Budget Friendly Holiday in Nepal - 15 days

As you arrive in Kathmandu, a representative will be waiting outside the airport holding a company placard to help with identification. Upon meeting, the representative will greet you and transfer you to a private vehicle for the drive to your hotel in Thamel. The ride from the airport to Thamel will take about 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

After you arrive at your hotel, the representative will assist you with check-in. Then you can go to your room and relax for a bit. Later in the evening, you will meet the company owner and discuss how the tour will commence. All your confusion and questions will be answered during the meeting.

When the meeting concludes, you will join our representative for a welcome dinner in an authentic Nepalese restaurant. During the dinner, you can taste local Nepali cuisine while enjoying traditional dance and music. As the dinner concludes, you will be transferred to your hotel. There you can rest and prepare for the following day. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Note: At the airport, you may encounter people who voluntarily approach you to carry your luggage to the vehicle. Please be aware that they do not represent our company. After assisting you with your luggage, they often ask for money, which can feel uncomfortable, especially at the start of your trip. To avoid such a scenario, please hand your bags only to our company representative, who will be clearly identifiable and happy to assist you. This way, you will not have any hassle or unwanted surprises.

Wake up in your Kathmandu hotel and have breakfast. Later, around 9 A.M., a private vehicle, along with your tour guide, will meet you at the hotel lobby. Then, you will have a full day sightseeing around the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu.

You may begin the tour in any order, visiting Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa.

Swayambhunath Temple: It is also known as the Monkey Temple, dates back to 460 A.D. The temple lies on the western side of Kathmandu, a city that blends Buddhism and Hinduism. There are two entrances to the temple, one of which has 365 stone steps, each representing a day of the year.

Some attractions of the Swayambhunath stupa are as follows:

• Swayambhunath Stupa: White dome stupa with all-seeing Buddha eye.
• Vajra: A large golden thunderbolt located on the eastern side of the stupa.
• World Peace Pond: A pond located near the flight of steps leading to the main stupa.
• Ajima Temple: Temple dedicated to Harati Devi, who protects children.
• Dewa Dharma Monastery: A monastery known for its bronze Buddha and paintings.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: Also known as Hanumandhoka Durbar Square and Basantapur Durbar Square, which is marked by Newari architecture, stone carvings, temples, and wood carvings. Some popular attractions of Kathmandu Durbar Square are as follows:

• Hanuman Dhoka Durbar: It was built by King Prithivi Narayan Shah, is now a museum.
• Taleju Temple: It was built by King Mahendra Malla in 1,549 A.D.
• Kala Bhairav: A Gigantic statue of Kal Bhairav, the god of destruction, which King Pratap Malla discovered.
• Shiva Parvati Temple: The temple features wooden figures of Shiva and Parvati looking out from the central window.
• Kumari Ghar: The Temple of Kumari features wooden balconies built by King Jaya Prakash Malla. The Kumari goddess, also known as the Living Goddess, is replaced upon reaching puberty.
• Nasal Chowk: Coronation platform decorated with wood carving and architecture.
• Mohan Kali Chowk: Statue of Mohan Kali with artistic features.
• Sundari Chowk: Consists of Sunken Bath and Ornate windows.

Pashupatinath Temple: It is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. The significant attractions of Pashupatinath Temple are as follows:

• Mukhalinga: Stone representation of Lord Shiva's face.
• Guhyeshwari Temple: Shrine for Goddess Sati's "yoni" representing divine feminine energy and spirituality.
• Gorakhnath Temple: Devoted to Guru Gorakhnath, a respected figure in Hinduism's Nath lineage.
• Western Cremation Ghats: Places where death procedures are held according to the Hindu religion.

Boudhanath Stupa: The Largest Buddhist stupa of Kathmandu. White, dome-shaped with a pinnacle on the top. The pinnacle represents Mount Sumeru (King of Mountains). The dome consists of the all-seeing Buddha eye. The significant attractions of Boudhanath Stupa are as follows:

• Ajima Temple: Temple dedicated to Mamo Pusaki, who is the protector of the stupa.
• Historical Pond and Ghyoilisang Peace Park: Located in the northwest part of Boudhanath.
• Guru Lhakhang Monastery: Oldest Nyingma monastery of the area.
• Jhamchen Lhakhang Monastery: Consists of a 32-foot-high statue of Maitreya Buddha.
• Samtenling Monastery: Oldest Tibetan Monastery in Boudhanath.

After the completion of the Kathmandu City tour, you can have lunch in Boudhanath. You can enjoy Tibetan and Nepali cuisine for lunch. Then, head to Nagarkot with a scenic drive. The drive to Nagarkot hilltop (2,175 meters) will take about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Upon reaching Nagarkot's hilltop station, enjoy the view of the sunset slowly below the horizon. The Nagarkot hill station is a perfect place to enjoy the sunset, as you will see the sunrays fall in red and pink hues over the snow-capped mountains, including Mount Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and the Langtang range. Similarly, you can also witness other mesmerizing peaks, including Jugal Himal, Gaurishankar, Dorje Lakpa, Shisapangma, Hiunchuli, and Gyaltzen peaks from the top hill of Nagarkot.

After quality time in Nagarkot, take a short tea break while enjoying the panoramic view. Then, when you feel like leaving, get in the vehicle, which will direct you to a splendid hotel in Nagarkot for dinner. After dinner, rest and spend the night in Nagarkot.

Wake up, refresh, and have breakfast at the Nagarkot hotel. Then, pack your bags and get ready to leave Nagarkot. A private vehicle will drive towards Bhaktapur Durbar Square, where you will explore the royal courtyard and its major attractions. The drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square will take about an hour, depending on traffic. After reaching Bhaktapur Durbar Square, commence your tour. The significant attractions of Bhaktapur Durbar Square are as follows:

55 Window Palace: With 55 exquisitely carved windows that showcase Newar artistry and historical significance, it is a breathtaking architectural wonder.

Golden Gate: The Golden Gate at Bhaktapur Durbar Square is dedicated to the Taleju Bhawani Temple. Its exquisitely carved wooden door, adorned with figures from mythology and spirituality and covered in gold, is a famous symbol of Bhaktapur's rich cultural heritage.

Lions Gate: There are two large, majestic lions placed on either side, along with other ancient buildings and artifacts.

Mini Pashupati Temple: Located directly south of the Vatsala Durga temple, the Pashupatinath temple is also known as the Yakeshvara temple. The temple is a scaled-down replica of the renowned Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu.

Vatsala Temple: It is a Shikhar-style temple that is located on the east side of Durbar Square. This temple is dedicated to the Vatsala manifestation of the female deity Durga. The temple is known for its dog-barking bell, which is believed to toll a death knell when rung.

Nyatapola Temple: One of the most famous temples of the area, it is located in the central part of Bhaktapur. The Nyatapola temple, meaning 'five tires' in Newari, symbolizes the five elements. The temple is dedicated to Siddhilaxmi, the Hindu goddess of supreme power and success.

Bhairava Nath Temple: Dedicated to the god of terror and death, Bhiravnath.

After completing the tour, head back to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, settle into an accommodation, have dinner, and stay overnight.

Today you will wake up early and have breakfast in Kathmandu. Then you will pack your bags and head to Chitwan. A private vehicle will pick you up and take you on a scenic drive to Chitwan. The drive will take about 4-6 hours, depending on the road and traffic conditions. As you leave Pokhara, you will drive along the Prithivi Highway along the riverside road following the Seti River.

You can see the landscape change from the urban city of Kathmandu to more rural areas with traditional villages. Along the highway, you will see various terraced farmlands, waterfalls, and small towns that welcome you to Chitwan. You can have lunch at a suitable place along the highway.

As you approach Chitwan, you will drive towards Sauraha, which is the entry stop to Chitwan National Park. Upon reaching Sauraha, settle in an accommodation option and have dinner. Stay overnight in Chitwan.

Today, wake up, refresh, and have breakfast in Chitwan. Then, pack your bags and head towards Chitwan National Park for exploration. You will begin the Jungle safari on a private jeep or elephant back. The tour lasts about 30 minutes, and you will head deep into the forest in search of exotic wildlife. Be sure to look out for one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, Musk deer, Antelope, Crocodiles, and others. You can click plenty of photos and enjoy the natural scenery.

After the jungle safari, you can visit the Elephant Breeding Center in Sauraha. You can see live actions taken to preserve and protect the land animals. The breeding center aims to protect wildlife and raise awareness of its importance. Afterwards, you can engage in various activities inside the national park, including Jungle walks, canoeing in the Rapti River, Elephant bathing, and others.

Later in the evening, you will visit a Tharu village and participate in a Tharu cultural program. Here you will witness Tharu dance and taste Tharu food. You can also visit the Tharu Cultural Museum to learn more about the local culture, traditions, and history.

After your quality time in Chitwan, return to your hotel, rest, and spend the night in Chitwan.

As you wake up, refresh, have breakfast, and prepare to leave Chitwan. Today, you will head towards Lumbini on a private vehicle. The drive from Chitwan to Lumbini will take about 6-8 hours, depending on road conditions, covering 150 kilometers.

During the drive, you will continue through the flat, agricultural land of the Terai, passing through scenic villages and farmland. The drive will provide a glimpse of rural Nepalese Life through the lowland. Most roads are paved for a smooth ride. You will have lunch at a suitable place along the highway.

As you approach Lumbini, settle into an accommodation and rest for a while. Then, you can commence the tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lumbini. Here are the popular attractions to explore inside Lumbini:

Maya Devi Temple: It is the most sacred site in Lumbini. It is believed that the Maya Devi Temple is the exact spot where Lord Buddha was born. The temple is named after the mother of Buddha, Maya Devi. You can see pictures of Buddha and Queen Maya Devi inside the temple.

Sacred Pond and Bodhi Tree: The temple features a sacred pond where Maya Devi took a ritual bath after giving birth. Likewise, there is the famous Bodhi Tree, where Maya Devi is said to have rested in the shade.

Ashoka Pillar: The pillars were apparently built during 249 BC when Emperor Ashoka of India visited Lumbini. He built the four stupas and a pillar with a horse idol on the top. There are also ancient inscriptions that mention Ashoka describing the importance of Lumbini as the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Myanmar Golden Temple: The Golden Temple has three prayer halls, which are among the oldest structures in Lumbini. The temple's interior features the Lokamani Pula Pagoda.

World Peace Stupa: The stupa was made by the Japanese Buddhist Organization in 2001 in Lumbini. It is a white-domed structure decorated with Buddhist symbols and paintings of Buddha.

If you wish, you can meditate inside Lumbini. After the visit to Lumbini, you can have dinner, relax, and spend the night in Lumbini.

Today, wake up, refresh, and have breakfast at the Lumbini hotel. Then, after breakfast, get ready to leave Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, and head towards Pokhara. A private vehicle will drive you to Lumbini, a 5–6-hour drive depending on road conditions.

During the drive, you will continue through the flat, agricultural land of the Terai, passing through scenic villages and farmland. The drive will provide a glimpse of rural Nepalese Life through the lowland. Most roads are paved for a smooth ride. You will have lunch at a suitable place along the highway.

As you approach Pokhara, settle into an accommodation and rest for a while. Later, you can take an evening stroll in the streets of Pokhara. If you have time, you can also explore the lakeside area of Pokhara or even the popular attractions. You can see the view of Annapurna and Machhapuchre Himal on the reflection of Phewa Lake. You can go boating and enjoy Pokhara's nightlife.

There are several restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs in Pokhara where you can enjoy yourself. If you are interested, you can have dinner at any of these places and savor delicious, authentic Nepalese cuisine. After dinner, return to your hotel and spend the night in Pokhara.

Today, wake up, refresh, and have breakfast in Pokhara. After breakfast, get into a private jeep and drive to Ullery, today's destination. The drive will take approximately 2.5 hours and cover about 48 kilometers. So, prepare accordingly, as today's whole journey is a drive.

Beginning the ride from Pokhara, you will reach Nayapul in about 1 hour. The section has good, well-paved roads. You will witness Nepal's remote, hilly landscape as you pass through prominent villages like Naudadha, Kanre, and Lumle. After Nayapul, you will reach Tikhedhunga on a moderate, motorable road, which will take about 1 hour. Before reaching Tikhedhunga, you will pass through the villages of Bhirethati and Hile. Tikhedhunga is the gateway to various trekking routes in the Annapurna region, including the Annapurna Base Camp and Ghorepani Poon Hill treks. Green terraced fields and traditional Nepalese houses surround the area. From Tikhedhunga, you will drive to your ultimate destination, Ulleri, which will take about an hour.

Situated at an altitude of 1,960 meters (6,430 feet), Ulleri offers stunning landscapes, traditional architecture, and warm hospitality. From Ulleri, you can also see Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Upon reaching Ulleri, settle into an accommodation and rest. Your accommodation will have an attached bathroom facility. If you need any other amenities, we can provide them upon request. Later in the evening, have dinner, and after dinner, your guide will brief you about the following day's activities. Then, you can rest further and spend the night in Ulleri.

As you wake up, refresh and have breakfast with Annapurna Mountain as the backdrop. After breakfast, get ready to leave Ulleri. Your official trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill begins on this day. So, you will head to Ghorepani for an overnight stay. Today's trek will cover 12 km and take about 4 to 5 hours, depending on the pace.

At the beginning of the trek, you will ascend, leading you to lush forests. Especially in spring, you will witness rhododendrons blooming in these forests, adding a layer of beauty to the greenery. After finishing the journey through the forest, you will reach Banthati, which can be a suitable lunch stop.

After a fulfilling lunch, you will continue the journey through forested terrain, with alternating ascents and descents, to arrive at Nangethati. After trekking for several hours, you will finally reach Ghorepani from Nangethati.

Ghorepani is a picturesque village at 2,850 meters that offers spectacular views of Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri Mountain range. Likewise, after reaching Ghorepani, do not miss the sunset, as it is known for its sunrise and sunset views. Then, with the sunset view, settle into an accommodation place and rest. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and participate in the briefing for the following day.

After the short briefing session, head to your room and rest further. Then, stay overnight in Ghorepani.

After a fulfilling breakfast and some time to refresh in Ghorepani, you will leave for Tadapani. Starting the trek to Tadapani, there are more up-and-down sections, with a high point of 2660 meters (8727 feet). Moving along the Deurali Pass, you will walk along the hillside's ridge line with occasional rhododendrons to reach Deurali.

From Deurali, you will begin with a long descent to Banthati, where you will traverse into the valley. You will take 1000 steps down the stone steps to the bottom. After completing the step, you will follow the river to reach the little village of Banthati, which is the potential lunch stop for today.

After lunch, continue on the trek. You will now trek for two more hours to reach your overnight stop at Tadapani. In this section, you will follow the river that joins the Bhurungdi River and then continue on the climb down and again up to reach Tadapani.

Upon reaching Tadapani, settle into an accommodation and have dinner. After dinner, join the briefing session and rest. Stay overnight in Tadapani.

Today, as you wake up, refresh and have breakfast at Tadapani. After breakfast, get ready to leave Tadapani and head towards Ghandruk. As you begin today's walk, you will head downhill, following the zigzag route to ultimately head deep into the forest. You will see occasional views of Annapurna and Fishtail along the section, but you will encounter many beautiful waterfalls.

After the forest area, you will reach the cultural village of Ghandruk, where you can experience Gurung culture, tradition, and hospitality. Ghandruk is a Gurung village that offers the opportunity to blend with traditional Gurung architecture, vibrant festivals, panoramic mountain views, and other breathtaking landscapes.

Similarly, you can try local Nepalese cuisine for lunch and explore the Gurung Museum. You can also hire Nepalese costumes while enjoying the stunning views of Annapurna, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchre. After spending quality time in Ghandruk, have dinner and participate in the evening cultural program. There will be dances and music, hosted by the local community, especially for tourists, to showcase Ghandruk's culture and customs.

After enjoying quality time in Ghandruk, rest at your accommodation. Stay overnight in Ghandruk.

Wake up, refresh, and have breakfast in Ghandruk with the fantastic backdrop of Fishtail, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna III. After breakfast, pack your bags and get ready to leave the Annapurna region. Be sure to check that you have everything and that nothing is left behind.

As you leave Ghandruk, board a private vehicle to Pokhara for an overnight stay. As you move from Ghorepani, you will have a scenic drive to Nayapul in off-road conditions. Then, you will continue to Nayapul, where the paved road starts. The drive will then take you through rhododendron forests, waterfalls, and villages. You will also get to witness an incredible view of the Annapurna Mountain range. So bid goodbye to the Annapurna Mountain range as you approach Pokhara.

After reaching Pokhara, settle into your accommodation. Then have dinner in Pokhara and spend quality time together. As dinner concludes, return to the accommodation option and stay overnight in Pokhara.

As you wake up, have a fulfilling breakfast, then prepare to leave Chitwan and return to Kathmandu. The return trip will take about 8 to 10 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. You will connect to the Prithivi Highway at Mugling and head back to Kathmandu. Upon arriving in Kathmandu, you will meet the company owner and provide feedback on your trip experience. Afterward, you will have a farewell dinner at one of the restaurants in Thamel. Then, you can rest and stay overnight in Kathmandu.

As you wake up, refresh and have breakfast. After breakfast, get ready. A private vehicle will pick you up and drive you to Patan Durbar Square for a tour. A private car, accompanied by our Tour Guide, will pick you up and head to Lalitpur to explore Patan Durbar Square. The drive will take about an hour, and once you reach Lalitpur, commence the tour. You will visit the following popular attractions of Patan Durbar Square:

• Tour of Krishna Mandir: Viewing the architectural marvels during the tour, you will come across the famous Krishna Mandir. The temple, regarded as the Gem of Patan Durbar Square, is crafted from a single stone. The temple consists of three stories with 21 gold pinnacles. The statue of Krishna and his beloved Radha is on the first floor. The second floor houses Lord Shiva, and the third floor houses Lokeshwor. Made in Shikhar style, the Krishna Mandir is crowded with thousands of Hindu pilgrims, making it a primary attraction of Durbar Square.
• Khumbeshwor: The next prominent destination in the square is the five-story temple of Khumbeshwor. Built in a pagoda style, it was dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer, by King Jayasthiti Malla. The temple has a natural spring, thought to originate from the glacial lakes of Gosaikunda.
• Mahaboudha: An ancient clay-brick Buddhist temple located on the east side of Patan Durbar Square, approximately a 10-minute walk from the square. The temple consists of thousands of images of Lord Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. It is also the first Buddhist temple to be constructed in the Shikhar style and is known as the Temple of Nine Thousand Buddhas. The temple, also known as Syangtung in Tibetan, holds religious significance for Tibetan Buddhists.
• Rudra Varna Mahavihar: Moving past Khumbeshwor, visitors can see the Rudra Varna Mahavihar. The temple is a living museum that houses metal, stone, wooden Buddhist figures, monuments, and statues. According to some legends, the monastery also served as a site of the King's coronation in ancient times.
• The Ashoka Stupas: The Patan Durbar Square comprises four Buddhist temples built by Emperor Ashoka. These stupas mark the four ends of Patan Durbar Square: Lagan Thura (the southern stupa), Teta Thura (the eastern stupa), Pucho Thura (the western stupa), and Ibahi Thura (the northern stupa).
• Patan Museum: The Patan Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site inaugurated by the Late King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. The museum carefully conserves ancient Nepalese cultural and religious heritage. A total of 300 objects is kept on public display, most of which are sculptures of Hindu and Buddhist deities. There are also objects from the Malla era and other metal works from the prehistoric period. Similarly, the museum interprets the living culture and tradition of the Nepalese.

After exploring Patan Durbar Square, you can take a lunch break if you are hungry. You can taste local cuisine at a restaurant near Durbar Square. After completing the Patan Durbar Square, return to Kathmandu. As you return to Kathmandu, participate in the farewell dinner with company members and owners. We will celebrate the completion of your budget-friendly holiday in Nepal. We hope to get some feedback during the dinner. Then, as dinner concludes, settle into an accommodation option, rest, and spend the night in Kathmandu.

A representative from Trekking Planner Nepal will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure. You will need to arrive at the airport 2 hours before your departure. Once you board the plane, your Budget Friendly Holiday in Nepal 15 Days with Nepal Trekking Planner will come to an end—best wishes for your future endeavors.