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TripAdvisor Β· Travelers’ Choice 2026

Kathmandu, Chiwan and Pokhara Tour

5.0(21)
Duration
8 Days
7 nights
Difficulty
Easy
1 out of 5
Group Size
1–14
people
Best Season
Any
Activity / Day
4-5 hours

Trip Highlights

  • Explore four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu β€” Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swoyambhunath and Patan Durbar Square
  • White-water rafting on the Trishuli River (Grade III–IV) with certified guides and riverside camp stay
  • Jungle safari and canoe ride in Chitwan National Park β€” one of Asia's best wildlife reserves
  • Spot rare one-horned rhinos, Royal Bengal tigers, crocodiles and exotic birds
  • Traditional Tharu cultural show β€” songs, dance and drumming by Chitwan's indigenous people
  • Sunrise over the Annapurna Range from Sarangkot Hill in Pokhara
  • Boating on the serene Phewa Lake with Himalayan reflections
  • Complimentary 30-minute spa massage at Himalayan Suite Spa

Trip Overview

Overview

Nepal offers so much more than trekking. This 8-day Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara tour takes you through three of Nepal's most loved destinations β€” each completely different from the other. You will explore ancient temples in Kathmandu, go white-water rafting on the Trishuli River, see wild rhinos and tigers in Chitwan National Park, and watch the sunrise over the Himalayas from Pokhara. It is the perfect Nepal holiday package for anyone who wants culture, wildlife and adventure all in one trip.

Your tour begins in Kathmandu, Nepal's vibrant capital. With your English-speaking guide, you will visit four UNESCO World Heritage Sites β€” Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swoyambhunath (the Monkey Temple) and Patan Durbar Square. Each site tells a story of Nepal's ancient history, art and spiritual life.

On Day 3, you leave Kathmandu for an exciting white-water rafting experience on the Trishuli River β€” one of Nepal's most popular rafting rivers. The river is rated Grade III to IV, making it ideal for first-timers and adventure lovers alike. Fast-flowing rapids, sandy river banks and beautiful gorge scenery make this a highlight of the trip. You spend the night at a riverside resort, falling asleep to the sound of the river.

From the river, you travel to Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage jungle in southern Nepal. Walk through the jungle with a trained naturalist, go on an elephant or jeep safari, take a canoe ride on the Rapti River and visit the elephant breeding centre. In the evening, experience the traditional Tharu cultural show β€” a vibrant performance of song, drumming and dance by the Tharu people, Chitwan's indigenous community who have called this jungle home for centuries.

The final stop is Pokhara β€” Nepal's beautiful lake city. Wake before sunrise for golden views of the Annapurna Range from Sarangkot, boat across the mirror-still Phewa Lake, and explore the caves, waterfalls and museum that make Pokhara so special. This tour is operated by Himalayan Social Journey (HSJ), and includes a welcome dinner, comfortable hotels and a 30-minute spa massage at Himalayan Suite Spa.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

8 days
1
Day 1

Welcome to Nepal! Our representative will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and settle in after your journey. In the evening, join your guide at 5:00 PM for a short orientation briefing β€” a chance to meet your fellow travellers and get ready for the exciting week ahead. Enjoy a special welcome dinner together to start your Nepal adventure.

Meals Dinner
2
Day 2

4–5 hours

After breakfast, your English-speaking guide will take you to explore Kathmandu's famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples in Asia, on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. Continue to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, where monks, pilgrims and prayer wheels fill the air with spiritual energy. Climb to Swoyambhunath (the Monkey Temple) for panoramic views over the Kathmandu Valley, then end the day at Patan Durbar Square β€” a beautifully preserved plaza of ancient Newari temples and royal courtyards.

Meals Breakfast
3
Day 3

2–3 hours drive + 2.5–3 hours rafting

After breakfast, your guide will drive you to the Trishuli River (approximately 2–3 hours, 75 km from Kathmandu). At the river, certified rafting guides will give you a full safety and paddling briefing before you get on the water. Life jackets and helmets are provided for all participants.

The Trishuli River is rated Grade III to IV β€” exciting and fast-flowing, but safe and well-suited for beginners. No previous rafting experience is needed. You will raft for approximately 2.5–3 hours through thrilling rapids and stunning gorge scenery. After rafting, enjoy a hot lunch at the riverside resort. The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the surroundings. In the evening, settle into your camp at Trishuli Riverside Resort and fall asleep to the peaceful sound of the river.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
4
Day 4

Drive 4–5 hours

After breakfast, board your bus for Chitwan National Park (approximately 4–5 hours). On arrival, enjoy welcome drinks at your jungle resort before a full afternoon of activities.

Start with a canoe ride on the Rapti River β€” a quiet, peaceful way to spot gharial crocodiles, marsh muggers and water birds from the water. Visit the elephant breeding centre to learn about Chitwan's elephant conservation programme. Then head into the jungle for an elephant safari or jeep safari β€” your best chance to see one-horned rhinos, spotted deer, langur monkeys and if you are very lucky, a Royal Bengal tiger in their natural habitat.

In the evening, enjoy the famous Tharu cultural show β€” a colourful and energetic performance of traditional song, drumming and dance by the Tharu people, who have lived in the Chitwan jungle for centuries. Their dances tell stories of village life, harvests and nature through vibrant costumes and rhythmic music. It is a truly memorable cultural experience. Dinner is included.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
5
Day 5

Drive 4–5 hours

After an early morning bird watching walk β€” Chitwan is home to over 500 species of birds β€” enjoy breakfast and board your tourist bus for the scenic drive to Pokhara (approximately 4–5 hours). The route passes through beautiful hill landscapes, with terraced fields, waterfalls and views of the Himalayas coming into sight as you near Pokhara. Check into your lakeside hotel and spend the evening exploring Lakeside β€” stroll by the lake, enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant and soak up Pokhara's relaxed atmosphere.

Meals Breakfast
6
Day 6

4–5 hours sightseeing

Wake up early for the drive to Sarangkot Hill (1,592 m) to watch the sunrise over the Annapurna Range. As the first light hits the snow-capped peaks of Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Dhaulagiri, the mountains glow orange and gold β€” one of Nepal's most beautiful sights.

After breakfast, explore Pokhara with your guide. Take a relaxing boat ride on the serene Phewa Lake, with the Himalayas perfectly reflected in the still water. Climb to the hilltop World Peace Pagoda for panoramic views over the valley. Explore the mystical Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave and the powerful Devi's Falls, which drops into an underground gorge. Visit the International Mountain Museum to learn about Nepal's legendary mountaineers and Himalayan expeditions. In the evening, explore Lakeside's cafes, restaurants and craft shops at your own pace.

Meals Breakfast
7
Day 7

Drive 6–7 hours

After breakfast, board the tourist bus for the drive back to Kathmandu (approximately 6–7 hours). The road winds through Nepal's green hills and river valleys, passing through terraced farmland and small roadside towns. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. The evening is free β€” explore Thamel for last-minute souvenirs, try traditional Nepali food, or simply relax after a wonderful week in Nepal.

Meals Breakfast
8
Day 8

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel. At your scheduled time, our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home. We hope this tour has given you unforgettable memories of Nepal's culture, wildlife and natural beauty β€” and we look forward to welcoming you back for your next Himalayan adventure!

Meals Breakfast

What’s Included

Included
Accommodation in Kathmandu (Himalayan Suite Hotel), in Chitwan (Hotel Seven star or Hotel Jungle Crown), Pokhara (Lake Star Hotel) on twin sharing bed and breakfast basis.
Transportation by Luxurious tourist bus Kathmandu - Rafting point - Chitwan - Pokhara - Kathmandu
Accommodation at Kurintar at Trishuli Riverside Resort with rafting and full board meals
Full board meal plan in Chitwan with jungle activities
Guided sightseeing tour in Pokhara and Kathmandu with English speaking guide
Welcome dinner on Day 1
All government tax and service charge
Thirty minutes massage in Himalayan Suite Spa
Not Included
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara and bar bill in Chitwan
Kathmandu and Pokhara sightseeing entrance fees
Flight fare Chitwan- Pokhara (USD 90pp) and Pokhara- Kathmandu (USD 120pp)- Optional
Personal expenses
Anything that is not mentioned

Route Map

View Map
Starts
Kathmandu
Ends
Kathmandu

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From$499per person
Adults
1
Total$850
Free cancellation β€” cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
7% of profit donated β€” Through the Himalayan Community Project, we fund education, healthcare & conservation in rural Nepal.
Ram SapkotaAmrit SapkotaAswin SapkotaAju SitaulaSushma Rijal
Sushma & TeamBased in Kathmandu πŸ‡³πŸ‡΅
Chat
$499per personFree cancellation
Enquire us

Traveler Reviews

Overall rating
5.0/5
Based on 21 reviews
Jane G
Verified booking
5.0

My husband and daughters (17 and 14) and I have just experienced the most wonderful adventure. Our group consisted of 13 people ranging in age from 53 to 14 years and we were like a big family. Our fantastic guides, Mingmar and Ram, along with 4 porters, Basa…

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Catherine C
Verified booking
5.0

My husband and I have just returned from this trip and could not be happier. We are in our 50’s, our first trek and I am of very average fitness (something I would change for future treks). It was tough going but the breath taking views were a huge reward. Acc…

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Reed P
Verified booking
5.0

Just finished our 14 day trip around Nepal and it was easily one of the best things I’ve done. From the moment we arrived we were warmly welcomed by the HSJ team. We chose to include the helicopter tour to Everest Basecamp before our tour started and I couldn…

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sue
Verified booking
5.0

Every moment of this trekking trip was fantastic. This was my first trip to Nepal which was made extra special by our guide Binod and porters , Prakash,Suzan,Shisir and Ramesh. The scenery , people and food were all wonderful. The trekking was absolutely fabul…

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