Nepal Highlights Tour
Fourteen days covering all seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan wildlife safari, Lumbini, Tansen, Pokhara, and two Himalayan sunrises.
On The Trail
What It Really Looks Like
Nepal Highlights Tour — What to Expect
Every World Heritage Site in the Kathmandu Valley covered across four separate guided days
Sarangkot over the Annapurna range and Nagarkot over the Everest range on the same trip
Two rarely visited destinations most Nepal tours skip entirely. Both are worth the overnight
One-horned rhino jeep safari and Buddha's birthplace covered back to back
This is a 14-day private tour covering more of Nepal than any other non-trekking trip in the portfolio. Four days in and around Kathmandu covering all seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Pharping’s temple circuit in the southern valley. Two nights at Chitwan National Park with a jeep safari, canoe, and jungle walk. Lumbini’s Sacred Garden and Maya Devi Temple at the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. Tansen, a medieval hilltop city in Palpa that most tours skip entirely. Two full days in Pokhara with a Sarangkot sunrise. Then back to Kathmandu via Nagarkot for a second Himalayan sunrise and Bhaktapur before the farewell dinner.
No trekking, no altitude concern, no fitness preparation needed. All travel is by private vehicle. The two early morning starts for Sarangkot and Nagarkot are the main demand of the trip.
MountainKick runs this fully private with a licensed guide throughout all 14 days. All seven UNESCO site entrance fees, Chitwan permits, and all activity fees are included.
What you will see and do:
- All 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Pashupatinath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Changunarayan, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- Dakshinkali Temple and Gorakhnath Cave at Pharping, a pilgrimage circuit in the southern Kathmandu Valley rarely covered by shorter tours
- Jeep safari in Chitwan for one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, and leopard
- Lumbini Sacred Garden, Maya Devi Temple, and the Ashoka Pillar from 249 BC
- Tansen hilltop city in Palpa with medieval Newari lanes and wide Himalayan ridge views
- Sarangkot sunrise at 1,592m with the full Annapurna massif directly ahead
- Nagarkot sunrise at 2,175m with the full arc from Annapurna to Kanchenjunga
For travellers who want trekking added, the Nepal Heritage and Poon Hill Trek covers the same circuit in 15 days with a 4-day Poon Hill trek. For a shorter version, the Nepal Cultural Safari Tour covers the main highlights in 8 days.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Your guide meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. The rest of the day is free to settle in and explore the streets around the hotel. Your guide runs through the full 14-day itinerary in the evening.
Pashupatinath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath
Morning at Pashupatinath on the Bagmati River, then Kathmandu Durbar Square where Kumari Ghar still houses the living goddess of Kathmandu, then Swayambhunath hilltop stupa at 1,430m with panoramic valley views. Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites across one full day with a licensed guide covering the history and significance of each.
Drive to Chitwan National Park
Drive south from Kathmandu through the Prithvi Highway and down into the subtropical Terai plains. The landscape shifts noticeably as you lose elevation from valley hills to flat jungle lowlands. Arrive at your jungle resort in Sauraha by early afternoon. Naturalist guide briefing on wildlife and safari activities in the evening.
Chitwan National Park Full Day
Early morning canoe ride on the Rapti River for gharial crocodile and waterbird sightings. Guided jungle walk through sal forest and grassland with your naturalist tracking fresh animal signs. Afternoon jeep safari deep into Chitwan National Park for one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, leopard, and spotted deer. Tharu cultural dance show in the evening.
Drive to Lumbini
Drive west from Chitwan through the Terai lowlands to Lumbini. Arrive by early afternoon and head straight to the Sacred Garden. Your guide walks you through the Maya Devi Temple at the exact birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the Ashoka Pillar from 249 BC, and the eternal flame at the centre of the garden.
Lumbini Monastery Zone and Drive to Tansen
Morning in the international monastery zone where Buddhist nations from Thailand, Japan, China, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka have each built their own temple. After lunch drive north to Tansen, a medieval Newari hilltop city in Palpa district with cobblestone lanes, carved wooden facades, and wide Himalayan ridge views.
Tansen Sightseeing and Drive to Pokhara
Morning exploring Tansen at your own pace. The lanes around Amar Narayan Temple and the old bazaar have changed little in centuries. Walk out to the Palpa ridge for wide Himalayan views before heading down to the highway. Drive to Pokhara arriving at the lakeside in the afternoon with the Annapurna range directly ahead.
Sarangkot Sunrise and Pokhara Leisure
Early transfer to Sarangkot at 1,592m for one of Nepal’s most celebrated sunrises. The Annapurna range from Dhaulagiri to Manaslu sits directly in front of you at dawn with Machhapuchhre in the foreground and Pokhara visible below. Return for breakfast then a free day at the lakeside to recover and explore at your own pace.
Pokhara City Sightseeing
Morning at the World Peace Pagoda on the ridge above Phewa Lake with a full Annapurna panorama from Dhaulagiri to Manaslu. Boat ride to Tal Barahi Temple on the island in the middle of the lake. Afternoon at Devi’s Fall where the Pardi Khola drops into a subterranean channel and Gupteshwor Cave with its underground waterfall chamber.
Drive Back to Kathmandu
Seven-hour drive east to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway through river valleys and hill roads. Arrive in the evening with three full days in the capital still ahead.
Pharping, Patan Durbar Square, and Godawari
Morning at Pharping in the southern Kathmandu Valley. Dakshinkali Temple sits at the base of a forested hill and is one of the most active Hindu pilgrimage sites near Kathmandu. Gorakhnath Cave nearby is sacred to both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Afternoon at Patan Durbar Square where the Patan Museum holds one of the finest collections of Himalayan bronze art in the world. Close the day at Godawari botanical gardens on the quiet southern valley edge.
Boudhanath, Changunarayan, and Drive to Nagarkot
Morning at Boudhanath Stupa where the kora path fills with monks and pilgrims and the butter lamps come on at dusk. Then Changunarayan on its forested hilltop, Nepal’s oldest Hindu temple with 4th-century stone carvings and the oldest inscription found anywhere in Nepal. Drive up to Nagarkot in the evening for the sunrise tomorrow.
Nagarkot Sunrise, Bhaktapur, and Farewell Dinner
Pre-dawn for the Nagarkot sunrise with the full Himalayan arc from Annapurna to Kanchenjunga. Everest identifiable to the northeast on clear mornings. After breakfast drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the best-preserved medieval city in the valley with the five-storey Nyatapola Temple built in 1702 and Pottery Square still active with traditional craft production. Farewell dinner in Kathmandu in the evening.
Final Departure
Breakfast at your hotel in Thamel, then a private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. Your guide sees you off at departures.
3D Route Map
Includes & Excludes
-
Private airport transfers on arrival and departure Return pick-up and drop-off in a private vehicle
-
13 nights accommodation with daily breakfast 3-star hotels in Kathmandu, Lumbini, Tansen, Pokhara, and Nagarkot. Jungle resort in Chitwan with all meals included
-
All meals at Chitwan jungle resort Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Days 3 and 4
-
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu on Day 13 Traditional Nepali dinner with cultural performance
-
Private vehicle and driver for all inter-city transfers All road transfers throughout the 14 days
-
Government-licensed English-speaking guide throughout all 14 days Licensed by Nepal Tourism Board
-
All 7 UNESCO World Heritage Site entrance fees Pashupatinath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Changunarayan, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square
-
Lumbini Sacred Garden entrance and guided tour Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, eternal flame, and international monastery zone
-
Chitwan National Park entrance fees and all activity fees Jeep safari, canoe ride, guided jungle walk, and Tharu cultural show
-
Naturalist guide at Chitwan National Park Certified naturalist for all wildlife activities
-
Sarangkot sunrise excursion Early morning transfer to viewpoint and back included
-
Pokhara city sightseeing World Peace Pagoda, Phewa Lake boat ride, Devi's Fall, and Gupteshwor Cave
-
Pharping temple circuit Dakshinkali Temple and Gorakhnath Cave with licensed guide
-
Souvenir duffel bag Provided on arrival in Kathmandu
-
All government taxes and official expenses
-
International flights
-
Nepal visa fee USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, payable on arrival at Tribhuvan Airport
-
Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu, Lumbini, Tansen, and Pokhara Budget $15 to $25 per day. All Chitwan meals and farewell dinner are included
-
Beverages Bottled water, soft drinks, and alcohol throughout
-
Personal travel insurance Required. Policy should cover medical treatment and emergency evacuation
-
Tips for guide, naturalist, and driver Entirely at your discretion
-
Personal expenses Souvenirs, additional meals, drinks, phone calls, laundry
-
Single room supplement Available on request at all hotels
-
Optional activities Paragliding, microlight flight, Everest mountain flight, and additional excursions at extra cost
Enhance Your Trek
We Handle the Details — At No Extra Cost
Where You'll Sleep & What You'll Eat
Kathmandu nights are at a 3-star hotel in Thamel with private en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and WiFi. You return to the same hotel on Days 9 to 13 which means you can leave bags there throughout the trip and travel light to each destination.
Chitwan is two nights at a jungle resort in Sauraha on the edge of the national park buffer zone. Lodge-style rooms in a natural setting with all meals included. Your naturalist guide is based on site and wildlife is visible from the resort grounds.
Lumbini is one night at a 3-star hotel close to the Sacred Garden. Quiet location suitable for the early morning garden visit.
Tansen is one night at a 3-star hotel in the old town area. The facilities are comfortable and the location puts you within walking distance of the temple lanes and the Palpa ridge viewpoint.
Pokhara is two nights at a 3-star lakeside hotel in the Baidam area with views of Phewa Lake or the Annapurna range. The location puts the Sarangkot departure point, World Peace Pagoda boat dock, and restaurant strip all within easy reach.
Nagarkot is one night at a 3-star hill station hotel at 2,175m chosen for its Himalayan sunrise views. Heated rooms available. Luxury resort upgrade available on request.
Single supplement available on request at all properties.
Breakfast is included at all hotels throughout the trip. All meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included during your two nights at the Chitwan jungle resort. The farewell dinner with cultural performance in Kathmandu on Day 13 is also included.
Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu, Lumbini, Tansen, and Pokhara are at your own expense. Budget $15 to $25 per day. Thamel and the Pokhara lakeside strip have restaurants covering every cuisine and budget. Lumbini and Tansen have fewer options but your guide will point you to the best places near the hotel.
A practical note on Nagarkot: the hotel restaurant is the most practical option for dinner on Day 12 given the evening arrival. The selection is limited but reliable.
| Lunch in Kathmandu or Pokhara | $6 to $12 per person |
| Dinner in Kathmandu, Thamel | $8 to $15 per person |
| Dinner in Pokhara, lakeside | $8 to $15 per person |
| Meals in Lumbini and Tansen | $5 to $10 per person per meal |
| Dinner at Nagarkot hotel restaurant | $8 to $12 per person |
| Coffee and snacks | $2 to $5 per day |
| Bottled water | $0.50 to $1 per bottle |
| Optional activities in Pokhara | $80 to $130 per activity |
| Elephant bathing in Chitwan | From $25 per person |
What Our Trekkers Say
“A great way to see the highlights of Nepal”
Visiting Nepal for the first time as a couple, we really enjoyed this tour. It gave us a good mix of Kathmandu, cultural sites, mountain scenery, and time to experience local life without ever feeling rushed. MountainKick organized everything very smoothly and our guide was friendly and knowledgeable throughout.
“A wonderful first trip to Nepal”
Our family of four had a fantastic experience. We enjoyed the temples and heritage sites, the mountain views, and the different towns along the way -- the itinerary was well balanced and gave us enough free time too. MountainKick were very helpful before and during the trip, and everything went…
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this tour really cover all 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley?
Yes. The itinerary covers all seven across four separate guided days: Pashupatinath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath on Day 2; Patan Durbar Square on Day 11; Boudhanath and Changunarayan on Day 12; and Bhaktapur Durbar Square on Day 13. Entrance fees to all seven are included in the tour price. No other MountainKick tour covers all seven.
How is this different from the Nepal Heritage and Poon Hill Trek?
The Nepal Heritage and Poon Hill Trek covers the same cultural circuit through Kathmandu, Chitwan, Lumbini, Tansen, and Pokhara in 15 days but replaces the second Kathmandu exploration block with a 4-day Poon Hill trek. This tour goes deeper into the Kathmandu Valley instead, adding Pharping, Godawari, all seven UNESCO sites, and two Himalayan sunrises. If you want the full cultural experience with no trekking, this is the right trip. If you want the cultural circuit plus a mountain walk, the Poon Hill Trek is the better fit.
What is Pharping and why does the itinerary include it?
Pharping is a village in the southern Kathmandu Valley about 20km from Thamel. The Dakshinkali Temple here is one of the most active Hindu pilgrimage sites near Kathmandu, particularly busy on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The Gorakhnath Cave nearby is sacred to both Hindu and Buddhist traditions and draws practitioners from both. Most Kathmandu itineraries stay in the city centre and miss the southern valley entirely. This tour includes it because it gives a genuinely different dimension to the Kathmandu section.
What is Tansen and is it worth the overnight stop?
Tansen is a medieval Newari hilltop city in Palpa district, around 3 hours from Lumbini and 4 hours from Pokhara. It is one of Nepal’s best-preserved traditional towns with cobblestone lanes, carved wooden facades, and the Amar Narayan Temple at its centre. The Palpa ridge above the town has wide Himalayan views. Most Nepal tours drive straight past on the Siddhartha Highway. We stop because it sits directly on the route and the overnight gives you the town after the day visitors leave, which is when it is at its best.
How difficult is this tour?
Easy. All travel is by private vehicle and the walking at sightseeing sites is gentle throughout. No trekking or sustained physical activity is required. The main demand of the trip is two early morning starts: Sarangkot on Day 8 and Nagarkot on Day 13. Both involve a short drive followed by a brief walk to the viewpoint. The Chitwan wildlife activities are comfortable for all ages and fitness levels. The tour is suitable for older travellers and families with children.
What wildlife can I expect in Chitwan?
Chitwan National Park is home to one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, sloth bears, leopards, gharial and mugger crocodiles, and over 500 bird species. Rhino sightings on jeep safari are very common. Tiger sightings are rarer but do occur on early morning safaris. The Rapti River canoe section is excellent for crocodiles and waterbirds. Your naturalist guide tracks fresh signs throughout the day and positions the vehicle for the best sightings.
What meals are included?
Breakfast is included at all hotels throughout the 14 days. All meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included during your two nights at the Chitwan jungle resort. The farewell dinner with cultural performance in Kathmandu on Day 13 is also included. Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu, Lumbini, Tansen, and Pokhara are at your own expense. Budget $15 to $25 per day for those meals.
What is the best time to do this tour?
October and November are the prime months. Clear skies after the monsoon give the sharpest Sarangkot and Nagarkot views, and wildlife in Chitwan is most visible. March and April are equally good. December and January are fine for the cultural sites and Chitwan but cold before dawn at the two sunrise viewpoints. June to September is monsoon season. The cultural sites remain accessible but mountain visibility is limited and the sunrise viewpoints are frequently clouded out.
Will I see Everest from Nagarkot?
Everest is visible from Nagarkot on clear mornings. October and November give the sharpest visibility after the monsoon clears. The full arc from Annapurna in the west to Kanchenjunga in the east is visible on the clearest days with Everest identifiable in the central eastern section of the range. Cloud cover is common in the afternoons which is why the pre-dawn timing matters. Your guide will advise on conditions based on the season.
Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes. There are no strenuous activities and the pace is comfortable throughout. The Chitwan wildlife activities, Lumbini Sacred Garden, Phewa Lake boat ride, and Bhaktapur Pottery Square are particularly engaging for younger travellers. Let us know the ages of any children when you book and we will adjust the pace and site selection accordingly.
Can I customise the itinerary?
Yes. Common adjustments include adding extra days in Pokhara or Kathmandu, adding the Poon Hill trek after Pokhara, upgrading city hotels to 4-star or 5-star, or adding the Everest mountain flight. Kumar replies personally within a few hours and is happy to build the itinerary around your schedule and group size.
Departure Dates & Pricing
No upcoming fixed departures are scheduled at the moment. Contact us to arrange a private departure on dates that suit you.
-
1
20% Deposit — Due on booking Secures your place on the departure. Refundable within cancellation window.
-
2
80% Balance — Due on arrival Pay the remainder in Kathmandu before the trip begins. Bank transfer, card, or cash accepted.
-
3
Bhutan & Tibet — Full payment 20 days prior Full balance required at least 20 days before departure for Bhutan and Tibet tours.
| 30+ days before departure | Deposit forfeited, balance refunded in full |
| 15–29 days before departure | 50% of total trip cost charged |
| Under 15 days | No refund |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
We give you the power to choose the departure date that suits your group best. A private trip is a perfect solution if you can’t find a published departure date that you and your companions agree on. You can set up a private departure for most of the trips we offer.
| Travellers | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1720 |
| 2-3 | $1345 |
| 4-9 | $1150 |
Ready to go? Request your preferred dates or message us directly on WhatsApp — we'll confirm availability within a few hours.
We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary. You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.
"*" indicates required fields
Packing List
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | 1 | Must have at least 6 months validity from your date of entry |
| Passport photos | 2 | Required for Nepal visa on arrival. Digital submission is also accepted |
| Nepal visa fee cash | 1 | USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days |
| Travel insurance documents | 1 | Must cover medical treatment and emergency evacuation. Digital copy on your phone is fine |
| Emergency contact list | 1 | Share a copy with someone at home |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Comfortable walking clothes | 3 to 4 days worth | Lightweight and breathable. Kathmandu and Pokhara are warm most of the year |
| Modest temple clothing | 1 outfit | Covered shoulders and knees required at all seven UNESCO sites, Pharping temples, and Lumbini monasteries |
| Light fleece or jacket | 1 | Pokhara mornings can be cool between November and February |
| Rain jacket | 1 | Useful Oct to May for afternoon showers. Essential if travelling Mar to May |
| Walking shoes | 1 pair | Comfortable for cobblestone streets and gentle hill walking |
| Sandals or slip-ons | 1 pair | You remove shoes frequently at temples. Easy on and off saves time |
| Warm layer for evenings | 1 | Essential for two pre-dawn starts: Sarangkot at 1,592m on Day 8 and Nagarkot at 2,175m on Day 13 |
| Neutral coloured clothing for safar | 2 to 3 outfits | Khaki, olive, or brown works best in Chitwan. Bright colours disturb wildlife |
| Long sleeved shirts | 2 to 3 | Protects against insects in Chitwan, especially at dawn and dusk |
| Long trousers | 2 pairs | Required for jungle walks in Chitwan buffer zone |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher | 1 | Especially important at exposed hilltop sites: Swayambhunath, Changunarayan, World Peace Pagoda, Sarangkot, and Nagarkot |
| Insect repellent | 1 large | Much more important on this tour. Chitwan at dawn and dusk has heavy mosquito activity. DEET-based repellent recommended |
| Personal medications | Full supply | Bring more than you need. Specific brands can be hard to find outside Kathmandu |
| Hand sanitiser | 1 | Useful at busy temple sites |
| Reusable water bottle | 1 | Filtered water is available at both hotels. Reduces plastic waste on the road |
| Small day bag or backpack | 1 |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Phone and charger | 1 | A local SIM card gives you data from Day 1. We help you get one in Kathmandu |
| Camera | 1 | All seven UNESCO sites, Chitwan jeep safari, Sarangkot and Nagarkot sunrises all reward a proper camera. A zoom lens is useful for wildlife in Chitwan and distant peaks at the sunrise viewpoints |
| Universal power adapter | 1 | Nepal uses Type C, D, and M sockets |
| Power bank | 1 | Useful on the long drive days between destinations. Six hotel moves means frequent packing and unpacking so keep devices charged |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| USD cash | Enough for visa plus backup | USD is the most useful foreign currency in Nepal for tips, optional activities, and emergencies |
| Nepali rupees | Day to day spending | ATMs reliable in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Withdraw sufficient cash before leaving Pokhara on Day 10 as Lumbini and Tansen have limited ATMs and Chitwan resorts are largely cash based |
| Credit or debit card | 1 to 2 | Visa and Mastercard accepted at most Thamel and lakeside restaurants and shops |
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Thermal base layer top and bottom | Kathmandu mornings drop to 2 to 5 degrees in January. Pokhara is milder but evenings are cold |
| Warm hat and gloves | Needed for both the Sarangkot sunrise at 1,592m and the Nagarkot sunrise at 2,175m in winter. Pre-dawn temperatures at both viewpoints drop close to zero in December and January |
| Heavy fleece or down jacket | Layering works better than one thick coat for moving between cold mornings and warm afternoons |
| Warm socks | Stone temple floors are cold underfoot in winter months |
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Waterproof rain jacket | Daily afternoon rain is near certain in both cities. A good jacket matters more than an umbrella |
| Quick-dry clothing | Humidity is high and clothes take longer to dry between days |
| Waterproof bag cover or dry bags | Protects your camera and electronics during sudden downpours |
| Umbrella | Useful in town and at temple sites where you spend time outdoors |
Nothing on this tour requires rental equipment. Binoculars can be borrowed from the Chitwan resort if you do not have your own. Safari vehicles, canoes, and all wildlife activity gear are provided by the resort naturalist team. Your guide can arrange a bicycle rental at Lumbini if you want to explore the Sacred Garden and monastery zone on two wheels, which is the best way to cover the full site.
What Not to Bring
Nepal Highlights Tour
Kumar and the team have guided this route for over a decade. Ask anything — gear, fitness, altitude, private groups — before you commit.
Tales from the Himalayas
Fresh stories and expert insights from our mountain adventures
WiFi and Internet on Nepal Trekking Trails: What to Expect (2026)
Realistic look at WiFi, Everest Link, and mobile data on Nepal's trails, including Everest, Annapurna, and Manaslu, with costs and where signal drops.
Everest Region, Essentials, Travel
Is Everest Base Camp Trek Hard? A Straight Answer From 20+ Years of Guiding
Everest Base Camp is rated Hard, but not for the reason most people assume. A guide with 20+ years on this route breaks down what actually causes trouble on the trail, and it's rarely fitness.
Is It Safe to Travel to Nepal After the Flood? September 2026 Travel & Trekking Update
Rasuwa and Manaslu floods explained: what's actually affected in Nepal, and why Everest, Annapurna, and most trekking regions remain open.