Highlights of Nepal

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a Wind Horse Tours representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel. After some time to freshen up, your guide will lead you on a leisurely walk through the old quarters of Kathmandu, weaving through narrow alleyways, vibrant markets, and hidden courtyards on your way to Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Located in the heart of the city, Kathmandu Durbar Square—also known as Basantapur or Hanuman Dhoka—was once the royal palace of the Malla and Shah kings of Nepal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site impresses visitors with its intricately carved wooden architecture, centuries-old temples, and historical monuments.

You will explore the palace complex and surrounding temples, gaining insights into Nepal’s rich history and traditional craftsmanship. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, complete with a cultural performance showcasing local music and dance.

You will begin your Highlights of Nepal tour with a visit to Bhaktapur, a beautifully preserved medieval city that offers a captivating glimpse into Nepal’s rich history and cultural legacy. In Bhaktapur Durbar Square, you’ll explore an impressive array of temples adorned with intricate carvings, statues, and architectural masterpieces crafted from stone, metal, and wood.

The main attractions in Bhaktapur include the Golden Gate, Nyatapola Temple, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Temple, the Palace of Fifty-Five Windows, and Pottery Square. The Palace of Fifty-Five Windows is particularly renowned for its elaborate woodwork, reflecting the city’s artistic heritage. At Pottery Square, you’ll witness traditional pottery-making techniques using wooden wheels, where artisans shape clay into beautiful forms—preserving a craft passed down through generations.

After exploring Bhaktapur, you will proceed to the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Nepal, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. While non-Hindus are not permitted inside the main temple, you can explore the outer periphery. Here, you’ll observe sadhus (holy men), pilgrims, and traditional Hindu cremation ceremonies at the riverside ghats.

Following your visit, you’ll drive to the majestic Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A symbol of peace and spiritual harmony, Boudhanath draws thousands of pilgrims and monks who walk clockwise around the stupa in reverence. You’ll join the pilgrims in this ritual and also visit the surrounding Tibetan monasteries, immersing yourself in the serene atmosphere.

This morning, you will drive to the domestic airport in Kathmandu and board a scenic flight to Pokhara. The short flight offers spectacular aerial views of Nepal’s Himalayan ranges, including glimpses of Langtang, Manaslu, and even the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs on clear days.

Upon arrival in Pokhara, your guide and vehicle will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the Lakeside area—a charming part of town known for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful lakefront views.

After a short rest and lunch, you’ll begin a half-day sightseeing tour of Pokhara. First, enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake and visit the Tal Barahi Temple, situated on a small island in the lake. If you’re up for it, you also have the option to cross the lake and take a short hike to the World Peace Pagoda, a serene monument that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Pokhara Valley, Phewa Lake, and surrounding mountains.

Later in the afternoon, visit Devi’s Fall, a dramatic and mysterious waterfall that disappears into an underground tunnel. Just across the road, explore the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, one of the longest caves in Nepal and an important Hindu pilgrimage site, housing a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The rest of the evening is free to relax or stroll around the Lakeside area, enjoying the cafés, shops, and peaceful ambiance.

This morning, you will drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk, a scenic journey that passes through charming villages such as Nayapul, Lumle, and Kimche. Ghandruk  is one of the largest and most picturesque Gurung villages in the region, offering spectacular views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain).

Before beginning your trek, you’ll have time to explore the village and visit the Gurung Museum, which provides insight into the traditional lifestyle, culture, and history of the Gurung people—one of Nepal’s prominent ethnic groups.

After lunch in Ghandruk (1960m), you’ll start your trek to Tadapani (2690m), ascending through lush rhododendron and oak forests. The trail offers magnificent views of the Annapurna range, including peaks such as Annapurna, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre, accompanied by the peaceful sounds of birds and mountain streams.

Upon reaching Tadapani , you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, and other surrounding peaks. The village, perched on a ridge surrounded by forest, is a peaceful spot to enjoy the mountain atmosphere.

The trail from Tadapani to Ghorepani is a scenic and moderately challenging trek that takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, offering some of the most beautiful forested sections of the Annapurna region.

The trek begins with a gradual descent through lush, dense forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine, especially vibrant during the spring bloom. As you descend from Tadapani, you’ll cross the Bhurung Khola (river) and continue through charming villages such as Banthanti and Deurali. At Deurali, you leave the main trail that leads toward Annapurna Base Camp and head west toward Ghorepani.

The route offers occasional glimpses of the snow-capped peaks through forest clearings and provides a tranquil setting rich in birdlife and natural beauty. The stone-paved paths and forested ridges make this section both peaceful and rewarding.

You’ll arrive in Ghorepani, a large, vibrant village at an elevation of 2,860 meters, known for its many guesthouses and teahouses catering to trekkers. It serves as a popular overnight stop and the gateway to Poon Hill, one of Nepal’s most famous viewpoints.

Start the day early, before dawn, for a hike to Poon Hill (3,210m), one of Nepal’s most renowned viewpoints. The 45-minute steep ascent from Ghorepani leads you through silent, forested trails, culminating in a panoramic sunrise that gradually unveils a breathtaking Himalayan skyline.

As the sun rises, it casts golden hues over the snow-capped peaks of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, and South Annapurna, creating a truly awe-inspiring spectacle—well worth the early start.

After soaking in the views and capturing the moment, return to Ghorepani

Start the day early, before dawn, for a hike to Poon Hill (3,210m), one of Nepal’s most renowned viewpoints. The 45-minute steep ascent from Ghorepani leads you through silent, forested trails, culminating in a panoramic sunrise that gradually unveils a breathtaking Himalayan skyline.

As the sun rises, it casts golden hues over the snow-capped peaks of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, and South Annapurna, creating a truly awe-inspiring spectacle—well worth the early start.

After soaking in the views and capturing the moment, return to Ghorepani for breakfast. Then continue your descent through lush pine and rhododendron forests, passing traditional villages on your way to Ulleri. At Ulleri, your vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to Pokhara (approx. 2–3 hours’ drive).

Enjoy a relaxing evening in Pokhara (820m), nestled beside Phewa Lake.

This morning, you’ll take a short domestic flight from Pokhara to Bharatpur, the gateway to Chitwan National Park. Upon arrival at Bharatpur Airport, a representative from your resort will greet you and transfer you to the lodge, located on the edge of the park.

After settling in and enjoying lunch at the resort, you’ll set out to explore a nearby Tharu village, including a visit to the Tharu Cultural Museum. The Tharu people are indigenous to the Terai region and have a rich cultural heritage that is distinct from the traditions of the Himalayan communities.

This immersive visit offers a meaningful look into their traditional architecture, lifestyle, and customs, providing a deeper understanding of local life in the lowlands of Nepal.

Return to the resort in the evening, where you can relax and take in the peaceful jungle surroundings—perhaps with a drink on the viewing deck.

After an early breakfast, embark on an exciting Jeep Safari through the wilderness of Chitwan National Park. This adventure offers the opportunity to spot a variety of native wildlife, including spotted deer, sloth bears, Asiatic one-horned rhinoceroses, wild elephants, leopards, and—with some luck—even the elusive Bengal tiger.

Return to the resort for lunch and a short break. In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful Patela boat ride along the Rapti River, where you can observe aquatic birds, gharials, marsh mugger crocodiles, and other wildlife along the riverbanks.

Your exploration continues with a short jungle walk to visit the Crocodile Conservation Center, which provides valuable insight into the conservation efforts aimed at protecting these endangered reptiles.

In the evening, witness the Tharu Stick Dance, a lively and traditional cultural performance by members of the local Tharu community, followed by a delicious dinner.

Following breakfast, a resort representative will escort you to Bharatpur Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, a Wind Horse representative will be waiting to welcome you and arrange your transfer to the hotel.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city at your own pace. You may choose to unwind at the hotel, shop for souvenirs, or visit some nearby sights on your own.