Nepal – Himalayan Heritage, Lakes & Jungle Escape is a carefully designed 7 Nights / 8 Days journey combining Nepal's cultural heritage, Himalayan landscapes, peaceful hill towns and wildlife experiences. The journey begins in Kathmandu, where ancient temples, stupas, historic squares and vibrant local neighbourhoods introduce travellers to Nepal's rich cultural and spiritual traditions. From Kathmandu, the route continues towards Pokhara with a scenic stop at Bandipur, a beautifully preserved Newari hill town offering mountain views, traditional architecture and a quieter side of Nepal. Pokhara forms the heart of the journey, with the magnificent Annapurna range, Phewa Lake, World Peace Pagoda, caves, waterfalls and opportunities for boating and adventure activities. The journey then continues to Chitwan, where jungle safaris, birdwatching, canoeing and Tharu cultural experiences bring an entirely different dimension to the trip. The itinerary balances famous landmarks with lesser-known experiences, local cuisine, village interactions, nature and adventure, while keeping the number of travel days to a practical minimum. Nepal's Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and Chitwan are among the country's major tourism highlights.
Key Experiences
25 highlights
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Experience · 01
Swayambhunath
Experience · 02
Boudhanath Stupa
Experience · 03
Pashupatinath Temple
Experience · 04
Patan Durbar Square
Experience · 05
Kirtipur
Experience · 06
Bandipur
Experience · 07
Tundikhel
Experience · 08
Siddha Gufa
Experience · 09
Pokhara
Experience · 10
Phewa Lake
Experience · 11
World Peace Pagoda
Experience · 12
Davis Falls
Experience · 13
Gupteshwar Cave
Experience · 14
Sarangkot sunrise
Experience · 15
Annapurna mountain views
Experience · 16
Begnas Lake
Experience · 17
Chitwan National Park
Experience · 18
Jungle Safari
Experience · 19
Canoeing
Experience · 20
Birdwatching
Experience · 21
Tharu Village
Experience · 22
Tharu cultural performance
Experience · 23
Nepali cuisine
Experience · 24
Local handicrafts
Experience · 25
Day by Day
Your Itinerary
8 days · 7 locations
Kathmandu
1 Experience
Day 1 — Kathmandu
Culture Spiritual Heritage Modern
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. After check-in and relaxation, explore the spiritual atmosphere around Boudhanath and the lively streets of Thamel. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a relaxed evening introducing yourself to Nepalese cuisine, handicrafts and local culture.
Day gallery
2 activity moments
Key Attractions
Boudhanath Stupa
Thamel
Garden of Dreams
Hidden Gems
Kirtipur neighbourhoods
local courtyards and smaller Buddhist shrines
Activities
Heritage walk
photography
local market exploration
Local Food
Momo
Thukpa
Sel Roti
Festivals
Local festivals and ceremonies as per calendar
Local Experience
Explore Thamel shops, Tibetan handicrafts, prayer flags and local souvenirs
Stay
Boutique Hotel / City Hotel
Accessibility
Flight arrival + short road transfer
Kathmandu Valley
1 Experience
Day 2 — Kathmandu Valley
Culture Spiritual Heritage Modern
Explore Kathmandu Valley's historic and spiritual landmarks, including the ancient royal squares, Swayambhunath's hilltop stupa and the sacred Pashupatinath Temple complex. Continue to Patan to experience its refined Newari architecture, courtyards, temples and traditional artistic heritage. Kathmandu Valley contains seven UNESCO World Heritage shrine complexes within its cultural heritage landscape. (Nepal Tourism Board)
Day gallery
2 activity moments
Key Attractions
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Swayambhunath
Pashupatinath Temple
Patan Durbar Square
Hidden Gems
Kirtipur
traditional bahals and lesser-known Patan courtyards
Activities
Heritage walk
temple visits
photography
handicraft exploration
Local Food
Newari Khaja Set
Yomari
Bara
Festivals
Indra Jatra / Dashain / Tihar and other festivals as per calendar
Local Experience
Visit traditional metalwork and woodcraft shops and interact with local artisans
Stay
Boutique Hotel / City Hotel
Accessibility
Road-based local sightseeing
Bandipur & Pokhara
1 Experience
Day 3 — Bandipur & Pokhara
Nature Adventure Culture Heritage
Travel west towards Pokhara with a stop in Bandipur, a preserved Newari hill settlement known for traditional architecture, mountain views and hiking trails. Explore the old bazaar and panoramic viewpoints before continuing towards Pokhara for check-in and an evening around Lakeside. Bandipur is officially promoted for its hill culture, mountain views, hiking and traditional Newari character. (Nepal Tourism Board)
Day gallery
2 activity moments
Key Attractions
Bandipur Bazaar
Tundikhel
Himalayan viewpoints
Pokhara Lakeside
Hidden Gems
Tundikhel viewpoint
traditional Newari courtyards and Siddha Cave area
Activities
Short village walk
viewpoint stop
scenic road journey
Local Food
Newari snacks
local tea
Dal Bhat
Festivals
Local festivals as per calendar
Local Experience
Explore Bandipur's small craft shops and local homes / cafés
Stay
Lakeside Resort / Hotel
Accessibility
Road; full-day scenic transfer, timing dependent on traffic and road conditions
Pokhara
2 Experiences
Day 4 — Pokhara
Nature Adventure Culture Spiritual Heritage Modern
Discover Pokhara's diverse landscapes, beginning with a boat ride on Phewa Lake and a visit to the World Peace Pagoda. Continue to Davis Falls and Gupteshwar Cave before exploring the city's mountain heritage. End the day around Lakeside with views towards the Annapurna region. Pokhara is known for Phewa Lake, mountain views, caves, waterfalls and adventure activities. (Nepal Tourism Board)
Day gallery
2 activity moments
Key Attractions
Phewa Lake
World Peace Pagoda
Davis Falls
Gupteshwar Cave
International Mountain Museum
Hidden Gems
Begnas Lake or Seti Gorge depending on timing
Activities
Boating
short hike
cave exploration
photography
Local Food
Thakali Thali
Momo
Gurung-style dishes
Festivals
Local festivals as per calendar
Local Experience
Lakeside cafés, Tibetan handicrafts and local souvenir shopping
Stay
Lakeside Resort / Hotel
Accessibility
Road-based sightseeing
Day 5 — Pokhara
Nature Adventure Modern
Start early for sunrise from Sarangkot, one of the region's best-known Himalayan viewpoints. Return to Pokhara for breakfast and enjoy the remainder of the day with optional adventure activities or relaxed exploration around the lake. Pokhara offers paragliding, boating, hiking, mountain biking and other adventure activities. (Nepal Tourism Board)
Day gallery
2 activity moments
Key Attractions
Sarangkot
Annapurna & Machhapuchhre viewpoints
Phewa Lake
Hidden Gems
Peaceful village trails around Sarangkot and lesser-known lake viewpoints
Activities
Paragliding
boating
cycling
hiking or leisure
Local Food
Tibetan bread
Thakali Thali
local coffee
Festivals
Local festivals as per calendar
Local Experience
Interact with mountain guides, local cafés and small handicraft stores
Stay
Lakeside Resort / Hotel
Accessibility
Road; short mountain transfer + optional adventure activities
Chitwan / Sauraha
1 Experience
Day 6 — Chitwan / Sauraha
Nature Adventure Culture
Travel towards the Terai lowlands and enter the Chitwan region. After check-in, enjoy a relaxed riverside experience around Sauraha and an introductory nature walk or village visit. Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage natural site and is known for wildlife, birdwatching, canoeing and jungle activities. (Nepal Tourism Board)
Day gallery
2 activity moments
Key Attractions
Chitwan National Park
Rapti River
Sauraha
Hidden Gems
Beeshazar and Associated Lakes / quieter riverside areas
Activities
Nature walk
birdwatching
canoeing
sunset by Rapti River
Local Food
Tharu cuisine
Dal Bhat
local fish preparations
Festivals
Tharu cultural events as per calendar
Local Experience
Visit Tharu villages and local craft stalls
Stay
Jungle Resort / Wildlife Lodge
Accessibility
Road; scenic transfer, generally several hours depending on road conditions
Chitwan
1 Experience
Day 7 — Chitwan
Nature Adventure Culture Heritage
Spend a full day exploring Chitwan's wildlife and landscapes. Depending on park regulations and seasonal conditions, enjoy a jeep safari, canoe ride, nature walk and birdwatching. Later experience Tharu culture through a village interaction and traditional cultural performance. Chitwan is home to one-horned rhinoceros and many other species, while Tharu cultural experiences are an important part of the region. (Nepal Tourism Board)
Day gallery
2 activity moments
Key Attractions
Jungle Safari
Rapti River
Tharu Village
Sauraha
Hidden Gems
Meghauli or quieter community areas around Sauraha
Activities
Jeep safari
canoeing
birdwatching
nature walk
Local Food
Tharu fish curry
Dhikri
local rice dishes
Festivals
Tharu cultural programs / local festivals as per calendar
Local Experience
Tharu village interaction and traditional handicraft shopping
Stay
Jungle Resort / Wildlife Lodge
Accessibility
Road-based local sightseeing; park access subject to regulations
Chitwan / Kathmandu
1 Experience
Day 8 — Chitwan / Kathmandu
Culture Modern
Enjoy an early morning nature activity if the departure schedule permits, then transfer towards Bharatpur Airport for a flight to Kathmandu. Allow sufficient time for the onward international departure. If the flight schedule requires it, the final transfer can instead be arranged by road.
Day gallery
2 activity moments
Key Attractions
Bharatpur
Kathmandu airport transfer
last-minute shopping
Hidden Gems
Local Sauraha market
Activities
Short nature walk
shopping
airport transfer
Local Food
Tea
Sel Roti
local snacks
Festivals
N/A
Local Experience
Last-minute Nepali handicrafts and souvenirs
Stay
Departure
Accessibility
Road + domestic flight; schedule dependent
The Fine Print
What's Included & What's Not
Inclusions
Handpicked boutique & luxury stays with daily breakfast
Private airport transfers and inter-city transportation
English-speaking local guides for all curated experiences
Entrance fees & permits for listed attractions
Signature QARWAAN moments and tastings as per itinerary
24/7 on-trip concierge support
Exclusions
International flights to/from the destination
Visa fees, travel insurance, and vaccinations
Lunches & dinners unless specified in the itinerary
Personal expenses, tipping, and beverages
Optional experiences and upgrades
Anything not explicitly listed under inclusions
Make Nepal – Himalayan Heritage, Lakes & Jungle Escape yours.
Speak with a QARWAAN trip designer and shape every day around the way you travel. No templates, no fillers — just your journey.
