Nepal Premium Rundreise

Welcome to Kathmandu – City & Local Market Experience

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative of Monkvana | Himalayan Monks Sp. z o.o., operating through its local partner, Jagadamba Holidays. Our representative will be waiting with an official Monkvana sign and a traditional marigold garland to welcome you to Nepal. Lunch is at your own expense, and your guide will be happy to assist you in choosing a suitable restaurant according to your preference.

You will then be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. Stay in Thamel at Hotel Kailash Kutee in a twin-sharing room with a private bathroom, with breakfast and dinner included. For late-night arrivals, transportation will be arranged according to your arrival time. Your representative will also provide information about the tour briefing and group meeting. During the briefing, we will review your travel plans and included services and introduce you to your trekking or tour guide. Before the journey begins, all participants will complete the required travel and liability forms. Any outstanding tour balance should also be settled during the meeting.

Complimentary Monkvana Welcome Exploration Tour

For guests arriving in Kathmandu before 3:00 PM on Day 1, we warmly invite you to join our complimentary Monkvana Welcome Exploration Tour. This relaxed walking experience is offered as a special welcome to Nepal and provides an opportunity to discover the historic heart of Kathmandu soon after arrival.

The tour begins with a gentle walk to Basantapur Durbar Square, the former royal palace area of Nepal and one of the historic centres of Kathmandu. Here, you can explore the palace courtyards, temples, and surrounding heritage streets before continuing through the lively local markets of Indra Chowk and Ason Bazaar.

These traditional markets are an important part of everyday life in Kathmandu, where local people shop for a wide range of goods used throughout different stages of life, including everyday household items and products associated with religious and cultural occasions. After exploring the markets and experiencing the atmosphere of old Kathmandu, we return to the hotel. The Monkvana Welcome Exploration Tour offers a gentle introduction to the city and a chance to experience the local side of Kathmandu beyond its main tourist attractions.

Discover Kathmandu Valley – Heritage & Cultural Experience

After breakfast, around 9:00 AM, begin your guided UNESCO Heritage Site sightseeing tour from your hotel in Kathmandu. Today’s sightseeing covers three of the Kathmandu Valley’s major cultural landmarks: Patan Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. The tour begins with a drive to Patan Durbar Square, followed by Boudhanath Stupa, with Pashupatinath Temple as the final visit of the day. Your experienced local guide will accompany you throughout the tour, providing cultural and historical insights into each heritage site.

Upon arrival in Patan, explore Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former royal centre renowned for its exquisite Newari architecture, traditional craftsmanship, and medieval urban heritage. Discover the Krishna Mandir, Patan Museum, Bhimsen Temple, Vishwanath Temple, and the Golden Temple, along with traditional courtyards, temples, stone sculptures, and intricately carved wooden and metal details. Stroll through the surrounding old streets to observe local artisans and traditional crafts, including the centuries-old metalworking and woodcarving traditions for which Patan is famous.

Continue to Boudhanath Stupa, one of Nepal’s largest Buddhist stupas and an important centre of Tibetan Buddhist culture. Walk around the sacred stupa with pilgrims and devotees, observe prayer wheels, colourful prayer flags, and nearby monastery activity, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of this important Buddhist landmark. Lunch is at your own expense, and your guide will be happy to assist you in choosing a suitable restaurant according to your preference.

After lunch, visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of Nepal’s most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located beside the Bagmati River, the extensive temple complex features traditional pagodas, shrines, courtyards, and important religious spaces. Your guide will explain the cultural significance of the site, as well as the Hindu rituals and traditional cremation ceremonies observed along the river.

After completing the sightseeing, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. You may relax or explore the nearby streets, shops, and cafés of Thamel. Stay overnight at Hotel Kailash Kutee or a similar standard hotel in Thamel, with a deluxe twin-sharing room and private bathroom. Breakfast and dinner are included.

Explore Bhaktapur & Panauti – Journey to Sacred Namo Buddha

After breakfast, travel to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, one of the best-preserved medieval urban centres in the Kathmandu Valley and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Golden Gate, Palace of 55 Windows, and Nyatapola Temple, while discovering the city’s living Newari traditions, historic architecture, temples, courtyards, and artistic heritage. Bhaktapur is situated at approximately 1,400 m above sea level.

During your visit, enjoy a taste of Juju Dhau, the famous traditional buffalo-milk yogurt of Bhaktapur. Traditionally prepared and served in clay pots, this delicious local speciality is an important part of the city’s culinary identity and a memorable taste of authentic Newari culture.

Continue to Panauti, a historic Newari town situated at the confluence of two rivers. Take time to explore its traditional streets, old houses, courtyards, and historic Hindu temples while experiencing the peaceful atmosphere of this culturally rich town, away from the busier areas of the Kathmandu Valley.

Later, continue to Namo Buddha, where you will check in at Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, Namo Buddha Guest House, or a similar standard guesthouse. This sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site is associated with the ancient legend of the Buddha offering his body to a starving tigress and her cubs. Surrounded by a traditional Tamang village and peaceful hillside landscapes, Namo Buddha provides a serene setting to unwind and experience the spiritual atmosphere of the area. At approximately 1,750 m, the hilltop location may also offer beautiful sunset and, on clear evenings, starlit views. Dinner and overnight at Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, Namo Buddha Guest House, or a similar standard guesthouse in Namo Buddha, in a twin-sharing room with a private bathroom. Breakfast and dinner are included.

Experience Namo Buddha Sunrise – Journey to Historic Gorkha

Begin the morning early with a peaceful sunrise at Namo Buddha, as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the surrounding hills and valleys. Depending on the monastery’s schedule, you may also hear monks chanting during their morning prayers, creating a serene and memorable spiritual experience.

After breakfast, drive approximately 191 km to Gorkha, a journey of around 6–7 hours, reaching an altitude of approximately 1,040 m. Gorkha is a historically significant destination associated with the unification of modern Nepal and the birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who was born here in 1723 and later led the campaign to unite the region’s numerous small kingdoms into one nation. Upon arrival, visit Gorkha Durbar, a historic palace complex situated on a hilltop overlooking the town.

Reaching the palace involves climbing approximately 1,500 stone steps, making the ascent part of the experience. At the top, explore the historic palace complex and visit Kalika Temple and Gorakhnath Temple, learning about their religious significance and Gorkha’s important role in Nepalese history. From the hilltop, enjoy views of the surrounding hills and, on clear days, the Himalayan peaks, including Manaslu (8,163 m) and Himalchuli.

Your booked accommodation in Gorkha is Gorkha Garden Hotel, where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay, with breakfast included the following morning.

Experience Gorkha Sunrise – Journey to Historic Bandipur

Begin the morning early with a peaceful sunrise in Gorkha, as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the surrounding hills and valleys. Depending on the weather, enjoy the tranquil morning atmosphere before breakfast and prepare to explore the town’s rich historical heritage.

After breakfast, visit Gorkha Durbar (approximately 1,097 m), the former royal palace closely associated with King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who was born in Gorkha in 1723 and later led the campaign to unify the principalities into modern Nepal. Reaching the palace involves climbing approximately 1,500 stone steps. Explore the historic palace complex, including Kalika Temple and Gorakhnath Temple, and enjoy views across the surrounding hills and, in clear weather, towards Manaslu (8,163 m) and Himalchuli. Lunch is at your own expense, and your guide will be happy to recommend a suitable restaurant according to your preference.

After exploring Gorkha Durbar, continue by road to Bandipur, a beautifully preserved hilltop town celebrated for its traditional Newari architecture and historic trading heritage. The drive covers approximately 51.5 km through Nepal’s scenic middle hills. Upon arrival, stroll along the brick-paved main street, admire the traditional three-storey houses and intricately carved wooden windows, and experience the relaxed atmosphere of this charming settlement. If time permits, take an approximately 15-minute walk to Thani Mai Temple, a hilltop viewpoint offering spectacular views towards Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu, particularly around sunset. Bandipur is situated at approximately 1,030 m.

Your booked accommodation in Bandipur is Bandipur Village Inn or a similar-standard hotel, where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a deluxe twin-sharing room with a private bathroom. Breakfast is included the following morning.

Scenic Journey to Pokhara – Explore Hills, Lakes & Stupa

Start the morning with an early Bandipur sunrise. From viewpoints around Tundikhel or Thani Mai Temple, enjoy the changing colours of the hills and, in clear weather, views towards the Himalayan ranges. After sunrise, return to the hotel for breakfast before continuing your exploration of Bandipur.

After breakfast, explore Bandipur Old Town, known for its well-preserved Newari architecture, brick-paved streets, traditional three-storey houses, carved wooden windows, and historic façades. Walk through the main bazaar and surrounding lanes, discovering local shops, courtyards, and traditional buildings. Continue to Thani Mai Temple, a hilltop shrine with wide views of the surrounding landscape and, on clear days, the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Langtang ranges. You may also visit Khadga Devi Temple, an important local Hindu shrine, before having lunch in Bandipur.

After lunch, drive from Bandipur to Pokhara, covering approximately 72 km in 2–3 hours. The scenic journey passes through green hills, terraced farmland, traditional villages, and river valleys before reaching Pokhara, a lakeside city known for its beautiful natural setting, Phewa Lake, and spectacular views of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Upon arrival in Pokhara, check in at your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. You may take a relaxed walk around Lakeside and Phewa Lake, explore the nearby cafés and shops, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the city. Stay overnight at Hotel Silver Oaks Inn in a deluxe twin-sharing room with a private bathroom. Breakfast and dinner are included.

Experience Sarangkot Sunrise – Nepal Countryside Hiking

Start early in the morning with a drive to Sarangkot for sunrise over the Himalayas. From this popular viewpoint above Pokhara, enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, and Lamjung Himal as the first light reaches the surrounding mountains and valleys. On the way back to the city, stop at Seti Gorge to see the Seti River flowing through its deep and narrow gorge. Continue through Old Pokhara and visit Bindabasini Temple, one of the city’s important Hindu shrines, before returning to the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, at around 10:00 AM, begin your guided sightseeing tour of Pokhara Valley, visiting some of its most important natural, cultural, and scenic attractions. Start with Devi’s Fall, a well-known waterfall where the water disappears into an underground channel, followed by Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, an important Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva located close to the waterfall. Continue to Pumdikot, home to the large Shiva statue and a hilltop viewpoint offering wide views across Pokhara Valley and towards the surrounding mountains. From Pumdikot, continue to the World Peace Pagoda, a Buddhist stupa on a hill above Phewa Lake, offering panoramic views of the lake, Pokhara Valley, and the Annapurna range. Lunch is at your own expense, and your guide will be happy to assist you in choosing a suitable restaurant according to your preference.

Complete the day at Phewa Lake, the natural centrepiece of Pokhara. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Phewa Lake and visit Tal Barahi Temple, located on a small island in the lake. Take time to enjoy the peaceful waterfront and, in clear weather, views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the Annapurna range reflected in the water. Later, return to Lakeside and enjoy some free time to explore the cafés, shops, and lakeside promenade. Stay overnight at Hotel Silver Oaks Inn in a deluxe twin-sharing room with a private bathroom. Breakfast and dinner are included.

Scenic Journey to Chitwan – National Park & Jungle Experience

After breakfast, drive from Pokhara to Chitwan, travelling from the Himalayan foothills towards the warmer landscapes of the Inner Terai. The journey covers approximately 150 km and takes around 5–6 hours, passing rivers, forested hills, terraced farmland, and traditional settlements along the way. Chitwan is home to Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, renowned for its rich biodiversity and wildlife, including the greater one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, and numerous bird species. The region lies at an altitude of approximately 190 m, offering a striking contrast to the mountain landscapes experienced earlier in your journey.

Upon arrival, check in at Park Safari Resort, subject to availability. After settling in, meet your nature guide in the lobby for a briefing on the planned Chitwan activities. You will also receive a safari activity schedule to help you understand the timings and arrangements for your upcoming wildlife experiences.

Later, visit a local monastery and the Tharu Museum. The monastery offers a peaceful setting for reflection and an introduction to Buddhist traditions, while the museum showcases traditional tools, clothing, jewellery, household objects, and other exhibits reflecting the history and cultural heritage of the indigenous Tharu people of the Terai.

In the evening, enjoy a Tharu Cultural Dance performance featuring traditional stick dances, rhythmic drumming, singing, and community traditions. Depending on the arrangements, the performance may take place at a local cultural venue or at the resort, offering an engaging introduction to the distinctive cultural heritage of the Tharu community.

Your booked accommodation is Park Safari Resort or the confirmed alternative resort, where lunch, dinner, and breakfast are included, along with an overnight stay.

Explore Chitwan National Park – Wildlife & Jeep Safari Experience

Begin the day with a canoe ride along the Rapti River, travelling in a traditional dugout canoe through one of Chitwan’s important waterways. Keep watch for marsh crocodiles, gharials, kingfishers, herons, and other waterbirds, while greater one-horned rhinoceroses and deer may occasionally be spotted near the riverbanks.

Continue to the Elephant Breeding Centre in Sauraha, a government-run facility where you can observe elephants of different ages, including young calves. Learn about elephant biology, conservation efforts, and some of the challenges involved in elephant management.

The main wildlife experience of the day is a half-day jeep safari inside Chitwan National Park. Travel through sal forests, grasslands, and oxbow-lake areas while your experienced guide searches for animal tracks and signs of wildlife. Depending on wildlife activity and natural conditions, you may encounter the greater one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, wild elephants, sloth bears, leopards, and gaur. Although sightings cannot be guaranteed, the safari offers an excellent opportunity to explore the park’s diverse habitats.

Later in the afternoon, enjoy a village walk through a nearby Tharu settlement. Observe traditional mud-and-thatch houses, local farming practices, and everyday village life while learning about the cultural heritage of the Tharu community and its relationship with the surrounding environment.

End the day by enjoying the sunset near the river or at the edge of a community forest, offering a peaceful conclusion to your wildlife and cultural experiences in Chitwan.

After completing the safari and other planned activities, return to Park Safari Resort for dinner and an overnight stay. Lunch, dinner, and breakfast are included.

Journey Back to Kathmandu – Leisure & Cultural Farewell

Begin the morning with birdwatching in Chitwan before departure. More than 525 bird species have been recorded in the region, making it an excellent destination for bird enthusiasts. Accompanied by a naturalist or guide, explore nearby riverbanks and forest areas in search of species such as the Indian roller, bee-eater, kingfisher, and woodpecker. Depending on the season and local conditions, you may also have opportunities to spot rarer species. Your guide will help identify birds by their distinctive calls, colours, and behaviour.

After breakfast, begin the journey back to Kathmandu by road, covering approximately 165 km in around 6–7 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Alternatively, you may choose a domestic flight of approximately 30 minutes, subject to availability. The journey by road offers further opportunities to appreciate the changing landscapes of central Nepal, including winding rivers, forested hills, rural settlements, and terraced farmland.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. You may relax at the hotel, repack your luggage, or explore Thamel, the city's popular shopping district, for traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, trekking equipment, and other mementos of your journey.

In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner featuring traditional Nepali cuisine, accompanied by cultural music and dance where available. This final gathering provides a memorable opportunity to reflect on your experiences across Nepal and celebrate the cultural, natural, and wildlife highlights of your journey.

Your booked accommodation in Kathmandu is Hotel Kailash Kutee, where you will enjoy a comfortable overnight stay, with dinner and breakfast included.

Leisure in Kathmandu – Airport Transfer & Fly Back Home

As your journey through Nepal comes to an end, enjoy a final morning at your own pace and reflect on the varied landscapes, cultural heritage and local experiences you have encountered throughout the trip.

For your departure, a representative of Monkvana | Himalayan Monks Sp. z o.o., operating through its local partner Jagadamba Holidays, will meet you at your hotel approximately 3.5 hours before your scheduled flight and arrange your private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.

Monkvana Complimentary Tour:
Travellers with an afternoon flight back home may join a complimentary morning sightseeing tour after breakfast. The tour starts at approximately 8:30 am and usually takes 2–3 hours, allowing enough time to return to the hotel and continue to the airport according to your flight schedule. The sightseeing programme is subject to the available time on the day.

Thank you for travelling with Monkvana | Himalayan Monks Sp. z o.o. and Jagadamba Holidays. We hope to welcome you again on another journey through Nepal and the Himalayas.