Best of Nepal with Lumbini

Day 01 – Arrive in Kathmandu (4,430 ft): Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you will be briefed about the program. If time permits, you may step outside the hotel to explore the surrounding area. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Meal: Dinner                                                                                                         
Accommodation: At a selected 5-star hotel 

Day 02 – Sightseeing in Kathmandu: After a leisurely breakfast, take a short drive to Swayambhunath, a sacred Buddhist stupa perched on a hillock overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. Well known as the ‘Monkey Temple’ because of the many monkeys inhabiting the site, Swayambhunath, crowned by its golden spire, is the most ancient and mystical of all the holy shrines in the Kathmandu Valley.

Then visit Patan (Lalitpur) – the oldest city in the valley. Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its medieval palace, intricate wood and stone carvings, pagoda-style temples, and golden statues. The Patan Museum, housed inside the former royal palace, is small but considered one of the finest museums in Nepal, showcasing Nepal’s Hindu and Buddhist art in a beautifully restored setting.

Note: Today, you have the option to take an “Everest flight” to witness Mt. Everest along with other majestic Himalayan peaks. The flight lasts approximately 50 minutes and operates in the early morning. Please let us know in advance if you are interested.

Meal: Breakfast                                                                                                     
Accommodation: At a selected 5-star hotel 

Day 03 – Fly to Pokhara (2790 ft): After breakfast, transfer to the domestic airport for a short scenic flight to Pokhara. Nestled beneath the Himalayas, Pokhara is a serene city renowned for its natural beauty, the tranquil waters of Fewa Lake, and stunning mountain views. After hotel check-in, enjoy a boating trip on Fewa Lake and visit the International Mountain Museum. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll around the colorful Pokhara Lakeside at your own pace.

Meal: Breakfast                                                                                                   
Accommodation: At a selected 4-star hotel 

Day 4 - Trek to Astamkot (4900 ft), 3 ½ hours’ hike: Your day begins with a short 25-minute drive to Milanchok (2,800 ft). From here, the hike begins with a gradual uphill climb through the forest, offering beautiful views across the Mardi River. Today’s walk is entirely uphill through the forest and takes about 3½ hours. Upon reaching Astamkot, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of Pokhara and the Mardi valleys, set against the majestic backdrop of the Himalayas. This is also one of the most spectacular spots to witness both sunrise and sunset over the mountains. After lunch, enjoy a stroll through the village to gain insight into the rural way of life, where generations of families have lived in these mid-hills.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch, dinner                                               
Accommodation: At a selected local lodge

Day 5 - Trek to Dhampus (5580 ft), 4 hours’ hike: Today’s Walk to Dhampus is a delightful journey, unfolding breathtaking views of the Himalayas on one side and sweeping valleys on the other. The trail begins with a climb up a stone staircase for about 1½ hours before continuing at a moderate pace for around 4 hours. Upon arrival, you’ll find yourself in Dhampus, a charming Gurung village perched on a ridge and adorned with traditional stone houses. After lunch, wander through the village to experience its timeless rural charm.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch, dinner                                                                                         
Accommodation: At a selected local lodge

Day 6 - Trek to Ghatte Khola (1000 ft) / drive to Pokhara, 2 hours’ hike, 30 minutes’ drive: After a relaxed breakfast, the trail winds downhill through lush forests and terraced fields, reaching the valley floor of Ghatte Khola (3,300 ft). A scenic 30-minute drive then brings you to Pokhara. Once checked into your hotel and refreshed, the rest of the day is yours – whether you choose to unwind or stroll around the vibrant Lakeside district, famous for its colorful shops, cozy cafes, and bars with stunning views over Phewa Lake.

Meal: Breakfast                                                                                                   
Accommodation: At a selected 4-star hotel 

Day 7 - Drive to Lumbini: After breakfast, set off on a scenic 4-hour drive along winding mountain roads, offering unsurpassed views of hills and valleys. Your journey first takes you to Tansen, a picturesque hill town renowned for its cultural heritage and timeless traditions. Enjoy lunch here and take a short stroll through its charming streets.

From here, the journey continues downhill into the fertile plains of the Tarai, Nepal’s agricultural heartland. After another 2-hour drive, arrive at Lumbini, the serene and sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha, where peace and spirituality await.

Meal: Breakfast                                                                                     
Accommodation: At a selected 4-star hotel 

Day 8 – In Lumbini: Surrounded by lush gardens, ponds, light forests, wetlands and rivers lies the Sacred Garden of Lumbini. Located in the Nepalese Terai and bordering India, Lumbini is a place with a significant past and splendid future. Spend a day exploring the Ashoka Pillar and Mayadevi Temple (the exact place where the Buddha was born), monastic zones with temples belongs to different countries of the world, World Peace Pagoda and Crane Sanctuary in the sacred Lumbini garden.

Meal: Breakfast                                                                 
Accommodation: At a selected 4-star hotel 

Day 9 - Drive to Chitwan National Park (350 ft), 4 ½ hours’ drive: Depart for Chitwan National Park on a scenic 4½-hour drive through the flat, fertile plains of Nepal’s southern Tarai region. You will spend two nights at a jungle resort near the park’s border. Over these two days, you will enjoy a variety of jungle activities such as a safari, boat ride, jungle walk, bird watching, a traditional Tharu cultural dance program, and a visit to a Tharu village. Most activities will be conducted in groups.

Chitwan National Park, established in 1973, is Nepal’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It protects a unique ecosystem and diverse wildlife, including the Bengal tiger and the endangered one-horned Asiatic rhinoceros.

Note: During the monsoon and post-monsoon season (mid-June to early October), jeep safaris are not permitted by park authorities due to muddy and slippery roads. While the jeep safari usually resumes in early October, the exact timing depends on road conditions. Alternate activities will be arranged if the jeep safari remains closed.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch, dinner                                       
Accommodation: At a selected 4-star jungle resort 

Day 10 - In Chitwan: Jungle Activities

Meal: Breakfast, lunch, dinner                                                 
Accommodation: At a selected 4-star jungle resort 

Day 11 - Fly to Kathmandu: After a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred to Bharatpur Airport for your flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be transferred you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours – whether you choose to unwind or stroll around Kathmandu’s vibrant local markets.

Meal: Breakfast                                                                     
Accommodation: At a selected 5-star hotel 

Day 12: Sightseeing in Kathmandu: Begin with a visit to the ancient city of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often regarded as the cultural capital of Nepal for its well-preserved traditions and heritage. The square is one of the most captivating architectural showpieces of the Kathmandu Valley, showcasing some of the finest examples of medieval Nepali art and craftsmanship.

Continue to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and an important center of Tibetan culture in Nepal. Explore the surrounding monasteries and a traditional thangka painting school to gain deeper insight into Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and way of life. 

Before returning to your hotel, visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most revered Hindu temple. Here, you can witness the sacred cremation rituals along the banks of the holy Bagmati River and experience the spiritual atmosphere of one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country. The temple complex is rich in architecture, sculptures, and vibrant religious traditions, offering a profound glimpse into Nepali culture and spirituality.

Meal: Breakfast                                                                             
Accommodation: At a selected 5-star hotel 

Day 13 - Depart from Kathmandu: Transfer to International Airport for your onward journey.

Meal: Breakfast