
- 21 - 29 March 2024
- 8 Nights / 9 Days
- Weather 18 - 25 C
- Fitness - Med - walk up to 5km a day
- Price Range - $$
This tour starts and ends in Kathmandu. Arrival and departure will be at Kathmandu.
This is not a hiking tour, but a nature and cultural tour taking in cities and surrounding landscapes.
Kathmandu
The capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu has a history that spans 2,000 years. Apart from being rich in culture and spirituality, the city offers myriad of temples that lies in the magical realm of the Himalayas, definitely a scenic place that is perfectly picturesque.
Nepal’s capital is surrounded by a valley full of historic sites, ancient temples, shrines, and fascinating villages. Mingle with locals and animals amid Durbar Square’s monuments, or join mountain trekkers in the bustling Thamel District. Explore shops for exquisite work by local artisans—carpets and paper prints are specialties.
Pokhara
Pokhara is the ‘Tourist Capital of Nepal’. Many writers enjoy Pokhara’s relaxing beauty due to its pristine air, snowy peaks of mountain ranges and surrounding greenery. Pokhara is also famous for ancient lakes, waterfalls and gorges, and, of course, majestic views of the Himalayan Mountains. *Please note often there is low cloud due to the Himalayas so you cannot be guaranteed a view of the mountains.
Chitwan
Located 150 km West of Kathmandu, Chitwan is the best place for nature lovers. Chitwan means ‘heart of the jungle’ with a sub-tropical climate. Chitawan National Park is the first established national park in Nepal. It belongs to a World Heritage Site and is one of the most visited places in Chitwan. This national park conserves different species of wild animals and birds including Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceros, and many species of deer and birds.
Nepal is a landlocked, mountainous country located between India and Tibet. It is well known for the impressive Himalayan range and deep valleys that shape the landscape. Nepalis have a reputation for being dependable and resilient people who can withstand difficult conditions. This was recently exemplified in the stoic national response following the devastating earthquake of 2015. Nepalis often exhibit patience and calmness, and are generally not overly dramatic people. Their tolerance has enabled many different faiths and ethnicities to coexist quite harmoniously. Much of Nepal’s culture is deeply steeped in tradition and religion. However, new values and ideas are being introduced to the general population in light of a new democratic political order.
Nepalis are generally deeply loyal to their citizenship and culture. They are very proud that their country has never been colonised, seeing this as a key distinguishing fact between them and India. The Gurkhas (Nepali soldiers) continue to be highly admired for their role in this regard. Nepalis understand the worth and beauty of their land. The culture is enigmatic with many religious customs, rituals, festivals, processions and local secrets. Yet, people also share a sense of sadness regarding the widespread poverty and mismanagement of their country. Indeed, poverty is an undeniable social issue. This, coupled with an unstable political situation, means the primary ambition of most Nepalis is generally to secure a stable future for their family.
Nepal is largely underdeveloped with limited social services and public infrastructure. There are very few urban centres outside of the capital city of Kathmandu. An estimated 83% of the population live in rural areas (2011). The geographical isolation that the mountains create has generally led many villages to be secluded from outside influence, meaning many have retained quite a distinct cultural identity. Tribal and nomadic practices continue in many places. The diversity of customs and values between regions means Nepal cannot be broadly generalised. However, typically it can be observed that the more remotely situated a community is, the more visibly traditional their cultural practices will be. Meanwhile, those regions with access to better education are likely to have diverged from some aspects of traditional social customs. Kathmandu in particular is becoming very outward looking, drawing influence from across the globe. Recent cosmopolitan transformation is visible in fashion as traditional Nepali attire is now usually only worn in rural areas.
Trip Highlights
- Kathmandu sight-seeing - visit the sacred Hindu Temple Pashupatinath, one of the most important & sacred holy pilgrimages sites for Hindu devotees all around the world.
- Look into the gorgeous giant eyes of the historic Buddhist shrine Bouddhanath. See the beautiful Tibetan Thangka painting being crafted. Hear the monks chanting their morning prayers. Spin the prayer wheels so your wishes get taken to the Gods.
- Visit Kathmandu Patan’s Durbar Square a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a signing bowl demonstration and the local museum dedicated to the Newari architecture.
- Learn how to make the local food of Momos at a local cafe, (dumplings)
- Visit the Womens Skills Development Organisation, a non-profit Fair Trade organization that has been working since 1975 to empower socially and economically disadvantaged women of rural Nepal.
- View the entire city of Pokhara and Phewa lake at World Peace Pagoda which lies 1100m above sea level.
- Take a 4WD wildlife discovery drive through Chitwan National Park.
- Walk around Tharu village, an indigenous ethnic group in Chitwan.
Your Hosts - Tammie and Sandy

Tammie Day
Tammie is an Australian retreat leader, tour organiser, yoga and nia teacher, world traveller and founder of Vibrant Women Travel, Training and Homestay. Tammie is constantly sourcing the most enchanting places to run her Inspirational Journeys, places that truly capture your heart and imagination.
Sandy Hadley
Sandy loves to travel, especially to the far away and exotic, discovering new and old cultures, sunshine, walking in nature be it amongst snow-capped mountains or a coastal beach walk, reading a good book and watching a great movie, rice paddies green, jumping into freshly washed sheets, textiles, Asian food and her beautiful kids.
Book your Nepal Tour
*FLIGHTS NOT INCLUDED
This tour has a $500 deposit and the remainder is due 75 prior to departure.
Inclusions
- Private vehicle and domestic airport transfers as per the itinerary.
- English speaking guides at each location
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Pokhara
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Chitwan
- Complementary farewell dinner in a typical Nepali cultural restaurant.
- All government taxes 13% VAT, tourist service charges and official expenses.
- Temple and monastery entry permit fees.
- All entry fees as per the itinerary
What is not included
- International air fare to/from Nepal.
- Entry Visa fees - at present $25 for 15 day. US$40 for a 30 day and US$100 for three months visa on entry into Nepal.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Bar bills and personal expenses
- Tips and gratitude provided to staff. We recommend $20AUD per day = $140.
- Travel Insurance (which is compulsory) is not included.
Requirements:
This tour has a lot of walking and requires a moderate level of fitness. There are steep stairs and uneven roads. A moderate level of fitness is required to enjoy all the sites we visit. Some of the days we are out and about all day you do need to be able to walk up to 5km a day and sometimes at pace. Other times its more of a stroll however please consider if you think you would hold the group up. We cannot unfortunately have women travel with us who require assistance.

Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival at Kathmandu
Transfer to Kathmandu Guest House. This area of Kathmandu was the epicenter during the Hippie trail from the early 1960s to late 1970s. During that time the main attraction drawing tourists was Freak Street and the government-run hashish shops. They may not longer be here but there are still lots of lively spots to go and plenty of new friends to be made. A hippie vibe certainly lives on.
Tonight if you arrive before 6pm you can join Sandy on a wander to one of her favourite little secret tucked away restaurants, she seems to know them all .
*There are no activities planned for this day you can arrive anytime. There is no need to arrive a day early. Some flights are arriving late that is no problem.
Accommodation: Kathmandu Guest House
Ward: 16
Street name: Saatghumti
Area: Thamel
District: Bagmati
City: Kathmandu
Zone: Bagmati
Meals: None
Day 2 – Kathmandu sight-seeing
8am Breakfast
9am – Depart for For Boudhanath Stupa. this significant spiritual site has stood as a beacon of Buddhist belief, towering over the surrounding town as a giant mandala of peace and beauty and also giant eyes. Built some time around the 14th century, the huge meditative monument is said to have been created just after the passing of the Buddha.
The huge offering site quickly become an focal point of worship and offering in the area. The structure of the building consists of a giant dome, on the top which sits a Buddhist pyramid tower. All of this sits on top of huge steps shaped like mandalas themselves. Originally the stupa’s spot was on an important trade route which allowed for a steady stream of possible converts.
Here you can also shop for incense, teas, singing bowls, prayer flags, and traditional Thangka paintings, all things Buddhism.
After exploring this area we take a few minutes stroll to Karma Coffee, one or our favourite coffee spots. “Karma Coffee Nepal sources fair-trade hand picked and hand processed Arabica beans directly from the Himalayas. The magnificent journey commences at the crop and progresses even onwards after the cup. Here at Karma coffee we like to help the farmers livelihoods behind the scenes. Similarly, we try to keep our carbon footprint low. Almost all of our hand brewing equipment is made in Nepal. Similarly, we don’t use electric machines. We also sell locally produced accessories too!”
On day one of your Heavenly Nepal Tour we thought it would be great to introduce you to a some local favourite foods through a cooking demonstration. Starting with Momo, a bite-size dumplings made with a spoonful of stuffing wrapped in dough. You will also see how to make Dal Bhat. Dal Bhat is the traditional Nepali food of locals and trekkers in the Himalayas. It is considered the national dish of Nepal. Dal means lentil soup, and Bhat means steamed rice, so basically, it is cooked lentils served with rice. You then get to eat these yum yums for lunch!
After lunch we navigate the crazy traffic to visit Kathmandu Patan’s Durbar Square a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a signing bowl demonstration and the local museum dedicated to the Newari architecture.
Tonight you will experience a private dinner for our group at KGH. A Nepali Thali this is based on the India thali of lots of little Indian style dishes served on a platter plate. Delicious!
Accommodation: Kathmandu Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3 – Fly to Pokhara
After having breakfast at Boutique Heritage home in the garden you will Fly to Pokhara. Flight time is 10.30am and the flight it takes about 25 minutes.
Transfer from the airport to the Women’s Skills Development Organization (WSDO) is a non-profit Fair Trade organisation that has been working since 1975 to empower women who face difficult and significant social and economic hardships—being differently abled, abused, widowed, divorced, single, orphaned or of marginalized castes.
As a Fair Trade organization, WSDO ensures fair wages and production processes that minimize environmental impacts by using local and raw materials along with eco-friendly dyes.
Then you will head to one of our favourite cafes MED5 overlooking the Lakeside at Pokhara. You will enjoy a variety of tasting plates from various cultures including Indian, Nepalese, Greek and Middle Eastern. (included)
After lunch its time for a wonder of the shops. Everything is within easy walking distance to your hotel. Pokhara is a very friendly and safe place and you can wander on your own.
Check into the hotel. Settle in and have a swim, or a cocktail by the pool. We have reserved in advance spa time slots for you if you would like a massage 🙂
The yoga studio across the road has a yoga class at 4pm if this interests you. The price is 1000Rp approx. $12AUD.
At 6pm we make our way for a sunset cruise on the lake. We then get dropped at the lake foreshore which has a variety or restaurants and bars and live music, kickback and relax!
*Note there is a 20 minute walk back to the hotel from dinner so dont drink to much! Its flat and there is shopping along the way so you should be fine.
Overnight Temple Tree Hotel Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 4 – Holi Celebration
After breakfast, we will then proceed to Pokhara Lakeside to celebrate the Holi “Festival of Colors”. Prepare your white clothes to burst with colors!
In the afternoon, take this as your free time. You can take a cruise along the lakeside or have some drinks where the bars may be celebrating with live music.
Overnight in Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 – Pokhara sight-seeing
This morning we will visit Davi’s Fall & Gupteshwar
Locally known as the Patale Chhango (Fall of the Netherworld). The source of the waterfall is Phewa Lake and the fall itself is named after Swiss lady who was swept away by the fall in 1961. The fall cuts through the rocks to create complex caves and tunnels on its path. Gupteshwar Mahadev cave on the other side of the fall is carved by Devi’s Fall. The sacred shrine dedicated to Shiva is popular among the local residents and is seldom missed by tourists to Davi’s Fall.
Here this is a small local market and you will have free time to shop for souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Then you have two options:
- To take a hike to the Lord Shiva Statue (one million stairs not even joking) and walk back to the hotel down the mountain and via the lake around 1.5 hours hiking, then take a boat to the other side lake, or;
- Be driven to the top of the statue for a look and then taken to the Tibetan Refugee carpet weavers association and small market. You can also be dropped at the top of the statue and just walk down all the way back to the hotel around 1.5 hours, then take a boat to the other side lake.
The Lord buddha statue is significant to the Hindu people as the destroyer who makes way for new creation but also there are stunning views from this vantage point all the way down the valley to the Phewa lake and in the distance on a clear day stunning views of mountain peaks over 8000 m such as Annapurna Himalayan ranges including Manaslu and many others.
Return to hotel for a free afternoon and then enjoy dinner in the garden restaurant at the hotel.
Overnight at Temple Tree Hotel Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 – Drive to Chitwan from Pokhara, 5/6 hours driving
After breakfast, drive to Chitwan from Pokhara. You will be welcomed to Hotel Green Mansion Jungle Resort, enjoy a welcome drink and after refresh at the resort you will explore the lcoal Tharu village, an ethnic group indigenous to the Terai region.
Also at village walk you will have sunset view at Rapti river.
Overnight: Hotel Green Mansion Jungle Resort
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7 – Jungle Safari at Chitwan National Park
Today you will discover why the National Park holds an important place in preserving the wild lives that are rapidly getting extinct from this planet. You’re almost sure to spot one horn rhino, egrets, woodpecker, and deer in their natural habitat. The Park is also home to rhinoceros, tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild bison, 500 birds, butterflies, as well as the near extinct Gharials crocodiles and 543 species of birds that include critically endangered Bengal florican, the vulnerable lesser adjutant, Grey-crowned Prinia and etc.
Our Activities:
Nature or Jungle Walk: Exploring the area by foot, watch birds, animals and plants. Our experts can take you to good places for spotting a tiger, rhino or any animal.
Cannoning trip: A typical handmade Canoe will take you along the famous Rapti River where you will encounter the Harmless Gharial and the mud drenched crocodile, basking in the sun at the River banks. Moreover, many aquatic birds can be seen on the way.
Tharu Stick Dance: A melodious tribal dance performed by men with rhyme or drums and the clashing of sticks. The dance shows how to rhinos and other wild animals are scared away from the village.
Overnight: Green Mansion Jungle Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8 – Fly back to Kathmandu
After late breakfast, you will drive to Bharatpur airport and fly back to Kathmandu which will take about 20 minutes.
Visit Pashupatinath Hindu Temple and Cremation place.
Evening Farewell dinner in typical Nepali Restaurant which may have live music, we are hoping 😉
Hotel: Kathmandu Guest House
Meals Breakfast
Day 9 – Final Departure
Departure Day. Today you will have free time until your airport transfer to the airport. *Transfer included. You will get the time one day in advance.
If you want to make the most of your adventure you can join our “The Best Exotic Marigold Adventure” before this trip.
If you book both India and Nepal tours combined, you receive a $200 discount which will cover your flight. This discount has already been applied to the final price.


FAQ's
The Trip Notes on this link are always the most up to date version. When booking a tour in advance things can change, please always refer to these notes on the website as the most recent version of trip notes for your tour.
All travelers must have a printed copy of the International Traveler Online Arrival Form before traveling to Nepal. The form must be first completed online.
Source – https://ccmc.gov.np/arms/person_add_en.php
Up until 75 days before the start of the tour a $500 non-refundable, non-transferrable deposit will be retained. For between 75 days and 45 days, 50% of the final payment, this is in addition to the non refundable deposit will be forfeited. For less than 45 days or for no shows the entire amount will be retained as we would have already had to pay for accommodation, transport, flights and activities, and this money will not be returned to us. Once the tour has commenced no monies will be returned to you. This is why travel insurance is compulsory.
Tourist Visa
Tribhuvan International Airport is the only international airport of Nepal. Immigration Office, TIA (Tribhuvan International Airport) under Department of Immigration has been facilitating tourists flying to Nepal by providing Visa on Arrival. ‘On Arrival’ visa procedure is very quick and simple. You can expect some queues during peak Tourist season. If you wish to skip those queues, you can also consider getting Visa from Nepalese Diplomatic Missions stationed abroad prior to your arrival. Choice is yours.
If you have obtained visa from Nepalese Diplomatic Missions, then you must enter Nepal within six months from the visa issued date. Your total stay is counted starting from the day you enter into Nepal.
Visas obtained on Arrival at the Entry and Exit points are ‘Tourist Visas’. They bear multiple Re entry facility. Tourist Visa ‘On Arrival’ is the only entry visa to Nepal. If you are visiting Nepal for the purposes other than Tourism (sightseeing, tour, travel, mountaineering, trekking, visiting friends and families), you should still get ‘ Tourist Visa’ to get into the country. However, you must change the category of visa as per your purpose and length of stay in Nepal from Department of Immigration by producing required documents. *Please bring USD cash and passport photos for your visa with you
- Please follow these simple procedures for Tourist Visa on Arrival at the airport (TIA) if you have not acquired Visa prior to boarding the plane.
- 1st Step
- Fill in ‘ Arrival Card ‘
- Fill in Online ‘Tourist Visa ‘form ( you can fill it in prior to your arrival visiting our official website Department of Immigration / fill it in using Kiosk machines upon your arrival at the airport). If you fill it from the website, you will get submission Receipt with barcode, please print it out and bring it along for acquiring visa. It works for fifteen days and becomes invalid then after. If so, you will have to fill it in again.
- 2nd Step
- Make payment at the bank according to your visa requirement ( 15/30/90 Days)
- Get the receipt
While you can use different modes of payments (at visa fees collection counter), we advise you to carry some cash to be on the safe side.
On Arrival Visa Fee at Entry Points
15 Days – 30 USD
30 Days – 50 USD
90 Days – 125 USD
- 3rd Step
- Proceed to the Immigration Desk with your online form, payment receipts and your passport
- Hand in your documents to immigration officer for visa processing. He/she issues visa to you upon his/her satisfaction.
Visa Extension Fee
- Tourist visa extension is done for minimum 15 days with USD 45 and USD 3 per day for additional days.
- In the case of delay less than 150 days additional USD 5 per day as late fine.
Hotel on Arrival: Kathmandu Guest House
Address: Ward: 16
Street name: Saatghumti
Area: Thamel
District: Bagmati
City: Kathmandu
Zone: Bagmati
Domestic airlines in Nepal allow 15 kilos of checked baggage. We suggest if guests are travelling with more than 15 kilos that they bring a second small foldable bag that they can leave some items in Kathmandu to be collected at the end.
The Nepalese rupee. The Nepali Rupee (ISO code NPR) has been the official currency of Nepal since 1932. The most commonly used symbol of the Rupee is Rs or ₨.
Nepalese Cuisine combines a range of ingredients, techniques and characteristics from its neighboring countries with its own gastronomic history.
Set against the backdrop of the Himalayas, the people of Nepal have many different backgrounds and ethnicities, and this multitude of influences is reflected within the country’s cuisine. Nepalese dishes are generally healthier than most other South Asian cuisine, relying less on using fats and more on chunky vegetables, lean meats, pickled ingredients and salads. Whilst Nepal does take heavy influences from its closest geographical companions such as India, China and Tibet, this mountainous country only opened up its borders to outsiders in the 1950s. This factor, in addition to transport and trade difficulties Nepal’s geographical setting, has maintained a focus on using locally grown produce.
Common ingredients found across Nepalese cuisine include lentils, potatoes (which are particularly popular within the Newar communities in the Himalayas and Pahar region), tomatoes, cumin, coriander, chilies, peppers, garlic and mustard oil.
Yoghurt, or dahi is popular across Nepal, and is eaten for its healthy attributes and adaptable nature, as it can be used as a side dish or as an ingredient in drinks (Lassi) and desserts (Sikarni). While establishing a group of foods that are distinctly Nepalese is no easy task, there are some dishes that are mainstays when visiting the culturally diverse Nepal.
*Please let us know of any allergies **Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate complex dietary requirements only anaphylaxis allergies. To travel with us if you have specific dietary needs you will need to be able to manage these yourself without it impacting on the rest of the group.
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate complex dietary issues on our tours. If it is something you an manage yourself that is fine. But we cannot be responsible for peoples health and wellbeing in regards to food in foreign countries as sometimes things get lost in translation. WE hope you understand. WE don’t ever want our guests to become unwell whilst travelling with us.
Kathmandu experiences warm and sunny days throughout March. You can experience a good amount of sunshine, about 8 to 9 hours a day. The average daytime temperature generally hovers around a pleasant 26°C (79°F) whereas the average minimum temperatures generally drop down to 5°C (41°F).
In Nepal the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Nepal, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 – 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa).
Please remember to take enough prescribed medication for duration of the tour. You may not be able to replace medication in Nepal. Take appropriate precautions against having to do this.
A moderate level of fitness is required to enjoy all the sites we visit. Some of the days we are out and about all day you do need to be able to walk up to 5km a day and sometimes at pace. Other times its more of a stroll however please consider if you think you would hold the group up. We cannot unfortunately have women travel with us who require assistance. to walk, for example if you use a walking stick you will not be able to get to many of the sites we visit.
Vibrant Women Travel has compared several travel insurance providers to provide you with what we think is the best option in terms of travel insurance for our guests. We have worked with Cover-More during several emergency situations overseas and they have always been great in a crisis. Check Covermore Travel Insurance HERE