneath. Following the road down to the Trisuli River Valley floor, a single-track road leads up through pine forests and to the delightful, authentic village of Nuwakot. Located high above the Trisuli Valley, you'll stay at the delightful Famous Farm here in Nuwakot. A converted Newari Manor House that retains many original features as well as being a most pleasant place to stay. Relax in the gardens here, enjoy the views, and enjoy the afternoon warmth. Perhaps in the evening after dinner, enjoy a refreshing cold beer by the open-air fire.

    Accommodation: The Famous Farm - Nuwakot
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    6

    Nuwakot Exploration

    You really can't leave Nuwakot in a hurry. Here you'll find the real, rural Nepal in what is, by and large, a village untainted by tourism. In the morning, a member of our team at The Famous Farm will take you on a pleasant morning familiarisation walking tour of the Nuwakot area. Along the way, you'll pass tiny homesteads and head up to a viewpoint before dropping down to the bazaar area. No rush; this is very much an unhurried, slow-paced on-foot exploration. After lunch in the gardens of the Famous Farm, you can head out independently into what is now familiar territory to discover more of the delights of Nuwakot. The local people are very friendly, and perhaps it is the chance encounters with people you meet that leave the most indelible of memories.

    Accommodation: The Famous Farm, Nuwakot
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 6

    Nuwakot Exploration

    You really can't leave Nuwakot in a hurry. Here you'll find the real, rural Nepal in what is, by and large, a village untainted by tourism. In the morning, a member of our team at The Famous Farm will take you on a pleasant morning familiarisation walking tour of the Nuwakot area. Along the way, you'll pass tiny homesteads and head up to a viewpoint before dropping down to the bazaar area. No rush; this is very much an unhurried, slow-paced on-foot exploration. After lunch in the gardens of the Famous Farm, you can head out independently into what is now familiar territory to discover more of the delights of Nuwakot. The local people are very friendly, and perhaps it is the chance encounters with people you meet that leave the most indelible of memories.

    Accommodation: The Famous Farm, Nuwakot
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    7

    To Bandipur

    Moving on, you travel by private vehicle along the Trisuli River Valley and join the main highway before making a left turn to head up once more. The road climbs almost 1000m from the valley floor to the charming, small mountain town of Bandipur. A seemingly 'eagle's nest' location looking over to the Himalayan peaks of the Annapurna and Manaslu massifs.

    Accommodation: The Old Inn - Bandipur
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 7

    To Bandipur

    Moving on, you travel by private vehicle along the Trisuli River Valley and join the main highway before making a left turn to head up once more. The road climbs almost 1000m from the valley floor to the charming, small mountain town of Bandipur. A seemingly 'eagle's nest' location looking over to the Himalayan peaks of the Annapurna and Manaslu massifs.

    Accommodation: The Old Inn - Bandipur
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    8

    Ramkot Round Houses

    It's time to give the legs a good stretch. The traditional 'round house' style of village home has all but disappeared from Nepal, but a stiff hike up to the village of Ramkot will afford you the opportunity to take a glimpse at the 'Nepal that was'. A member of our team at The Old Inn will accompany you. The walk up to Ramkot takes around 2–3 hours, and it takes about 2 hours to descend back to Bandipur. Enjoy a picnic lunch in Ramkot and explore at your leisure. This suggested day hike isn't compulsory, of course! It's simply a suggestion to incorporate into your custom tour and can be changed to "something else" if you prefer.

    Accommodation: The Old Inn, Bandipur
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 8

    Ramkot Round Houses

    It's time to give the legs a good stretch. The traditional 'round house' style of village home has all but disappeared from Nepal, but a stiff hike up to the village of Ramkot will afford you the opportunity to take a glimpse at the 'Nepal that was'. A member of our team at The Old Inn will accompany you. The walk up to Ramkot takes around 2–3 hours, and it takes about 2 hours to descend back to Bandipur. Enjoy a picnic lunch in Ramkot and explore at your leisure. This suggested day hike isn't compulsory, of course! It's simply a suggestion to incorporate into your custom tour and can be changed to "something else" if you prefer.

    Accommodation: The Old Inn, Bandipur
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    9

    To Pokhara

    Back to the valley floor and onto the main highway to Nepal's premier tourist resort, Pokhara. Spend the afternoon at your leisure in one of the many relaxing lakeside cafes, or take a boat out on the lake. Take your evening meal at one of the many restaurants in Pokhara.

    Accommodation: Hotel Karuna - Pokhara
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY 9

    To Pokhara

    Back to the valley floor and onto the main highway to Nepal's premier tourist resort, Pokhara. Spend the afternoon at your leisure in one of the many relaxing lakeside cafes, or take a boat out on the lake. Take your evening meal at one of the many restaurants in Pokhara.

    Accommodation: Hotel Karuna - Pokhara
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY
    10

    To Chitwan

    Down in the Terai region of Nepal, it's all very different. Landscape and people alike. So, leaving the Himalayan foothills behind, you head down to the 'bread basket' and jungle region of Nepal and to Chitwan. In the early afternoon, you'll enjoy a game drive with a wildlife guide arranged and provided by Into The Wild.

    Accommodation: Into The Wild Resort - Chitwan
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 10

    To Chitwan

    Down in the Terai region of Nepal, it's all very different. Landscape and people alike. So, leaving the Himalayan foothills behind, you head down to the 'bread basket' and jungle region of Nepal and to Chitwan. In the early afternoon, you'll enjoy a game drive with a wildlife guide arranged and provided by Into The Wild.

    Accommodation: Into The Wild Resort - Chitwan
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    11

    Chitwan Jungle Safari

    A day of jungle activities and guided wildlife watching in Chitwan, deep into the jungle Chitwan is of course famous for its healthy (but rarely seen) population of 120+ Bengal Tigers, as well as One Horned Rhinoceros, a dazzling array of birdlife, and other exotic animals too. Your hosts at Into The Wild will once again provide wildlife viewing along with a wildlife guide.

    Accommodation: Into The Wild Resort, Chitwan
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 11

    Chitwan Jungle Safari

    A day of jungle activities and guided wildlife watching in Chitwan, deep into the jungle Chitwan is of course famous for its healthy (but rarely seen) population of 120+ Bengal Tigers, as well as One Horned Rhinoceros, a dazzling array of birdlife, and other exotic animals too. Your hosts at Into The Wild will once again provide wildlife viewing along with a wildlife guide.

    Accommodation: Into The Wild Resort, Chitwan
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    12

    Overland to Kathmandu

    In the morning, a private vehicle will take you overland and back to Kathmandu. It's around a 6-hour journey, so you should arrive back in Kathmandu late in the afternoon, with plenty of time for some last-minute shopping.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY 12

    Overland to Kathmandu

    In the morning, a private vehicle will take you overland and back to Kathmandu. It's around a 6-hour journey, so you should arrive back in Kathmandu late in the afternoon, with plenty of time for some last-minute shopping.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY
    13

    Depart Nepal

    A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made

    DAY 13

    Depart Nepal

    A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made

    IMPORTANT

    This is an EXAMPLE ITINERARY and can be customised for you accordingly.

    Please consider whether you want your customisable, private trip itinerary to also include CONTINGENCY.

    See our ABOUT CONTINGENCY Information

    Please CONTACT US to discuss CONTINGENCY and ADDITIONAL ACCLIMATISATION, as well as other CUSTOMISATION POSSIBILITES for your PRIVATE CUSTOM TREK

Price Guide

Price based on a private party of 4 persons, twin share rooms, low season.
  • $ US 1155

IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT OUR PRICE GUIDES

What's included

The price shown is for guideline purposes only. The price is inclusive of all accommodation described in the detailed itinerary, all airport and land transfers, private overland travel as indicated in the itinerary, meals as indicated in the itinerary (most meals), permits, and National Park Fee's and Guides as indicated in the detailed itinerary.

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Nepal is home to a beautiful and varied landscape, a wealth of cultural sights, and a diverse people. Here’s everything you need to know, from the capital of Nepal to visa rules.
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Snow Cat Travel is the brand name of and trading as Rural Heritage Journeys PVT LTD of Nepal with a Head Office in Kathmandu. Our parent company Rural Heritage Nepal owns and operates select boutique, heritage hotels in Nepal such as the Famous Farm at Nuwakot and the Old Inn at Bandipur.
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