Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan & Nagarkot Tour by Road – 8 Days Nepal Highlights Package

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport & Transfer to Hotel

You are welcome in Nepal, "The Land of Faith, Tranquillity, and Ageless Beauty".  Situated at the heart of South Asia, Nepal is a landlocked country neighboring China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. Famous for the world's highest mountains, Nepal is a destination filled with charisma, time-honored ways of life, and spiritual prosperity. Nepal is known for its Temples and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, to its lively cultural heritage and generous hospitality. Nepal offers an exceptional journey experience into a world where serenity and adventure are in perfect harmony.

when you arrive at Kathmandu airport (Tribhuvan International Airport), our team will be available to welcome you at the airport and move to your hotel. There is free time scheduled for the rest of the day, so you're free to relax at your own pace or head out and immerse yourself in the energy of the bustling cities. If you’d like, purchase items for your trip in the local markets for any things you need or have a calm and restful time at the hotel.

Day 02: Kathmandu city sightseeing tour- Cultural Heart of Nepal

After having a satisfying breakfast at the hotel, initiate a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city's most renowned and spiritually remarkable landmarks, each revealing aspects of Nepal's diverse heritage and each providing a window into Nepal's lively culture.

Before the city sightseeing tour starts, our guide will share the clear schedule for the day and provide full details about what to expect. You will then get on comfortable transport that will be arranged by Levinly Travel and set off on a cultural expedition to explore the spiritual core of Kathmandu. The most interesting places you'll be exploring today include:

• 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
• Boudhanath Stupa: One of the most renowned and spiritually charged places in Nepal, Boudhanath Stupa (also called Boudhnath or Bouddhanath) rises gracefully more than the Kathmandu Valley as a sign of wisdom, compassion, and the order of the universe. Having outstanding universal value as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a sacred destination, meditation and Cultural diversity, especially for practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism. Boudhanath’s architectonic is deeply symbolic, reflecting Buddhist cosmology and Tantric meanings. such as he Massive Mandala Design, The White Dome, The Gilded Spire with 13 Steps, The All-Seeing Eyes of Buddha, The Nose-like Symbol, Prayer Flags and Surrounding the stupa are 108 small niches with Buddha statues, prayer wheels, and monasteries (gompas) where rituals, teachings, and spiritual activities are routinely performed.  For more details on Boudhanath Stupa, click here
• 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
• Kathmandu Durbar Square
  In the heart of Kathmandu lies a timeless masterpiece - the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a living symbol of Nepal's royal and spiritual heritage. Home to more than 50 temples, shrines and palaces, this "museum of temples" combines sacred tradition with stunning Newari architecture. Once the seat of kings and the center of grand festivals, the city has survived centuries of change and the earthquake of 2015. Today, ongoing restoration ensures that its stories continue to inspire generations to come. For more details on Kathmandu Durbar Square, click here

Day 03: Kathmandu to Chitwan (160 km/ approx 5 hours drive)

After breakfast in Kathmandu, we begin our scenic drive to Chitwan, which is located around 160 kms away. The 5 to 6 hour journey passes through the Trishuli River Valley, offering views of lush green mountains, terraced fields, and rural villages. Along the way, you'll get to see glimpses of local life and can stop for refreshments at scenic spots. As the landscape changes from hills to the subtropical plains of the Terai region, you will feel the change in the atmosphere, preparing you for further wildlife adventures in Chitwan.

• 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.

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 04: 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 05: Chitwan to Pokhara (approx 4-5 hours drive)

After an early breakfast, we leave behind the subtropical forests and serene plains of Chitwan and embark on a beautiful journey to Pokhara, the picturesque lake city of Nepal nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. The approximately 140-km journey passes through river valleys, lush green hills and charming rural hamlets. As we climb higher, the landscape gradually changes - the hot lowlands are replaced by cool mountain breezes and the occasional sight of snow-capped peaks in the distance.

Upon arrival in Pokhara, check-in to your hotel and take some time to relax. Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade, a lively area filled with cafes, boutiques, and artisan shops. If the weather is clear, you will get to see the spectacular view of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) in the calm waters of Phewa Lake, which creates the first impression of this beautiful hill town.

Day 06: 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 07: Pokhara to Nagarkot via Kathmandu (Scenic Drive)

Today we set out on a long but exciting journey from Pokhara to Nagarkot, with a short stopover through Kathmandu. Covering a distance of around 240 km, this beautiful journey usually takes 9 to 10 hours, depending on road conditions, traffic and any planned stops along the way.

This route offers a fascinating cross-section of Nepal's diverse geography. You'll start from the serene beauty of Pokhara's lakeside and gradually descend into lush valleys, following the winding Prithvi Highway along rivers, terraced fields and charming hilltop villages. As you approach Kathmandu, the urban pace quickens, offering a glimpse into the bustling cities and everyday rhythms of Nepali life.

Moving on from Kathmandu, the road towards Nagarkot again climbs into the hills, where you get panoramic views of the countryside and the distant Himalayan peaks. Upon reaching Nagarkot, check-in to your hotel and if time permits, head to a nearby view point to witness a breathtaking sunset over the snow-capped Himalayan range, a perfect end to a day filled with natural beauty and cultural depth.

Day 08: Departure Day

Enjoy a relaxed morning in the peaceful surroundings of Nagarkot before our team representative escorts you to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for your onward journey. The drive from Nagarkot to the airport typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and route conditions, ensuring a smooth and timely transfer for your departure.