Nepal Grand Circle Tour – 19 Days
  • Duration19 Days
  • Trip DifficultyEasy
  • Best SeasonSpring / Autumn / Winter
  • Arrival CityKathmandu
  • Departure CityKathmandu
  • Altitude maximum2195m (Nagarkot)
  • TransportVehicle / Flight
  • AccomodationHotel
  • HighlightsCulture, History, Religion, Mountain view

Overview

The Nepal tour, fairly long, is literally grand. It is designed in such a way that every destination seems grander than the other. Your tour kicks off in Kathmandu, a metropolis touring which you will encounter a temple every few minutes, and hence called the city of temples. Besides temples, it also has a good number of stupas and monasteries. There are a few ancient palatial sites, here known as Durbar Squares that can be understood as royal courtyards, surrounded by temples and partially wooden buildings. There you can see beautifully intricate carvings. The top attractions of the Kathmandu Valley are Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Chandragiri Hills, Kapan Monastery, Thamel area, Garden of Dreams, Namo Buddha stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square. These sites have a culturally unique art and architecture.

Nagarkot, the Hill Station of Kathmandu, is built with a view tower that will afford you the priceless views of Himalayan ranges at sunrise. The region is quite peaceful.

Adding more exciting another destination to Nepal tour, Pokhara is purportedly the capital of tourism. Certainly an ace city for tourism with nifty natural and cultural heritages, like Phewa Lake, Shanti Stupa, Davis Falls, Sarangkot, Gupteshwor Mahadev Temple, International Mountain Museum, Tal Barahi Temple, Begnas Lake, Seti River Gorge, Gurkha Museum Pokhara, Bindhya Basini Temple and so on. The city is also famous for Adventure Sports and more other activities like paragliding, zip flying, mountain flight, rock climbing, and more.

With Lumbini, the birthplace of the Gautam Buddha, you will be in the plain region of Nepal. The climate is hot, and you will be quaintly pleased with the outright distinct way of life. It will be all peace there with your visit to Maya Devi Temple, Bodhi Tree, Mayadevi Pond, Ashoka Pillar, World Peace Pagoda, Lumbini Museum, Royal Thai Buddhist Monastery. There are many different sites and monuments related to Buddha to visit.

Part of the same plain region of Nepal, with tropical monsoon climate Chitwan has a different wonder for you. The Chitwan National Park is amazing for viewing wildlife. It is home to leopard, Bengal tiger, sloth bear, deer, over 500 species of birds, many critically endangered species. You will be toured on jeep or elephant to closely view the wild animals. Other important attractions for you will be Bishazari Tal, Tharu Cultural Museum, Tharu village, Sauraha Tharu Culture House, Sauraha Art Gallery, Elephant Breeding Centre, Crocodile Breeding Centre.

Detailed Itinerary

You will be transferred to the hotel by one of our representatives. Welcome dinner at one of the traditional Nepali restaurants in Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m

Start our tour with the magnificent Swoyambhunath which is 10 minutes drive from Thamel. Then a short drive to one of the oldest cities of Kathmandu valley which is called Patan to witness its incredible architecture from medieval period.

Swoyambhunath is one of the oldest stupas of the Kathmandu Valley. It is situated on one of the highest hills in the valley. It watches over the Valley from the top of a hillock on its western side just three kilometers west of the city center. The stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Swayambhu is also known as Samhengu and is recognized as a World Heritage Site. It is also one of the oldest and most glorious Buddhist shrines in the world which is said to be two thousand years. The four sides of the stupa are painted with the eyes of Lord Buddha.

Patan- the second largest town in the valley is situated to the south of Kathmandu. Patan’s great building boom took place under the Mallas in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Numerous temples of widely diverse styles, as well as many Buddhist monasteries, are scattered around the fascinating town. Patan is famous for its crafts and metal works which are wonderful souvenirs.
Overnight: Hotel

Today we drive to the oldest part of the Kathmandu valley, a quick stop at old Thimi and observe some traditional farming and old alleys of Thimi village. Then finally we go to visit an ancient city called Bhaktapur. This fascinating city reminds you the true culture and living style of medieval period.

Bhaktapur- Located about 20 km east of Kathmandu in the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur is known as the ‘City of Devotees’, the ‘City of Culture’, the ‘Living Heritage’, and ‘Nepal’s Cultural Gem’. It is one of the 3 royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley. We visit four different squares in this city: Durbar Square (palace square), Tamaudi Square (public square), Pottery Square and Dattatrey Square.
Overnight: Hotel

We drive to one of the oldest temples of the valley, Changunarayan before we go to Nagarkot. It is a fascinating place where you can see oldest Manu script found in Nepali history and some magnificent temples. Another exciting drive for an hour on winding road takes us to Nagarkot. It is a great place to escape from Kathmandu’s hustle bustle.

Nagarkot – One of the most popular hill station / viewpoints close to Kathmandu valley. The reward for Nagarkot trip is the panoramic view of 33 different mountain peaks of different regions including Mt. Shisapangma of Tibet.
Overnight: Hotel

On our way back from Nagarkot, we trek down to Thali, which takes about 4 hours. Then, catch our vehilce and drive to Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations for all the Hindus of the world. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the trinity and the guardian (patron) deity of Nepal. This is one of the oldest temples, situated on the banks of the Holy Bagmati River. It is a double–roofed golden temple with four triple silver doorways. Pashupatinath covers an area of 281 hectares, which is one of the biggest temple complexes in Nepal.

Bouddhanath Stupa lies about 6 km east of downtown Kathmandu and it is the largest stupa in the Valley and one of the largest in the world. It presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design with hundreds of prayer wheels and 108 small images of Buddha all around. Just like Swoyambhunath, this stupa has four sides with the watchful eyes of Lord Buddha. All the Buddhists throng to this stupa to take part in the sacred rituals during the Buddhist festivals.
Overnight: Monastery

Hike for about an hour to Kopan monastery through few villages and winding roads. Kopan is situated at a hill of Kathmandu valley about 2 km north from Boudhanath stupa. It is the first monastery in Nepal which started to teach Buddhism and Buddhist meditations in foreign language. Afternoon free.
Overnight: Monastery

A scenic flight to Pokhara for about 30 minutes then drive about an hour to Milanchock where we start our short trek to Astham, Adhikari family home. Being in Astham, we can observe and experience real culture and living style of typical Nepali family of country side.
Overnight: Home stay

Hike back to Milanchock then drive for an hour to Sedi Bagar followed by a short walk to Thapa family home which offers magnificent view of the lake and surroundings.
Overnight: Home stay
Driving Time: 1 Hour

Drive back to Pokhara and settle down at your hotel. In the afternoon, we visit Devi’s fall, Guptesori Cave and World peace stupa; which offers you the best view of the Pokhara city and Fewa Lake.
Overnight: Hotel

Early morning drive to Sarangkot. It’s about an hour drive on steep uphill. (You can walk back if you are interested walking down hill) The view from Sarangkot is superb. Several different peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, including the two highest peaks in the world,-Annapurna I (8091m) and Dhaulagiri (8167m) can be seen.

In the afternoon, visit first Mountaineering museum in Pokhara, where we can learn about history of Nepal mountaineering and witness true mountaineering culture. Then, a visit to a cave in the afternoon which is about 5 km away from Lake City. It is one of longest caves in Nepal.
Overnight: Hotel

You can spend the day exploring the lake city or simply relaxing at the hotel or Lake side.
Overnight: Hotel

Eight hours scenic drive to Lumbini, Birthplace of Buddha. In the afternoon, visit Maya Devi Temple exact birth place of Gautam Buddha. Maya Devi temple is built right on the place of his birth. The temple is built in modern design, however inside the temple; they have preserved exact structure of the place/stone where he was born.

According to the legend, his mom; queen of Kapilbastu was on her way to her parental house to visit her parents and all of sudden, she was struck with labor pain and she asked her servants to take her back to the palace but pain was unbearable so she decided to rest on the shade of the banyan tree nearby, where she gave birth Gautam Buddha.
We also visit some of the temples and stupas built by different nations dedicated to Lord Buddha.
Overnight: Hotel

Start our tour early in the morning driving about 28 km west of Lumbini to visit the palace of Shakya dynasty. Gautam Buddha spent 29 years of his life with his family in this palace as a prince. Even though he was a prince of the kingdom, he was different than rest of the royals and he was curious about the real world, which scared his family and his father, the king of Kapilbastu. King wanted his son to become future king and rule the country so he wanted to train his son as a future king not as someone who would go outside and try to get knowledge as a scholar and become a monk. So king arranged all the physical luxury possible in the world right inside the palace so his son wouldn’t know about the poorness and cruelty of the real world outside of palace.
In the afternoon, visit rest of the temples in Lumbini garden.
Overnight: Hotel

Six hours scenic drive to Chitwan. Arrival at Wild Life Camp and a welcome drink
14:00: Lunch, then two hours free time.
16:00: Tour to the Tharu village and museum. Sunset point for a drink and the magnificent view of the setting sun.
19:00: Dinner
Overnight: Hotel
Difference in Elevation: -5m

7:00: Breakfast, then head out for our canoe rides on the Rapti River, followed by a short jungle walk.
12:00: Lunch
15:00: Elephant safari: An excellent opportunity to see: four different kinds of deer; rhinoceros; wild boars; monkeys; leopards; sloth bears and the Royal Bengal Tiger (if you are lucky). You may also encounter many other smaller mammals that have made Chitwan their home.
19:00: Dinner
20:00: Tharu culture program
Overnight: Hotel

7: 00: Breakfast
7:30: Jeep safari for four hours into the heart of the jungle
19:00: Dinner
Overnight: Hotel

7:00: Breakfast
7:30: Elephant breeding centre
9:00: Drive back to Kathmandu: scenic drive for about 6 hours to Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel

A short drive to visit one of oldest and historical fort towns in Kathmandu valley called Kirtipur.
Overnight: Hotel

Tour Price Includes

  • Transfers airport / hotel / airport.
  • Accommodations in Kathmandu / Nagarkok / Bhaktapur / Pokhara / Lumbini / Chitwan
  • Welcome dinner at one of the traditional Nepali restaurants
  • Transport, guided visits and entry of the monuments in Kathmandu / Patan / Bhaktapur / Pokhara / Lumbini
  • Domestic flight (Kathmandu – Pokhara) as per itinerary
  • Private vehicle Pokhara – Lumbini – Chitwan – Kathmandu
  • Professional English speaking tour guides
  • Private vehicle during sightseeing
  • Full board in Home stay
  • Full board in Chitwan Tour
  • Drinks (Tea / Coffee only)
  • All activities in Chitwan Tour
  • Your international flight re-confirmation.
  • All necessary documents and government tax.
  • Insurance for staff

Tour Price Does Not Include:

  • International Flights
  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu / Nagarkot / Bhaktapur / Pokhara / Lumbini
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory and we strongly advise you to take out to cover accident / repatriation, helicopter / medical care)
  • Alternative / addtional transportation (flights / vehicles), accommodation in case of bad weather, heavy rain, flood, landslide, strike, road blockade etc
  • Personal expenses such as snacks, cold drinks, mineral water, alcoholic drinks, telephone etc.
  • Tips for tour staff or car / van / bus driver.

NOTE: The price of the tour will be adjusted according to the group size.

Climate

Climate:
From the eternal snow of the high peaks to the extensive tropical lowlands, Nepal has a wide variety of climates.

Spring: March to late May: In this season, Kathmandu is in full bloom, lots of different types of flowers can be seen at this time of the year.  Temperature is mild, end of the cold winter and approaching warm and hot summer.  Temperatures vary between 10 ° C to 28 ° C but can rise up to 30 ° C.  Between 2000 and 3000m, temperature rarely drop below 0 ° C. However, few frosts or snowfalls are possible in March above 4000 m.

The summer/monsoon period – It interrupts the majority of trekking from late June to late August. Some of the trekking regions “trans-Himalayan”, Dolpo and Mustang, however, remain protected from monsoon prevailing rest of the country. They are the only channels available in Nepal in the summer.

Autumn: mid September – mid December – Perfect temperature and weather for trekking. Brings cooler days, but clear skies. Above 3000 m altitude, temperatures can drop to -10 ° C at night.

In winter: mid-December – mid-February – Nights are generally cold, dry climate, Above 3000m, temperature drop down to 0 ° C to – 15 ° C at night, the days are often sunny.

Equipments

LUGGAGE

  •         Travel Pack / Suit case
  •         Day pack

 CLOTHING

  •         Lightweight, low maintenance and versatile clothing
  •         Shirt/t-shirt(s)
  •         Convertible travel trousers
  •         Lightweight fleece
  •         Lightweight waterproof jacket
  •         Comfortable shoes/boots
  •         Sandals
  •         Hat (sun/warm hat)
  •         Warm clothes / Jackets / trousers (If travelling in early Spring / Autumn / Winter)

ACCESSORIES

  •         wallet
  •         Luggage locks
  •         Head light (torch)
  •         Wash bag
  •         Travel towel
  •         All purpose travel soap
  •         Small repair kit (needle and thread)
  •         First aid kit
  •         Accessory bags
  •         Guide book
  •         Electrical adaptor
  •         Insect repellent
  •         Sun cream

DOCUMENT

  •         Valid passport
  •         Print out of Airline tickets
  •         Contact detail of Embassy / Tour agency
  •         Travel insurance