Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan & Lumbini Road Tour – 8 Days Buddhist & Heritage Journey

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu – Hotel Transfer & Evening Visit to Pashupatinath Temple

On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and comfortably escorted to your hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in and some time to freshen up, begin your spiritual journey with an evening visit to the holy Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Experience the serene atmosphere and witness the captivating Bagmati Aarti, a powerful riverbank ritual of devotion that beautifully blends spirituality and local tradition. 

• Pashupatinath Temple:  Pashupatinath is the holiest and most important temple, as per Sanatana Dharma's (Hinduism) temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pashupatinath is the head of the body, while the twelve Jyotirlingas in India are believed to form the body of Lord Shiva. located along the sacred Bagmati River. This grandiose temple complex serves as a centre point for spiritual practices during times of spiritual significance like Maha Shivaratri, Haritalika Teej, Balachaturdashi, Ekadashi and Full Moon Days (Purnima), and Shivaratri (Monthly Observance). Witness the age-old practices, observe sadhus (holy men) saffron-robed, holy ash-covered Aghoris sadhus, and absorb the holy aura that surrounds this revered site. For details on Pashupatinath Temple, click here

Day 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara (Drive)

We left Kathmandu behind and began the 200-kilometre journey towards Pokhara, passing through one of the most beautiful highways in Nepal. The route passes through dramatic turns, crosses turbulent rivers, and offers panoramic views of fertile valleys surrounded by forested hills.

As we descended from the Kathmandu Valley, the landscape began to unfold like a living canvas – every turn in the road offered sweeping views of farmland tumbling down from the hills, old villages perched on peaks and glistening rivers flowing through rugged terrain.

• Optional: for River Rafting or visit the Manakamna Temple.  For more details on Manakamna Temple & River Rafting,  click here

A favourite stop midway through the journey is the revered Manakamana Temple, which can be reached via a 10-minute cable car ride over the Trishuli River and densely forested slopes. It is a short but thrilling climb that attracts pilgrims and tourists alike to seek the blessings of the wish-fulfilling goddess.

Day 03: Early Morning Sarangkot Sunrise &Pokhara sightseeing

• Sarangkot Sunrise:
  Located on a hilltop just outside Pokhara, this spot offers one of Nepal's most iconic sunrise experiences. As dawn breaks, the first rays of the sun slowly make the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu ranges glow golden and red. This is a perfect moment for photography enthusiasts - capture the panoramic views of the Pokhara valley below, mist-covered mountains, and paragliders flying in the morning light.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our full-day sightseeing tour of Pokhara, a city famous for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. Our excursion will cover some of the most iconic attractions of Pokhara, including: 

• Bindebasini Temple:
  Built in the 17th century, this hill temple is the focal point of religious life in Pokhara. Dedicated to Goddess Durga in her Bhagwati form, this temple hosts lively rituals and offers sweeping views of the Himalayas on clear days.
• Devi’s Fall (Patale Chhango):
  This unique waterfall disappears into an underground tunnel and looks especially spectacular during the monsoon season. According to local legend, its name is derived from a tragic incident involving a Swiss tourist, which adds an air of mystery to its natural splendor.
• Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave:
  Right opposite the Devi Falls is the Gupteshwar Cave - it houses a sacred Shivalinga that attracts both spiritual seekers and geology enthusiasts. The cave stretches for over 3 km, with passages leading to chambers that reverberate with the sound of underground waterfalls.
• Cultural and Spiritual Layers:
  This short but rich tourist circuit highlights the diversity of Pokhara, not just as a natural haven, but as a sacred crossroads of Hindu devotion and geological wonder, making it an essential stop on the trip.

Day 04: Scenic Drive to Chitwan (4-5 hours’ drive) 

After breakfast, begin your 4-5 hour drive from the mountainous terrain to the Terai plains. The route changes dramatically from winding mountain roads to subtropical flatlands, passing through lush forests, river valleys and rural settlements. You will feel the change in climate and landscape as you reach the Terai region, known for its warm temperatures, fertile soil and unique cultural fabric influenced by Tharu heritage.
Arrival and Check-in:
Upon reaching Chitwan, check-in to your jungle lodge or resort, which is often designed with natural beauty and traditional motifs to blend seamlessly with the environment of Chitwan National Park.

• Evening activities (depends on arrival time):
  Depending on your arrival, take part in evening activities such as a guided walk to a Tharu village, bird watching along the Rapti River, or a visit to the Elephant Breeding Center, where conservation efforts are Centre explained in detail.
• Immersed in nature: As the sun sets over the grasslands and sal forests, the sounds of the jungle come alive - the croaking of frogs, the chirping of birds and the trumpeting of elephants in the distance. The serene atmosphere promises a peaceful night spent away from the mountains.

Day 05: Chitwan Activities (Full Day Jungle Experience)

After an early breakfast, get ready for a full day full of thrilling and fascinating experiences at Chitwan National Park, one of Asia’s best-preserved wildlife sanctuaries and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Jeep Safari – Into the Wild Heart of Chitwan:
  Go on an exciting jeep safari in Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is rich in biodiversity. Visit dense sal forests, open grasslands and riverbanks and spot iconic species such as the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, the elusive sloth bear, spotted deer and – if luck favours – the majestic Royal Bengal tiger. The safari offers photographers and nature lovers a rare opportunity to view Nepal's wildlife in its untamed habitat.

  OR, Alternative Elephant Safaris - A Traditional Jungle Experience:
  Although being phased out for ethical reasons, elephant safaris are a traditional way to explore the jungle. Climbing atop a gentle giant elephant, you will move silently through tall elephant grass and wetlands, offering a unique perspective for observing wildlife and immersing yourself in the primal rhythm of the jungle.

• Tharu Village Tour - Culture at the Edge of the Forest:
  Visit a traditional Tharu village where age-old traditions co-exist with wildlife. Learn how this indigenous community has adapted over generations – building elevated homes to avoid flooding, using herbal medicine and co-existing with elephants, rhinos and tigers. Interact with the local people and learn about their deep ecological knowledge and living heritage.
• Nature or Jungle Walk - Jungle Secrets on Foot:
  Under the guidance of skilled naturalists, take a quiet but exciting jungle walk through the buffer zone of Chitwan. These walks give you the chance to quietly observe birds, butterflies, rare orchids and even fresh animal footprints. With patience and a sharp eye, you might spot a rhinoceros in a grassland or hear the alarm call of a spotted deer alerting you to a predator nearby.
• Canoeing on the Rapti River – A Drift Amid Tranquility:
  Float gently along the Rapti River in a traditional dugout canoe. The peaceful ride is ideal for spotting marsh crocodiles, gharials (fish-eating crocodiles) and a dazzling range of birds including kingfishers, egrets and storks. The stillness of the river and the slow rhythm of paddling make it a meditative and beautiful encounter with nature.
• Tharu Stick Dance – A Lively Cultural Performance:
  In the evening, enjoy a fascinating performance of the Tharu Stick Dance – a rhythmic and lively folk dance that involves choreographed movements, drum beats and the clash of wooden sticks. The performance reenacts scenes of villagers rescuing wild animals and celebrates the resilience and creativity of the Tharu people.

Day 06: Drive from Chitwan to Lumbini (Approx. 200 km | 5–6 hours)

The distance between Chitwan and Lumbini is approximately 200 kilometres (93 mi), and the journey by road usually takes 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is a timeless center of pilgrimage and spiritual contemplation. It invites visitors to immerse themselves in the profound teachings of compassion, peace and centrewisdom that the Buddha shared more than two millennia ago. With its serene atmosphere, sacred monuments and rich cultural heritage, Lumbini continues to inspire seekers, pilgrims and travellers from across the world.

Day 07: Lumbini to Kathmandu (Drive)

Get ready for a fascinating journey to Kathmandu via the scenic highway that offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural highlights. The route from Lumbini to Kathmandu is about 285 kilometers, and depending on traffic and road conditions, the drive usually takes 7 to 9 hours. On the way, you will pass through fertile plains, terraced fields, forested hills and river valleys, interspersed with views of rural life and the winding Trishuli River, making the trip picturesque and enjoyable.

We will stop for lunch at a local roadside restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Nepali cuisine. You may also get a chance to visit scenic viewpoints or small towns along the way, adding a local flavor to your travel experience.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will check in to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day as you wish - relax and refresh yourself after a long drive, or take a leisurely stroll through the lively streets of the city. If you prefer, you can explore nearby attractions, enjoy souvenir shopping in Thamel, or dine at one of the many rooftop restaurants offering views of Kathmandu’s skyline.

Day 08: Sightseeing and Final Departure

On your last day in Nepal, we will organize a short but meaningful sightseeing tour depending on your flight schedule, making the most of the time before your departure. If time allows, visit two of Kathmandu's most iconic landmarks - Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Newar art and architecture, and the Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), From where the panoramic view of Kathmandu valley and the deeply spiritual atmosphere can be enjoyed. (We recommend booking your return flight for late afternoon or evening to get this enriching experience in comfort.)

• Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): Swayambhunath, popularly known as the Monkey Temple, is one of the well-known and spiritually significant historical sites in Kathmandu, Nepal. situated on a hilltop with a panoramic view of the city, this ancient stupa, believed to be centuries old, over 1,500 years, is a sacred site for both Buddhists and Hindus. Its lustrous white dome, golden spire, and the ever-watchful eyes of the Buddha represent peace, wisdom, and the path to enlightenment. surrounded by the wind-blown prayer flags, small shrines, and Mischievous monkeys, Swayambhunath offers visitors not only a deep sense of serenity but also a breathtaking panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley, making it an Unmissable and must-visit destination that seamlessly interweaves spirituality, culture, and history. For more details on Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), click here
• Patan City: At the heart of Patan lies its crown jewel – the Patan Durbar Square, an architectural masterpiece, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, where stunning temples, palaces and intricate courtyards come together to reflect the city’s rich history, cultural significance and artistic splendor. This magnificent square, which was once the royal courtyard of the Malla kings, is an unrivalled example of the brilliance of Newari architecture, with ornate temples, intricately carved wooden windows and majestic palaces that reflect the height of artistic and architectural achievements during the Malla dynasty. The square is a wonderland of grand palaces, layered temples, intricate sculptures and serene courtyards, each element telling stories of age-old devotion, mythological symbolism and unparalleled artistic mastery that have been carefully preserved and celebrated for generations.

After soaking in these final cultural highlights, our representative will drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport at least 3 hours prior to your scheduled departure, ensuring smooth and timely check-in. The memories of Nepal’s sacred sites, natural beauty and warm hospitality will stay with you forever as you depart this captivating land.