Nepal
14 days from $6746 pp with roundtrip flights
Touch down in Kathmandu and ease into Nepal with quiet hill-time in Dhulikhel: brick lanes, Newari courtyards and soft ridge walks. Continue via Bhaktapur’s medieval squares before turning east to the wetlands of Koshi Tappu, where reedbeds, sandbars and braided channels host remarkable birdlife and floodplain mammals.
At Koshi Tappu, split days between easy hikes, canoe drifts and jeep access to distant grasslands. Scan for wild water buffalo (arna), hog deer, smooth-coated otter, and specialties such as swamp francolin, pratincoles and seasonal flocks of waterfowl. Then fly west for classic lowland jungle in Chitwan National Park—sal forest, riverine woodland and tall grass meadows—seeking greater one-horned rhino, gharial, mugger, deer and rich birdlife, with chance encounters of Bengal tiger and sloth bear. Activities combine jeep drives, guided walks on approved trails and a park-run elephant field experience (we favour non-riding formats in line with modern welfare standards).
Fly to Pokhara for lakeside calm and mid-hill rambles: village loops through terraces, shaded community-forest hikes and relaxed café time by Phewa Lake. Throughout, the pace is gentle and vehicle-supported—no forced trekking—so you can focus on landscapes, culture and wildlife. Conclude in Kathmandu for your international flight home, carrying the rhythm of wetlands at dawn, jungle evenings and balcony views over layered valleys.
Day 1 : DEPART NEW YORK → KATHMANDU
Day 2 : ARRIVE KATHMANDU → DRIVE TO DHULIKHEL & LEISURE
Day 3 : DHULIKHEL — MORNING SIGHTSEEING WALKS
Day 4 : DHULIKHEL → KATHMANDU VIA BHAKTAPUR (MORNING TRANSFER & HERITAGE STOP
Day 5 : KATHMANDU → BIRATNAGAR → KOSHI TAPPU — FLIGHT, DRIVE & AFTERNOON WALKING SAFARI
Day 6 : KOSHI TAPPU — MORNING & AFTERNOON HIKES, CANOE RIDE AND JEEP SAFARI
Day 7 : KOSHI TAPPU — MORNING BIRDING WALK; AFTERNOON FLIGHT TO KATHMANDU VIA BIRATNAGAR
Day 8 : KATHMANDU → CHITWAN — MORNING FLIGHT & AFTERNOON JEEP SAFARI
Day 9 : CHITWAN — MORNING & AFTERNOON SAFARIS (JEEP, WALKING & ELEPHANT EXPERIENCE
Day 10 : CHITWAN — MORNING & AFTERNOON SAFARIS (JEEP • WALKING • ELEPHANT OBSERVATION)
Day 11 : KATHMANDU → POKHARA — MORNING FLIGHT & AFTERNOON AT LEISURE
Day 12 : POKHARA — MORNING & AFTERNOON VILLAGE WALKS AND FOREST HIKES
Day 13 : POKHARA → KATHMANDU — MORNING FLIGHT & AFTERNOON AT LEISURE
Day 14 : KATHMANDU → HOME — INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE
Arrive at NEW YORK about 3 hours before departure. Keep your passport, flight confirmation and any visa/eVisa documents handy. Charge devices, download offline boarding passes and confirm your baggage allowance during online check-in.
Flight Note: Most economy fares include one checked bag plus cabin baggage (limits vary by airline). Pack essentials—medication, valuables, a warm layer and power bank—in your carry-on.
After security, choose a light meal, hydrate and stretch. Onboard, sip water regularly, walk briefly every few hours, and keep caffeine/alcohol modest to arrive feeling better. A neck pillow, eye mask and earphones help with rest on the overnight sector to Kathmandu (KTM).
Arrival Info (for tomorrow): Nepal offers eVisa/visa on arrival for many nationalities. Have one passport photo, hotel address and fee ready. If your greeter isn’t visible at KTM arrivals, wait by the main exit and call the 24/7 duty number on your voucher.
Flight summary: NEW YORK → Kathmandu (KTM), overnight sector; airline and timings as per ticket.
Land at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), complete arrival formalities, and meet your representative outside customs for the drive to Dhulikhel. The journey is typically 1–1.5 hours (traffic-dependent), following the Araniko/BN highway out of the city into quieter hill country.
Arrival Info: Many nationalities use visa on arrival or an eVisa. Keep one passport photo, hotel address and card/cash for the visa fee. ATMs and SIM/eSIM desks are available in arrivals if you need cash or data before departing the airport.
On arrival in Dhulikhel, standard check-in is from 14:00. If your room isn’t ready, luggage can be stored while you rest with tea or a light snack. The remainder of the day is at leisure: relax, re-pack, or take a gentle stroll for wide valley views (keep activity easy after your flight).
Heads-up: Dhulikhel sits around 1,550 m. Hydrate, wear sunscreen and a light layer in the evening. Road conditions can vary after rain; transfer times may extend during peak traffic.
Evening free. Prepare a small daypack for tomorrow, charge devices, and rest well.
Set out just after sunrise for soft light and quieter lanes. Stroll through Dhulikhel’s old bazaar, where intricately carved Newari windows overlook brick courtyards and small shrines. Pause at temple squares to watch the town wake—incense curling from verandas, bells chiming, and local tea stalls opening for the day.
Route outline: Old bazaar → heritage courtyards → temple squares → hilltop viewpoint.
Time: ~2–3 hours easy pace. Elevation gain: ~120–200 m.
Steps to the viewpoint are optional; a gentler ridge path can be used if preferred. Wear supportive shoes and bring water.
From the market, meander uphill towards a viewpoint ridge for broad valley panoramas. On clear mornings you’ll have crisp air, long sightlines, and excellent photo opportunities across terraced hillsides. Descend on a different lane to complete a relaxed loop back to town.
Cultural etiquette: Dress modestly, remove shoes at shrine thresholds, and ask before photographing people. Keep voices low around prayer spaces; drones are generally discouraged near temples. Small donations at temple boxes are appreciated but not required.
Wrap up with a tea or coffee at a local café. The remainder of the day is at leisure—rest, read on the terrace, or plan tomorrow’s activities.
Check out after an early breakfast and depart Dhulikhel for Kathmandu, routing via the medieval city of Bhaktapur. The drive to Bhaktapur typically takes ~1–1.5 hours (traffic-dependent). Stretch your legs on a short, guided wander through key squares—Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square (Nyatapola Temple) and Pottery Square—before continuing to Kathmandu (~45–60 minutes from Bhaktapur, traffic permitting).
Route note: Roads can be busy after mid-morning; an early start helps. Keep a light daypack handy (water, hat, sunscreen, hand sanitiser), with luggage secured in the vehicle. Surfaces in old towns are uneven brick and stone—wear supportive footwear.
Cultural tip: Bhaktapur’s heritage zone requires an entry ticket for visitors. Dress modestly, remove shoes at shrine thresholds, and avoid climbing on monuments. Ask before photographing people; drones are generally restricted in heritage areas.
Arrive in Kathmandu late morning or around midday (subject to traffic). The remainder of the day is at leisure—rest, enjoy a café stop, or plan tomorrow’s activities.
After an early breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) for your short domestic flight to Biratnagar (BIR)—typically ~45–55 minutes. On arrival, meet your driver and continue by road to Koshi Tappu, usually ~1.5–2 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
Flight note: Domestic baggage allowances can be lower than international sectors. Keep essentials (passport, camera, medications, light rain layer) in your cabin bag. Morning flights occasionally reshuffle due to weather—your guide will manage any adjustments.
Settle in on arrival at Koshi Tappu, then head out for an afternoon walking safari along riverine grassland and wetland edges. With your naturalist, scan for waterfowl, waders and specialty birds of the floodplain; keep an eye on open meadows for wild water buffalo (arna) and watch raptors working the thermals over the Koshi channels.
Safari brief: Easy, mostly level walking (1.5–2.5 hours) at a gentle pace. Wear breathable long sleeves/trousers, closed shoes, sunhat and sunscreen; bring insect repellent and binoculars. Photography is welcome—please keep voices low and remain on established paths.
As light softens over the floodplain, return to base to review sightings and plan tomorrow’s explorations around the reserve.
A full day to explore Koshi Tappu’s mosaic of reedbeds, river channels and open grasslands. We split the day into gentle sessions to maximise sightings while keeping the pace comfortable.
Morning Plan: At first light, set out on an easy guided hike along levees and grass tracks, then board a canoe to drift quiet side-channels. Look for pied kingfisher, storks, herons, ibises, pratincoles, and flocks of waders. Keep scanning sandbars for wild water buffalo (arna), hog deer, and the chance of smooth-coated otter. Return to base late morning for brunch and a short rest.
Midday is kept light to avoid the heat. Review sightings, recharge devices, and ready for the afternoon session when shadows lengthen and activity picks up again.
Afternoon Plan: Head out by jeep to reach distant grasslands and river edges, then continue on foot for short scans. Watch for raptors riding late thermals, bee-eaters hawking above sandbanks, and evening movements of jackal and hog deer. Sunset often brings lively flights of waterfowl returning to roost across the Koshi channels.
Pace & Safety: Walking is mostly level (1.5–2.5 hrs total across the day) at an easy pace. Life jackets are provided on the canoe; follow your naturalist’s instructions when embarking/disembarking. Wear breathable long sleeves/trousers, closed shoes, hat and sunscreen; bring insect repellent and binoculars.
Return after dusk with a log of the day’s highlights and plans for tomorrow’s wetlands and river islands.
At first light, take a relaxed birding walk along reedbeds, levees and river-edge scrub. With your naturalist, scan for Bengal florican (seasonal/rare), swamp francolin, pied kingfisher, herons, storks, ibises, pratincoles and mixed flocks of waders and terns over the channels. Return to base for breakfast and a short rest.
Morning plan: Easy, mostly level walking for ~1.5–2 hours. Bring binoculars, sunhat, breathable long sleeves/trousers and insect repellent. Keep voices low and remain on established paths to minimise disturbance.
Late morning, pack and depart by road to Biratnagar (BIR) for your afternoon flight to Kathmandu (KTM). Drive time is typically ~1.5–2 hours, with the flight taking ~45–55 minutes (both subject to local conditions and schedule).
Flight note: Domestic baggage allowances are lighter than international sectors—check limits in advance. Weather can prompt schedule tweaks; your guide will manage check-in and any changes. Keep essentials (passport, medications, camera, light layer) in your cabin bag.
Arrive in Kathmandu by late afternoon/early evening (subject to schedule). Evening at leisure.
After an early breakfast, transfer to the domestic terminal for your flight from Kathmandu (KTM) to Bharatpur (BWA)—typically ~25 minutes. On arrival, meet your driver for the short road transfer to the Chitwan park area (~30–60 minutes, traffic and lodge location dependent). Settle in and enjoy a light lunch before your first foray into the lowland jungles.
Flight note: Domestic baggage limits are lighter than international sectors. Keep essentials—passport, camera, medications, sunhat, light rain layer—in your cabin bag. Morning departures may shift with weather; your guide will manage check-in and any schedule changes.
In the late afternoon, head out on a jeep safari through sal forest, riverine woodland and open grasslands. With your naturalist, scan for greater one-horned rhinoceros, sambar, spotted deer, wild boar and birdlife along oxbow lakes. Keep an eye on sandbars for mugger and the long-snouted gharial; Bengal tiger is possible but remains a rare, high-value sighting.
Safari brief: Duration ~2.5–3.5 hours. Wear neutral, breathable clothing; closed footwear; hat and sunscreen. Carry insect repellent and a light layer for dusk. Remain seated, keep voices low, no flash photography, and follow your naturalist’s instructions—especially around rhino, elephants and crocs.
Return at dusk as the forest settles, review sightings, and prepare for tomorrow’s activities in the Terai.
A full wildlife day inside Chitwan National Park, splitting time between jeep game drives, a guided walking safari, and an elephant-based field experience operated by park authorities/mahouts. The mix of sal forest, riverine woodland and tall grasslands maximises chances of diverse sightings.
Safari plan: Morning jeep drive at first light for greater one-horned rhino, sambar, spotted deer, wild boar and dawn bird activity along oxbow lakes. Mid-morning walking safari on approved trails to read tracks and listen for alarm calls (with armed ranger/naturalist). Afternoon elephant field session (no crowds, small group) to access tall-grass edges and riverbanks, followed by a final short jeep sweep as light softens. Typical durations: 2.5–3.5 hrs AM, 2–3 hrs PM.
Keep optics ready for gharial and mugger on sandbars, raptors on thermals, hornbills, kingfishers and wintering waterfowl (seasonal). Bengal tiger and sloth bear remain possible but are infrequent, high-value sightings.
Ethics & safety: We follow park rules for low-impact viewing. Remain seated in vehicles, keep voices low and never feed wildlife. The elephant component is operated under park supervision; where available, we favour non-riding options (walking alongside/observation) to align with modern welfare standards. Closed shoes, neutral clothing, hat, sunscreen and insect repellent recommended; always heed your ranger/naturalist.
Return at dusk, debrief sightings and prep for tomorrow’s activities in the Terai.
A second full day in Chitwan National Park lets you vary habitats for fresh encounters—patches of sal forest, riverine woodland and tall-grass meadows along the Rapti floodplain. With your naturalist, you’ll strike a balance between quiet time on foot, reach-by-vehicle, and an elephant-based observation session operated under park supervision.
Today’s plan: At first light, a jeep drive to open grasslands for greater one-horned rhino, deer and lively dawn bird activity; then a short guided walk on approved trails to check spoor and waterholes. Later, an elephant observation to access tall-grass edges and riverbanks (small group, park-routed), followed by a final jeep sweep as the light softens. Typical durations: 2.5–3.5 hrs AM • 2–3 hrs PM.
Keep optics ready for rhino, sambar, spotted deer, wild boar, and riverine residents like gharial and mugger. Watch canopy gaps for hornbills and soaring raptors. Bengal tiger and sloth bear are possible but remain rare, high-value sightings.
Wildlife welfare & safety: Maintain a 30–50 m buffer from large mammals; your guide will position the vehicle and may switch the engine off at sightings. No playback, baiting or off-track driving. The elephant element is observation-only (no riding/bathing shows) on park-approved routes. On foot: single file, hands free, voices low; follow the ranger’s stop signals. Wear neutral clothing and closed shoes; carry water and repellent (leeches possible in the wet). No flash for photography; drones require explicit written permits and are generally prohibited.
Return at dusk to debrief sightings and update the species log—another classic day in the Terai.
After breakfast, transfer to the domestic terminal for your flight from Kathmandu (KTM) to Pokhara (PKR) — typically ~25–30 minutes. On a clear morning, window views reveal serrated skyline peaks before you land and transfer to the lakeside area (~15–30 minutes, traffic dependent).
Flight note: Domestic baggage limits are lighter than international sectors—check allowances. Weather can adjust schedules; your guide will manage any changes. Keep essentials (passport, medication, camera, light layer) in your cabin bag. Right-hand window seats often have the best mountain views on this route (subject to routing).
Arrive in Pokhara late morning. The rest of the day is at leisure—keep the pace easy after travel and enjoy the lakeside atmosphere.
Leisure ideas: Gentle stroll along Phewa Lake; optional short rowboat to the island temple; café time with lake views; or a light visit to Devis Falls and Gupteshwor Cave. Save steeper viewpoints for another day.
Evening free. Organise a small daypack and confirm tomorrow’s meeting time with your guide.
A relaxed day on foot exploring mid-hill villages, terraced fields and cool community forests above the lake. Trails are flexible and vehicle-supported, so distances and gradients can be tailored to your comfort. Clear spells often reveal fine ridge-and-valley vistas.
Morning plan — village loop: Easy-paced walk through hamlets and terraced paddies, with time for a tea stop and photos by a small stream or suspension bridge.
Time: ~2–3 hrs • Ascent: ~150–250 m • Surface: stone steps, farm tracks.
Wear supportive shoes; carry water, sunhat and light sunscreen. Please ask before photographing people or homes.
Return late morning for a short rest and lunch. Midday heat is kept easy; we resume as the light softens and bird activity lifts in the trees.
Afternoon plan — forest hike: Shaded trail along forested spurs to a gentle viewpoint ridge above the lake, then descend on a different path for variety.
Time: ~2–3 hrs • Ascent: ~200–300 m • Notes: look for barbets, minivets, drongos and playful macaques. Keep voices low, stay on marked paths, and carry a light rain layer in case of brief showers.
Wrap up by late afternoon. Evening at leisure—lakeside strolls and a simple dinner round out a calm, scenic walking day.
After breakfast, transfer to Pokhara (PKR) for your short flight to Kathmandu (KTM) (~25–30 minutes, weather-dependent). On arrival, transfer to your hotel and keep the rest of the day at leisure—light café time, a gentle stroll, or a brief visit to a nearby heritage area.
Flight notes (domestic): Baggage limits are usually lighter than international. If tickets are on separate bookings, you may need to collect and re-check baggage in Kathmandu. Weather can adjust schedules; morning sectors are planned to improve reliability.
Flight summary: Pokhara (PKR) → Kathmandu (KTM), morning sector (timings as per ticket).
Meet your driver for the transfer to the international terminal at Kathmandu (KTM). Plan to arrive ~3 hours before departure to complete check-in, security and exit formalities comfortably.
Departure checklist: Keep passport, e-ticket and any transit visas handy. Pack lithium batteries/cameras in carry-on; liquids max 100 ml. Exchange or spend remaining NPR before security if needed.
Flight summary: Kathmandu (KTM) → Home (international sector; timings as per ticket).
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Handpicked properties for comfort, character and access to key experiences. Descriptions indicate typical standards; equivalent alternatives may be confirmed if operational needs arise.
| Place | Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Dhulikhel | Dwarika’s Resort, Dhulikhel | Wellness-led hill retreat with spacious rooms, terraces and calm public areas; sunrise/sunset viewpoints and gentle walking options nearby. |
| Kathmandu | Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu | Heritage-inspired city hotel with crafted woodwork, courtyard spaces and quality dining; convenient for airport and key heritage sites. |
| Koshi Tappu Reserve | Koshi Camp | Birding-focused base near the reserve’s wetlands; simple, comfortable tents/rooms, naturalist-led walks, canoe drifts and easy access to levees. |
| Chitwan | Jungle Crown | Comfortable lodge near park entry points; air-conditioned rooms (seasonal availability), pool and quick reach to sal forest and grassland tracks. |
| Pokhara | Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge | Classic ridge-top eco-lodge with stone cottages, verandas and birding trails; serene setting above the lakeside with wide valley views (weather-dependent). |
| Kathmandu (final night) | Ramada, Kathmandu | International-standard city hotel with modern rooms, reliable Wi-Fi and on-site dining; convenient for the airport and last-minute shopping before departure. |
Heads-up (Practicalities): Kathmandu ~1,400 m; Dhulikhel ~1,550 m; Pokhara ~900 m; Chitwan/Koshi are lowland. Evenings can be cool in the hills—pack a light fleece. Domestic baggage limits are typically lower than international (often ~15 kg checked + ~5 kg cabin; airline rules apply).
Good to know (Services & Seasons): Wi-Fi can be intermittent outside cities; power/back-up systems vary by property. In the Terai (Chitwan/Koshi), carry insect repellent; leeches may appear on forest trails during/after monsoon—light gaiters or salt help. Canoe rides use life jackets; follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
Sustainability & etiquette: Keep noise low around wildlife; no flash or feeding. Dress modestly at temples/heritage sites. Please avoid single-use plastics where possible—refill stations are widely available at lodges.
Substitution note: If a named property is unavailable, a comparable option in the same area will be offered at equal or higher standard wherever possible.
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