Overview
This trip is the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation, offering a unique experience for every member of the family. Starting in the bustling streets of Kathmandu, you’ll explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ride a cable car with panoramic views of the Himalayas and even try your hand at pottery in Bhaktapur. From the charming hilltop village of Bandipur to the serene lakeside town of Pokhara, you’ll immerse yourself in Nepal’s rich culture and stunning landscapes.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there – get the experience of trekking in Nepal with an overnight hike through picturesque Gurung villages, relax in natural hot springs and go on a thrilling wildlife safari in Chitwan National Park. Whether it’s spotting rhinos on a jeep safari, enjoying a sunset boat ride on Phewa Lake or learning to cook Nepali dishes (momos will become a new family favourite!), this trip offers something for everyone. With its mix of cultural immersion and outdoor adventure this journey is the perfect way to experience the beauty and diversity of Nepal.
Whilst this trip runs year-round, please be aware that weather conditions in July and August might cause changes to the itinerary.
What's Included?
- Airport Transfers & Private Transport
- Expert Local Guide
- 12 Nights in Hotels
- 1 Night in Local Teahouses
- 13 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches & 3 Dinners
- Park Fees & Permits
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu
- Chitwan Safari by Boat and Vehicle
- Family-Friendly Cooking Class
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Soft Drinks, Alcohol or Drinking Water
- Tips for Guides & Porters
- Personal Equipment & Clothing
- Souvenirs
Trip Highlights
- Chitwan National Park: From rhinos and elephants to the elusive Bengal tiger, this is a wildlife adventure like no other, offering incredible biodiversity and up-close encounters with nature.
- Pokhara: A great base for a few days of exploring and sightseeing. The snow-capped mountains surrounding the calm waters of Phewa Lake and the prayer flags fluttering in the breeze provide some incredible views as well.
- Kathmandu: The sights, smells and sounds of the vibrant neighbourhood of Thamel are unforgettable for both adults and kids of all ages.
- Cooking Class: Nepali food is delicious and you’ll have a chance to learn how to recreate it at home with the family-friendly cooking class in Kathmandu.
- Trekking Experience: You might not be climbing Everest this time around but you’ll get the experience of hiking through valleys and staying in a mountain teahouse.
Daily Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal! As you step off the plane, our team will be waiting to greet you with a warm smile and a sign bearing our logo. We’ll drive you to your hotel located in the vibrant Thamel district, known for its lively streets filled with shops, cafes, and local life. After some time to rest, we’ll meet up in the evening for a welcome dinner featuring traditional Nepali dishes—a great way to start your adventure and settle into Kathmandu. Meals Included: None
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll explore some of Kathmandu’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. First, we’ll visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, where you can witness the spiritual rituals along the holy Bagmati River. Next, we head to Boudhanath, where you’ll join pilgrims as they circle the massive stupa spinning prayer wheels. In the afternoon, we’ll venture to Bhaktapur, a medieval city known for its well-preserved architecture and rich history. Here, you’ll try your hand at pottery and taste the famous ‘Juju Dhau’ yogurt, known as the king of yogurts. Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, we’ll start with a fun ride on the Chandragiri Cable Car, offering breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayas. At the top, there’s plenty to explore, including a playground for the kids and the historic Bhaleshore Mahadev temple. After descending, we’ll visit Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, where the kids will be thrilled to see the playful monkeys. You’ll also enjoy panoramic views of the city and learn about the rich cultural significance of this site. Meals Included: Breakfast
We’ll leave the bustling city behind as we drive through scenic countryside to the charming hilltop town of Bandipur. This beautifully preserved town offers a glimpse into traditional Newari culture, with its historic temples and ancient houses. After checking in, we’ll take a leisurely walk through the village, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere and stunning views of the Himalayas. It’s a perfect place to unwind and experience the slower pace of life in rural Nepal. Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we’ll take a short hike to Siddha Gufa, Nepal’s largest cave, for an adventurous start to the day. Then, we’ll continue our journey to Pokhara, a lakeside town known for its serene beauty. Once there, we’ll visit the Peace Pagoda, offering spectacular views of the Annapurna range and Phewa Lake. In the evening, we’ll join the locals for the Talbarahi Aarati, a spiritual ceremony by the lakeside that adds a magical touch to your time in Pokhara. Meals Included: Breakfast
We’ll drive to Kimche and begin our trek to Ghandruk, a picturesque village known for its traditional stone houses and vibrant Gurung culture. The trek offers stunning views of the Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre peaks. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to explore the village, visit the local Gurung museum, and perhaps catch a beautiful sunset over the mountains. It’s an immersive cultural experience where you’ll get to know the warmth and hospitality of the local community. Meals Included: Breakfast
After a morning trek through lush rhododendron forests, we’ll arrive at Jhinu Danda, where you can relax in the natural hot springs by the Modi River—a perfect way to soothe your muscles after the trek. We’ll then drive back to Pokhara, where the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy. Whether you prefer a quiet evening by the lake or exploring the town’s vibrant nightlife, Pokhara has something for everyone. Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is all about exploring the best of Pokhara. We’ll start with a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake, where you can enjoy the reflections of the Annapurna range on the water. We’ll then visit the International Mountain Museum to learn about the history of mountaineering in the Himalayas. Next, we’ll explore the Butterfly Museum, Davis Fall, and Mahendra Cave, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural insights. We’ll wrap up the day with a visit to the Tibetan Refugee Camp, where you can learn about the Tibetan community’s culture and crafts. Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we’ll head to Chitwan, known for its rich biodiversity and dense jungles. Upon arrival, you’ll have the chance to explore a local Tharu village and learn about their unique culture and traditions. In the evening, we’ll relax at our lodge and prepare for the exciting wildlife adventures that await us in the coming days. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today is all about wildlife! We’ll start with a thrilling jeep safari in Chitwan National Park, where we’ll keep an eye out for rhinos, elephants, and if we’re lucky, the elusive Bengal tiger. Bird enthusiasts can enjoy a dedicated bird-watching session, with over 550 species to spot. In the afternoon, we’ll take a canoe ride on the Rapti River to get up close to the park’s alligators. We’ll end the day with a Tharu cultural show, offering a lively glimpse into local traditions through dance and music. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We’ll start the day with visits to the Crocodile Conservation Project where you’ll learn about the efforts to protect these endangered species. We’ll also visit the SU4E project, focused on sustainable elephant care. These are great examples of animal conservation done right. It's not an interactive experience for that very reason - no animal exploitation here. The afternoon is free for you to relax by the pool, or if you’re feeling adventurous, join a guided jungle walk to discover more of Chitwan’s wildlife. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll make the scenic drive back to Kathmandu, taking in the changing landscapes as we ascend from the lowlands to the Kathmandu Valley. Once back in the city, the afternoon is yours to explore, do some last-minute shopping, or simply relax after a long drive. Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, you’ll get hands-on with Nepali cuisine in a cooking class, learning how to make popular dishes like Momo and Dal Bhat. If cooking isn’t your thing and you prefer the convenience of someone else doing the hardwork then we'll take you around the markets on a food and market tour. Either way, you’ll have a fun and active day, exploring different aspects of life in Kathmandu. Meals Included: Breakfast
Your adventure in Nepal concludes today. After breakfast, we’ll arrange your transfer to the airport. If you have time, you can do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before your flight. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories and a desire to return to this beautiful country. Safe travels! Meals Included: Breakfast
Where We'll Stay
We’ve taken on the tough task of staying at some of the best hotels and guest houses around the world to hand pick those that we think you’ll love. They’ll always be locally-owned where possible. Below are some examples of where you’ll be staying on your trip, although please note, we don’t guarantee which hotels or guesthouses we use. On this trip, most of the time we’ll be staying in locally-owned guesthouses and hotels. They’ll always be clean, well-located, provide great hospitality, have breathtaking views and be a welcome place to get some rest after long days exploring! We’ll also have a night at a local teahouse to give you the full experience of trekking in Nepal.
Like the sound of this trip, have a question or want to check something before you book? Maybe even have a great idea to customise this itinerary? Get in touch and start your adventure!
Interactive Route Map
Check out the interactive map of this trip below. You can simply zoom in and have a look at the route.
Or, if you’re wanting to get a feel for the route or to dive into the daily details then click on any of the steps and you’ll be redirected to our Polarsteps page.
What is Polarsteps?
We’ve loaded all of our itineraries onto Polarsteps. It’s an app that can help you plan, track and relive your travels. We’ve used it to display our trips in all their glory but anyone can easily create on-the-go mementos of their adventures.
Carbon Emissions
This trip emits approximately 428 kg of carbon per person. This includes emissions from transport, accommodation, food, activities, and the operations behind the scenes to run the trip.
What does this mean?
This is roughly the same as driving a typical petrol car about 1,350 miles.
It’s equivalent to the carbon emissions from heating an average UK home with a gas boiler for about 18 days during winter.
Our Approach
We recognise the significant carbon emissions from international travel, but we believe that the positive impact on the countries and communities we visit outweighs these challenges. We provide this estimate to help you make informed decisions about your carbon footprint and consider any offsets you may wish to support.
More Information
What's the fitness level required for this trip?
We grade all of our trips to try and make it easy to understand the fitness levels required. These are broad guidelines however so you’re welcome to chat to us about any specific concerns you might have.
You’ll find more information about these levels here and you can find the difficulty rating for this specific trip at the top of the page.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes, it is. We run adventurous trips and it’s mandatory that you have suitable travel insurance in place to cover overseas medical treatment as well as evacuation or repatriation.
We can’t recommend which provider you use but the main things we’d encourage you to look out for is that you’re fully covered for the activities you’re taking part in (i.e., covers you up to the altitude you’ll be trekking at) and that it covers cancellation in the event that illness or other circumstances prevent you from travelling.
How much should I tip in Nepal?
Tips are not included in any of our trips. They are entirely discretionary but in most cases are expected by the teams that will be looking after you. We know it can be daunting to work out exactly what to give so whilst this guideline hopefully helps, please remember that it’s a completely personal choice and you should feel free to tip more or less based on the quality of service that you receive.
Trekking Guide: $10-$20 USD per day
Porters: $5-10 USD per day
Drivers: $5-10 USD for short trips; $10-15 USD for full-day services.
Again, tipping is not compulsory and please only do so if the service you’ve received warrants it. It’s hugely appreciated and a way for the teams looking after you to supplement their income.
How do I find out which hotels, meals and activities are included?
Unfortunately we can’t provide an exhaustive list of everything included in the ‘What’s Included’ section of this page as we include a whole bunch of stuff on our trips!
If it’s in the itinerary and we’ve not explicitly said that it’s an optional activity, then yes – it’s almost certainly included. If you’re not sure, please ask.
The meals that are included are all listed on the daily itinerary.
For the accommodation, we’ve got a shortlist of properties that we use. You can get a sense of the types of accommodation we use higher up the page in the ‘Where We’ll Stay’ section. We cannot guarantee any specific properties for your trip as it’s based on availability. If you are wanting to specifically request a property then please get in touch as we’re able to customise our trips.
Which airport do I need to fly into and out of for my trip to Nepal?
Your trip starts and ends in Kathmandu. You will need to book flights to arrive and depart from Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). This is around a 20-30 minute drive to the hotel you’ll be staying at.
What are your payment terms and is my booking financially protected?
Yes, absolutely. Here’s a link to where you can read more about how we are an ABTOT member and have an ATOL licence and what this means for your financial protection when booking a trip with us.
Deposits vary from destination to destination and from trip to trip. Generally speaking we require a deposit of 25%. This amount may be higher for certain trips where more services that usual need to be booked and paid for in advance (such as gorilla permits in Rwanda). Deposits are non-refundable.
Balance payments are required up to 70 days prior to travel.
If you need to cancel your booking, the following fees will apply based on the time before your scheduled departure:
- Immediate loss of deposit (25% of total cost) upon cancellation.
- 50% of the total cost if cancelled after the balance is paid and up to 45 days before departure.
- 75% of the total cost if cancelled 30 to 45 days before departure.
- 100% of the total cost if cancelled within 30 days of departure.
These fees compensate for expenses and bookings made on your behalf in anticipation of your trip.
Can I customise this trip in any way?
- adding in extra days or cutting out a day here or there;
- squeezing in other destinations or removing them;
- starting or finishing the trip in a different place;
- staying in a hotel or guesthouse that we don’t list as an option.
What if someone under the minimum age wants to travel?
It might not be an issue. Some destinations such as Rwanda have firm rules in place about how old people should be in order to visit the gorillas. In other destinations it’s more of a guideline.
Please do contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
What information will I receive after I book?
After you book, we’ll get to work confirming that the dates you’ve selected are completely available.
There are extremely rare circumstances that may mean we’re unable to confirm your booking. These circumstances are limited to events beyond our control or not being able to secure the services that you wanted to book.
In the extremely rare event that we’re unable to confirm your booking you will be offered an alternative itinerary or a full refund without any fees. Please do not book any non-changeable travel plans until you receive the confirmation from us. This will be within 72 hours.
A detailed Trip Dossier will then be sent to you after you make your booking. It’ll contain all the information you might need to help you pack and get prepared for your trip, including information on visas, vaccinations, packing and training.
We encourage you to refer to the UK Government’s official travel advisory service when planning your trips. You can find the FCDO advice here.
And when you travel, we work closely with local experts to put together the best itineraries. We’ve worked with them exhaustively to provide safe adventures at great value. They know their destination better than we ever could so you’ll be in good hands! You can read a bit more about why we will only ever have locally-led trips here.
Book Now
Whether you’d like more information about this itinerary or to customise it to exactly what you want to do, drop us a line and let us know your plans!
