Nepal Highlights Tour
●●●●● 4.9 · 60+ TripAdvisor reviewsFourteen days across Nepal with no trekking. All seven UNESCO sites of Kathmandu Valley, a jeep safari in Chitwan, the birthplace of the Buddha at Lumbini, a night in old Tansen, the lakeside at Pokhara and sunrise over the Himalaya from both Sarangkot and Nagarkot.
Friends paying separately still get the group price.
On the Trip
What It Really Looks Like
Nepal Highlights Tour: What to Expect
Every World Heritage monument zone in Kathmandu Valley, from Swayambhunath to Changunarayan
The Annapurna range from Sarangkot and the Everest range from Nagarkot
Rhino on a jeep safari and the birthplace of the Buddha on back to back days
One-horned rhino jeep safari and Buddha's birthplace covered back to back
This 14 day Nepal highlights tour is for people who want to see the whole country without trekking. You visit three of Nepal’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. All seven monument zones of Kathmandu Valley, the jungle of Chitwan National Park and Lumbini where the Buddha was born. On the way you stay a night in the old hill town of Tansen, spend three easy days in Pokhara and watch the sun rise over the Himalaya twice.
There is no trekking and no high altitude. A private car and driver take you the whole way. The walking is easy and mostly flat. The longest drives are 5 to 7 hours with stops along the way. The only hard part is getting up early for the two sunrises, and nobody has ever said it was not worth it.
Your licensed guide is with you from the airport on Day 1 to the airport on Day 14. We book the hotels, the safari and every entry ticket before you land. We have run private Nepal tours since 2016. We know which temples to visit early before the crowds and why Tansen and Pharping are worth the stop when most tours drive straight past.
What you will see and do:
- Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath in Kathmandu
- The three royal squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur
- Changunarayan, one of the oldest temples in the valley
- Old temples and caves in Pharping in the south of the valley
- Jeep safari in Chitwan for one-horned rhino and deer
- The Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini at the birthplace of the Buddha
- A night in Tansen, an old Newari town on a hill
- Sunrise from Sarangkot over the Annapurna range
- A boat to Tal Barahi Temple on Phewa Lake
- Sunrise from Nagarkot with Everest on the skyline on a clear day
Want to add a trek? The Nepal Heritage and Poon Hill Trek covers Kathmandu, Chitwan, Lumbini and Pokhara with four days of walking to Poon Hill. Short on time? The Classic Nepal Tour takes 10 days. Only want Kathmandu Valley? See the Kathmandu Cultural Tour.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Your guide meets you at the airport and drives you to your hotel in Thamel. The rest of the day is yours to rest or walk the busy lanes around Thamel and Asan. In the evening your guide goes through the plan for the next two weeks and answers your questions.
Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Pashupatinath
Start early at Swayambhunath on its hill above the city before the tour groups arrive. Then walk through Kathmandu Durbar Square, the old royal palace square in the heart of the city. After lunch visit Pashupatinath on the Bagmati River, the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal. Your guide explains the rituals you see along the river.
Drive to Chitwan
Drive out of the valley and follow the Trishuli River down to the flat Terai plains. 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 and look for crocodiles and kingfishers. 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 there too but rarely seen.
Drive to Lumbini
Drive west along the Terai to Lumbini. In the afternoon your guide takes you into the Sacred Garden. See the Maya Devi Temple built over the spot where the Buddha was born. Next to it stands the stone pillar the emperor Ashoka put up when he came here on pilgrimage. Watch monks and pilgrims at the pond as the day ends.
Lumbini Monasteries and Drive to Tansen
Spend the morning in the monastery zone where Buddhist countries have each built a temple in their own style. Then drive north into the hills to Tansen. The road climbs steeply after Butwal and the air gets cooler. In the evening walk up to Shreenagar hill for sunset over the hills and a first look at the Himalaya.
Tansen Old Town and Drive to Pokhara
Walk the steep old lanes of Tansen in the morning. Visit the Amar Narayan Temple with its carved wooden struts and look in on the small workshops that weave dhaka, the patterned cloth Palpa is known for. After lunch drive north to Pokhara and check in by Phewa Lake.
Sarangkot Sunrise and Free Afternoon
Leave before dawn for Sarangkot and watch the first light hit Annapurna and the fishtail peak of Machhapuchhre. Come back for a slow breakfast by the lake. The rest of the day is free. Rent a rowing boat, browse the shops on Lakeside or book a paragliding flight from the same hill you watched the sunrise from.
Pokhara Sightseeing
Take a boat across Phewa Lake to Tal Barahi Temple on its small island. Then walk or drive up to the World Peace Pagoda for the view back over the lake and city. In the afternoon see Devi’s Fall where the stream drops into the ground and the cave of Gupteshwor across the road.
Drive Back to Kathmandu
Drive back to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway with stops for tea and lunch. It takes about seven hours. If you would rather fly, the flight takes 25 minutes and gives you a free afternoon in the city. Ask us to add it when you book.
Pharping and Patan
Drive south out of the city to Pharping, a quiet hill village full of shrines. Visit Dakshinkali temple in its forest gorge and the meditation caves where Buddhist pilgrims still come to pray. In the afternoon walk through Patan Durbar Square and spend an hour in the Patan Museum inside the old palace.
Boudhanath, Changunarayan and Nagarkot
Start at Boudhanath when the morning prayers are on and walk around the great stupa with the locals. Then drive east to Changunarayan, a hilltop temple with some of the oldest stone carvings in the valley. In the late afternoon drive up to Nagarkot on the valley rim and watch the sun set behind the hills.
Nagarkot Sunrise, Bhaktapur and Farewell Dinner
Wake for sunrise over the Himalaya from Nagarkot. On a clear morning you can pick out Everest far to the east. After breakfast drive down to Bhaktapur and spend the late morning in its brick squares and pottery square. Try juju dhau, the local yogurt. In the evening we host a farewell dinner with Nepali food and a cultural show.
Final Departure
Breakfast at your hotel and then a private transfer to the airport. Your guide comes along to see you off. If your flight is 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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Private airport transfers on arrival and departure Return pick-up and drop-off in a private vehicle
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13 nights accommodation 5 nights Kathmandu, 2 Chitwan, 1 Lumbini, 1 Tansen, 3 Pokhara, 1 Nagarkot. Twin sharing
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All meals in Chitwan Dinner on Day 3, all meals on Day 4, breakfast on Day 5
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Farewell dinner in Kathmandu on Day 13 Traditional Nepali dinner with cultural performance
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Private vehicle and driver for all inter-city transfers All road transfers throughout the 14 days
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Government-licensed English-speaking guide throughout all 14 days Licensed by Nepal Tourism Board
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All 7 UNESCO World Heritage Site entrance fees Pashupatinath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Changunarayan, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square
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Lumbini Sacred Garden entrance and guided tour Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, eternal flame, and international monastery zone
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Chitwan National Park entrance fees and all activity fees Jeep safari, canoe ride, guided jungle walk, and Tharu cultural show
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Naturalist guide at Chitwan National Park Certified naturalist for all wildlife activities
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Sarangkot sunrise excursion Early morning transfer to viewpoint and back included
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Pokhara city sightseeing Phewa Lake boat to Tal Barahi, World Peace Pagoda, Devi's Fall and Gupteshwor Cave
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Pharping circuit Dakshinkali temple and the Pharping caves on Day 11
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Souvenir duffel bag Provided on arrival in Kathmandu
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All government taxes and official expenses
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International flights
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Nepal visa fee USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, payable on arrival at Tribhuvan Airport
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Lunches and dinners Kathmandu, Lumbini, Tansen, Pokhara and Nagarkot. Budget $8 to $15 per meal
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Beverages Bottled water, soft drinks, and alcohol throughout
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Personal travel insurance Required. Policy should cover medical treatment and emergency evacuation
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Tips for guide, naturalist, and driver Entirely at your discretion
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Personal expenses Souvenirs, additional meals, drinks, phone calls, laundry
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Single room supplement Available on request at all hotels
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Pokhara to Kathmandu flight Optional add-on on Day 10
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Optional activities Paragliding, microlight flight, Everest mountain flight, and additional excursions at extra cost
Add to Your Trip
We Handle the Details
FreeWhere You'll Sleep & What You'll Eat
In Kathmandu you stay 5 nights at a 3-star hotel in Thamel. That is two nights at the start, two after Pokhara and the last night of the trip. Rooms have a private bathroom, air conditioning and WiFi.
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.
Lumbini and Tansen are 1 night each at simple 3-star hotels. Both are small quiet towns. The hotels are clean and practical rather than fancy.
Pokhara is 3 nights at a 3-star hotel in Lakeside. You can walk to the lake, the boat dock and the restaurant strip.
Nagarkot is 1 night at a hotel on the valley rim chosen for its sunrise view. The rooms are comfortable but the view is the reason you are 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.
A typical Dal Bhat set
Breakfast is included every day. All meals are included in Chitwan from dinner on Day 3 to breakfast on Day 5. On the second last night we host a farewell dinner with Nepali food and a cultural show.
Other lunches and dinners are up to you. Thamel and Pokhara Lakeside have food from all over the world. Lumbini and Tansen have fewer places but your guide knows the good ones. In Nagarkot most guests eat at the hotel. Budget about $15 to $30 a day for lunch and dinner.
| 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 your Nagarkot hotel | $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 | $65 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 according…
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.
How is this different from the Nepal Heritage and Poon Hill Trek?
The Nepal Heritage and Poon Hill Trek is 13 days. It covers Kathmandu, Chitwan, Lumbini and Pokhara and then adds a four day trek to Poon Hill. This tour has no trekking. Instead it adds Tansen, Pharping, Patan, Bhaktapur, Changunarayan and the Nagarkot sunrise. Pick this one if you want more culture and no hiking.
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 $30 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.
How is this different from the Classic Nepal Tour?
The Classic Nepal Tour is 10 days and covers Kathmandu, Bandipur, Pokhara and Chitwan. This tour is 14 days and adds Lumbini, Tansen, Pharping, Changunarayan and the Nagarkot sunrise. Pick Classic if you are short on time. Pick this one if you want to see as much of Nepal as you can without trekking.
Can we fly instead of doing the long drives?
Yes, on one leg. Pokhara to Kathmandu on Day 10 is a 25 minute flight instead of 7 hours on the road. We can add it for an extra cost. The other drives have no useful flights, but we stop often for tea and lunch so they never feel rushed.
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.
Your dates, your group, your way
Same route and guides, just your group. Tell us when you'd like to go and how many of you there are, and we'll send you a day by day plan with a price.
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- Plan and price by email
- Confirm with a 20% deposit
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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 USD cash for the visa fee. Cards are not accepted at the visa on arrival counter at Tribhuvan Airport.
Clothing
ⓘ Temples, monasteries, and religious sites across all six destinations require covered shoulders and knees. For Chitwan wear neutral colours and cover arms and legs. Pack a warm layer specifically for the two pre-dawn sunrise starts at Sarangkot and Nagarkot.
Personal Items
ⓘ Sunscreen and insect repellent are available in Thamel but bring your own DEET-based repellent for Chitwan. Standard repellents are less effective in the jungle.
Electronics
ⓘ Nepal uses Type C, D, and M plug sockets. Bring a universal adapter if your devices use a different plug type.
Money
ⓘ ATMs are reliable in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Withdraw sufficient cash in Kathmandu before departure and again in Pokhara before Day 10. Lumbini, Tansen, and Chitwan all have limited ATM access. Budget extra for self-pay meals across six destinations.
Travelling in Winter (Dec to Feb)
Travelling in Monsoon (Jun to Aug)
⚠ Monsoon months from June to September are manageable for the cultural sites and Chitwan but both Himalayan sunrise viewpoints are largely lost. Sarangkot and Nagarkot mountain views are frequently hidden behind cloud for days at a time during monsoon. The UNESCO sites in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur are unaffected by rain and can actually be quieter during monsoon. If the two Himalayan sunrises are important to you, October to April is the right window.
Leave at home
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Large wheeled suitcase You move hotels six times across six destinations. A duffel or soft bag is much easier in and out of the vehicle throughout
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Trekking boots Not needed. Walking shoes or sturdy trainers are sufficient for all sites on this tour
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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
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.
Nepal Highlights 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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