Chitwan, Pokhara and Lumbini Tour

After breakfast, at around 9 am, we set out with a licensed guide. We begin at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the former royal palace complex of the Malla kings, where the Nyatapola Temple, the 55-Window Palace and Pottery Square show medieval Newar town life at its best. After lunch in Bhaktapur we visit Pashupatinath, the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal, set on the banks of the Bagmati River. We finish at Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world, as pilgrims circle it in the late afternoon. Overnight in Kathmandu.

We leave early in the morning by tourist bus, following the Trishuli River before descending to the plains of the Terai. The drive normally takes 5-6 hours, depending on traffic. On arrival in Chitwan we check in to our resort near Sauraha and have lunch. In the afternoon, join a guided walk to a Tharu village to learn about the traditions of the Terai's indigenous people, or take a canoe ride on the Rapti River looking for crocodiles and birdlife. Dinner is served at the resort. Overnight in Chitwan.

Today is dedicated to Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its one-horned rhinoceros. After breakfast we head into the park on a jeep safari through sal forest and tall grassland with a naturalist guide, looking for rhinos, deer, wild boar, monkeys and a remarkable variety of birds. Bengal tigers and sloth bears also live here, though sightings are rare. In the evening, enjoy a Tharu or Kumal cultural show featuring traditional stick dances. All meals are at the resort. Overnight in Chitwan.

After breakfast we drive west by private jeep or car along the East-West Highway towards Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The journey takes around 5-6 hours through Terai farmland, forest and small market towns, with a stop for lunch on the way. After checking in at our hotel, the rest of the day is free to relax or take a first evening walk towards the Sacred Garden as the light fades over the plains. Overnight in Lumbini.

With a local guide we spend the day exploring Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important pilgrimage places in the Buddhist world. In the Sacred Garden we visit the Maya Devi Temple, built over the spot where Prince Siddhartha Gautama is believed to have been born, along with the Ashoka Pillar and the sacred Puskarini pond. We then explore the Monastic Zone, where countries from across Asia and beyond have built monasteries and stupas in their own styles, and visit the Lumbini Museum. Overnight in Lumbini.

We set off early for the long drive north to Pokhara, following the winding Siddhartha Highway from Butwal up through the hills via Tansen and Syangja. The journey takes 7-8 hours, with stops for tea and lunch. On arrival in Pokhara, check in to your hotel near Phewa Lake and, in the evening, stroll along the lakeshore as the light fades over the hills and the lakeside restaurants come to life. Overnight in Pokhara.

We begin with an early drive up to Sarangkot (about 1,600 m) for sunrise over the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri. After breakfast we visit the World Peace Pagoda, Devi's Fall, the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave and the International Mountain Museum, which tells the story of Himalayan mountaineering and the people of the mountains. In the late afternoon, take a boat ride on Phewa Lake to the island temple of Tal Barahi. Overnight in Pokhara.

After breakfast we drive back to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway, following the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers. The journey takes 6-7 hours, and a short flight of about 25 minutes can be arranged instead if you prefer. After checking in at your hotel, spend the rest of the evening strolling around Thamel and doing some last-minute shopping for pashmina, tea, handicrafts and thangka paintings. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Your tour ends today. Depending on your flight time, there may be a chance for a final walk around Boudhanath or some last shopping. Our team transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport around three hours before your international flight. If you have more time in Nepal, we can arrange a mountain flight, a short trek, a stay in Nagarkot or an onward trip to Tibet, Bhutan or India. Thank you for travelling with Nima Adventure.