Best of Nepal Family Tour

Welcome to Nepal! Fly into the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, where an airport representative from your tour will meet you. Once at your hotel, your guide will brief you with more details about your tour. Enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner to celebrate your arrival.

You have the option to begin your day with a 45-minute flight through the majestic Himalayas to see the tallest mountain in the world – Mount Everest. You will have the opportunity to take photos of the breathtaking panoramic views of this mighty and famous peak. Then return to your hotel to have breakfast.

Later, take a guided walking tour of Durbar Square in Kathmandu. This important and historic area is best known for the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, built to honor Hanuman, the monkey god. You will also see the intriguing Kumari Chowk palace and the Kumari House, which is home to a girl who is worshiped as the goddess of Nepal. As you return to your hotel, wander through the Asan Bazaar.

After breakfast, take a scenic drive in a private vehicle for about 2.5 hours to reach the start of your rafting trip. Your guide will help you know how to pack and dress for this trip. Change your clothes and get on the river. You’ll travel a short distance by raft before stopping to enjoy a picnic lunch. Then continue rafting until you reach the camp. At camp, you’ll have free time for swimming or taking a walk. You can also just relax at the bar and listen to the peaceful sounds of the river. Enjoy a freshly cooked dinner then get a good night’s rest.

Get an early start today with a delicious breakfast at the rafting camp. Complete your rafting tour with a short trip down the river, then make your way to Chitwan National Park.

Chitwan National Park is one of the best national parks in all of Asia, and the wildlife reserve is famous for its unique flora and fauna. Spend two nights in a lodge here where you will have beautiful views of the Rapti River and the densely forested valley that surrounds it. Today, visit a nearby village to learn about the sustainable daily life of the local people. After dinner, learn more about the Tharu people by attending a cultural program.

Time for a safari in Chitwan National Park! Rise with the sun this morning and take note of the incredible sounds of the “dawn chorus”. Explore the national park both by foot and by Jeep, as your naturalist guide points out rhinos, wild boars, and sloth bears. If you’re lucky you may even spot a Royal Bengal tiger. Return to your lodge to eat breakfast and watch the elephants bathe in the river. Later in the day, there is an optional dugout canoe trip down the river to see crocodiles and birds, then walk beside the river to return to the lodge.

Leave Chitwan National Park after breakfast and drive to western Nepal, to the city of Pokhara. Also known as “Lake City,” Pokhara is known for its spectacular mountain scenery, fresh clear air, and stunning lakeside views. Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Fewa, where you’ll see the unparalleled beauty of the Annapurna range reflected dazzlingly in the still, clear water. It is arguably one of the most incredible mountain vistas in the world, and it’s where you’ll watch the sunset today. Then enjoy dinner in a renowned lakeside restaurant and spend a comfortable night in a hotel.

After breakfast, leave Pokhara and drive about 30 minutes to Hemja. This is the starting point for your trek to Annapurna Eco Village. The idea behind this eco village is to offer travelers an ecologically based experience of a traditional Nepali village. The environment here is clean and there are limited amenities in this rural area, but it is an excellent glimpse into traditional Nepali culture. You can also expect clear and stunning views of Manaslu and Annapurna, as well as the countryside surrounding the Pokhara Valley.

Be sure to get up early this morning so you won’t miss the spectacular sight of the sun rising over the Annapurna range. The mountains seem to change color with the changing light, and at times appear to be made of sparkling gold. On a clear day, you can see 3 peaks that are over 8,000 meters tall. Take in this amazing moment, then eat your breakfast outside in the garden as you continue to enjoy Himalayan views. Today’s trek to Dhampus is short but full of awe-inspiring views. The village of Dhampus is a settlement of the fascinating British Gurkha people, and you will have the chance to visit and learn more about their daily lives. Another beautiful sunset awaits you as you end your day in Dhampus.

Finish your trek today with a three-hour walk downhill, then meet the vehicles that will drive you back to Pokhara. When you arrive you can enjoy Pokhara as you wish. One recommendation is to hike to the World Peace Stupa or trek down (about 3 hours) to Davi’s Falls. You can also choose to rest and relax in the beautiful lake city.

Enjoy a long but scenic drive today along the river and through rugged countryside and picturesque villages. It will take about 7 hours to drive from Pokhara back to Kathmandu, and along the way there is an opportunity to stop and ride a cable car up to the Manakamana Temple. After arriving in Kathmandu, the rest of the day is free to explore at your leisure.

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Kathmandu and the surrounding area. Your tour includes visits to two significant religious sites, important to two different religions. First, on the banks of the Bagmati River, visit the Pashupatinath Temple. This is a well-known Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. You will have the opportunity to witness their ceremony of final rites at the temple’s crematorium. From there, travel to Boudhanath. Boudhanath is among the largest stupas in the world and it is an important center for Tibetan Buddhism. Finally, after a short drive, you will end your day in Bhaktapur, which is an ancient city known for its architecture, art, and culture.

Begin by exploring the fascinating city of Bhaktapur, before driving to Changu Narayan where you can visit a two-tiered, pagoda-style temple. After this, continue on to Nagarkot, where you will spend the night in a resort and enjoy an amazing sunset with views of the Himalayas.

The sunrise views at Nagarkot might just be the best you’ll ever see, so be sure to wake up in time to watch them. Your first stop today is the historic city of Panauti, where you can visit different temples. Then continue your drive to Balthali. Have lunch here and spend the afternoon enjoying the countryside and exploring the village of Balthali.

After an early breakfast, an easy, one-hour trek will bring you to a bus to Kathmandu. This lovely walk through traditional villages and green paddy fields is a fitting way to conclude your Best of Nepal tour. Enjoy a special dinner this evening to celebrate the accomplishments of the tour and to say farewell.

Sadly, your Best of Nepal Family Tour has come to an end. Today is your departure day, but you are free to explore as you wish until it is time to return to the airport. You may want to go souvenir shopping or visit another of the many cultural sites in this vibrant city. Your guide can help you find what you’re looking for, then an airport representative will escort you to the airport when it’s time. Have a pleasant journey!