Nepal Explore Tour

5.0/5 from 824 reviews
The 10-day Nepal Explore Tour combines immersive city tours, majestic Himalayan views, and an exciting jungle safari, all in one. The journey perfectly blends cultural insights and wildlife experiences with snow-capped peaks without requiring high-altitude trekking.
  • Destination
    Nepal
  • Duration
    10 Days
  • Trip Difficulty
    Easy
  • Activities
    Cultural Tours
  • Accommodation
    Hotels
  • Meals
    Inclusive
  • Group Size
    Min. 2 Pax
  • BEST TIME
    Jan - May and Sept - Dec

Highlights of Nepal Explore Tour

  • Explores all natural and cultural sites of Nepal, such as Durbar squares, ancient temples, and shrines
  • Visit the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the oldest, largest, and most holy temples dedicated to Lord Shiva
  • Visit Buddhist heritage sites like Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple)
  • Witness scenic mountain views of peaks including Everest, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Manaslu, and Jugal from Nagarkot on a clear morning/day
  • Soak in the peaceful atmosphere of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha
  • Enjoy an adventurous safari inside Chitwan National Park, home to the one-horned rhino, the royal Bengal tiger, and asian elephant
  • Experience a majestic sunrise over the Annapurna Massif, the Dhaulagiri range, and Machhapuchhre

Nepal Explore Tour Overview

The Nepal Explore Tour is an immersive adventure that perfectly blends panoramic mountain views, cultural insights, and wildlife experiences. Our 10-day Nepal Tour package is designed keeping adventure, exploration, and pacing in mind.

The journey starts with exploring Kathmandu, the city of temples, and UNESCO World Heritage sites like Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Pashupatinath. With a scenic and short drive to Nagarkot, you will enjoy breathtaking mountain views.

A 7-8 hour drive takes you to Chitwan for a once-in-a-lifetime jungle safari and thrilling canoe ride experience through the heart of Chitwan National Park. The Nepal Explore Tour offers a truly engaging and unforgettable trip experience.

Whether you’re seeking up-close mountain views or an exciting jeep ride through the dense forest, our Nepal Explore Tour has it all. Travellers can enjoy the beautiful Himalayan ranges, local culture, traditions, and cuisine, explore historical monuments, and spiritual sites without any mountain trekking experience.

Route Overview for Nepal Explore Tour

The Nepal Explore Tour starts with sightseeing around Kathmandu city, exploring cultural heritage sites like Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Durbar Squares. Then, after finishing sightseeing in the Valley, we will drive to Nagarkot for an overnight stay and an early morning sunrise view the next day.

After enjoying breakfast, we will return to Kathmandu and head towards Patan Durbar Square. In Patan, you will explore Krishma Mandir, Patan Durbar, and Hiranya Varna Mahavihar. The tour continues towards Kathmandu Durbar Square, also known as Basantapur. Here, you will explore the former palace and Kumari Ghar, home of the living goddess Kumari.

We will now head towards Chitwan and explore the Chitwan National Park for the next two days. While in Chitwan, we will go for a jeep safari ride through the National Park, where you can spot wild animals such as deer, rhino, sloth bear, and even the Bengal tiger if you're lucky. Likewise, on the second day, guests will enjoy a thrilling canoe ride on the Rapti River.

From Chitwan, the tour extends towards Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. Visitors can witness the exact birthplace of Buddha, the sacred garden, the Pushkarini pond, and the Ashoka Pillar.

The tour continues towards the city of lakes, Pokhara, where you will enjoy a majestic sunrise over the Annapurna massif and Machhapuchhre from Sarangkot. While exploring Pokhara city, you will visit Bindabasini Temple, Mahendra Cave, and Devi’s Fall.

You will retrace your steps back to Kathmandu with a scenic drive from Pokhara, passing small roadside settlements, river valleys, lush green hills, and distant mountain views.

Alternative Trips for Nepal Explore Tour

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Duration5 hours
DifficultyRelaxing
Key Feature

Explore the bustling city of Kathmandu, visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and the Kathmandu Durbar Square.

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DifficultyEasy to moderate
Key Feature

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Best Agency for an Unforgettable Nepal Explore Tour

Booking a Nepal Explore Tour with Nepal Hiking Team rewards you with a safe, smooth, and unforgettable trip. Nepal Explore Tour package includes scenic mountain views, heritage sites, and thrilling jungle adventures, all in one, providing a culturally rich and adventurous experience.

In addition, our tours are well-planned, keeping pace, accommodation, transportation, and safety in mind. Our English-speaking licensed guides provide insights about local customs and culture, offering an unforgettable experience.

We offer a luxurious tour experience at an affordable cost without any hidden charges, allowing our guests to fully immerse themselves in the journey.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01:Arrive at Kathmandu, Nepal

When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by one of our representatives. After that, we will transfer you to your hotel and hold a brief meeting to discuss the trip, weather updates, and road conditions. During the meeting, you can ask your queries and clear any doubts regarding the journey ahead.

  1. Accommodation: Hotel

Day 02:Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour then drive to Nagarkot, Distance: 32 km, Duration: 1-2 hours

After having breakfast, our tour starts from the holy temple of Hindu devotees, the Pashupatinath temple. Here, you can witness traditional cremation ghats, the main Shiva temple, Nandi statue (Lord Shiva’s vehicle), and hundreds of shrines around the temple. 

From here, we head to Boudhanath Stupa, 8 km east of Kathmandu. The stupa is a prime hub of Tibetan Buddhism in Kathmandu, where pilgrims circle the stupa performing circumambulation (Kora). 

In the afternoon, we drive to Bhaktapur and explore the ancient temples, including the Nyatapola Temple, Lion Gate, the Golden Gate, and the Palace of 55 Windows. We then head towards Nagarkot, one of the popular hill stations around Kathmandu, for the night.

  1. Accommodation: Hotel
  2. Meals: Breakfast Included

Day 03:Drive from Nagarkot to Kathmandu (sightseeing), Distance: 32 km, Duration: 1 - 2 hours

Today you will wake up early, around 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM, and witness a breathtaking sunrise view along with mountain peaks including Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and Manaslu range. You can also spot a distant view of Mt. Everest from Nagarkot on a clear day.

After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu and continue with sightseeing of Patan Durbar Square. In addition, we will visit the Krishna Temple, the Patan Museum, and Hiranya Varna Mahavir, a 14th-century Buddhist Monastery.

Then we head to Kathmandu Durbar Square and explore the historical palace of Nepal’s former Malla and Shah dynasties and Kasthamandap. Kasthamandap is a three-tiered wooden temple and a public shelter from which Kathmandu gets its name.

Similarly, we will visit the Kumari Temple or the Kumari Ghar, where Kumari, the living goddess of Nepal, resides. Eventually, we will end the day exploring Swayambhunath or the Monkey Temple, nestled on a hilltop offering a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley.

  1. Accommodation: Hotel
  2. Meals: Breakfast Included

Day 04:Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park, Distane: 180 km, Duration: 5 - 6 hours

Today, we start our journey towards Chitwan, which translates to the “Heart of the Jungle”. After arriving at the hotel, we will host a small briefing for our jungle tour.

We will then go explore the nearby ethnic Tharu villages, witnessing their culture, traditions, and daily lifestyle. Then, we visit the National Park Visitor Centre, a museum that provides information on rare animal specimens and wildlife.

From here, we will stroll around the Rapti River banks, enjoying a stunning sunset view over the river and jungle silhouettes, with wildlife sightings. After returning to the hotel, we will watch the traditional. Tharu dance and a slideshow presentation on Chitwan’s culture, history, and the Tharu Community. 

Following the event, we will enjoy dinner and end the day.

  1. Accommodation: Hotel
  2. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Day 05:Chitwan Jungle Tour

Today, you will spend the day touring the Chitwan National Park, exploring the jungle area, and spotting wildlife. The day starts with an early breakfast time, usually around 6:30 AM, followed by a canoe ride along the Rapti River, where you can spot gharials, deer, even rhinos and tigers out for drinking water or hunting.

After this, you can witness elephants bathing in the sandy riverbanks of the Rapti River. Moving on, we will head deeper into the jungle via safari jeeps, encountering various wildlife.

Visitors can spot one-horned rhinoceros, spotted deer, wild boar, langur monkeys, and, with luck, the Bengal tiger and leopards. The safari lasts for 4 to 5 hours and usually ends around 1:00 PM.

Upon returning, we will have lunch at the hotel. Guests are free to explore the market area or rest and relax at the hotel.

  1. Accommodation: Hotel
  2. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Day 06:Visit Elephant Breeding Centre and transfer to Lumbini, Distance: 165 km, Duration: 4 hours

We will start the day early with a trip to the Elephant Breeding Center. This breeding center was established in the 1980s to conserve Asian elephants and help with their declining number.

From here, we leave for Lumbini with a drive of 3-4 hours approximately. Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, which has been revered as a place of holy pilgrimage and is included as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

After checking in at the hotel and resting for a while, we will explore the area through the Sacred Lumbini Garden and visit the Maya Devi Temple. The temple contains the archaeological marker of Buddha’s birth and the ruins of ancient shrines.

Similarly, we will walk around the Sacred Garden and Pushkarini Pond. The pond is said to be the place where Buddha’s mother, Queen Maya Devi, bathed before giving birth. In addition, you will also see the famous Ashoka Pillar, which was built in 249 BCE and contains the oldest inscriptions in Nepal about Buddha’s birthplace.

  1. Accommodation: Hotel
  2. Meals: Breakfast Included

Day 07:Drive from Lumbini to Pokhara, Distance: 150 km, Duration: 6-7 hours

Leaving Lumbini, we will drive towards Pokhara via Tansen, Palpa. Upon arrival, we will check you in at the hotel in the Lakeside area. You can rest a bit and head out to stroll along the shore of Fewa Lake in the evening.

The lakeside area is relaxing and highly social, especially in the evening and at night, with venues offering authentic and traditional Nepali cuisine, folk music, and cultural shows.

  1. Accommodation: Hotel
  2. Meals: Breakfast Included

Day 08:Drive from Pokhara to Sarangkot then to Pokhara (Sightseeing)

Today, we will start our day with an early morning ride to Sarangkot, one of the most popular places to witness the morning sunrise view near Pokhara. Travelers can see multiple Himalayas such as Dhaulagiri I, Machhapuchhare, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and distant views of Manaslu.

After soaking in the panoramic sunrise view, we will drive back to the hotel and have lunch. Later on, we will visit other popular spots like Bindabasini Temple, Mahendra Cave, and Devi’s Falls, etc, some of the iconic places in Pokhara.

  1. Accommodation: Hotel
  2. Meals: Breakfast Included

Day 09:Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu, Distane: 200km, Duration: 6 -7 hours

Bidding farewell to the city of Lakes, we will retrace our tracks back to Kathmandu with a scenic drive. Along the road, you can witness distant mountain views, lush green hills, rivers, and roadside settlements.

Similarly, you can spot traditional hillside villages, terraced farmlands, and deep gorges, while the roadside towns offer a glimpse of Nepalese rural life.

  1. Accommodation: Hotel
  2. Meals: Breakfast Included

Day 10:Farewell

On your final day, one of our representatives will transfer you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight. 

This allows you to clear baggage, security check, and immigration process without rushing. As you board your flight back home, you will leave Nepal with hundreds of photographs and lifelong memories of the trip, from the cool Himalayan breeze to the warm days of Terai.

  1. Meals: Breakfast Included

Cost Includes

  • All ground transportation by private vehicle including airport transfers
  • Three nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
  • One night accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Nagarkot
  • Two nights’ accommodation with full board meals at a 3 star hotel in Chitwan National Park
  • A night accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Lumbini.
  • Two night’s accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Pokhara
  • All guided sightseeing tours & activities including entry fees
  • Farewell dinner at a typical Nepalese restaurant in Kathmandu
  • All government taxes and office service charge

Cost Excludes

  • Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (a multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.)
  • Tips for tour guide and Driver

Know Before You Go

National Park and Monument Permits

Foreign tourists and SAARC nationals are required to pay the entry permit cost for the Chitwan National Park. These permits are one-time or daily fees, as overnight stays inside the park itself aren’t allowed. Similarly, monumental places such as Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan Durbar Squares, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath charge a separate foreigner entry fee at their gates.

Here is a breakdown of the permit costs for foreign and SAARC nationals on per person/per day basis:

Destinations

Foreign Nationals (Per Person)

SAARC Countries (Per Person)

Boudhanath Stupa

NPR 400

NPR 100

Swayambhunath Stupa

NPR 200

NPR 50

Kathmandu Durbar Square

NPR 1,000

NPR 500

Patan Durbar Square

NPR 1,000

NPR 250

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

NPR 1,000

NPR 500

Chitwan National Park

NPR 2,000

NPR 1,000

Lumbini

NPR 700

NPR 400 (for Indian Nationals: NPR 80 per day)

Travellers‘ Reviews

Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.

  • Solo Traveler

    I just completed trekking in Nepal together with another solo traveler. The service of Nepal Hiking Team was exemplary from the start till the end. Nothing beats word-of-mouth good reviews. 

    Mr. Ganga has been very responsive to queries from Day 1 and was physically present even on the last day to officially close the loop for the package tour.

    Our guide Bibek was very patient and sincere as he led us through the trek. He resolved issues with his heart and people skills and gave assurance whenever plans suddenly changed.

    He ensured things were changed for the better. Our porter, Rajendran, was also good and always arrived ahead of time to ensure our rooms were confirmed.

    - Guided by Bibek Dhamala

    N
    - Excellent

    Ms. Norleen A

    21st Oct 2024
  • Amazing experience thanks to our 5-star guide/porter team

    We had the best time in Nepal. The beautiful views and warm hospitality of the Nepali people are truly unparalleled.

    Instrumental to our amazing experience were our guide, Netra, and porter, Vasu.

    We were super well taken care of. Netra was quick to assess our physical abilities and was able to effectively set the pace for our hikes. He had very good knowledge of the route and terrain. Importantly, this was our first time attempting a hike at a high altitude, so he took extra care to check on us regularly.

    On a personal note, proper gear, including a powerful down jacket for -20 degrees Celsius and a proper hiking backpack, is super essential.

    Overall, I would highly recommend the Nepal Hiking Team and Netra/Vasu for your Nepal adventure!

    G
    - Excellent

    Ms. Gen T

    14th Oct 2024
  • Fabulous Trip – Excited for Many More with NHT

    We were a group of 17 people from California who had been preparing for a year for this trip. Nepal Hiking Team was referred to us by one of my friends. After talking to & interviewing several companies, NHT seemed very responsive, cost-effective & experienced. After the trip, they proved us nothing less.

    Their guides are top-of-the-line, very kind, and helpful. They made sure we all were prepared for the next day, set our expectations rights, & guided us through managing altitude sickness.

    We all made it to Nepal and came back happy and healthy.

    We all thank NHT for making our dream come true, and looking forward to many more with them.

    S
    - Excellent

    Ms. Shaili A

    8th Oct 2024
  • Highest praise for Nepal Hiking Team

    I highly recommend the Nepal Hiking Team for anyone planning to trek in Nepal. My spouse and I had a fantastic time on our trek and greatly credit our positive experience to the thought and care put into it by Nepal Hiking Team in coming up with a personalized plan that would enable us to succeed.

    Every detail was considered to match us based on our abilities and interests. We also could not have felt more cared for minute to minute by the team that supported us from the minute we arrived in Kathmandu until our departure.

    Our guide, Nim, was amazing -- so careful, thoughtful, warm, and supportive. And our porters, Sabin and Ganesh, were delightful. They were all unbelievably generous in terms of how much they worked to ensure we were comfortable and prepared. They thought of every detail along the way.

    - Guided By Nim Dahal

    J
    - Excellent

    Ms. Jlevi

    14th May 2024
  • Most Amazing Experience!! Thank You, Dnes and Nepal Hiking Team!!

    Oh my goodness, where do I even start? This was hands down the best tour I have ever been on. I am honestly finding it hard to put into words what a wonderful and moving experience it was.

    My husband and I wanted to see Nepal for our honeymoon. However, we decided to explore it in a slightly less traditional way and opted for a city tour instead of a hike. We had the opportunity to see Nepal in-depth, and it was truly remarkable. We visited various parts of Kathmandu, including all the iconic temples. We also ventured to Chitwan, where we witnessed breathtaking rice fields, went on a safari, and even spotted rhinos and a tiger! Our journey took us to the city of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and finally to Pokhara, where we were captivated by the beauty of the lakes and the awe-inspiring Annapurna Mountain range.

    Experiencing the beauty of Nepal in this way was an incredible gift that my husband and I will cherish forever. What made our experience even more magical was our amazing guide, Dnes. His passion and kindness were unparalleled, and he patiently answered all our questions, sharing with us a wealth of knowledge about Nepal's political history and the Hindu and Buddhist religions. Both my husband and I were deeply saddened when our trip came to an end, as we felt like we were leaving behind a lifelong friend.

    We must also mention our wonderful driver, Krishna, who ensured our safety during the long drives on challenging roads.

    The entire tour was impeccably organized, from our initial communication with the owner to the warm greeting we received at the airport upon our arrival. The accommodation and food were delightful as well. If you're considering this trip, do it! You won't regret it.

    Namaste - Mhari and Cam

    M
    - Excellent

    Mr. Mhari and Cam

    21st Jun 2023

Nepal Explore Tour FAQs

Why Nepal Hiking Team
Arrival in Nepal & Visa Process
Booking, Deposit & Payment
Transportation and Flights
Trek Difficulty: Who Can Trek?
Traveler's Well-Being & Safety
Tour Preparation and Gear Packing
Accommodation and Connectivity
Meals and Drinking Water
Customization: Private vs Group (Tips & Cost)
Unique Feature: Complete Cultural & Wildlife Immersion

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