Generated July 8, 2026Himalayan Highlights Tour
Overview
The Himalayan Highlights Tour is a 10-day multi-city experience covering Nepal's top cultural, wildlife, and scenic highlights without any trekking. The itinerary visits Kathmandu (UNESCO heritage sites), Pokhara (Phewa Lake and Sarangkot sunrise), Chitwan (jungle safari), and includes an Everest mountain flight and a Buddhist monastery overnight stay.
Day 1-2: Kathmandu heritage sites (Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Durbar Square). Day 3: Everest mountain flight. Day 4-5: Drive to Pokhara, Phewa Lake, Sarangkot sunrise, Davis Falls. Day 6: Buddhist monastery stay. Day 7-9: Drive to Chitwan, jeep safari, canoe ride, cultural evening. Day 10: Return to Kathmandu.
All hotels, entrance fees, transport, activities, and English-speaking guide included throughout.
For travelers who want to add a short trek, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is an easy 8-day addition from Pokhara (USD 675). For a dedicated wildlife experience, the Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour is 3 days (USD 260) or the Bardiya Jungle Safari Tour is 5 days (USD 750).
Trip Highlights
The Kathmandu heritage sites are Nepal's cultural soul: Hindu cremation ghats at Pashupatinath, the massive Boudhanath stupa, the hilltop Monkey Temple, and the medieval Durbar Square with its living Kumari goddess.
Pokhara offers a different Nepal: Phewa Lake with Machhapuchhre reflected in the water, the Sarangkot sunrise viewpoint with Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, and a relaxed lakeside atmosphere.
Chitwan jungle safari delivers wildlife encounters: one-horned rhinos on jeep safari, crocodiles on the river canoe, and Tharu stick dances in the evening. The subtropical lowlands are a complete contrast to the mountains.
At a Glance
- 10-day multi-city tour covering Nepal's top highlights without trekking
- Kathmandu: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Durbar Square
- Pokhara: Phewa Lake, Sarangkot sunrise, Davis Falls, World Peace Pagoda
- Chitwan: jeep safari, canoe ride, Tharu cultural evening
- Everest mountain flight from Kathmandu with Himalayan panorama
- Buddhist monastery stay experience
- No trekking fitness required
- Comfortable hotel accommodation throughout
- All entrance fees, transport, guide, and activities included
- Perfect for travelers who want cultural Nepal without mountain trekking
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive at Kathmandu airport. Overnight at hotel (breakfast included).
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
Spend the day exploring the Kathmandu Valley, including Boudhanath Stupa (one of the world’s largest Buddhist shrines), Pashupatinath Hindu temple, and the royal city of Bhaktapur. Overnight at hotel (breakfast included).
Everest Flight & Monastery Stay
Early-morning Everest experience flight, then explore Patan Durbar Square and drive to Pharping for a unique overnight stay at a Buddhist monastery guesthouse. Learn about monastery life from the inside, enjoying a behind-the-scenes look at chanting and prayer services. You may opt to meditate alongside the monks or walk in the surrounding village (breakfast included).
Sunrise & Trishuli Rafting
Enjoy the morning chanting and sunrise from the monastery, then drive to Charaudi for rafting on the Trishuli River. Four hours of rafting and overnight at a riverside resort (lunch, dinner, and breakfast included).
Drive to Chitwan
Drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chitwan National Park. After lunch, enjoy wildlife viewing from traditional boats along the river (lunch, dinner, and breakfast included).
Chitwan Jungle Activities
Explore Chitwan National Park and the surrounding villages. Village walk, boating, nature walks, and a jeep safari through the park in search of rhinos, leopards, wild elephants, sloth bears, monkeys, and crocodiles. In the evening, enjoy a Tharu cultural dance program performed by local villagers.
Drive to Pokhara
Drive to Pokhara (approximately 4 hours) and enjoy sightseeing around Lakeside, followed by dinner at a popular Lakeside restaurant (breakfast included).
Pokhara Sunrise & Peace Pagoda
Enjoy the early-morning sunrise and mountain views from Sarangkot. Go boating on Phewa Lake and hike to the World Peace Pagoda. Visit a Tibetan refugee settlement to learn about this community, visit a photo gallery, and enjoy a local lunch.
Fly to Kathmandu & Farewell Dinner
Fly back to Kathmandu and enjoy a farewell dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant (dinner and breakfast included).
Departure
Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.
What's Included
Included
- Pickup from and drop-off at the hotel and airport by private tourist vehicle.
- Twin-sharing accommodation in a five-star hotel in Kathmandu (3 nights), three-star hotel in Pokhara (2 nights), and Chitwan (2 nights), breakfast included.
- Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) in Chitwan as well as all jungle activities inside the national park.
- Chitwan National Park including a village walking tour and jeep safari.
- All transport between destinations and to and from included activities.
- Guided city and sightseeing tours during the trip in a private tourist vehicle.
- Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and medicine for our field staff.
- Entry permits and fees for all temples, parks, monasteries, and cultural and historical sites.
- All government taxes, VAT, tourist service charges, and official expenses.
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at a typical Nepali restaurant with a cultural dance performance on the evening before departure.
Not Included
- International airfare and airport departure tax.
- Travel insurance.
- Nepal entry visa (please bring 2 passport-sized photos).
- Lunch and dinner in all places except Chitwan (approximately US$15 to US$20 per person per day).
- All items of a personal nature such as drinks and laundry.
- Tips for tour staff and driver.
- Any other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Himalayan Highlights Tour cost?
USD 1,525 per person for 10 days, including all hotels, transport, meals, entrance fees, Everest mountain flight, Chitwan safari activities, guide, and monastery stay.
Do I need trekking fitness?
No. This is a touring itinerary with vehicle transport between cities. Walking is limited to sightseeing at each site. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Is the Everest flight included?
Yes. A 1-hour scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu with guaranteed window seat and views of 20+ Himalayan peaks including Everest.
What is the monastery stay like?
An overnight stay at a Buddhist monastery near Pokhara. You observe (or join) meditation sessions, eat vegetarian meals with the monks, and sleep in simple monastery accommodation. A unique cultural experience.
When is the best time?
October to March for clear mountain views and comfortable Chitwan weather. The Everest flight has the best visibility October to December.
Is this suitable for children?
Yes. The tour is suitable for families with children of all ages. Activities are flexible and can be adjusted.
Can I extend the Chitwan section?
Yes. The standard itinerary includes 2 nights in Chitwan with one full safari day. You can add extra nights for more wildlife time.
Can I add a short trek?
Yes. The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek (8 days, Easy) can be added from Pokhara. Discuss with your trip planner to adjust the itinerary.
Why This Trek
The complete Nepal sampler in 10 days: heritage, mountains, wildlife, and culture without trekking.
No fitness requirement. This is a touring itinerary with comfortable hotels and vehicle transport.
The Everest mountain flight shows you 20+ Himalayan peaks in 1 hour from your window seat.
The monastery stay is a unique overnight experience: meditation bells, monk chanting, and vegetarian meals.
At USD 1,525 for 10 days all-inclusive, this covers everything a first-time Nepal visitor should see.
Is This Trek Right for You?
- You want to experience Nepal's highlights without multi-day trekking or camping.
- You have 10 days and want maximum variety: culture, wildlife, mountains, and spirituality.
- You are traveling with family, older relatives, or prefer comfortable hotel accommodation.
- No special fitness required. Walking is limited to sightseeing at each destination.
- Budget is USD 1,525 all-inclusive with hotels, transport, guide, and all activities.