Kathmandu, Chitwan & Pokhara Private Luxury Tour 8 Days

Summary

UNESCO Heritage Sites & Jungle Safari from Kathmandu

This trip takes you from Kathmandu’s ancient temples to Chitwan’s wild jungles and Pokhara’s peaceful lakeside walks. Visit UNESCO sites with local guides, spot rhinos on safari, and watch sunrise over Himalayan peaks—all while staying in top hotels and traveling comfortably between each stop.

What’s the experience like?

Landing in Kathmandu, I remember the buzz outside the airport—drivers calling out, the scent of incense somewhere nearby. Our guide met us with a smile and a sign, and soon we were weaving through narrow streets to our hotel. That first evening, the city felt both lively and calm, with prayer flags fluttering above rooftops and locals chatting over tea in tiny cafés. We gathered for a quick meeting about the days ahead, then I wandered out for a stroll in the cool dusk air.

The next morning started early at Swayambhunath Temple. Monkeys darted between shrines while bells chimed in the background. At Boudhanath Stupa, Tibetan pilgrims spun prayer wheels in slow circles, their hands moving almost in rhythm with the soft chanting around us. Patan Durbar Square was a maze of red-brick courtyards and carved wooden windows—our guide explained how each detail told stories from centuries ago. By afternoon, we’d seen so much art and history that my head was spinning (in a good way).

Leaving Kathmandu behind, our drive to Chitwan wound past terraced hillsides dotted with tiny villages. The air changed—warmer, greener—and by the time we reached our lodge, birdsong filled the evening. That night’s Tharu dance performance was full of energy; kids from the village laughed as they watched their elders twirl sticks in time to drums. The next day brought jungle safaris: bouncing along muddy tracks in an open jeep, spotting rhinos grazing near tall grass, drifting quietly down the Rapti River as kingfishers flashed blue above the water.

Pokhara felt like another world—laid-back cafés by Phewa Lake, boats gliding across glassy water with mountains reflected behind them. We explored caves where cool damp air clung to our skin and watched locals fishing from wooden docks at sunrise. The view of Machhapuchhre at dawn is something I still think about: pink light on snow peaks while everything else stayed hushed for just a few minutes before the city woke up again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Welcome in Kathmandu

• Arrival at Tribhuvan Airport and visa process
• Transfer to hotel and pre-trip meeting

Day 2 — Kathmandu City Tour

• Visit Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
• Visit Pashupatinath Temple
• Visit Boudhanath Stupa
• Visit Patan Durbar Square and shopping

Day 3 — Drive to Chitwan and Cultural Evening

• Drive to Chitwan and check-in
• Tharu cultural dance performance

Day 4 — Full Day Jungle Safari in Chitwan

• Jeep or elephant-back jungle safari
• Canoeing, jungle walk, elephant breeding center visit

Day 5 — Drive to Pokhara and Leisure

• Drive to Pokhara and hotel check-in
• Explore lakeside or relax

Day 6 — Pokhara Sightseeing Tour

• Visit Bhagwati Park
• Visit Devi’s Fall
• Explore Gupteshwor Cave
• Visit Phewa Lake and Barahi Temple
• View Seti River Gorge

Day 7 — Return to Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner

• Drive back to Kathmandu and hotel check-in
• Farewell dinner with cultural dance

Day 8 — Departure Day

• Free time and transfer to airport

Top questions

Is this Nepal luxury tour suitable for families?

Yes, it’s great for families—activities are varied but not too strenuous, and there are options like specialized infant seats available if needed.

What kind of wildlife can we see in Chitwan National Park?

You might spot one-horned rhinos, deer, monkeys, wild boars, many bird species—and with luck—even Bengal tigers during your jungle safari.

Are meals included throughout the trip?

Breakfast is included daily everywhere; in Chitwan you get full board (all meals), plus there’s a farewell dinner in Kathmandu featuring Nepali cuisine.

How much walking or physical activity is involved?

The tour includes some walking around heritage sites and gentle jungle activities; it suits most fitness levels and can be adjusted if needed.

What’s included

Your journey covers private transportation between cities so you can relax on every drive, guided sightseeing tours in both Kathmandu and Pokhara with English-speaking experts who share local stories along the way, plus all your entry fees to temples and parks. In Chitwan you’ll enjoy full-board meals along with jungle activities like canoeing and safaris—and when it’s time to unwind each night, you’ll stay at carefully selected 4- or 5-star hotels that make comfort part of the adventure.