Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour- 9 days
TOP
SELLER
SELLER
Budget
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
2-16
Duration
9 Days
Accommodation
Hotel
Best Time
Mar-May, Sep-Oct
Max Alt
1,970m (6,463ft)
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Talk to
trip expert
Trek Overview
Traveling from the hills to the Terai plains, this 9-day Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour journey connects Nepal’s three iconic regions through authentic cultural immersion. Kathmandu Valley, home to 2.9 million people, reveals itself in Durbar Square’s temples and Boudhanath’s stupa, where prayer wheels spin daily.
You walk narrow brick alleys past metalworkers crafting artifacts as incense smoke drifts from centuries-old bahals. Moving west, the Prithvi Highway traces the Trishuli River through Gurung heartland, where many of the British Gurkha recruits originate.
Pokhara rises at 827 meters beside Phewa Lake, its development beginning only in 1958 as a trading post. From Sarangkot’s 1970-meter ridge, you witness Annapurna South’s 6962-meter peak glow at dawn while farmers terrace hillsides.
Heading southward, the descent to Chitwan’s 200-meter elevation enters Tharu territory, where malaria eradication in the 1950s opened Nepal’s first national park. Here, you track one-horned rhinos through sal forests along the Narayani River, observing Tharu stick dances performed since the 13th century.
Our Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour route follows historical trade paths once used by salt caravans, passing through Mugling’s bustling bazaar. You experience living heritage daily, such as Buddhist monks chanting at Swayambhunath, Gurung communities, and Tharu homesteads with mud walls painted with geometric symbols.
This circuit spans 300 kilometers across three distinct ecosystems, connecting UNESCO sites with active religious centers where 80% of rituals follow unchanged traditions. You taste Newari spicy tongue curry in Kathmandu, Gurung fermented potato dishes in Pokhara, and Tharu dhikri rice cakes in Chitwan.
Our journey navigates Nepal’s major sites where 125 ethnic groups coexist, moving from Kathmandu’s 1400-meter valley through Pokhara’s lake to Chitwan’s subtropical jungles within nine seamless days.
Trip Highlights
- See the stunning Annapurna South’s 6962-meter peak from Sarangkot’s 1970-meter viewpoint.
- Circle Boudhanath Stupa’s dome while spinning 108 brass prayer wheels.
- Photograph Kumari Ghar’s red gate, where Nepal’s living goddess appears at Kathmandu Durbar Square.
- Row across Phewa Lake to Tal Barahi Temple’s island.
- Chances of encountering rhino, deer, crocodile, etc. on jungle trails in Chitwan’s sal forests.
- Observe Hindu aarti ceremonies at Pashupatinath’s Bagmati River cremation ghats.
- Taste Newari spicy “chhoila” meat in Kathmandu’s Patan Durbar Square alleyways.
- Climb Swayambhunath’s 365 stone steps to photograph Kathmandu Valley from 79 meters up.
Trek Gallery
Day-by-Day Itinerary
01
Day 1 of the Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour is when you land at Tribhuvan International Airport. After you clear immigration and customs efficiently, you can apply for your tourist visa at the immigration desk.
You can also apply for a visa online before travel to avoid queues. Our driver greets you immediately at the arrival gate, holding your name sign. The drive to your Thamel hotel lasts 10 to 30 minutes based on traffic flow. Wear comfortable clothes for navigating Kathmandu’s active city streets.
You see prayer flags above historic buildings lining narrow roads. Our vehicle moves steadily through the city’s constant motion. We guarantee a seamless transition from arrival to adventure. Your Nepal journey begins without complications or wasted hours.
Max. Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft. ()
Accommodation: Hotel
02
Starting the 2nd day of your Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour, we visit Boudhanath Stupa early in the morning. Along with the tour guide, you circle this massive Tibetan Buddhist monument completely on foot.
We walk the outer prayer path clockwise alongside locals using prayer wheels. Monks chanting beside the white dome beneath Buddha’s painted eyes can be heard at times. From there, we proceed directly to the Pashupatinath Temple complex on the Bagmati River.
We explore this huge sacred area containing temples and cremation ghats, observing Hindu rituals from approved zones for non-Hindu visitors.
We cover 1.2 kilometers walking paved paths between the main temple sections. The tour guide will time our visit to witness the afternoon aarti ceremony by the river. You can photograph the five-story main temple respectfully during active worship.
However, always remember to remove shoes before entering temple grounds as cultural protocol requires. Experience Nepal’s living religious traditions through direct observation and spend two full hours absorbing Pashupatinath’s spiritual atmosphere. Return to your hotel in 45 minutes through typical afternoon traffic.
Max. Altitude: 1,349m/4,426ft. ()
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
03
The following day on the Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour, we leave Kathmandu at 7 am sharp after breakfast. You board a private jeep for the 200-kilometer Prithvi Highway route. The drive takes 7 to 8 hours with two 15 to 20-minute rest stops.
Elevation drops from 1400 meters to Pokhara’s 827 meters. En route, the road surfaces shift between paved highways and under-construction tracks.
You cross the Trishuli River on a double-lane bridge. Road narrows near Naubise, requiring slow navigation. Pack motion sickness tablets if you need to, and wear layered clothing for changing temperatures.
We stop at Mugling for dal bhat lunch at around 11 am and cross the Marsyangdi River on another suspension bridge.
You arrive at your Lakeside hotel by 3 pm, unpack immediately, and step onto your balcony. Phewa Lake stretches before you with Tal Barahi Temple island visible.
After a while, you can go for a walk along Lakeside Street for 15 minutes to stretch stiff legs.
Activity: 7-8hrs drive
Max. Altitude: 826m/2,710ft. ()
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
04
On the fourth day of the Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour, we meet at 4 am for the jeeps to Sarangkot. You drive 45 minutes uphill and climb about 370 meters to an elevation of 1970 meters.
In practice, we reach the summit 30 minutes before sunrise. You face east toward Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre, watching snow peaks turn orange then gold as the sun rises. You can photograph clear mountain views without crowds and descend by 7 am after sunrise ends.
Breakfast will be served at your hotel by 8 am. You row 20 minutes on Phewa Lake and reach Tal Barahi Temple island. After that, visit the International Mountain Museum before noon.
Walking Lakeside street past gear shops, we eat lunch at a lakeview restaurant by 1 pm. You experience Pokhara’s mountains and lakes actively. We time each activity for daylight efficiency.
Max. Altitude: 1,970m/6,463ft. ()
Meal: Beakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
05
The next day on the Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour, we depart Pokhara at 6 am after breakfast. You board a spacious vehicle for the 150-kilometer drive to Sauraha. The journey takes 5 to 6 hours along the Mahendra Highway.
Elevation drops from 827 meters to Chitwan’s 200 meters. You cross three major rivers, including the Narayani River. Dust enters windows during the dry season, so make sure to roll up the windows.
Once again, we stop at Mugling for a meal at around 9 am. You can photograph mustard fields and Tharu villages en route. Narayangarh marks the highway’s end; the final 20-kilometer stretch runs parallel to the Narayani River. Our driver navigates slow sections near Bharatpur bazaar.
You should pack wet wipes for dusty roads and wear breathable cotton clothing for Chitwan’s heat. You arrive at your jungle resort by 1 pm and unpack in your air-conditioned hotel room. You should charge devices for tomorrow’s early activities.
We arrange lunch of local Tharu cuisine at 12:30 pm and walk the resort’s nature trail before dinner. We confirm road conditions each morning for your safety. This transfer delivers you ready for Chitwan’s wilderness immersion.
Activity: 5-6hrs drive
Max. Altitude: 828m/2,717ft. ()
Meal: B L D
Accommodation: Hotel
06
Day 6 of the Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour starts with a meet at 6:30 am for canoeing on the Narayani River. You paddle a wooden canoe for about 60 minutes at dawn. We glide silently past marshy banks, spotting crocodiles sunning on sandbanks.
You can also see giant hornbills nesting in riverside trees. We return by 7:30 am for breakfast. At 8 am, an elephant safari through the sal forests begins, or you can also opt for a jeep safari or a simple walking safari.
Your safari guide points out animal tracks and spots hidden animals as well. You might get to observe deer grazing in grasslands during the dry season. Elephant height provides clear wildlife views over tall grass, which makes it a great choice.
After the safari, you might learn to identify tiger marks and rhino dung piles. As per the standard, wear muted colors like khaki or olive green, since striking and bright colors make you stand out in the eyes of the wildlife.
Lunch features Tharu thali with seasonal vegetables, after which, we will visit an elephant breeding center before sunset. You will return to your resort by 4:30 pm, and shower off river dust and jungle mud.
After a while, we will have you attend a cultural dance performance featuring the famous Tharu stick dance. You experience Chitwan’s biodiversity through direct engagement. We schedule activities around animal feeding patterns for the best sightings.
Meal: B L D
Accommodation: Hotel
07
On the following day of the Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour, we leave Chitwan at around 6 am, following a hearty breakfast. You board a comfy vehicle for the 170-kilometer journey to Kathmandu.
The drive takes 6 to 7 hours along the Mahendra Highway. Elevation increases steadily from 200 meters to 1400 meters.
You cross the Narayani River on a single-lane steel bridge. If you feel like it, we can stop at Bharatpur for tea and sel roti at 8 am. You will have plenty of chances to picture rice paddies and Tharu homesteads along the route.
Narayangarh introduces heavy truck traffic on the highway. Our driver slows for congested zones near Naubise market. Cross the Trishuli River on a narrow suspension bridge after about 4 hours of traveling.
We will have you reach your Thamel hotel by 1 or 2 pm. Later in the evening, you can explore Thamel’s side streets for souvenirs on your own or walk to Durbar Marg for evening window shopping.
This transfer returns you to Kathmandu’s urban energy. You arrive prepared for tomorrow’s heritage exploration.
Activity: 6-7hrs drive
Max. Altitude: 1,349m/4,426ft. ()
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
08
To start off the last outing day of the Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour, we meet at around 8 in the morning and head for Patan Durbar Square. You walk 1.5 kilometers through the historic courtyards, see Krishna Mandir’s intricate stone carvings, and golden windows.
We also view the 108 shrines surrounding the main plaza and climb some stone steps to the Taleju Temple platform. There, we will spend about two hours exploring museum exhibits and palace complexes.
We depart from there at 10 am for Swayambhunath and climb 365 stone steps to the hilltop stupa. Walking the white dome’s prayer wheel circuit clockwise, you can see a huge chunk of the Kathmandu Valley from the high elevation viewpoint. In total, you will spend 90 minutes experiencing the spiritual atmosphere.
We leave at 12 pm for Kathmandu Durbar Square and enter through the red gate entrance at Basantapur. Soon enough, we will walk the 2-kilometer perimeter past ancient woodcarvings and see the nine-tiered Maju Deval temple structure.
Photographing the Hanuman Dhoka Palace’s weathered walls is a must; it’s too appealing and iconic. There, we spend 2.5 hours navigating the UNESCO site alleys and leave at around 2:30 pm for Thamel shopping.
You return to your hotel by 5 pm with souvenirs and handicrafts. Today, you experience Kathmandu’s living heritage directly.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
09
This is your ultimate day on the Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour. After a filling and delicious breakfast at last night’s accommodation, we will transfer you to the airport as per your flight schedule.
We recommend leaving around 3 hours earlier so that you can work out your check-ins and baggage checks. We hope you had a wonderful time with us, and we eagerly look forward to seeing you again for yet another tour in Nepal.
Meal: Breakfast
Note:
If you have a private group and prefer a personalized experience, we can organize a custom trip tailored to your requirements and group size, running it any day you choose.
Trip Information
How does our trip start?
One of our reps will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport after customs clearance. You should look out for a personalized welcome sign from our driver. The 10 to 30 minute transfer to Thamel navigates the hyperactive roads of Kathmandu. You see prayer flags above historic buildings during the drive.
We settle you into a hotel immediately upon arrival and expect you to rest to recover from your flight. Later, you can explore Thamel market for street food and souvenirs. Thus ends the first day of the Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour.
Difficulty
This trip requires moderate daily activity. Day 3 features a 7 to 8-hour road transfer with winding mountain sections. Prepare motion sickness medication for constant bends. Day 4 involves a pre-dawn 500-meter walk gaining 370 meters of elevation at Sarangkot. Day 8 demands 4 to 5 hours of walking across uneven heritage sites and 365 temple steps. Chitwan activities include 2-hour elephant safaris and 2-kilometer jungle trails (optional).
We recommend travelers wear sturdy walking shoes daily, and carry water bottles and layered clothing. No technical skills are necessary for the Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan Tour, but consistent mobility ensures full participation.
Best seasons
October through November delivers ideal conditions, where Kathmandu averages 20°C with Pokhara at 25°C. Clear mountain views last all day, most of the days, during these dry months. March to April offers warmer 28°C days with blooming rhododendrons in higher elevations. December to February provides stable skies for sunrise photography despite cooler temperatures.
Avoid doing the Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour from June to September, the monsoon season, when landslides disrupt the highway routes. Spring and autumn ensure dry trails for walking tours. These seasons guarantee optimal wildlife sightings in Chitwan National Park. Book 2 to 3 months early for October availability. You experience Nepal at its most accessible during these windows.
Can a beginner join this trip?
You join this trip as a beginner without prior trekking experience. We design it for first-time travelers to Nepal. Day 3’s road transfer replaces high-altitude hiking. Day 4’s Sarangkot walk covers only 500 meters on paved roads. Day 8’s 8-hour tour uses flat heritage site paths.
Carry a daypack with water and snacks during walks for the entire Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan Tour. We adjust pacing to your comfort level daily. Almost all of our travelers complete this itinerary with no prior Nepal visits. We provide clear daily activity previews.
Altitude Sickness
This trip stays below 2500 meters, where altitude sickness rarely occurs. Sarangkot peaks at 1970 meters during Day 4. Data shows symptoms are highly unlikely under 2500 meters of elevation. You experience zero high elevation exposure.
Drink 2 to 3 liters of water daily to maintain hydration, although you remain at safe elevations throughout the Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan Tour itinerary.
Accommodation, Food, and Drink
We book 3-star hotels with private bathrooms in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan. Rooms include hot water showers and Wi Fi. You eat breakfast daily with eggs, toast, local fruits, or other items of your liking. Meals feature Nepali staples like dal bhat and momo. Street food includes chatamari and samosas in Thamel.
Drink only bottled or filtered water; tap water is unfit for direct consumption. Avoid ice in drinks outside reputable hotels. We include only breakfasts for the entire Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan Tour, except for two dinners in Chitwan. Carry hand sanitizer for market visits. You experience authentic flavors through sanitary local eateries.
Transportation
We use private vehicles for all road transfers between cities. Kathmandu to Pokhara covers 200 kilometers in 7 to 8 hours. Pokhara to Chitwan takes 5 hours over 150 kilometers. Our drivers navigate Prithvi and Mahendra Highways daily. You ride in comfortable jeeps with seatbelts and air conditioning.
Road conditions are a mix of smooth tarmacs and bumpy patches that are being worked on. We provide bottled water and wet wipes for dusty sections. Carry reusable water bottles for all transfers. We monitor road conditions every morning. You experience safe travel with experienced local drivers. All vehicles undergo occasional safety checks per the standards.
Permit
You need only a tourist visa and a Chitwan National Park entry permit for this itinerary, which you can apply for online at the Nepal Immigration Portal before departure. The visa costs $30 for 15 days or $50 for 30 days. This expense is not a part of the Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour.
We include park permits in your tour package price. No trekking permits apply as elevations stay under 2000 meters. You must present your passport for all permit processing. We handle paperwork upon arrival in Kathmandu.
Trip Preparation and Fitness
Begin training four weeks before departure. Walk a kilometer or two daily with a light daypack. Pack lightweight layers for variable climates and include moisture-wicking clothing and rain gear. Get travel insurance covering medical evacuation.
Consult your doctor about precautions if your medical conditions can deteriorate during a long vacation. We provide detailed packing lists upon booking.
Cost Budget
We include all accommodation and transportation in the base price. Meals cover breakfast daily, with dinner only in Chitwan. The rest of the lunch and dinner throughout the Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan Tour are your extra expenses. You pay $30 for a 15-day tourist visa online.
Budget $30 daily for dinners, lunch, and snacks. Street food costs $2 to $4 per meal. Souvenirs range from $200 pashmina scarves to $50 handicrafts. Carry $200 cash for personal expenses. We provide exact pricing upon booking confirmation.
Gadgets charging and Internet
Throughout the tour, you can charge devices nightly using hotel room sockets. Carry a portable power bank for charging during road transfers. The Internet works reliably in Kathmandu and Pokhara hotels, but not so much while traveling. Buy Nepal Telecom SIM cards for $2 at the airport if you want to use mobile data for internet connectivity.
Your Extra expenses
You pay for lunch and dinner, not included in the package. Dinner costs $5 to $8 at local restaurants. Tip guides $5 daily and drivers $3 daily if you are more than happy with their services. International flight expenses, travel insurance, laundry bill, bar bill, etc., are also not a part of the tour package. Budget $20 for optional spa treatments in Pokhara.
Museum entry fees cost about $5 per site. Carry small rupee notes for market purchases. Avoid currency exchange at airports for better rates. You control spending through these clear expense categories.
TOP
SELLER
SELLER
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
2-16
Duration
9 Days
Accommodation
Hotel
Best Time
Mar-May, Sep-Oct
Max Alt
1,970m (6,463ft)
Got questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
You can simply visit the official immigration website of Nepal, fill out a form, and wait 4 to 5 business days to receive a barcode.
There are very low risks of getting scammed, so you can instead focus on learning a few introductory Nepalese words.
You do not have to pay separately for any transportation; it’s included in the package.
Yes, the religious sites are centuries old in Kathmandu. They are not only religiously important but also culturally and historically.
