Classic Nepal Tour
●●●●● 4.9 · 60+ TripAdvisor reviewsTen days through Nepal's classic route: the temples of Kathmandu Valley, the old hill town of Bandipur, Annapurna sunrise from Sarangkot in Pokhara, and rhino on a jeep safari in Chitwan.
On the Trip
What It Really Looks Like
Classic Nepal Tour: What to Expect
Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and the three royal squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur
An old Newari trading town on a ridge, quiet once the day visitors leave
Annapurna, Machhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri at first light from 1,592m above Pokhara
One-horned rhino, deer and crocodile on a full day in the national park
This 10 day Nepal tour covers the places most people want to see on their first trip. Kathmandu Valley comes first. You get two full days at its temples and old royal squares. Then you drive west to Bandipur and stay the night in an old hill town. Next is Pokhara for sunrise over the Annapurna range and a slow day by Phewa Lake. The trip ends in Chitwan National Park with a full day of jeep safari and canoe rides before you drive back to Kathmandu.
There is no trekking. A private car and driver take you the whole way. The walking is easy and mostly flat. The longest drives are 5 to 6 hours with stops for tea and lunch. This Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan tour works well for families and older travellers. It also suits anyone who wants to see a lot of Nepal without rushing it.
Your licensed guide meets you at the airport and stays with you until you fly home. We book the hotels, permits and safari before you land. Entry fees are paid as you go. We have run private Nepal tours since 2016. We know which Kathmandu temples to visit early before the crowds come. We also know why Bandipur is worth a night when most tours drive straight past it.
What you will see and do
- Swayambhunath stupa on its hill above Kathmandu
- The old palace square at Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Pashupatinath on the Bagmati River, the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal
- Boudhanath at dusk when locals walk around the great stupa
- Newari temples and woodcarving in Patan and Bhaktapur
- A quiet evening in Bandipur and morning mountain views from Thani Mai
- Sunrise from Sarangkot with Annapurna and Machhapuchhre in front of you
- A boat to Tal Barahi Temple on Phewa Lake
- Jeep safari in Chitwan for one-horned rhino and deer
- A dugout canoe on the Rapti River to spot crocodiles and birds
Short on time? The Kathmandu and Pokhara Tour takes 7 days. Want to see more? The Nepal Highlights Tour adds Lumbini over 14 days. You can also add the Everest mountain flight on Day 3 or a short Poon Hill trek from Pokhara.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Kathmandu
Your guide meets you at the airport and drives you to your hotel in Thamel. The rest of the day is yours. Walk the busy lanes around Thamel and Asan or rest after the flight. In the evening your guide goes through the plan for the next ten days and answers your questions.
Kathmandu Heritage Day
A full day at four of the valley’s best known sites. Start early at Swayambhunath before the tour groups arrive. Then walk through Kathmandu Durbar Square and the old palace courtyards. After lunch visit Pashupatinath on the Bagmati River. End the day at Boudhanath as the light fades and locals walk around the stupa.
Patan and Bhaktapur
Today is about the two other royal cities of the valley. Patan has some of the finest temples in Nepal and a museum worth an hour of your time. After lunch drive to Bhaktapur. Watch the potters at work and try juju dhau, the local yogurt. If you booked the Everest flight it leaves at dawn and you are back in time for breakfast.
Drive to Bandipur
Leave Kathmandu after breakfast and follow the Trishuli River west. At Dumre the road leaves the highway and climbs to Bandipur on its ridge. Cars stop at the edge of town so the main street is quiet. Spend the late afternoon walking past old Newari houses and small temples. Stay the night once the day visitors have gone home.
Bandipur Sunrise and Drive to Pokhara
Wake early for the short climb to Thani Mai temple. On a clear morning the Annapurna range and Manaslu fill the skyline. After breakfast drive about two hours down to Pokhara. Check in near the lake and spend the afternoon as you like. Hire a rowing boat or just sit by the water with a coffee.
Sarangkot Sunrise and Pokhara Sightseeing
Leave before dawn for Sarangkot. Watch the first light hit Annapurna and the fishtail peak of Machhapuchhre. Back in town after breakfast take a boat to Tal Barahi Temple on Phewa Lake. Walk or drive up to the World Peace Pagoda for the view back over the city. Finish at Devi’s Fall and Gupteshwor Cave.
Drive to Chitwan
Drive south out of the hills to the flat Terai plains. The road takes about five hours with a stop for lunch. Check in at your jungle lodge in Sauraha. In the late afternoon walk through a Tharu village with your naturalist and watch the sun set over the Rapti River. A Tharu stick dance show follows in the evening.
Chitwan National Park
Start with a dugout canoe on the Rapti River at sunrise. Look for crocodiles and kingfishers along the banks. Then walk through the forest with your naturalist to learn about tracks and plants. After lunch head into the park by jeep. Rhino and deer are seen on most trips. Tigers are rare but they are out there.
Drive Back to Kathmandu
Drive back to Kathmandu after breakfast. The road follows the Trishuli River and takes five to six hours. You have the late afternoon to rest or shop for gifts in Thamel. In the evening we host a farewell dinner with Nepali food and a cultural show.
Departure
Breakfast at your hotel and then a private transfer to the airport. Your guide comes along to see you off. If your flight leaves late in the day we can keep your bags and suggest one last stop in the city.
3D Route Map
Includes & Excludes
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Airport pickup and drop-off Private car on arrival and departure
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9 nights hotel with breakfast 4 nights Kathmandu, 1 Bandipur, 2 Pokhara, 2 Chitwan. Twin sharing
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Private car and driver Every drive and sightseeing transfer on the trip
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Licensed English-speaking guide With you from Day 1 to Day 10
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Sarangkot sunrise trip Early morning drive up and back
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Phewa Lake boat to Tal Barahi Temple Return boat ride
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Chitwan National Park fees and activities Jeep safari, canoe ride, jungle walk and Tharu village walk
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Naturalist guide in Chitwan For all wildlife activities
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All meals in Chitwan Dinner on Day 7, all meals on Day 8, breakfast on Day 9
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Farewell dinner Nepali dinner with a cultural show on Day 9
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International flights
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Nepal visa USD 30 for 15 days or USD 50 for 30 days. Paid on arrival at the airport
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Lunch and dinner outside Chitwan Budget $8 to $15 per person per meal
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Travel insurance Required. Must cover medical care and evacuation
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Everest mountain flight Optional add-on on Day 3
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Tips for guide, driver and naturalist Up to you
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Single room Available on request at extra cost
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Personal expenses Drinks, laundry and souvenirs
Add to Your Trip
We Handle the Details
FreeWhere You'll Sleep & What You'll Eat
In Kathmandu you stay 4 nights at a 3-star hotel in Thamel. Rooms have a private bathroom, air conditioning and WiFi. Thamel is close to the old city and has plenty of places to eat.
Bandipur is one night at a heritage guesthouse on the main street. The rooms are simple but clean, in an old Newari house with timber windows. It is not a luxury stay. It is the best way to see the town after the day visitors leave.
Pokhara is 2 nights at a 3-star hotel in Lakeside. You can walk to the lake, the boat dock and the restaurant strip.
Chitwan is 2 nights at a jungle lodge in Sauraha on the edge of the national park. Your naturalist is based at the lodge and all meals are served there.
All rooms are twin sharing. A single room is available on request at extra cost. Ask us if you want 4 or 5 star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Breakfast is included every day. All meals are included in Chitwan from dinner on Day 7 to breakfast on Day 9. On the last night we host a farewell dinner with Nepali food and a cultural show.
Other lunches and dinners are up to you. That gives you the freedom to eat where you like. Thamel and Pokhara Lakeside have everything from dal bhat to wood-fired pizza. In Bandipur your guesthouse cooks a good Nepali dinner. Your guide will point you to places we trust.
| Lunch in Kathmandu or Pokhara | $6 to $12 per person |
| Dinner in Thamel or Lakeside | $8 to $15 per person |
| Dinner in Bandipur | $6 to $10 per person |
| Coffee and snacks | $2 to $5 per day |
| Optional activities in Pokhara | $65 to $130 per activity |
| Optional activities in Pokhara | $80 to $130 per activity |
What Our Trekkers Say
“A great introduction to Nepal”
Travelling to Nepal for the first time as a couple, we had a wonderful experience with Dilman. We wanted to see more than just Kathmandu and the mountains, and this trip gave us a great mix of culture, local villages, and wildlife. He was friendly and knowledgeable and made the…
“Culture, food and wildlife all in one trip”
Sagar was fantastic with our family group of five. The children especially loved the safari, but we all enjoyed the cultural sites and learning about everyday life in different parts of Nepal. Everything was well planned without ever feeling rushed, MountainKick made the whole trip easy from start to finish.
“A memorable trip through Nepal”
Travelling as a group of three friends, we had a brilliant time with Ramesh. The cultural visits were genuinely interesting and the safari was a completely different experience, he was easygoing and always happy to answer our questions. MountainKick did a great job putting everything together, and we enjoyed every…
“Much more than a sightseeing tour”
Kumar made the trip very enjoyable for our small group. We experienced temples and heritage sites, local communities, different landscapes, and wildlife, rather than just visiting the main tourist spots, the trip felt well paced and personal. MountainKick were excellent to deal with, and we'd definitely recommend them to anyone…
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Classic Nepal Tour good for a first trip to Nepal?
Yes. It is the route we suggest most often to first-time visitors. In 10 days you see the temples of Kathmandu Valley, an old hill town, the Annapurna range from Pokhara and the jungle in Chitwan. There is no trekking and no high altitude. You get a real feel for how different each part of Nepal is without long days on the road.
What is the best time to do this tour?
October and November are the best months. The skies are clear after the monsoon and the mountains are sharp at sunrise. March and April are also good, with warm days and rhododendrons in bloom. December to February is clear but the mornings are cold. From June to September the monsoon often hides the mountains and some jungle activities in Chitwan are limited.
Is this a private tour or a group tour?
It is private. You have your own guide, car and driver for all 10 days. No one else joins you. You choose your start date and we can change the pace or add days around you.
How much walking is there?
Not much. Most days are easy walking around temple squares and old town lanes. The two short climbs are Thani Mai temple in Bandipur, about 30 minutes, and the steps up to the Sarangkot viewpoint. Both are optional. The jungle walk in Chitwan is flat. Anyone in normal health can do this tour.
Can I see Mount Everest on this tour?
Not from the ground. Everest is too far east of this route. The easy way to see it is the one hour Everest mountain flight from Kathmandu on the morning of Day 3. It leaves at dawn and you are back before breakfast. You can add it when you book.
Will we see rhinos in Chitwan?
Very likely. Chitwan has one of the largest one-horned rhino populations in the world and most of our guests see at least one. You will also see deer, crocodiles, monkeys and many birds. Tigers live in the park but they are shy and sightings are rare. We never promise a tiger.
Is this tour good for families with children?
Yes. Kids usually love the jeep safari, the canoe ride and the boat on Phewa Lake. The drives are long on three days so we plan plenty of stops. Tell us the ages of your children when you book and we will set the pace to suit them.
Why stay a night in Bandipur?
Bandipur breaks the long drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara into two easy days. It is an old Newari trading town on a ridge with a car-free main street. Most tours stop for an hour or skip it. When you stay the night you see it quiet in the evening and catch the mountains at sunrise.
Do we fly or drive between cities?
We drive the whole route in a private car. The longest drives are about 5 to 6 hours with stops. If you want to save time at the end, you can fly from Bharatpur near Chitwan back to Kathmandu in about 25 minutes. We can book that for you at extra cost.
Does this tour include Lumbini?
No. We kept this tour to 10 days so it is not rushed. If you want to visit Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, look at our 14 day <a href=”https://mountainkick.com/trip/nepal-highlights-tour/”>Nepal Highlights Tour</a>. We can also add Lumbini to this trip with 1 or 2 extra days.
Can I change the itinerary?
Yes. Every trip runs privately so it is easy to change. You can add a night in Pokhara, upgrade the hotels or add paragliding. Some guests add a short Poon Hill trek from Pokhara before going on to Chitwan. Tell us what you have in mind and we will plan it with you.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Your insurance should cover medical care and emergency evacuation. There is no high altitude on this tour so you do not need trekking cover. If you add paragliding, check that your policy covers it.
Departure Dates & Pricing
No upcoming fixed departures are scheduled at the moment. Contact us to arrange a private departure on dates that suit you.
Can't find a group date that works? Run this trip privately on any date you choose. Same route and guides, just your own group. The price depends on how many of you there are.
| Travellers | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,450 |
| 2-3 | $980 |
| 4-9 | $720 |
Ready to go? Request your preferred dates or message us on WhatsApp. We 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.
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20% deposit: due on booking Secures your place on the departure. The deposit is non-refundable. We also need a copy of your passport.
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80% balance: due on arrival Pay the rest in Kathmandu before the trip starts. Bank transfer, cash, or card (4% card fee).
| Cancel before you arrive | Deposit not refunded, nothing more to pay |
| Cancel after the pre-trip meeting | No refund |
| Date or name change | USD 200 per person |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
Weather delays and extra days cost extra, so travel insurance is required. We give you documents for any claim.
Read the full terms and conditionsPacking List
Documents
ⓘ Bring cash for the visa fee. Card payment at the airport counter is not always available.
Clothing
ⓘ You take your shoes off at most temples. Keep bright colours for town and wear dull colours on safari.
Personal Items
ⓘ Bring your own insect repellent with DEET. The local brands do not work as well in the jungle.
Electronics
ⓘ Nepal uses Type C, D and M plugs.
Money
ⓘ ATMs are easy to find in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Bandipur has very few so take out cash before you leave Kathmandu.
Travelling in Winter (Dec to Feb)
Travelling in Monsoon (Jun to Aug)
⚠ Monsoon brings heavy rain. Roads can be slow, views are often hidden and some flights can be delayed.
Leave at home
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Large wheeled suitcase Hard to carry on old town streets and in and out of the car
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Trekking boots Not needed. Walking shoes are enough
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Sleeping bag All accommodation includes beds with bedding. Not required
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Hiking poles No terrain on this tour requires them
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Bright coloured clothing for Chitwan Disturbs wildlife on jeep safari and jungle walks
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Strong perfume or scented products Attracts insects and disturbs wildlife in the Chitwan buffer zone
You do not need any special gear for this tour. The Chitwan lodge has binoculars you can borrow. Anything you forget is easy to buy in Thamel or Pokhara.
Classic Nepal Tour
Talk to Kumar and the team before you commit. Ask about pace, hotels, a private group or adding extra days.
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