About This Trek / Tour
The Nepal Classic Tour is our most popular all-round package, combining the three jewels of Nepal: the ancient temples and UNESCO sites of Kathmandu Valley, the breathtaking lakeside and mountain scenery of Pokhara, and the wildlife-rich jungles of Chitwan National Park. In 10 days you will experience Nepal's extraordinary cultural, natural and wildlife diversity without rushing.
No trekking fitness required. All transport, guides and accommodation are fully arranged. This is the ideal package for first-time visitors who want to see the very best Nepal has to offer in one seamless journey.
UNESCO Heritage Count: This tour visits 5 of Nepal's 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares — plus Chitwan National Park (also UNESCO listed).
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (1,400m). Airport pickup and transfer to Thamel hotel. Evening briefing and welcome dinner. Overnight Kathmandu.
Start at Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) — climb 365 steps to this 2,000-year-old stupa overlooking Kathmandu. Continue to Pashupatinath Temple on the Bagmati River, Nepal's holiest Hindu shrine. Afternoon at Boudhanath Stupa — the spiritual centre of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Walk the kora (circumambulation) as monks chant prayers. Evening at Thamel. Overnight Kathmandu.
Morning at Patan Durbar Square (Lalitpur), one of the finest concentrations of Newari architecture in the world. Afternoon at Bhaktapur Durbar Square — the medieval city of devotees — potter's square, weaving centres and the 55-window palace. Evening optional visit to Changu Narayan Temple (2nd century), Nepal's oldest Vishnu temple on a forested hilltop. Overnight Kathmandu.
Depart Kathmandu along the scenic Prithvi Highway. Stop at Manakamana Temple (1,302m) — reach this famous hilltop goddess shrine by aerial cable car (10 minutes each way) with valley views. Continue to Pokhara, arriving late afternoon. Lakeside stroll and dinner with Annapurna reflections on Phewa Lake. Overnight Pokhara.
Pre-dawn drive to Sarangkot (1,592m) for the legendary sunrise behind the Annapurna massif and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Return for breakfast. Morning visit to Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave and the International Mountain Museum. Afternoon free for optional paragliding ($80–100), boating or Lakeside shopping. Overnight Pokhara.
Morning rowing across Phewa Lake to the Barahi island temple. Hike or take steps to the World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa, 1,100m) — sweeping panoramas over the lake and peaks. Afternoon drive to Begnas Lake (10km east of Pokhara) — a quieter, more pristine lake surrounded by green hills, perfect for a peaceful boat ride and local fishing village walk. Overnight Pokhara.
Morning drive south through the inner Terai foothills to Chitwan National Park (200m) — one of Asia's finest wildlife reserves and home to Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, gharial crocodiles and 500+ bird species. Arrive at your jungle resort. Afternoon elephant briefing and canoe trip on the Rapti River at dusk — excellent birdwatching and crocodile spotting. Overnight Chitwan.
Full day of wildlife activities. Early morning jeep jungle safari into the buffer zone — your best chance to spot rhinos, deer, monkeys and (with luck) tigers. Mid-morning elephant interaction centre — learn about Chitwan's elephant conservation programme. Afternoon Tharu cultural village walk — Tharu people are the indigenous inhabitants of Chitwan, known for their unique architecture and stick dance performance (evening show). Overnight Chitwan.
Morning bird walk along the river before breakfast. Drive back to Kathmandu (3.5–4 hours by comfortable bus or optional domestic flight). Afternoon free for last shopping, Durbar Marg stroll or traditional massage. Farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant with live Nepali folk music. Overnight Kathmandu.
Hotel checkout and transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport at your scheduled time. End of the Nepal Classic 10-Day Tour. Safe travels — Namaste!
What's Included
- All airport and hotel transfers
- 5 nights hotel in Kathmandu (3-star, B&B)
- 2 nights hotel in Pokhara (3-star, B&B)
- 2 nights jungle resort in Chitwan (full board)
- All overland transport (tourist bus / private vehicle)
- Licensed English-speaking guide throughout
- Manakamana cable car (return)
- All sightseeing entrance fees
- Jeep safari and canoe ride in Chitwan
- Elephant centre visit and Tharu cultural show
- Welcome & farewell dinners
- Government taxes and service charges
Not Included
- Nepal visa fees ($30–50)
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Travel & medical insurance (required)
- Optional domestic flights
- Lunches outside Chitwan and personal beverages
- Paragliding, zip-lining and optional adventure activities
- Personal shopping and tips for guide/driver
- Items of personal nature
Practical Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: October–November is peak season with excellent weather and clear mountain views. February–April is spring with pleasant temperatures and blooming rhododendrons. Avoid June–August (monsoon) for this tour.
Chitwan Wildlife Tips: Early morning (6–8am) and late afternoon (4–6pm) are the best times to spot wildlife. Wear neutral colours (khaki, green, brown) — avoid bright clothing. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Health & Vaccinations: Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations for Nepal (Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus). Anti-malarial tablets may be recommended for Chitwan — check with your GP before departure.
Extending Your Trip: Add a 7-day Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp trek before or after this tour for a complete Nepal adventure combining wildlife, culture and mountains.