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NEPAL

Kathmandu & Chitwan National Park

Sacred Temples · Ancient Cities · Rhinoceros, Tigers & the Himalayan Jungle

Designed as a seamless extension to the India — Central Highlands journey. Can also be booked as a standalone experience.

 

  • Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
  • Dates: March & April 2027 & 2028
    *Other dates available on request for private/ legacy tours
  • Route: Delhi → Kathmandu → Chitwan National Park → Bhaktapur → Kathmandu
  • Meal Basis: Bed, Lunch & Dinner (BLD) throughout, local drinks with all meals
    Combined India + Nepal

ABOUT THIS EXTENSION

Nepal is a country that earns its place on the list of the world’s great journeys. Wedged between the Tibetan Plateau and the plains of northern India, it is a land of extraordinary physical and cultural contrast — ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples glittering beside medieval squares, the eternal snowfields of the Himalaya visible from the jungle canopy below, and one of Asia’s finest national parks sheltering rhinoceros, tigers, leopards and crocodiles in riverine grasslands that feel untouched by time.

This six-day extension flows seamlessly from the end of the India Central Highlands journey, departing Delhi for Kathmandu. After a first evening visit to the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa — one of the largest and most sacred Buddhist sites in the world — the journey moves deep into the lush, mist-draped valley of Chitwan National Park for three full days of jeep safaris, river boat safaris, walking safaris and evening cultural performances. The return to Kathmandu includes an afternoon in the extraordinary medieval city of Bhaktapur — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of staggering architectural beauty — before international departure the following day.

Nepal is not an afterthought to this journey. It is its own extraordinary world — and once seen, it is not ever forgotten.

EXTENSION HIGHLIGHTS

  • Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu — one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and living centre of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal
  • Chitwan National Park — Nepal’s first and finest national park, among the last surviving examples of the continuous band of forests and grasslands that once stretched from the Indus to the Burmese border
  • Jeep safaris in Chitwan in search of the endangered Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros — one of Asia’s most remarkable conservation success stories
  • Walking safari inside Chitwan National Park — crossing the Rapti River by traditional patela boat to explore ancient oxbow lakes (Devi Tal, Munda Tal, Lamo Tal, Kamal Tal)
  • Encounter Marsh Mugger crocodiles, deer, wild boar, sloth bears, Bengal tigers, leopards and a remarkable diversity of mammals and birds on foot in the jungle
  • Morning boat safari drifting downstream the Rapti River toward the western boundary of the park, watching aquatic wildlife along the Himalayan Narayani River banks
  • Over 500 bird species recorded in Chitwan — exceptional birdwatching in one of Asia’s richest avian habitats
  • Tharu and Kumal traditional cultural dance performances — an enchanting evening encounter with the indigenous culture of Nepal’s Terai region
  • Village walk among the Tharu people — one of Nepal’s most fascinating indigenous communities, with a culture and way of life rooted in the jungle’s rhythms
  • Expert naturalist presentations on the ecology, wildlife and conservation history of Chitwan National Park
  • Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon) — a UNESCO World Heritage medieval city of extraordinary beauty, famous for its pottery, woodcarving, brick-paved roads and the glory of the Malla Dynasty
  • Bhaktapur Durbar Square — the five-storied Nyatapola Temple, the Bhairavnath Temple, the Golden Gate and the Palace of 55 Carved Windows
  • Traditional pottery making experience in Bhaktapur

DESTINATIONS

Kathmandu

Nepal’s ancient capital is a city of extraordinary energy and spiritual depth. Kathmandu sits in a broad valley ringed by Himalayan peaks, and its streets teem with the sounds and colours of a civilisation that has been accumulating here for over two thousand years. Temples and stupas rise at every turn; the scent of incense and marigold garlands fills the air; and the city’s remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites are among the finest examples of Himalayan architecture anywhere on earth. Kathmandu is the gateway to Nepal’s mountains, jungles and ancient cultures — and an experience in itself.

Boudhanath Stupa

One of the most imposing and sacred landmarks in all of Nepal, Boudhanath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. Built on a massive three-level mandala, it serves as the spiritual heart of Nepal’s Tibetan Buddhist community. The stupa’s white dome, crowned by the golden spire and the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha, rises dramatically above the surrounding streets and can be seen from across the valley. Dozens of monasteries surround it, and the circumambulatory path around the stupa is walked by monks, pilgrims and travellers at all hours of the day and evening. It is a place of profound peace and remarkable beauty.

Chitwan National Park

Nepal’s first national park and one of Asia’s finest wildlife sanctuaries, Chitwan lies in the lush Terai valley at the foot of the Churia Hills — part of one of the last surviving continuous bands of forest and grassland that once stretched unbroken from the Indus River in Pakistan to the Burmese border. The park is famous above all for the endangered Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros — one of Asia’s great conservation success stories, recovered from near extinction through rigorous protection. But Chitwan also shelters Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gharial and marsh mugger crocodiles, wild boar, four species of deer and over 500 bird species. Its mix of tall grassland, riverine forest, oxbow lakes and the broad, gleaming Rapti and Narayani rivers creates a habitat of extraordinary richness and visual drama.

Bhaktapur — The City of Devotees

Bhaktapur — also known as Bhadgaon, ‘the city of devotees’ — is perhaps the most perfectly preserved medieval city in the Himalayan world. Largely untouched by rapid urbanisation, it has retained its brick-paved roads, charming red-brick houses, ancient temples and a way of life that reaches back to medieval times. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its extraordinary Bhaktapur Durbar Square reflects the artistic golden age of the Malla Dynasty. The five-storied Nyatapola Temple rises magnificently above the square; the Bhairavnath Temple stands in elaborate artistic grandeur beside it; and the Golden Gate — a masterpiece of repousse metalwork — opens into the 15th-century Palace of 55 Carved Windows. Bhaktapur is also famous throughout Nepal for its traditional pottery and woodcarving, with artisans still working in the ancient techniques that have been passed down through generations.

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

All meals included throughout. Activities are adjusted to season and weather conditions.

 

Day 1  Delhi to Kathmandu  

After breakfast in Delhi, transfer to the airport for your flight to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Complete immigration and visa formalities on arrival and transfer to your hotel. If time permits, an evening visit to the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa — one of the world’s largest Buddhist stupas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking the circumambulatory path around the great white dome as butter lamps are lit and monks chant in the surrounding monasteries is an experience of profound and lasting beauty. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2  Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park  

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bharatpur, the gateway to Chitwan. On arrival, transfer to your resort within the park. Welcome drink on arrival, followed by lunch and a briefing on the park’s ecology, wildlife and the activities ahead. Afternoon jeep safari into Chitwan National Park in search of the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros, deer, wild boar, sloth bears and a remarkable diversity of other mammals and birds. Evening naturalist presentation on the conservation history and ecology of Chitwan National Park, with questions welcome.

Day 3  Chitwan National Park — Jeep Safari & Walking Safari  

An early morning jeep safari through the heart of the park, with breakfast served in a scenic spot chosen by your naturalist. Return to your lodge mid-morning for leisure time by the pool or at the spa. After lunch, a walking safari across the Rapti River by traditional patela boat into the interior of Chitwan National Park. Explore the ancient oxbow lakes — Devi Tal, Munda Tal, Lamo Tal and Kamal Tal — on foot with expert naturalist guides, watching for Marsh Mugger crocodiles, aquatic birds, mammals and the extraordinary jungle that surrounds you. Evening: Tharu or Kumal traditional cultural dance performance, showcasing the remarkable indigenous heritage of Nepal’s Terai communities.

Day 4  Chitwan National Park — River Safari & Village Walk  

A morning boat safari drifting downstream the Rapti River toward the western boundary of the park, where it meets the great Himalayan Narayani River. An hour on the water in the early morning mist, watching for rhinoceros on the banks, crocodiles basking on the sandbanks, and the extraordinary birdlife of the riverine forest. Return to the lodge for breakfast. Afternoon village walk through a traditional Tharu community — one of Nepal’s most fascinating indigenous peoples, whose culture and knowledge of the jungle have been refined over centuries. An experienced guide brings the visit to life with insight into Tharu traditions, daily life and their deep connection to the natural world.

Day 5  Chitwan to Kathmandu — Bhaktapur  

Morning transfer to Bharatpur Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival, proceed directly to the extraordinary medieval city of Bhaktapur — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of remarkable beauty. Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square: the soaring five-storied Nyatapola Temple, the artistic grandeur of the Bhairavnath Temple, and the Golden Gate — a masterpiece of repousse craftsmanship — opening into the 15th-century Palace of 55 Carved Windows. Try your hand at traditional pottery-making in the village workshops. Lunch at a local restaurant before transfer to your Kathmandu hotel. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 6  Kathmandu — Departure  

After breakfast, check out by 11:00am and transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your homebound international flight. Please report to the airport at least 3 hours before departure. The journey ends here — carrying memories of tigers, temples, rhinoceros, and the remarkable, enduring spirit of Nepal.

OPTIONAL NEPAL EXTENSION — KATHMANDU & CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK

For those who wish to extend the journey, a seamless transition from Delhi to Nepal is available, departing day 11 for Kathmandu. The extension includes Kathmandu’s extraordinary UNESCO-listed heritage sites, the ancient medieval city of Bhaktapur, and the lush jungles of Chitwan National Park — one of Asia’s finest wildlife sanctuaries, home to the endangered Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros, sloth bears, gharial crocodiles, Bengal tigers and over 500 bird species. Jeep safaris, walking safaris and boat safaris on the Rapti River, with evening Tharu cultural performances. Return international flights depart Kathmandu after our 5 night tour. Should you wish to stay longer we can arrange extra accommodation and tours. Please enquire for full Nepal extension details and pricing.

 

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Airport transfers and all ground transport throughout the extension
  • All accommodation as listed — double/twin shared rooms
  • All meals & local drinks throughout — breakfast, lunch and dinner (BLD)
  • Domestic flight Delhi–Kathmandu
  • Domestic flight Kathmandu–Bharatpur (Chitwan) and return
  • All jeep safari game drives in Chitwan National Park with entry permits
  • Walking safari inside Chitwan National Park with expert naturalist guides
  • Morning boat safari on the Rapti River
  • Tharu or Kumal cultural dance performance
  • Village walk with experienced local guide
  • Evening naturalist presentations
  • Traditional pottery experience in Bhaktapur
  • Guided visit to Bhaktapur Durbar Square and key monuments
  • All applicable National Park fees and entry permits

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

  • International flights home from Kathmandu
  • Nepal visa (obtainable on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport for most nationalities)
  • Travel insurance — strongly recommended
  • Items of a personal nature, curios and shopping
  • Premium brand drinks

IMPORTANT NOTES

  • Check-out time from all properties is 11:00am.
  • Airport reporting time: 3 hours prior to flight departure.
  • Actual daily activity programmes at Chitwan may be adjusted to season, weather conditions and wildlife movement at the naturalist’s discretion. The schedule described above is indicative.
  • All jungle activities are accompanied by expert naturalist guides. Please respect their safety guidance at all times.
  • All prices are quoted in USD and are subject to change due to exchange rate fluctuations or unforeseen cost increases.
  • All payments must be made by Electronic or Telegraphic Bank Transfer.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Visas for Nepal

Most nationalities can obtain a Nepal visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Visas are available for 15, 30 or 90 days. You will need a passport-sized photograph, your passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date) and the visa fee in USD. It is advisable to carry exact change. Please check the latest requirements for your nationality before travel, as conditions can change.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is STRONGLY recommended. Your policy should cover trip cancellation due to illness or injury, personal accident and liability, emergency medical evacuation, and loss or damage to baggage. Emergency medical evacuation cover is particularly important for Nepal, where helicopter evacuation from remote areas can be expensive.

Health

Consult your physician or travel health clinic before departure for vaccination recommendations for Nepal. Malaria risk exists in the Terai lowlands including the Chitwan area — please discuss prophylaxis with your doctor. Tap water is not safe to drink throughout Nepal; bottled water will be provided throughout the tour. Altitude is not a concern on this itinerary as it remains in the lowlands and Kathmandu Valley.

Climate in March / April

March/ April is one of Nepal’s finest months to visit. The Terai — the lowland region where Chitwan sits — is warm and lush, with temperatures in the mid-to-upper twenties Celsius, clear skies and excellent wildlife visibility as the grass begins to thin after the monsoon growth. Kathmandu in April is pleasant and spring-like, with temperatures in the low-to-mid twenties and occasional light rain. It is an ideal time for both wildlife viewing and sightseeing.

Clothing

Lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing is recommended for all wildlife activities in Chitwan. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers provide protection from insects during walking safaris and evening activities. A light layer is useful for early morning river safaris. Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots are advised for the walking safari and village walks. Smart-casual clothing is appropriate for evenings in Kathmandu.

Enquire About This Journey

One of our experts will be in touch within 24 hours.