Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour: 8 Days of Nepal’s Best

Your Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour begins with a flight into Kathmandu, offering stunning Himalayan views on descent. You’ll land at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), at 1,350m altitude.

Visa on arrival: Available for most nationalities — bring passport-sized photos and the fee in USD. Processing takes up to 45 minutes depending on the queue. You can also apply for an e-visa in advance for a faster arrival. Full details are on the official Department of Immigration website.

Our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel by private vehicle, passing glimpses of Kathmandu’s streets, temples, and markets along the way.

Quick tips: keep your passport and visa documents handy, exchange a small amount of currency at the airport for immediate expenses, and pick up a local SIM card if you’d like to stay connected.

You’ll spend the night at your hotel, ready to start sightseeing in the morning.

Day 2 of your Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour is dedicated to Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

You’ll visit Swayambhunath, the hilltop “Monkey Temple” with panoramic valley views; Patan Durbar Square, home to the Krishna Mandir and Golden Temple; Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world; and Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu sites anywhere, set on the banks of the Bagmati River. See our full Kathmandu sightseeing guide!

As part of your Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour, day three takes you from Kathmandu to Sauraha, Chitwan — a lush region renowned for its wildlife adventures and natural beauty. This scenic drive, combined with thrilling activities, offers a perfect blend of jungle exploration and cultural immersion. Here’s a detailed breakdown of your journey and experiences in Chitwan:

Driving from Kathmandu to Sauraha, Chitwan

Distance: Approximately 163 kilometers (100 miles)

Duration: Around 5–6 hours by private vehicle, depending on road conditions

Route: The drive takes you through picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills, rural villages, and lush forests. You’ll pass through the Prithvi Highway, which offers stunning views of the Trishuli River and the surrounding countryside.

Highlights of the Drive:

• Scenic views of terraced farmlands and traditional Nepali villages
• A glimpse into local lifestyle as you drive through small towns and markets
• The transition from the bustling city of Kathmandu to the tranquil jungles of Chitwan

Arrival in Sauraha, Chitwan

Upon arrival in Sauraha, you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy a welcome drink. Sauraha is the gateway to Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best wildlife destinations in Asia. The rest of the day is dedicated to exploring the natural and cultural wonders of this region, a highlight of your Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour.

Activities in Sauraha, Chitwan

Jungle or Village Walking Tour

Your first activity in Chitwan is a guided jungle or village walking tour, offering a close encounter with the region’s flora and fauna and a glimpse into local life.

Jungle Walk:

Accompanied by an experienced guide, you’ll explore the buffer zone of Chitwan National Park

Spot wildlife such as deer, monkeys, and a variety of bird species

Learn about the local ecosystem and the park’s conservation efforts

Village Walk:

Visit a traditional Tharu village to experience the indigenous culture of the region

Interact with locals and learn about their lifestyle, traditions, and crafts

Explore the mud-and-thatch houses and agricultural fields

Why This Activity?

The walking tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and the local community, providing a deeper understanding of Chitwan’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Tharu Cultural Program

In the evening, you’ll witness a traditional Tharu cultural program, a vibrant showcase of the indigenous culture of the region.

Highlights:

• Traditional dances: stick dance, peacock dance, and other folk performances
• Music and songs: rhythmic traditional instruments and vocals
• Cultural insights into the history and traditions of the Tharu people

Why This Activity?

The cultural program offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich heritage of the Tharu community, adding a cultural dimension to your wildlife adventure.

Tips for Your Chitwan Adventure

Wear comfortable, lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for walking and outdoor activities

Carry binoculars to enhance your wildlife spotting experience

Stay hydrated — carry a water bottle throughout the day

Respect local customs and traditions during your village visit and cultural program

The journey from Kathmandu to Sauraha, Chitwan, is more than just a drive — it’s an adventure into the heart of Nepal’s wildlife and culture. From the scenic landscapes along the way to the thrilling jungle activities and vibrant cultural program, this day offers a perfect blend of nature and tradition, setting the stage for the next leg of your Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour.

As part of your Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour, your day in Sauraha is packed with activities offering a perfect blend of wildlife exploration and cultural immersion. Located in the heart of Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sauraha is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Here’s a detailed breakdown of your full-day Chitwan itinerary:

Morning: Jungle Adventures and Wildlife Encounters

Canoe Ride on the Rapti River:

• Glide along the Rapti River in a traditional wooden canoe, surrounded by the serene beauty of the jungle
• Spot crocodiles basking on the riverbanks and a variety of exotic birds in their natural habitat
• Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding landscape

Visit the Elephant Breeding Center:

• Observe baby elephants and learn about conservation efforts to protect these majestic creatures
• Gain insight into the daily lives of elephants and their role in the jungle ecosystem

Afternoon: Jeep Safari or Elephant Safari

After a delicious lunch at your hotel, the adventure continues with one of the highlights of your Chitwan experience.

Elephant Safari:

• Climb aboard an elephant for a safari through the dense jungles of Chitwan National Park
• Spot one-horned rhinoceroses, Bengal tigers, wild boars, and other wildlife in their natural habitat
• Enjoy the unique perspective of exploring the jungle from the back of an elephant — a truly unforgettable experience

Jeep Safari:

A jeep safari in Sauraha offers an exhilarating alternative, taking you deeper into the park’s grasslands and jungles to spot rhinoceroses, tigers, and other wildlife

Evening

You’ll return to your hotel in Sauraha for a relaxing evening — spending the night in the heart of the jungle, surrounded by the sounds of nature, and recharging for the next leg of your Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour.

Why Choose This Chitwan Experience?

• Wildlife Encounters: Explore the jungles and rivers of Chitwan, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna
• Cultural Immersion: Experience the traditions and lifestyle of the Tharu people, from yesterday’s cultural program
• Perfect Balance: The combination of jungle activities and wildlife encounters ensures a well-rounded, memorable day
• Expert Guidance: Our experienced guides ensure your safety and provide insightful information throughout the tour

What’s Included in the Chitwan Activities?

• Canoe ride on the Rapti River
• Visit to the Elephant Breeding Center
• Elephant safari or jeep safari in Chitwan National Park
• Accommodation in a comfortable hotel in Sauraha
• Meals as per the itinerary (lunch and dinner included)

After breakfast in Chitwan, your Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour continues with a scenic drive to Pokhara — often called “The Lake City” for its stunning lakes and mountain views. The journey takes you through changing landscapes, from Chitwan’s subtropical forests to the rolling hills and terraced farmland of the Pokhara Valley.

As you approach the city, the Himalayas come into view: Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Manaslu (8,156m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), and the five peaks of Annapurna. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and take time to relax before exploring Phewa Lake and the lively streets of Lakeside — a good way to ease into Pokhara before the adventures ahead.

Why This Day Stands Out:

A perfect transition: sets the stage for the activities and natural wonders still to come in Pokhara

Changing scenery: watch the landscape shift from jungle to terraced hills to towering peaks

Himalayan panoramas: unmatched views of some of the world’s highest mountains

Easy exploration: stroll Phewa Lake and Lakeside at your own pace, settling into Pokhara’s relaxed atmosphere

Your final full day on the Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour is dedicated to Pokhara — a city that pairs Himalayan scenery with a genuinely spiritual undercurrent, from hilltop temples to a peace pagoda overlooking the valley.

Sunrise at Sarangkot

The day starts before dawn with a drive up to Sarangkot, where the first light hits Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) in sequence, with the whole Pokhara Valley and Phewa Lake spread out below. It’s widely considered one of the best sunrise vantage points in Nepal. On the way back down, a stop at Bindhyabasini Temple — a hilltop shrine to Goddess Bindhyabasini, an incarnation of Durga — offers a quieter moment before breakfast.

Caves, Waterfalls, and a Hilltop Pagoda

After breakfast, the day continues to Gupteshwor Cave, a limestone cavern across from Davis Falls, where narrow underground passages lead past stalactites, stalagmites, and a sacred Shiva shrine tucked inside. Just outside, Davis Falls itself disappears into an underground tunnel — a striking natural feature with its own local legend. From there, the World Peace Pagoda offers one of Pokhara’s best panoramas: the Annapurna range, Phewa Lake, and the city laid out together from a single hilltop.

Pumdikot and Seti Gorge

After lunch, a visit to the 21-foot Shiva statue at Pumdikot brings another sweeping city-and-mountain view, before the Seti Gorge shows a completely different side of Pokhara’s geology — a narrow, dramatic cut carved by the Seti River, with turquoise water visible far below from several viewpoints.

International Mountain Museum

The day’s sightseeing wraps up at the International Mountain Museum, tracing the history of Himalayan mountaineering through exhibits on expeditions to Everest, Annapurna, and beyond, alongside displays on the region’s culture, flora, and fauna.

Evening at Lakeside

The day closes back at Lakeside, Pokhara’s lively waterfront strip, with time to relax by Phewa Lake or browse its shops and restaurants before continuing your Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour.

A few tips:

Be ready for an early start for the Sarangkot sunrise, wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a camera, and carry water — it’s a full day on your feet.

After breakfast in Pokhara, the final leg of your Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour begins with the journey back to Kathmandu. The scenic drive takes you past rolling hills, rural villages, and life along the riverbanks. For a quicker option, you can fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu instead — a 30-minute flight at additional cost, with aerial views of the Himalayas and the valleys below.

Once you arrive in Kathmandu, the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at your own pace — stroll through the streets, browse local markets, or pick up souvenirs to bring home. In the evening, you’ll join a farewell dinner marking the close of your Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour — a good moment to reflect on the trip and share stories before saying goodbye to the Himalayas.

One of our office representatives will accompany you to the airport for your departure. It’s time to bid farewell, and we look forward to the possibility of seeing you again in the future.