Fifteen days covering Kathmandu, Nagarkot sunrise, Chitwan wildlife, Lumbini, Tansen, and Pokhara before four days trekking to Poon Hill at 3,210m above the Annapurna range.
Full Annapurna and Dhaulagiri panorama at dawn, one of the finest views on any short trek in Nepal
Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Chitwan, Lumbini, Tansen, and Pokhara with a licensed guide throughout
One-horned rhino jeep safari and Buddha's birthplace on the same itinerary
Medieval Newari hilltop city in Palpa district, largely unknown to most international visitors
This is a 15-day private tour covering six destinations before finishing with a four-day mountain trek. The cultural half moves through Kathmandu for UNESCO heritage sightseeing, Nagarkot for an Everest sunrise at 2,175m, Chitwan National Park for a full day of jeep safari and river canoe, Lumbini for the Sacred Garden and Maya Devi Temple at the exact birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, and Tansen in Palpa district for medieval Newari architecture and wide Himalayan ridge views. Pokhara is the gateway to the trek, with a full sightseeing day before the trail begins. The trek itself is four days in the Annapurna foothills from Nayapool through rhododendron forest and Gurung villages to Ghorepani, then the pre-dawn push to Poon Hill at 3,210m for sunrise over the full Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
The cultural half requires no fitness preparation. The trek is moderate. The hardest day is the climb to Ghorepani on Day 10, a long section of stone steps at elevation that will test your legs. Poon Hill itself is a 45-minute walk from Ghorepani before dawn. You need to be comfortable walking 5 to 7 hours on consecutive days on mountain trails with a daypack. Prior trekking experience helps but is not essential. What matters more is arriving in reasonable cardio shape. Your porter carries the main bag throughout the trek. Altitude sickness at 3,210m is uncommon for people who follow a gradual ascent but drink 3 to 4 litres of water daily on trek days and tell your guide immediately if you develop a persistent headache or nausea.
MountainKick runs this as a fully private tour with a government-licensed guide throughout all 15 days. Your guide handles all entrance fees, park permits, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, TIMS card, and all logistics between destinations. Kumar and the team know the Poon Hill trail well and know which guesthouses in Ghorepani and Ghandruk serve the best food. Tansen is a deliberate stop that most operators skip. It sits directly on the route between Lumbini and Pokhara and rewards the overnight.
What you will see and do:
For travellers who want the same cultural circuit without the trekking, see the Nepal Highlights Tour. For those who want to extend the Annapurna section beyond Poon Hill, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek departs from the same trailhead and can be combined on request.
Our 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, walk the streets around the hotel, or rest after your journey. Your guide runs through the full 15-day itinerary in the evening.
A full day at three UNESCO World Heritage Sites by private vehicle. Morning at Pashupatinath on the Bagmati River, then Boudhanath Stupa at the kora path, then Bhaktapur Durbar Square where Newari architecture has survived largely intact since the 15th century. Drive up to Nagarkot in the evening for the sunrise tomorrow.
Wake before dawn for the Nagarkot sunrise. On a clear morning Mount Everest is visible along with the full Annapurna range from a single viewpoint. After breakfast drive south through the Kathmandu Valley and down into the subtropical Terai plains to Chitwan National Park. Arrive at your jungle resort in Sauraha by late afternoon.
Early morning jeep safari through Chitwan National Park for one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, leopard, and spotted deer. Mid-morning canoe ride on the Rapti River for gharial crocodile and waterbird sightings. Afternoon guided nature walk through the buffer zone with your naturalist. Evening Tharu cultural dance show at the resort.
Morning 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.
Morning in the international monastery zone where each Buddhist nation has built its own temple: the gold-roofed Thai wat, the painted murals of the Burmese monastery, and the stark white Sri Lankan vihara. After lunch drive to Tansen, a medieval Newari hilltop city in Palpa district with cobblestone lanes and panoramic Himalayan ridge views.
Morning free to explore 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 Phewa Lake and the Annapurna range directly ahead.
Full day at Pokhara’s main attractions. Morning at the World Peace Pagoda on the ridge above Phewa Lake with a full Annapurna panorama, then a boat ride to Tal Barahi Temple on the island in the middle of the lake. Afternoon at Devi’s Falls and Gupteshwor Cave. Optional Sarangkot viewpoint in the evening for the late-afternoon light on the mountains.
One-hour drive to Nayapool at 1,060m, the starting point for the Poon Hill trail. A manageable 3-hour walk through forest along the Modi Khola river brings you to Tikhedhunga at 1,540m. A gentle introduction to the trail with your licensed trekking guide and porter before the serious climbing begins tomorrow.
The hardest day on the trail. A long section of stone steps climbs from Tikhedhunga through Ulleri village and into dense rhododendron forest as you gain significant elevation. The final push to Ghorepani at 2,874m will test your legs but the trail has regular teahouses for breaks and the mountain views open up as you climb. Rest well tonight.
The alarm goes off before 5am for the 45-minute climb to Poon Hill at 3,210m. As the sky lightens the full Annapurna range appears: Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri all catching the first light simultaneously. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast at the teahouse, then continue to Tadhapani at 2,630m through forest and open ridgelines.
A welcome downhill day through forest to Ghandruk at 1,940m, one of the most welcoming Gurung villages in the Annapurna foothills. Annapurna South sits directly across the valley and the afternoon light on the face is excellent. Spend the afternoon at the Gurung Museum, the local monastery, and talking to people whose families have lived here for generations.
Scenic jeep ride from Ghandruk back to Pokhara in around two hours, dropping you at the lakeside with the rest of the day free. A slow lunch, a boat ride on Phewa Lake, browsing the shops on Lakeside Road, or a spa session before dinner. The Annapurna range is right there across the water and there is no hurry.
Early departure for the 7-hour drive back to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway. Arrive in the evening with time to freshen up before a traditional Nepali farewell dinner hosted by MountainKick with cultural performances to close out 15 days well spent.
Breakfast at your hotel in Thamel, then a private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. Your guide sees you off at departures.
Kathmandu and Nagarkot are 3-star hotels with private en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and WiFi. The Kathmandu hotel is in Thamel, within walking distance of the main heritage sites. Nagarkot is a hilltop station at 2,175m and the hotel is chosen for its Himalayan sunrise views rather than its facilities, which are comfortable but simpler than the city properties.
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. Wildlife activity is visible from the resort grounds and your naturalist guide is based on site.
Lumbini and Tansen are one night each at 3-star hotels close to the main sites. Both are quiet towns and the hotels are practical rather than destination properties.
Pokhara nights are at a 3-star lakeside hotel in the Baidam area with views of Phewa Lake or the Annapurna range. The location puts the World Peace Pagoda boat dock, the restaurant strip, and the paragliding landing zone within walking distance.
The four trek nights are at guesthouses in Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, Tadhapani, and Ghandruk. Rooms are twin sharing with basic facilities. Hot showers and electricity are available at most stops. Ghorepani and Ghandruk have the best guesthouse food on the trail. All trek meals are at your own expense at the guesthouse restaurants.
Single supplement is available on request at all city and town hotels. Trekking guesthouses cannot be guaranteed as single occupancy.
ABC GUESTHOUSE
Breakfast is included at all city and town hotels throughout the trip. All meals are included during your two nights at the Chitwan jungle resort. The farewell dinner with cultural performance in Kathmandu on Day 14 is also included.
Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Lumbini, Tansen, and Pokhara are at your own expense. In Thamel and on the Pokhara lakeside restaurants cover every cuisine and budget at $8 to $15 per person for dinner. Lumbini and Tansen have fewer options but your guide will point you to the best places near your hotel.
All meals during the four-day Poon Hill trek are at your own expense at the teahouse restaurants on the trail. Dal bhat, noodle soup, fried rice, pasta, and eggs are the staples at every guesthouse from Tikhedhunga to Ghandruk. Portions are generous and the food is consistently good. Budget $25 to $35 per day for three meals on trek days. Avoid ordering meat above Tikhedhunga as supply chains are limited and freshness is not guaranteed.
| 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 |
| All meals on the Poon Hill trek | $25 to $35 per day for three meals at teahouses |
| Hot drinks on the trek | $1 to $2 per cup, buy from the teahouse you are staying at |
| Optional activities in Pokhara | $80 to $130 per activity |
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The Nepal Highlights Tour is 14 days and follows the same cultural circuit through Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Chitwan, Lumbini, Tansen, and Pokhara but does not include any trekking. This trip adds four days in the Annapurna foothills finishing with the Poon Hill sunrise at 3,210m. If you want the full cultural experience plus a genuine mountain walk, this is the right trip. If trekking is not for you or your group, the Nepal Highlights Tour covers the same destinations without the trail.
The trek is moderate. The hardest day is the climb to Ghorepani on Day 10, a long section of stone steps at elevation that takes 5 to 6 hours. Poon Hill itself is a 45-minute walk from Ghorepani before dawn. You need to be comfortable walking 5 to 7 hours on consecutive days on mountain trails with a daypack of around 5 to 8kg. Prior trekking experience helps but is not essential. Your licensed guide sets the pace and the porter carries your main bag. For a standalone version of the same trek see the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
No. Trek meals are at your own expense at the teahouse restaurants on the trail. Dal bhat, noodle soup, fried rice, pasta, and eggs are available at every guesthouse from Tikhedhunga to Ghandruk. Budget $25 to $35 per day for three meals. Breakfast is included at all city and town hotels before and after the trek. All meals are included at the Chitwan jungle resort.
Chitwan National Park is home to one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, sloth bears, leopards, gharial and mugger crocodiles, and over 540 bird species. Rhino sightings on jeep safari are very common. Tiger sightings are rarer but do occur, particularly 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.
Tansen is a medieval Newari hilltop city in Palpa district, around 4 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 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 rewards the overnight with a side of Nepal most visitors never see.
Yes, on clear mornings. Nagarkot at 2,175m sits on the eastern rim of the Kathmandu Valley and offers one of the widest Himalayan panoramas accessible by road from Kathmandu. 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. October and November give the sharpest visibility. Cloud is common in the afternoons which is why the sunrise timing matters.
October and November are the prime months for clear mountain views at Nagarkot and Poon Hill, stable weather across all activities, and active wildlife in Chitwan. March and April are equally good and the rhododendron forests on the Poon Hill trail are in full bloom. December and January are cold at altitude but clear and quiet with fewer trekkers on the trail. June to September is monsoon season and is not recommended for this itinerary. Poon Hill views are frequently lost and the trail to Ghorepani becomes muddy and slippery.
The maximum altitude is Poon Hill at 3,210m. Altitude sickness at this level is uncommon for people in reasonable health who follow a gradual ascent. The itinerary builds elevation slowly over four days which is the right approach. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water daily on trek days, avoid alcohol on the trail, and tell your guide immediately if you develop a persistent headache, nausea, or dizziness. Diamox is available in Kathmandu and Pokhara on prescription if your doctor recommends it.
Two permits are required for the Poon Hill trek: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and the TIMS card. MountainKick arranges both before your arrival. You need to provide your passport details and one passport-size photo. Chitwan National Park entrance fees are also included in the trip price. No other permits are required for the cultural destinations on this itinerary.
Yes. The trail from Ghorepani can continue toward Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m instead of descending to Ghandruk. This adds 5 to 7 days to the itinerary and takes you significantly higher into the Annapurna sanctuary. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek covers this route in full and can be combined with the cultural circuit on request. Tell us when you book and we will build a combined itinerary.
Yes with some caveats. The cultural half of the trip is suitable for all ages. The Chitwan wildlife activities and Lumbini Sacred Garden are particularly engaging for younger travellers. The Poon Hill trek is where you need to be realistic. Children who are comfortable walking 4 to 5 hours uphill on consecutive days can manage it. The stone step climb to Ghorepani on Day 10 is the hardest section and needs honest assessment for younger children. Tell us the ages of any children when you book and we will advise.
Yes. Common adjustments include adding an extra day in Pokhara, extending the trek toward Annapurna Base Camp, upgrading city hotels to 4-star or 5-star, or adding paragliding from Sarangkot. Kumar replies personally within a few hours and is happy to build the itinerary around your schedule and group size.
No upcoming fixed departures are scheduled at the moment. Contact us to arrange a private departure on dates that suit you.
| 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 |
Every MountainKick trip runs privately on dates that work for you. Same route, same guides, your schedule. Group pricing scales with traveller count.
| Travellers | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1910 |
| 2-3 | $1356 |
| 4-9 | $990 |
Ready to go? Request your preferred dates or message Kumar directly on WhatsApp — he'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.
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| 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 trekking to 3,210m and emergency helicopter evacuation. Standard policies often exclude high-altitude trekking so check carefully |
| Emergency contact list | 1 | Share a copy with someone at home |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Broken-in hiking boots | 1 pair | Essential for 4-day Panchase trek. Do not bring new boots. Blisters on Day 7 will ruin the summit day |
| Trekking pants | 2 pairs | Lightweight quick-dry material. Doubles for rafting day |
| Warm hat and gloves | 1 each | Essential for pre-dawn Panchase summit climb |
| Moisture-wicking base layers | 2 to 3 | Long and short sleeve. Essential for trek days and summit climb |
| 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 Pashupatinath and most Hindu temples |
| 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 | For city and heritage site days only |
| Sandals or slip-ons | 1 pair | You remove shoes frequently at temples. Easy on and off saves time |
| Neutral coloured clothing for Chitwan | 2 outfits | Khaki, olive, or brown. Bright colours disturb wildlife on jeep safari and jungle walks |
| Long sleeved shirts | 2 to 3 | Protects against insects in Chitwan at dawn and dusk |
| Warm layer for evenings | 1 | Kathmandu evenings drop noticeably in December and January |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher | 1 | Especially important on the Poon Hill summit and Nagarkot sunrise viewpoint where UV exposure is high |
| Insect repellent | 1 | Essential for Chitwan. Dawn and dusk have 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 |
| Lip balm with SPF | 1 | Dry mountain air on the trek dehydrates lips quickly |
| Trekking poles | 1 | Highly recommended for the stone step descent from Poon Hill and the Tadhapani to Ghandruk descent. Can be rented in Pokhara |
| Small day bag or backpack | 1 | Your porter carries the main bag on trek days. Keep essentials in your daypack |
| Energy bars and trail snacks | 3 to 4 days worth | Trek meals are at your own expense. Carry snacks for the long Day 10 climb to Ghorepani |
| 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 | Nagarkot sunrise, Poon Hill panorama, and Chitwan jeep safari all reward a proper camera. A zoom lens is useful for wildlife in Chitwan |
| Universal power adapter | 1 | Nepal uses Type C, D, and M sockets |
| Power bank | 1 | Useful on the 7-hour drive days when charging is not always available |
| Headlamp with spare batteries | 1 | Essential for the pre-dawn summit start on Day 9. Do not rely on your phone torch |
| 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 the trek starts on Day 9. Teahouses on the Poon Hill trail are cash only. Budget $25 to $35 per day for three trek meals |
| 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 | Essential for the pre-dawn Poon Hill summit climb in winter. Temperatures at 3,210m before dawn in December and January drop well below zero |
| 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 |
| Hand warmers | Useful for the pre-dawn summit climb in December and January |
| 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 |
A down jacket and sleeping bag are provided by MountainKick for the duration of the trek. Trekking poles, hiking boots, and binoculars can be rented in Thamel or Pokhara if needed. Your guide checks your full kit before the trek starts on Day 9 and arranges rental of any missing items in Pokhara before the drive to Nayapool.
Kumar and the team have guided this route for over a decade. Ask anything — gear, fitness, altitude, private groups — before you commit.
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