Nepal Cultural Tour

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  • Duration

    8 days
  • Bookable From

    October - May
  • Trip Style

    Privately Guided
  • Country

    Nepal
  • Physical Rating

    Easy

Overview

This 8-day, action-packed Nepal Cultural Tour covers iconic cultural and UNESCO World Heritage sites, medieval towns, remote countryside, and the mighty Himalayas.

Pokhara is Nepal’s adventure-centric cultural hub, providing access to cultural landmarks as well as local artisans. Bandipur is a charming city from which travelers can glean better insight into natural, cultural, historical, and religious diversity. On this trip, guests will see both these cities and more, ensuring that they get to know the “real” Nepal. Visit local communities and immerse yourself in their cultures and traditions.

Highlights

  • Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan
  • Wander along the narrow cobbled alleyways
  • Get a deeper understanding of wood carving and explore the ancient lifestyle of the locals in Bungamati – a village that seems to remain unchanged
  • Explore Pokhara, the beautiful lake city, and be rewarded with magnificent views of the Himalayas
  • Discover the natural beauty and traditional customs of ethnic Newar communities
  • Discover the traditional process of pottery-making
  • Visit the Tibetan Refugee Center and learn about the daily life of these refugees
  • Explore local mountain towns and observe traditional ways of life

Seasonal Notes

The high season is from October to May. During this season of paddy harvest, nature ripens in yellow. The sky is clear blue and visitors can enjoy panoramic mountain views during this time. During these months, there are several traditional festivals and events happening that visitors can witness and have a chance to celebrate with locals. If travelers are planning to visit Nepal from October to November, they can observe the biggest Hindu festivals, Dashain and Tihar.

The off-season (monsoon season) is from June to September.

Itinerary

Day 1 Kathmandu [Nepal] (arrival day)

  • Arrive in Kathmandu, filled with ancient temples and traditions.
  • Picked up at the airport, and escorted and transferred to the hotel in our private vehicle.
  • Brief description of the activities that will take place during the upcoming trip and a preliminary briefing on hygiene and safety by a representative.

Accommodation in a hotel
Driving time: approx. 30 minutes
Altitude above sea level: 1,302m

Day 2 Kathmandu: Cultural Tour

  • After breakfast, you have a guided cultural tour around Kathmandu Valley to experience the numerous colors, sounds, and tastes of authentic Kathmandu and its surroundings.
  • Drive to Swayambhunath (monkey temple), where Nepal´s religious harmony is easily visible.
  • Walk around the medieval village of Bungamati, observing the old alleys, traditional houses, and ponds that give the vibe of a medieval era. The town is known for the number of master woodcarvers and sculpture makers.
  • Witness friendly villagers spin wool, stuff mattresses with cotton, and prepare rice and straw. Visit a wood carving shop that takes you through the basics of traditional Newari wood carving.
  • Drive to Patan also known as the City of Artisans which is one of the three medieval cities in Kathmandu Valley and is rich in Newari arts and sculpture.
  • Transfer back to the hotel.

    Accommodation in a hotel
    Breakfast included
    Tour Duration: 8 hrs. approx.
    Altitude above sea level: 1,302m

Day 3 Boudhanath, Pashupatinath & Bhaktapur: Heritage Tour

  • After breakfast, drive to Boudhanath, one of the biggest stupas in Nepal listed on the world heritage list by UNESCO.
  • Witness monks draped in maroon robes rolling the prayer wheels, burning incense, and flickering butter candles.
  • Visit one of the Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. You will be able to see the combination of religion, art, and culture through the hundreds of rituals that are performed there.
  • In the afternoon, witness the slow and ancient way of life in Bhaktapur. Explore the well-conserved historical museums and learn about the pottery-making culture.
  • Overnight in Bhaktapur.

    Accommodation in a hotel
    Breakfast included
    Tour duration: 8 hours approx.
    Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m.

Day 4 Bandipur

  • After breakfast, take a scenic 5-hour drive to the Newari town of Bandipur, one of central Nepal's hidden havens.
  • Observe the artistic buildings and simple local lifestyle as you stroll through the charming, cobbled streets.
  • In the clear weather, sunrise and sunset views over the Annapurna range can be seen from Bandipur.
     
    Accommodation in an inn
    Breakfast included
    Driving duration: 5 hours approx.
    Altitude above sea level: 1,302m

Day 5 Ramkot Village Hike (~2 hrs)

  • After breakfast, we take a short 2-hour hike in crisp mountain air to the untouched village of Muchuk.
  • Explore the village of Magar community and witness typical thatched-roof round houses which is quite a rare sight.
  • Drive to Pokhara to check in at the hotel and then stroll around the streets of this town, which provides a captivating mosaic of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

    Accommodation in a hotel
    Breakfast included
    Walking time: 2 hours approx.
    Altitude above sea level: 895m.

Day 6 Pokhara: Cultural Tour

  • Short Drive to World Peace Pagoda for beautiful sunrise and snow-capped mountain views with a bird-eye view of the entire Pokhara city and Annapurna range.
  • Visit the Devis Falls and Gupteswor Cave.
  • Explore the Tibetan Refugee Center to observe the daily life of these refugees and hear the rumbling of the monks chanting their prayers.
  • At Sarangkot, enjoy the sunset view over the Himalayas and Annapurna Mountain range.

    Accommodation in a hotel
    Breakfast included
    Tour duration: 8 hours approx.
    Altitude above sea level: 1,600 m.

Day 7 Pokhara - Kathmandu

  • After breakfast, take a short drive to Pokhara airport for your flight back to Kathmandu.
  • Arrival at Kathmandu and check-in at the hotel.
  • Spend your leisure time shopping souvenirs for your beloved ones.
  • In the evening, enjoy traditional organic Nepali cuisine.

    Accommodation in a hotel
    Breakfast and Dinner included
    Flight duration: 25 minutes approx.
    Altitude above sea level:  1,302 m

Day 8 Kathmandu (departure day)

  • After breakfast, our representative will transfer you to the Tribhuwan International Airport.
  • Check-in at the airport 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight.
  • If you wish to stay a few more days there are still plenty more places to explore around Kathmandu valley.

    Breakfast included
    Driving duration: approx. 30 minutes.

Route Map

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • Private airport pick-up transfer

  • Entrance fees

  • 7 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner

  • 3-night hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast

  • 1 night in Bhaktapur with breakfast

  • 2-night hotel in Pokhara with breakfast

  • 1-night hotel in Bandipur with breakfast

  • Breakfast in hotel in Kathmandu

  • Breakfast in hotel in Bhaktapur

  • Breakfast in hotel in Pokhara

  • Breakfast in hotel in Bandipur

  • Internal flight Pokhara-Kathmandu

  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu (Days 2, 3)

  • Sightseeing in Pokhara (Day 6)

  • Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu (Day 7)

  • Station tour guide for sightseeing in Pokhara and Bandipur

  • Flights to/from Nepal

  • Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary

  • Travel Insurance

  • Liability Insurance

  • Beverages

  • Personal equipment

  • Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary

  • Pottery making

  • Wood carving

  • Tips

  • Visa fee: US $30 for 15 days (US $50 for 30 days, and US $125 for a 90-day, multiple entry visa)

Pricing

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

Solo travelers will have private rooms.

  • Deposit per person

    $200 pp

  • Group of 2 Travelers - price per person

    Contact for Pricing

  • Group of 10 Travelers - price per person

    Contact for Pricing

  • Single Supplement

    $300 (if traveling with a group and you prefer a private room)

Sustainability

We are a Travelife-certified company, and we work to reduce all negative impacts on the natural and social environments. One of our approaches is to support our business partners, such as accommodation providers and excursion providers, in adopting sustainable best practices. By doing so, we promote greater tourism dispersal and help boost the local economy. Our focus on sustainability also includes creating awareness among our guests, office, and trekking staff.

  • Environmental Initiatives

We prioritize environmental practices that minimize negative impacts on the natural environment. For example, we use biodegradable hand soap and cleaning powder for our office, and we source these products from women who are mostly from poor, remote communities. We also encourage travelers to bring reusable water bottles and water filter tablets to reduce plastic waste. Our guides collect trash along the trail and dispose of it in designated areas, and we use cloth bags as much as possible. In addition, our trip includes low-carbon impact activities such as village walks, hiking, visiting local artisan workshops, and interacting with locals. Our office is solar-powered, and we prioritize energy-efficient lights and water-efficient toilets.

  • Sociocultural Initiatives

Our sociocultural practices focus on supporting the local communities we visit. Our trip takes guests to medieval towns that have remained largely untouched by modern life, promoting greater tourism dispersal and boosting the local economy. Meals are cooked using local produce, and we cater to guests' dietary requirements, such as vegetarian and vegan options. Our focus on sustainability also includes providing poverty-stricken children with shelter and education and engaging in various volunteering and charitable organizations. Additionally, our trip focuses on gaining a deep understanding of the everyday lifestyles of locals, strolling around old alleys and traditional houses, and hiking through ethnic villages.

Health & Safety

Be sure you have traveler's insurance.

FAQs

What does the Physical Rating of "Easy" mean?

It means the trip involves cultural sightseeing tours, local interaction, and local experiences. There is 1 two-hour hike on this trip.

What are the accommodations like?

The accommodations on this trip are boutique hotels with a more authentic style.

What about the weather?

Nepal's climate varies with its topography. It ranges from sub-tropical to arctic depending upon the altitude. The Terai plain region has a hot and humid climate. The mid-land region (Kathmandu, Pokhara) is pleasant almost all year round, although winter nights are cool. The northern mountain region, around an altitude of 3,353 m. and beyond, has an alpine climate with a considerably lower temperature in winter as expected.

What about health & safety?

  • For the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash, and other valuable items we advise the use of a neck wallet or money belt while traveling.
  • A safety deposit box is available in city hotels to store your valuable items but during the tour, you have to secure your belongings. We recommend you leave valuables at your home. A lock is suggested for securing your luggage.
  • It is advised to consult or get professional advice from a travel doctor about vaccinations and medical travel information beforehand.
  • Avoid consuming ice, salad, raw vegetables, and deep-fried, spicy, and greasy food.
  • The company and our suppliers (including for accommodation and transportation) adhere to stringent protocols related to health and safety.

Is this trip safe for solo travelers?

This trip is safe for solo (female and male) travelers.

Do I need a visa?

A visa for Nepal can be acquired on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, and at border entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki on the Nepal-India border and Kerung on the Nepal-China border. Outside of Nepal, a visa can also be obtained at the nearest Nepal Embassy or Diplomatic Mission.

  • Visa fee: US $30 for 15 days, US $50 for 30 days, and US $125 for a 90-day, multiple-entry visa.

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