Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan
NPL 016 · 7 Nights · 8 Days
Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan
The complete Nepal experience in one curated journey — ancient spiritual temples in Kathmandu, thrilling jungle safaris with elephants and rhinos in Chitwan National Park, and breathtaking Himalayan sunrise panoramas from Pokhara. Nepal's three iconic landscapes in one itinerary.
Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Nepal's premier wildlife reserve — home to Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceros, gharial crocodiles, and over 500 bird species.
Tharu culture is one of Nepal's oldest indigenous traditions. The Tharu community has lived in the Chitwan plains for centuries, and their traditional stick dance (Deuda) is a spectacular evening performance.
Bhaktapur is considered the best-preserved medieval city in Asia — the 55-Window Palace and Nyatapola Temple reflect extraordinary Malla dynasty craftsmanship from the 15th century.
The 143-foot Shiva statue at Sanga village on the outskirts of Kathmandu is the tallest statue in Nepal — a deeply resonant landmark visible from the highway.
Ideal for: Families · Travel Vloggers · Newlyweds · Nature Lovers
Day-by-Day Journey
Activities & Schedule
- Airport pickup and hotel check-in
- Pashupatinath Temple evening darshan and Ganga Aarti
- Thamel orientation walk and welcome briefing
- Welcome dinner
Stay
Kathmandu
Meals
Dinner
Activities & Schedule
- Boudhanath Stupa — morning kora walk with Buddhist monks
- Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) — hilltop Buddhist stupa with city panorama
- Patan Durbar Square — finest Newar architecture in Nepal (UNESCO)
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square — 55-Window Palace, Nyatapola Temple
Stay
Kathmandu
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Activities & Schedule
- Morning drive to Chitwan (4–5 hrs via East–West Highway)
- Jungle resort check-in and wildlife orientation briefing
- Afternoon nature walk with naturalist guide
- Tharu cultural stick dance performance (evening)
Stay
Chitwan (jungle resort)
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Activities & Schedule
- Sunrise elephant safari — rhino sightings nearly guaranteed at dawn
- OR Jeep safari through forest trails (covers more ground, better for photography)
- Canoe ride on Rapti River — gharial and mugger crocodile sightings
- Bird watching walk with naturalist (500+ species, including rare Bengal florican)
- Traditional Tharu community village walk
Stay
Chitwan
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Activities & Schedule
- Morning jungle walk before checkout
- Drive to Pokhara (4 hrs via scenic Prithvi Highway)
- Phewa Lake boat ride at sunset
- Lakeside Pokhara evening market stroll
Stay
Pokhara (Lakeside hotel)
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Activities & Schedule
- Sarangkot sunrise (4:30 AM) — Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre at dawn
- David Falls — dramatic underground waterfall
- Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave — natural Shiva lingam
- World Peace Pagoda — Japanese Buddhist stupa with valley panorama
- Bindhyabasini Temple — patroness Goddess of Pokhara
Stay
Pokhara
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Activities & Schedule
- Leisure morning at Phewa Lake or Lakeside market
- Drive to Kathmandu (7 hrs via Prithvi Highway)
- Stop at Sanga — 143-ft Shiva statue, tallest in Nepal
- Kathmandu evening free for shopping in Thamel
Stay
Kathmandu
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Activities & Schedule
- Breakfast at hotel
- Thamel shopping — pashmina, handmade goods, thangka paintings
- Airport drop (Tribhuvan International Airport)
Meals
Breakfast
Where You'll Stay
Hotel Tibet / Hotel Moonlight
Jungle Safari Lodge
Lakeside Retreat / Hotel Landmark
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- 7 nights accommodation — 2N Kathmandu (3-star) + 2N Chitwan jungle resort (full board) + 3N Pokhara (lakeside hotel)
- Chitwan elephant safari OR jeep safari (1 activity of choice on arrival)
- Canoe ride on Rapti River (crocodile spotting)
- Tharu cultural stick dance performance (evening)
- Sarangkot sunrise jeep transfer (4:30 AM)
- Phewa Lake shared boat ride
- Daily breakfast + dinner (Chitwan resort on full board)
- Private AC vehicle for all road transfers and sightseeing
- English/Hindi-speaking guide throughout
- Chitwan National Park entry fees and conservation fee
- Nepal border documentation assistance
- All applicable taxes
Not Included
- Airfare or transport to/from Kathmandu
- Kathmandu–Pokhara flight upgrade (optional, ₹4,000–5,500 per person — add-on available)
- Lunch throughout (₹200–500 per meal locally)
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square entry (NPR 1,500 for Indian nationals)
- Second wildlife activity at Chitwan (if you want both elephant AND jeep — available at extra cost)
- Personal expenses, shopping, tips
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Any optional activities not listed above
How to Book
Required Documents
- Valid Indian Passport OR original Voter ID card
- Birth certificate or original School ID for children under 18
Payment Schedule
Important Notes
- Full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) are provided during your Chitwan stay.
- Wear earthy or muted colors during jungle safaris to avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Carry insect repellent for Chitwan jungle walks.
Know Before You Go
Visa & Entry
Indian citizens do NOT need a Nepal visa. Entry is visa-free with original Passport or original Voter ID. Aadhaar card is NOT accepted at any Nepal entry point. NRI or foreign nationals require a valid passport and tourist visa.
ID Documents (Critical)
Original valid Passport OR original Voter ID — mandatory. Keep a photocopy in a separate bag as backup. Children under 18 must carry original birth certificate.
Fitness Level
Easy–Moderate. Elephant safari requires boarding an elephant from a platform (approximately 1.5–2m high) and riding bareback for 45 minutes — not ideal for those with severe back or hip conditions. Jeep safari is fully comfortable for all ages. Sarangkot involves a 20-minute uphill walk or available jeep alternative.
What to Pack
- Muted/earthy colours for Chitwan safari — avoid bright red, white, or fluorescent (disturbs wildlife)
- Insect repellent with DEET — essential for Chitwan evenings (dengue-active mosquitoes at dusk)
- Closed shoes or boots for jungle walks (never open sandals)
- Light waterproof jacket (April–September)
- Warm jacket for Sarangkot sunrise (5°C at 4:30 AM)
- Binoculars — dramatically improves bird watching and wildlife spotting
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Camera with zoom lens (wildlife photography at Chitwan)
- Personal medications and basic first aid
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the elephants at Chitwan well-treated?
We work exclusively with Chitwan operators who follow Nepal government captive elephant welfare guidelines. The elephants used for safaris also perform conservation patrol work year-round — they are working animals, not just tourist attractions. If you prefer not to ride elephants, we are happy to substitute the jeep safari at no extra cost. Both options provide excellent wildlife sighting opportunities.
What wildlife is realistically likely at Chitwan?
One-horned rhinoceros sightings are nearly guaranteed on the elephant safari — over 700 rhinos live in Chitwan. Bengal tiger sightings are possible but not guaranteed (roughly 25–30% chance on any given day). Gharial and mugger crocodiles on the canoe ride are common. Bird watchers regularly spot 50+ species in a single morning, including the rare Bengal florican and giant hornbill.
Is Chitwan suitable for senior citizens?
Yes. The jeep safari is very comfortable for seniors — it is a standard 4WD vehicle on forest tracks. The canoe ride is on calm river water. The Tharu cultural evening is a seated performance. The elephant safari requires climbing up to the elephant from an elevated platform — this can be challenging for those with knee or hip issues. Jeep safari is always available as an alternative.
What is the best season for Chitwan?
October–March is peak wildlife season — vegetation is sparse after monsoon, making wildlife easier to spot, and the weather is pleasant. April–May is also good with excellent sightings. June–August (monsoon): Chitwan officially remains open, but parts of the park flood, sightings are difficult, and safaris may be restricted or cancelled. We do not recommend choosing Chitwan during monsoon.
Terms & Conditions
Cancellation Policy
Travel Insurance
Highly recommended covering flight delays, emergency medical expenses, or safari cancellations.
Changes & Amendments
Permitted up to 14 days before start date, subject to hotel/safari guide slot updates.
Company Rights
Nithyeshwar Tours reserves the right to alter safari options (e.g. Jeep vs Elephant) based on Chitwan park authorities' seasonal guidelines.
Refund Policy
No refunds for weather-related flight delays or if national park safari is suspended due to flooding.
Age Restriction
Suitable for all ages. Young children should be carefully supervised on canoe and elephant safaris.