Nepal · Trekking

15-Day Nepal Heritage Tour and Poon Hill Trek with Chitwan Safari

15 Days Round trip from Nagarkot Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Kathmandu Valley's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square
02 Experience thrilling wildlife safaris and cultural interactions in Chitwan National Park
03 Visit the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha in Lumbini and explore international monasteries
04 Trek to Poon Hill and Ghandruk for breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan ranges

Embark on a 15-day journey through Nepal's rich culture, natural beauty, and soft adventures. Explore Kathmandu's UNESCO heritage sites, witness stunning sunrises from Nagarkot, experience wildlife and Tharu culture in Chitwan, visit the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha in Lumbini, and discover the charming heritage town of Tansen. Enjoy serene Pokhara, trek to Poon Hill and Ghandruk for panoramic Himalayan views, and immerse yourself in Nepal's traditions, landscapes, and unforgettable experiences on this carefully curated tour.

Take an early morning hike to Poon Hill for sunrise.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 15 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Pokhara, Kathmandu, Tansen, Chitwan, Lumbini, Bhaktapur, Ghorepani, Nagarkot, Ghandruk

Languages English, Russian

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Thamel Exploration

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel.
Attend a pre-trip briefing with your tour guide.
Enjoy a free evening to explore Thamel and have dinner.

Day 02

Kathmandu Valley Heritage Tour and Nagarkot Sunset

Visit Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Changu Narayan Temple, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Drive to Nagarkot in the evening for sunset views over the Himalayas.

Day 03

Himalayan Sunrise and Journey to Chitwan

Watch the sunrise over the Himalayas from Nagarkot.
Enjoy a scenic drive to Chitwan.
Take a village tour and visit the Elephant Breeding Center.
In the evening, enjoy a Tharu cultural dance performance.

Day 04

Jungle Activities in Chitwan National Park

Begin the day with a canoe ride on the Rapti River and a guided nature walk.
Enjoy an elephant bathing experience.
In the afternoon, go on an elephant-back or jeep safari to spot wildlife, including the one-horned rhinoceros, deer, wild boar, and possibly the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Day 05

Birdwatching and Sacred Lumbini Discovery

Join an early morning bird-watching session in Chitwan.
Drive scenically to Lumbini.
Visit Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, the Sacred Garden, and international Buddhist monasteries.
Attend an evening monastic ceremony.

Day 06

Lumbini Monasteries and Heritage Streets of Tansen

Explore sacred sites and monasteries in Lumbini.
Drive to Tansen, Palpa, in the afternoon.
Discover Tansen's Dhaka fabric weaving centers and heritage streets.

Day 07

Tansen Sunrise and Pokhara Lakeside Evening

Enjoy an early sunrise over the Himalayas from Tansen.
Drive to Pokhara with views of Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna.
In the evening, take a boat ride on Phewa Lake and hike to the World Peace Pagoda for sunset.

Day 08

Pokhara Highlights and Sarangkot Sunrise

Watch the sunrise from Sarangkot Viewpoint.
Visit Bindhyabasini Temple, Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, Phewa Lake and Barahi Temple, and the Tibetan Refugee Camp.

Day 09

Drive to Nayapul and Trek to Tikhedunga

Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul.
Trek along the Modi Khola River to Birethanti, Hile, and Tikhedunga.

Overnight at a local teahouse.

Day 10

Ascent to Ghorepani

Make a steep ascent to Ulleri.
Trek through Banthanti and Nangathanti.

Overnight at Ghorepani, the gateway to Poon Hill.

Day 11

Poon Hill Sunrise and Forest Trek to Tadapani

Take an early morning hike to Poon Hill for sunrise.
Enjoy panoramic Himalayan views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu.
Trek to Tadapani through pine and rhododendron forests.

Day 12

Trek to Traditional Ghandruk Village

Trek through rhododendron forests.
Explore traditional Gurung culture and village life.

Overnight in Ghandruk.

Day 13

Descend to Nayapul and Return to Pokhara

Descend along trails beside the Modi River.
Drive back to Pokhara for relaxation and leisure.

Day 14

Return to Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner

Enjoy a scenic drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
In the evening, attend a farewell dinner with cultural performances.

Day 15

Departure from Kathmandu

Enjoy free time in Kathmandu for last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.

Where this trip takes you

Poon Hill sunrise, Phewa Lake, Nagarkot sunrise, Chitwan National Park

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Nagarkot 9 cities · 15 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Airport transfers
One full day sightseeing in Kathmandu
Kathmandu to Nagarkot
Nagarkot to Chitwan
Chitwan to Lumbini
Lumbini to Tansen Palpa
Tansen Palpa to Pokhara
Sightseeing tour in Pokhara with Sarangkot Sunrise View
Pokhara to Nayapul (trekking starting point)
Nayapul to Pokhara
Pokhara to Kathmandu
All 3-star hotel accommodations with breakfasts
2-night, 3-star hotel in Kathmandu
1-night, 3-star hotel in Nagarkot
2-night, 3-star hotel in Chitwan
1-night, 3-star hotel in Lumbini
1-night, 3-star hotel in Palpa
3-night, 3-star hotel in Pokhara
4-night teahouse accommodations during the Poon Hill Trek
All mentioned outdoor activities in Chitwan
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
All meals (breakfast, tea break, lunch, and dinner) during the trek with seasonal fruits
All meals (breakfast, tea break, lunch, and dinner) during your stay in Chitwan
All necessary paperwork and permits (TIMS and ACAP) for the trek
All entrance fees of the park, monasteries, and museums during the tour
All government and local taxes
Experienced English-speaking tour and trekking guide
Assistant trekking guide (1 assistant for every 7 trekkers)
Support staff/Sherpa porters (1 staff for every 2 trekkers), including salary, insurance, equipment, transport, food, and lodging
Online pre-trip briefing after booking confirmation
Free excess luggage storage facilities at the office
Down jacket and seasonal sleeping bag (to be returned after completion of the trip)
Company duffle bag
Company T-shirt
Trekking map
Trekking poles (to be returned after completion of the trip)
Self-sufficient medical first aid kit containing vital medications
Oximeter to check pulse, oxygen saturation, and heart rate twice daily
Hand sanitizer and face mask

What's Not Included

Nepal visa fee (lowest fee available for a 15-day visa costing $30 per person)
International airfare to and from Kathmandu
Excess luggage charges
All entrance fees of temples

What to bring

Sun hat or scarf
Warm fleece hat
Sunglasses
Hiking shorts
Lightweight cotton long pants
Fleece or wool pants (seasonal)
Waterproof pants
Thin, lightweight inner socks
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Hiking boots with spare laces
Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
T-shirts
Fleece jacket or pullover
Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
Down jacket
Lightweight gloves
Heavyweight gloves
Sleeping bag
Headlamp
Duffle bags
Basic First Aid Kit
Regular medicine
Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
Trekking poles
Water bottles
1 medium-sized quick-drying towel
Toothbrush/paste
Multipurpose soap
Deodorants
Nail clippers
Face and body moisturizer
Female hygiene products
Wet wipes (baby wipes)
Tissue / toilet roll
Anti-bacterial hand wash
Reading book
Trail map/guide book
Journal and pen
iPod
Pencils and small notebooks
Traveling games (Uno, playing cards, dice, etc.)

Know before you go

The Experience Nepal with Soft Adventure Tour can be enjoyed year-round, but the best seasons to visit are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November).
During these months, the air is crisp and clean-freshly washed by the monsoon rains-offering spectacular, clear mountain views and comfortably warm weather.
Winter months bring colder temperatures, especially around Poon Hill where the temperature can drop to around 0°C (32°F), and Kathmandu experiences averages near 5°C (41°F); travelers should prepare for the chill.
The monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rainfall, which can make heritage sites wet and roads slippery; travel is possible with extra caution, and fewer tourists allow for a more peaceful experience.
The tour includes private tourist vehicles tailored to your group size for convenient travel.
Optional scenic 30-minute flights from Kathmandu to Chitwan, Lumbini, and Pokhara are available for a faster and breathtaking aerial experience.
Budget-friendly option: daily deluxe tourist buses depart at 7 AM from Kathmandu to all destinations; arrangements can be made to suit your comfort and budget.
Accommodations include comfortable 3-star boutique hotels and resorts in Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Chitwan, Lumbini, and Pokhara.
Accommodation preferences can be customized from standard guesthouses to luxury 5-star or 7-star hotels.
During trekking, guests stay in well-maintained local guesthouses that offer warmth, hospitality, and the charm of Himalayan village life.