Nepal Countryside Tour with Homestay

After your arrival in Kathmandu, our representative will meet and greet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu. Meals included: None

(We can begin our sightseeing this day if you have an early arrival and are fresh enough to start)

After breakfast, full day sightseeing of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites  with short drives to Bouddhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Bouddhanath, built in the 14th century is the world’s largest stupa and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist Temple outside Tibet. It is the center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu with rich Buddhist symbolism, Buddhist architecture and a site of great veneration for Buddhists. Today, it remains an important place of pilgrimage and meditation for Tibetan Buddhists and local Nepalis.

Pashupatinath Temple the largest temple complex in Nepal is one of the four most important religious sites for devotees of God Shiva. Built in the 5th century and later renovated, its main pagoda style temple has a gilded roof, four sides covered in silver and exquisite wood carvings.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square in the medieval city of Bhaktapur with its ancient temples, monuments and palaces are magnificent examples of Newari craftsmanship with their beautiful carved wooden windows and latticework. Their people are still renowned for their pottery and hand woven fabrics, including the traditional local red and black saris.

Overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu. Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we drive along the beautiful countryside to the plains of Chitwan. After lunch and some rest, a late afternoon Jungle Walk where we can meet and interact with Elephants and allow oneself some time to simply be around the elephants, observe and understand them.  We end our day by the bank of the Rapti river watching one of Nepal's famous sunsets in the scenic riverside area sipping cool drinks of your choice. Enjoy a Sundowner!

The Royal Chitwan National Park comprises 932 square kilometers of Sal and riverine jungle containing a greater variety of wildlife than any other area of Nepal.  Over 500 species of birds have been recorded here, with many mammals, reptiles and insects. Mammals include the endangered Bengal Tiger, Indian Rhinoceros, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac, Spotted and Hog Deer, Rhesus and Hanuman Monkeys, while reptiles include Marsh Mugger Crocodile and the fish-eating Gharial. Leopards, Sloth Bears, and Gaur (wild bison) are all fairly common and occasionally seen by the lucky ones!

Overnight at your resort in Chitwan. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we begin our program. Full Day Jungle Activities including Half Day Jeep Safari first for about 3 hours to spot the vast animals and birds species. A highlight would be spotting one-horned rhinoceros: there are more than 600 of the enormous creatures in the park, thanks to successful conservation efforts. If you are lucky, you might see a tiger!

After lunch, Canoe Ride (best for closeup experience of Fish Eating and Marsh Mugger Crocodiles, Aquatic birds, Fishes, Wild Elephants and other water and land based wildlife in the serene jungle atmosphere) along with Jungle Walk, Visiting Elephant and Crocodile Breeding Center.

Overnight at your resort in Chitwan. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we drive along the interesting Terai Flatlands to Lumbini. It is a sacred place where Gautam Buddha, the apostle of peace, compassion, non-violence and universal brotherhood, was born in 624 B.C. Late afternoon, we begin sightseeing where the focal point is Maya Devi Temple. We also explore its ancient monasteries, beautiful gardens and the serene atmosphere that fosters contemplation and spiritual reflection to those seeking to connect with Buddhism's roots and teachings.

Maya Devi Temple is the most famous monument which is about 2300 years old. It is the exact spot where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Prince Siddhartha.

Puskarni Pond is a famous sacred pond near the temple. It is believed that Maya Devi took a bath in this pond before delivery. This pond was recovered during the 1933-34 excavation.

Ashoka Pillar is the most important relic near the temple, first reported in 1895. This stone pillar was erected by King Ashoka who reigned India in 3 B.C and visited Lumbini Garden in 250 G.C. to pay homage to the birthplace of Buddha.

Overnight at your hotel in Lumbini. Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we walk around Lumbini Garden and short sightseeing of monasteries and ancient relics. We then drive along scenic settlements and nature to Palpa. We check-in to our homestay, warmly welcomed by our hosts and take some rest. An afternoon visit to historic Tansen Palace, old Tansen bazaar (market) where we observing traditional Fabric Weaving and Water Jug Crafting skills still practised by smiths today. You will learn about the town’s interesting historical past and culture. We also drive a little further to visit Rani Mahal (Queen's Palace), a architectural wonder of ancient Nepal.

Palpa is a commercial center of west Nepal and a historically significant town. It has perhaps Nepal’s most far stretching views of the country’s Himalayas. It is famous for its crafts and textiles - the woven Dhaka cloth used for the iconic Dhaka topi, the hat that many Nepali men wear.

Rani Mahal is a historic palace with a captivating blend of Mughal and Victorian architectural styles, showcasing intricate designs and artwork. The palace holds historical significance and is associated with a tragic love story between an ancient king and queen.

In the evening, we dine with our host family, eating the same kind of delicious food they eat on a daily basis. They are happy to teach you Nepali cooking if you are interested.

Overnight at your homestay in Palpa. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, we drive towards Pokhara along the Marshyangdi River and scenic views local settlements, landscapes and nature. Upon arrival, we are rewarded with magnificent closeup views of the Himalayas including the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Machhapuchhre, two of which are over 8000 meters. We check-in to our hotel, relax for a bit and head for boating in Phewa Lake. We also experience prayer ceremonies in the Barahi temple in the middle of the lake.

Pokhara occupies a broad fertile valley in Nepal’s central hills. Closeup mountain views, deep gorges, temples and monasteries of varied heritage, boating with scenic reflections of the Annapurna mountains in Phewa lake and enjoying the famous Lakeside market are the major attractions.

Phewa Lake The view of Machhapuchhre reflected in the lake, the Tal Barahi temple in the island middle of the lake, the white stupa on the top of a hill, the paragliders jumping from Sarangkot, the Ultra-light aircrafts soaring up high, all at once can be seized in the mild breeze over the lake, during boating.

In the evening, we stroll around the popular lakeside market in Pokhara with its lively shopping street and restaurants.

Overnight at your hotel in Pokhara. Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we drive 1 hour to Dhampus along terraced golden rice fields and forested landscape. We soak in stellar up-close views of the Himalayas from the Viewpoint here. We also explore the village’s unique old architecture, culture, traditional living style and skills in local cuisine, drink-making, farming etc. Then, we begin a perfect 1 hour jungle trail with birds chirping sounds to Australian Camp for the best views of the mountains. The trail is very scenic as we walk through community forests, scattered settlements with locals engaged in their work. Then, we descend to Kande which is a scenic and easy walking trail of about an hour.

Dhampus (1650m) is a famous typical Nepali village which boasts unmatched vista of the entire Annapurna range, Fishtail, Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal and more which are all above 6900m to 8500m.

Australian Camp (2065m) is a beautiful village which has some of the best unobstructed views of the Himalayas - Annapurnas, Hiuchuli, Lamjung Himal, Machhapuchhre and Manaslu with  beautiful green hills which are different from one in Dhampus

From Kande, we drive 45 mins back to Pokhara to our hotel and relax. Evening sightseeing at the Old Bazaar (market and heritage site) and Bindhyabasini Temple.

The Old Bazaar is a traditional bazaar and a colorful gathering place for an ethnically diverse group of traders. The temples and monuments bear a close resemblance to the Newari architecture of Kathmandu Valley and retain much of its original charm. The old bazaar is also home to one of Pokhara's most important shrine, the Brindhyabasini Mandir

In the evening, you can relax in Lakeside and use some free time to get a massage, shop and explore the area. 

Overnight at your hotel in Pokhara. Meals included: Breakfast

Bandipur is an old Newari town on top of a hill that overlooks the magnificent Marshyangdi Valley and boasts a breathtaking view of the Himalayan range. The town is a well preserved cultural site and lies on the old trading route from Nepal to Tibet which used to be a rest stop for traders

After breakfast, we drive to Bandipur. On arrival, we check-in to our hotel, rest for a while, have lunch and start a late afternoon cultural walk around the old Bandipur town. It is an interesting walk to a stone carved water spout called “Tindhara” where locals through ages have come to collect water, bathe and wash. To “Tudikhel”, a former parade ground, now a scenic vista and also a junction point of socialization for the commons and to "Thanimai" Temple, a revered religious site and do Puja (ritual) like the locals. And finally walk to Martyrs Tower to see the amazing sunset overlooking the hilly landscape as the glistening sun-rays recede from the mighty mountains.

We walk back on the stone paved path in between the local houses to Hotel Gaunghar, an old residence renovated into a heritage hotel. Living here truly makes you experience the local Newari culture at all times during your stay.

Overnight at your hotel in Bandipur. Meals included:  Breakfast and Dinner

After breakfast, we drive 5 hrs back to Kathmandu. It will be a scenic drive with a chance to reflect on your amazing adventure in the countryside with lunch on the way. Free time in the evening to relax. You can walk around explore on your own. You can stroll around Thamel, a tourist hotspot famous for its restaurants, lively atmosphere, shopping, massage etc. if your hotel is nearby.

We also offer activities like cooking classes - to learn cooking traditional Newari dishes in our restaurant premises, and other activities if you are interested. Please check 'Experiential Tours' in the website to learn more.

Overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu. Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, full day sightseeing of Kathmandu’s most iconic and ancient UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Kathmandu Durbar Square is spread around the old royal palace of the former Kathmandu Kingdom and surrounded with spectacular architecture that vividly showcases the skills of the Newar artists and craftsmen over several centuries. It held palaces of kings in the past and surrounds quadrangles, revealing courtyards and many famous temples.

Swoyambhunath Stupa, is one of the holiest, oldest Buddhist stupas in Nepal overlooking and giving a panoramic view of the city. It has numerous shrines, temples, deities and monasteries on its premises standing out as a hallmark of faith and harmony among Buddhists and Hindus.

Patan Durbar Square is full of ancient palaces, temples, and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings, extravagant wooden and stone work. One can rummage for treasures and souvenirs in the various shops around the square. The main attractions here are the ancient Royal Palace, Krishna Temple, Mahaboudha Stupa, The museum etc..

Overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu. Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport and fly back home with great memories of Nepal.

Meals: Breakfast

♦♦♦♦♦♦

* Please send us an enquiry with your details for price and further information.

OPTIONS

• We can also choose to fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu on Day 9 and reduce the tour by 1 or 2 days. The price might increase by a small margin
• We can also choose to fly in other destinations like Chitwan, Lumbini  but cost will increase
• We can choose to stay in a homestay or a hotel in Palpa and Chitwan. Current itinerary is based on a hotel in Chitwan and homestay in Palpa