Nepal Cultural, Spiritual and Wildlife TourVishnu, the Buddha and the Rhinos of Chitwan
Twelve days by road across the whole of Nepal. Muktinath high in Mustang, Lumbini where the Buddha was born, Chitwan in the jungle of the Terai, and the Trishuli river on the way home. No flights, no trekking, and a comfortable pace for every age.
Journey at a Glance
- Max Altitude
- 3,710 mMuktinath Temple
- Duration
- 12 Days11 nights
- Group Size
- 2 to 30
- Difficulty
- EasyLong drives, no trekking
- Best Season
- Oct to Apr
- Start and End
- Kathmandu
Package Cost
USD1,000
per person
(Group of 21 or more)
- 2 to 5 travellers
- $1,400
- 6 to 11 travellers
- $1,200
- 12 to 20 travellers
- $1,100
- 21 and above
- $1,000
Last updated
Overview
Every Side of Nepal in Twelve Days
This tour crosses Nepal from the high desert of Mustang to the jungle of the Terai. It begins in Kathmandu among the World Heritage monuments of the valley, and rides the Chandragiri cable car to the hilltop temple of Bhaleshwor Mahadev.
The spiritual centre of the journey is Muktinath Temple at 3,710 metres, sacred to Hindus as one of the 108 Divya Desams of Vishnu and to Buddhists as Chumig Gyatsa, reached by road up the Kali Gandaki valley past Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. From Pokhara the route drops south to Lumbini, where the Buddha was born and where the Maya Devi Temple stands over the site.
The last stretch is wildlife and river country. In Chitwan National Park you go on safari for one-horned rhinoceros and birdlife and meet the Tharu community, and on the way home you spend a night by the Trishuli river in Dhading. Everything is by road in a private vehicle, which makes it an easy tour for families and senior travellers.
“From the high desert of Mustang to the jungle of the Terai.”
Journey Highlights
- Muktinath darshan
- Lumbini, birthplace of the Buddha
- Chitwan jungle safari
- Sarangkot sunrise
Detailed Itinerary
12 DaysKathmandu to Chitwan, by road
| Day | Route | Overnight | Travel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m) | Kathmandu, 1,400 m | Airport pickup |
| Day 02 | Kathmandu sightseeing | Kathmandu | Guided sightseeing |
| Day 03 | Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara | Pokhara | By road |
| Day 04 | Drive to Muktinath and worship | Up the Kali Gandaki valley | By road to Muktinath (3,710 m) |
| Day 05 | Drive back to Pokhara | Pokhara | By road |
| Day 06 | Sarangkot sunrise and Pokhara city tour | Pokhara | Sarangkot at sunrise, Pokhara sightseeing |
| Day 07 | Drive from Pokhara to Lumbini | Lumbini | By road |
| Day 08 | Drive from Lumbini to Chitwan National Park | Sauraha, Chitwan | By road, east across the Terai |
| Day 09 | Chitwan jungle safari | Chitwan | Jeep and canoe safari |
| Day 10 | Drive to Charaudi, Dhading, and rafting on the Trishuli | Charaudi, Dhading | By road, rafting on the Trishuli |
| Day 11 | Drive from Charaudi to Kathmandu | Kathmandu | A short drive |
| Day 12 | Departure | Departure | Airport transfer |
Day 01Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
You are met at Tribhuvan International Airport with a garland and taken to your hotel. The evening is free.
Day 02Kathmandu sightseeing
A guided day in the Kathmandu Valley, including Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa.
Day 03Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
West along the Trishuli and Marsyangdi valleys to Pokhara on Phewa Lake.
Day 04Drive to Muktinath and worship
Up the Kali Gandaki valley to Muktinath at 3,710 metres for darshan, the 108 water spouts and the flame of Jwala Mai.
Day 05Drive back to Pokhara
Back down the valley to Pokhara.
Day 06Sarangkot sunrise and Pokhara city tour
Sunrise over the Annapurna range from Sarangkot, then Phewa Lake, Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave and the World Peace Pagoda.
Day 07Drive from Pokhara to Lumbini
South to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha and a World Heritage Site, to visit the Maya Devi Temple and the monastic zone.
Day 08Drive from Lumbini to Chitwan National Park
East across the Terai to Sauraha on the edge of Chitwan National Park, with a Tharu cultural programme in the evening.
Day 09Chitwan jungle safari
A full day of safari in the park, by jeep and by canoe on the river, looking for one-horned rhinoceros and birdlife.
Day 10Drive to Charaudi, Dhading, and rafting on the Trishuli
North to Charaudi on the Trishuli river, and an afternoon on the water.
Day 11Drive from Charaudi to Kathmandu
The short drive back to Kathmandu, and a farewell dinner with a cultural programme.
Day 12Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in a private vehicle
- All permits, including the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for Muktinath
- 3-star hotel and lodge accommodation on a twin-sharing basis
- All meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara, with Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath tickets
- Chandragiri Hill cable car
- Private tourist vehicle for the whole route
- Chitwan National Park entrance fees
- Chitwan safari activities: jeep safari and canoe ride
- Tharu dance show, and a farewell dinner with a cultural programme
- Government taxes, entry fees and service charges
What's Not Included
- Nepal visa fee
- Optional activities such as mountain flights or paragliding
- Extra nights caused by weather or road closures
- Emergency evacuation by helicopter or other means
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses such as drinks, snacks and medical costs
- Tips for guides and drivers
Before you book
Questions Travellers Ask
Which places does the Nepal Cultural, Spiritual and Wildlife Tour visit?
Kathmandu, Pokhara, Muktinath Temple in Mustang, Lumbini, Chitwan National Park and Charaudi on the Trishuli river, over 12 days and all by road.
Is the Nepal Cultural, Spiritual and Wildlife Tour suitable for senior citizens?
Yes. The Nepal Cultural, Spiritual and Wildlife Tour travels by private vehicle throughout with no trekking. The highest point is Muktinath at 3,710 metres, and the drives up the Kali Gandaki are long, so anyone with a heart or lung condition should check with their doctor first.
Are meals included on the Nepal Cultural, Spiritual and Wildlife Tour?
Yes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included every day of the Nepal Cultural, Spiritual and Wildlife Tour.
How much does the Nepal Cultural, Spiritual and Wildlife Tour cost?
It costs USD 1,400 per person for 2 to 5 travellers, USD 1,200 for 6 to 11, USD 1,100 for 12 to 20 and USD 1,000 for 21 or more. A single traveller is quoted on request.
When is the best time for the Nepal Cultural, Spiritual and Wildlife Tour?
The Nepal Cultural, Spiritual and Wildlife Tour runs all year, and it is most reliable from October to April.
What do you do in Chitwan National Park on this tour?
On the Nepal Cultural, Spiritual and Wildlife Tour you reach Sauraha on the edge of Chitwan National Park on day 8, with a Tharu cultural programme that evening, and spend day 9 on safari by jeep and by canoe looking for one-horned rhinoceros and birdlife. Park entrance fees and both safari activities are included.
Are there any flights on the Nepal Cultural, Spiritual and Wildlife Tour?
No. The Nepal Cultural, Spiritual and Wildlife Tour is entirely by road, in a private tourist vehicle for the whole route, with no flights and no trekking.
Where do you stay on the Nepal Cultural, Spiritual and Wildlife Tour?
The Nepal Cultural, Spiritual and Wildlife Tour stays in 3-star hotels and lodges on a twin-sharing basis, including a night by the Trishuli river at Charaudi in Dhading on day 10.
What rituals do pilgrims perform at Muktinath?
Pilgrims take darshan at the main temple, bathe under the 108 water spouts and pray at the Jwala Mai flame shrine, offering flowers or prasad. A special puja with a priest, or Buddhist prayers through the local community, is arranged on the spot, and no published tariff exists for either. Janai Purnima in August, Buddha Jayanti in April or May, and Dashain and Tihar bring special observances.
Can you arrange a puja or a lamp offering at a monastery in Lumbini?
Yes, by prior request. Monasteries in Lumbini may arrange a Buddha puja, mantra recitation, blessing prayers, butter-lamp offerings, meditation or a Dhamma talk, at a contribution each monastery sets, and donations are voluntary. As one published example, the World Center for Peace and Unity in Lumbini lists USD 1 a day or USD 365 a year for its main hall lamp lighting. Buddha Jayanti, in April or May, and full-moon days are the main observances.
What is the booking and cancellation policy for the Nepal Cultural, Spiritual and Wildlife Tour?
Sama Yatra takes a 30% deposit to confirm a booking for the Nepal Cultural, Spiritual and Wildlife Tour. Bookings cannot be cancelled, but the journey can be postponed for up to two years at the same cost.
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