Overview of Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour

The Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour is Nepal’s most popular multi-destination package, combining three completely different worlds into one seamless 8-day journey. You’ll walk among ancient Hindu temples and living goddesses in Kathmandu, watch the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges glow at sunrise from Pokhara’s Sarangkot ridge, and track one-horned rhinos and Bengal tigers on a jungle safari through Chitwan National Park — one of Asia’s finest wildlife reserves and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kathmandu is the cultural and spiritual heart of Nepal. The Kathmandu Valley alone contains seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the sacred cremation ghats of Pashupatinath, the great stupa of Boudhanath, and the hilltop temple of Swayambhunath. The medieval cities of Bhaktapur and Patan add further layers of Newari art and living tradition.

Pokhara is Nepal’s adventure capital, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Annapurna Himalayan range. Phewa Lake mirrors the snow-capped summits on still mornings. The viewpoint at Sarangkot offers one of the finest sunrise panoramas in Asia, with Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Annapurna I (8,091m), and the Dhaulagiri massif blazing with alpenglow.

Chitwan National Park protects 952 km² of subtropical forest, grassland, and river habitat in the Terai lowlands. Home to over 700 one-horned rhinos, 120 Bengal tigers, wild elephants, and 570 bird species, it offers safari experiences that rival East Africa at a fraction of the cost. Green Horizon Tours provides fully inclusive, comfortable packages with expert local guides throughout.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu (1,400m)

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. Our representative meets and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. Evening orientation walk through Thamel’s colourful bazaar. Welcome dinner at a traditional Newari restaurant.

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing — UNESCO Heritage Sites

Full day guided tour of Kathmandu’s most iconic sites:

Pashupatinath Temple — Nepal’s holiest Hindu site, sacred cremation ghats on the Bagmati River
Boudhanath Stupa — the largest stupa in South Asia, a living Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage site
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) — hilltop stupa with panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley
Patan Durbar Square — the finest concentration of Newari art and architecture in Nepal

Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara (200km / 6–7 hrs drive or 25-min flight)

Morning drive or scenic flight to Pokhara, Nepal’s second city and adventure capital. En route by road, the Prithvi Highway follows the Trishuli River through dramatic gorges. Arrive Pokhara and settle into your lakeside hotel. Afternoon boat ride on Phewa Lake and explore the lakeside promenade.

Day 4: Sarangkot Sunrise & Pokhara Sightseeing

Early morning drive to Sarangkot (1,592m) for one of Nepal’s most spectacular sunrises — the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Dhaulagiri turn gold and rose with alpenglow. Return for breakfast, then visit Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, the International Mountain Museum, and World Peace Pagoda.

Day 5: Pokhara to Chitwan National Park (150km / 4–5 hrs)

Morning drive through the Terai lowlands to Sauraha, gateway to Chitwan National Park. Check in to your jungle lodge. Afternoon briefing by your naturalist guide, followed by an evening Tharu cultural programme — a traditional stick dance unique to the indigenous Tharu people.

Day 6: Full Day Chitwan Jungle Safari

Full immersion in Chitwan’s extraordinary wildlife:

Morning Jeep Safari — 4WD game drive through sal forest and grasslands for rhino, deer, wild boar, and if lucky, tiger
Dugout Canoe Ride — silent glide along the Rapti River scanning banks for gharial crocodiles and kingfishers
Afternoon Nature Walk — guided walk tracking rhino footprints and identifying bird calls with your naturalist

Day 7: Morning Elephant Bathing & Return to Kathmandu

Early morning elephant bathing session at the Rapti River — help wash and scrub the resident elephants (subject to welfare guidelines). After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu (approx. 5–6 hours). Evening farewell dinner in Thamel.

Day 8: Departure

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. End of the Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour.

Trip Information - Good to Know

Trip Includes

Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle
7 nights accommodation (3 nights Kathmandu, 2 nights Pokhara, 2 nights Chitwan) on twin-share basis
Daily breakfast throughout the tour
All meals during Chitwan jungle safari (full board at the jungle lodge)
Private air-conditioned vehicle for all ground transfers
Experienced English-speaking tour guide throughout
Chitwan National Park entry permit and jungle safari fees
Jeep safari, dugout canoe ride, and guided nature walk in Chitwan
Tharu cultural programme in Chitwan
Sarangkot sunrise visit
All guided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu and Pokhara
UNESCO heritage site entry fees in Kathmandu (Pashupatinath, Boudhanath)
Government taxes and service charges

Trip Excludes

International airfare to/from Kathmandu
Nepal visa fee (approx. USD 30–50 on arrival)
Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except as noted)
Optional activities: paragliding, mountain flight, white-water rafting, zip-lining
Personal travel insurance (mandatory — must cover emergency evacuation)
Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff (customary but not obligatory)
Personal expenses: laundry, phone calls, beverages, internet
Any costs arising from natural disasters, political disruptions, or flight delays

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes or light trekking shoes
Neutral/earth-tone clothing for jungle safari (avoid bright colours)
Light layers for Kathmandu and Pokhara evenings
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat
Insect repellent (essential for Chitwan)
Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
Binoculars (recommended for wildlife and birdwatching)
Valid passport and travel insurance documents

Important Notes

Best season: October–November (autumn) and February–April (spring)
The Pokhara–Chitwan transfer is by private vehicle (approx. 4–5 hours)
Flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara can be arranged at additional cost
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed but Chitwan has exceptionally high rates of rhino encounters year-round
This tour can be customised — add white-water rafting on the Trishuli River, paragliding in Pokhara, or an extra day at any destination
Group size: 1–16 people. Private and small group departures available