Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan City Tour -8 Days

Trip Introduction: Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan Tour

Welcome to the city tour of Nepal with the destination of visiting three of the most prominent cities for travel and exploration: Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan. Kathmandu, being the capital city of Nepal, is the hub for tourism, and it is the most visited destination by tourists. Similarly, the lakeside city of Pokhara is another inspiration for many travelers with snow-peaked mountains and remarkable natural beauty. On the other hand, Chitwan district, which dominates the western region, enables visitors to experience exciting jungle activities and safaris while immersing themselves in the local community.

The Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan tour provides visitors with an inevitable cultural and religious experience of Nepal followed by adventure activities that let individuals have an exciting experience to spend their holiday.

Kathmandu is home to seven of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Among the seven sites, exploration of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Boudhanath Stupa are included.

Pashupatinath is the oldest Hindu temple of Nepal, which is devoted to Lord Shiva. The Hindu temple is famous for its pagoda-style architecture, sculptures, and cremation ghats. It is said that individuals visiting Pashupatinath Temple understand the meaning of life. Similarly, Swayambhunath Stupa, located in a hilltop location in central Kathmandu, is also known as the Monkey Temple due to the availability of holy monkeys that roam in and around the premise. The stupa is decorated with prayer flags, prayer wheels, paintings, and stupas that resemble the rich Buddhist culture that prevails in Nepal.

Kathmandu Durbar Square, on the other hand, is also known as the Museum of Temples, where the meticulously carved Newari architecture is present. Similarly, Boudhanath Stupa is another marvel of architecture in Nepal that symbolizes the Buddhist religion of Nepal. Hence, Kathmandu is a must-visit destination in Nepal.

Likewise, Pokhara is the second most popular travel-oriented destination after Kathmandu, which is located in the Kaski district of Nepal. Pokhara is also known as the Lakeside city due to the presence of Phewa Lake.  The city is also the gateway to Annapurna Circuit or Annapurna base camp which is a popular trekking route in Nepal. Besides this there are many other attractions in Pokhara including the Tal Barahi Temple, Sarangkot, Mahendra Cave, Davi’s Fall, International Mountain Museum and Pumdikot.

Finally, Chitwan, which literally means “Heart of the Jungle," is another popular tourist destination in Nepal. Due to the presence of Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Chitwan has a wide range of activities to offer to tourists, travelers, and visitors. The national park is home to exotic flora and fauna, including the Royal Bengal tiger, leopard, one-horned rhinoceros, gharials, and marsh mugger crocodiles. Various activities like jungle safaris, elephant-back rides, butterfly watching, and wildlife sightings are popular in the national park.

Thus, the Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan Tour is one of the comprehensive and meticulously designed tour packages established by Nepal Trekking Planner. The popularity of the package is rated five star and widely recommended for international travelers. The best season to go on the Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour Package is in Spring and Autumn. While Kathmandu to Pokhara can be travelled in Kathmandu Pokhara flight. Chitwan to Pokhara can be done in Chitwan Pokhara Tourist Bus and it is suitable for solo travelers, groups or individuals with family including children and elderly.

Higlights of Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan City Tour

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swoyambhunath Stupa, and Boudhanath Stupa.
• Explore the serene Phewa Lake, Tal Barahi Temple, Devi’s Fall, Pumdikot, Bindabasini Temple, and Peace Stupa.
• Enjoy the breathtaking sunrise view and panoramic Annapurna range from the Sarangkot viewpoint.
• Embark on a thrilling jungle safari in Chitwan National Park to spot wildlife like Royal Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceroses, elephants, and various bird species.
• Get insights into the lifestyle of the Tharu community while immersing yourself in cultural programs, including music and dances, while savoring Tharu cuisines.
• Take an optional detour to Manakamana temple and enjoy river rafting in Trishuli River en route from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
• Explore the historic Newari town of Bandipur and its architecture and panoramic views.

What to expect in the Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan tour?

As this travel package includes three of the most favored travel destinations in Nepal, there are many attractions in all these three places. Whether it is exploring Kathmandu or Pokhara or even Chitwan, these places have their own importance and specialty. We have gathered information about the top attractions in these places which are described below:

At Kathmandu

• Kathmandu Durbar Square: The durbar square is also known as Hanumandhoka Durbar Square or Basantapur Durbar Square and is located in central Kathmandu. The main attractions in the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square are the following:
  • Hanuman Dhoka Palace: A standing statue of Hanuman is present at the main entryway of the durbar square.
  • Kala Bhairab: A 12-foot-tall stone sculpture is present in the durbar square, which is dedicated to Hindu god Shiva and is considered the god of justice.
  • Shiva Parvati Temple: The temple is dedicated to Shiva and Parvati, which consists of two wooden figures of Shiva and Parvati.
  • Nasal Chowk: Located in the center of the Durbar Square, it was used for coronations in ancient times.
  • Mohan Kali Chowk: A statue of Mohan Kali is located in the durbar square, which appeals as a cultural hub.
  • Sundari Chowk: It is an example of ancient Newari architecture with a sunken bath and ornate windows.
• Swoyambhunath Temple: The main attractions of the monkey temple are as follows:
  • Swoyambhunath Stupa: the central grand stupa consists of a variety of shrines and temples with Buddha’s eyes and painted eyebrows.
  • Dewa Dharma Monastery: bronze icon of Buddha and traditional Tibetan paintings.
  • Vajra: A huge gold-plated thunderbolt is located on the east side of the stupa.
  • Buddha statue: Three forms of Buddha are located on the west side of Swoyambhu.
• Pashupatinath Temple: The attractions of the temple are as follows:
  • Main temple of Pashupatinath: the structure consists of a bunk roof and golden spire, which is dedicated to the Hindu god shiva (God of destruction).
  • Statue of Nandi: Nandi is the sacred bull, which is considered to be the devoted companion of Lord Shiva.
  • Gorakhnath Temple: The temple is dedicated to Guru Gorakhnath as a symbol of the spiritual inheritance of the Nath yogi.
  • Guhyeshwari Temple: A prominent Hindu shrine was the Hindu goddess Sati’s yoni emblem.
  • Mukhalinga: It is a sacred stone that represents the face of Lord Shiva.
  • Western cremation Ghat: It is located along the holy Bagmati River, where cremation or Hindu death procedures are carried out.
• Boudhanath Stupa: The attractions of the stupa are as follows:
  • Ajima Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Mamo Pusaki, who is considered the protector of the stupa.
  • Historical Ponda and Ghyoilisang Peace Park: The oldest Nyingma monastery in the area with beautiful statues of Guru Padma Sanbhava, Amitabha Buddha, and Arya Avalokiteshwara.
  • Jhamchen Lhakhang Monastery: 32-foot statue of Maitreya Buddha, which is preserving Sakya tradition and ritual practice.
  • Samtenling Monastery: The oldest Tibetan monastery that is built in Boudhanath, located on the east side.
  • Dilyak Yebam Monastery: It is also known as Dhapsang Monastery of the Thousand Buddhas.

While traveling from Kathmandu to Pokhara, an optional activity to visit Manakamana and go rafting in the Trishuli River is included.

• Manakamana Temple: The Hindu temple is dedicated to goddess Bhagwati, who is considered the incarnation of Parvati according to Hindu mythology. The main attraction initiates with a ropeway transport system that is known as the Manakamana Cable Car that joins Mugling (Kurintar) and Manakamana.
• Rafting in Trishuli: It is one of the most popular adventure sports in Nepal. The ideal rapids provide a suitable scenario for river rafting.

At Pokhara

• Lakeside Pokhara and Phewa Lake: It is the second-biggest lake in Nepal and the primary attraction of Pokhara.
• Devi’s Fall: The waterfall creates a 500-foot-long underground tunnel and leaves no trace.
• Sarangkot: This is a viewpoint where visitors can see a mesmerizing view of sunrise and sunset followed by the view of the snow-capped Annapurna range.
• Mahendra Cave: It is a large limestone cave with a statue of the Hindu lord Shiva.
• Pumdikot: The location consists of a 51-foot-tall Shiva statue, which is of religious importance.
• Peace Stupa/Shanti Stupa: A pagoda-styled hilltop stupa painted in white, which symbolizes purity because of its taintless nature. Provides magnificent views of the Annapurna range.
• Bindabasini Temple: The oldest temple in the city of Pokhara, which is devoted to the goddess Bindhyabasini, who is regarded as the incarnation of the Hindu goddess Kali.

While travelling from Pokhara to Chitwan, the optional destination of the tour, Bandipur, can also be included upon request.

• Bandipur: Get a chance to explore the Newari architectural settlement at your desired pace. Various temples, coffee shops, lodges, restaurants, and hotels make this a subtle destination for exploration and savoring delicious authentic Nepalese cuisines. Similarly, the hilltop viewpoint of Tani Mai temple provides a splendid view of Himalayan peaks and the Marsyangdi Valley situated below. On the other hand, a stroll to Martyr’s Memorial Park and Tudikhel (a former parade ground now a football field) is also a destination for spending quality time.

At Chitwan and Chitwan National Park

• Elephant Back Safari
• Elephant Bathing
• Jeep Jungle Safari
• Jungle Walk
• Elephant Breeding Center
• Bird and Butterfly Watching 
• Tharu Cultural Program
• Sunset view from Bank of the River

How do the Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan tours start and end?

The Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan tour starts from the bustling city of Kathmandu. Visitors initially spend the day exploring the capital city, Kathmandu. The exploration begins from Soyambhunath Stupa, which is carried out by walking the 365 stone steps that represent 365 days of the year. On reaching the hilltop location, visitors can see sculptures, stupas, and carvings that represent the blend of Buddhist and Hindu religions. Similarly, we can see holy monks and nuns dressed in plain red and yellow carrying out the necessary rituals in and around the stupa.

After spending quality time at Swayambhunath Stupa, the trip continues toward Kathmandu Durbar Square. Kathmandu Durbar Square, where individuals get a chance to see the historical past of the valley while gaining insights about the lifestyle of the former royal kings of Nepal.

The exploration of the city moves forward towards Pashupatinath with the exploration of the temple premises, including the main temple, cremation ghats, and many more. The gurus, sadhus, and Aghori babas with ash and colorful makeup are a sight to see. International tourists need to pay a certain fee to enter the temple and sometimes to receive blessings from these gurus. As the trip to Pashupatinath completes, the tour guide takes visitors towards the Boudhanath stupa, which is another remarkable destination.

The Boudhanath stupa is a white dome-shaped stupa that is surrounded by colorful prayer flags and chants-encrypted prayer wheels. Boudha, the sacred pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists, enables visitors to explore the Buddhist culture of Nepal while giving them a chance to visit gompas, monasteries, and Thanka painting shops to understand more about the culture.

Now, the Kathmandu tour comes to an end, and exploration of Pokhara begins. Visitors can take either an airplane or a private or shared vehicle to reach Pokhara depending upon the budget. While Trekking Planner Nepal carries out the travel through roadway, enabling visitors to visit Manakamana Temple and raft in the Trishuli River located along the way, it’s up to personal choice what one intends to choose as the travel option.

Upon reaching Pokhara, individuals will start the tour by exploring the lake of Pokhara, where boating is a wonderful option. The tour continues by exploring other significant destinations of Pokhara, including Devi’s Fall, Pumdikot, Mahendra Cave, Bindabasini Temple, Peace Stupa, and a mesmerizing sunrise or sunset view from Sarangkot.

After spending wonderful time in Pokhara, it’s time to leave the lakeside city and travel towards Chitwan. The travel can be done in a shared or private vehicle with a stop at Bandipur. Bandipur is a Newari heritage town that is located near Pokhara, and it is famous for the Newari-style settlement and epic Himalayan view.

After a detour to Bandipur, arriving at Chitwan initiates the tour to Chitwan National Park, where visitors can take a jeep or elephant-back ride for a jungle safari. Sighting wild and exotic animals like royal Bengal tigers, deer, antelopes, pangolins, crocodiles, gharials, and one-horned rhinoceroses is the main priority. After the exploration of the forest, the tour takes individuals to immerse themselves in the cultural and lifestyle aspects of the Tharu community, who are the inhabitants of Chitwan. Visitors get a chance to see Tharu dances and cultural programs while savoring local Tharu cuisines and dishes.

When all these activities are complete, visitors on the Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan tour packages return to Kathmandu via flight or vehicle. Arriving at Kathmandu from Chitwan marks the end of the 8-day Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan tour with Trekking Planner Nepal.

What is the best time to go on a Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan trip?

The Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan trip is conducted in Nepal all year round. This means there is no seasonal barrier to stop visitors from undertaking the tour. However, for the best experience, it is advised to carry out the travel plan to Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan in spring and autumn.

Spring, which lasts from March to May in Nepal, is one of the best seasons to travel in Nepal according to weather conditions and ease. During spring the rhododendron flowers that are available in the hilly to Himalayan regions of Nepal come to full bloom. This adds vibrant colors to the landscape while vegetation and greenery are abundant during the season. Spring months also enable a comfortable walking experience due to the persisting moderate temperature conditions without much drastic change in climatic conditions.

On the other hand, autumn, which lasts from September to November, is another best season to travel to Nepal. The autumn season is marked with clear skies and moderate temperatures, which assist in comfortable walking conditions. The autumn season in Nepal is a little humid with mostly warm and sunny days. The clear skies provide an unobstructed view of the mountain peaks, and festivals of Nepal, including Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath, fall in autumn, giving visitors an immersion in the cultural practices of Nepalese people.

However, travel options in winter and monsoon (summer) are also possible but not recommended due to the prevailing harsh climatic conditions during these seasons. Winter is marked by chilling temperatures, which need extra packing. Snowfall and occasional rainfall can also be seen at higher altitudes, which can cause difficulty while walking or traveling. Similarly, the views of the mountain peaks are also obstructed, causing inconvenience for viewers.

In a similar context, three city tours in summer are marked by heavy rainfall, which causes further inconsistency in the travel experience. Summer months in Nepal are characterized by foggy mornings, which obstruct the mountain views, while heavy rainfall can cause the walking trail to be slippery. Thus, due to this reason, it is difficult to travel in summer and winter and so not recommended.

Outline itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
• Day 2: Kathmandu city tour with visit to UNESCO heritage site
• Day 3: Drive to Pokhara with optional visit to Manakamana and Trishuli River rafting
• Day 4: Sarangkot sunrise view, Cave, Devi’s Fall, Pumdikot, Peace Stupa, Bindabasini Temple and exploration of Lakeside
• Day 5: Drive to Chitwan and optional visit to Bandipur
• Day 6: Exploration of Chitwan national Park: Jungle safari and Tharu Cultural Program
• Day 7: Return to Kathmandu
• Day 8: Final Departure