Nepal Explore Tour

Nepal Hiking Team (NHT) specializes in creating seamless, all-encompassing journeys that cover Nepal's diverse natural and cultural treasures. For the 10-day Nepal Explore Tour, they manage all logistics including private vehicle transportation, 3-star accommodations across six different locations (Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Chitwan, Lumbini, Pokhara), and guided sightseeing at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wildlife activities, and cultural experiences. Past travelers consistently praise the company's organization, with one honeymoon couple noting: "The entire tour was impeccably organized, from our initial communication with the owner to the warm greeting we received at the airport upon arrival."

NHT provides dedicated local guides and drivers throughout the journey. Travelers highlight guides like Bibek, Netra, Nim, and Dnes for their patience, sincerity, and deep knowledge. One review specifically mentioned guide Dnes: "His passion and kindness were unparalleled, and he patiently answered all our questions, sharing with us a wealth of knowledge about Nepal's political history and the Hindu and Buddhist religions." The company also coordinates all entry fees, jungle activities in Chitwan National Park, and even a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant to round off the experience.

Reviews consistently mention exemplary service from start to finish. A solo traveler noted that Mr. Ganga (the owner) was "very responsive to queries from Day 1 and was physically present even on the last day to officially close the loop." Another couple described their honeymoon tour as "hands down the best tour I have ever been on," highlighting wildlife sightings in Chitwan (rhinos and a tiger), the spiritual atmosphere of Lumbini, and the beauty of Pokhara's lakes and Annapurna range. Many emphasize feeling cared for and leaving with lifelong friendships.

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Nepal Hiking Team representative will welcome you holding a sign with the company name. You will be privately transferred to your 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu for check-in. This airport transfer is included in the package. After settling in, you have the rest of the day free to rest before your tour begins the next morning.

The Nepal entry visa is not included in the package cost. You can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. A multiple-entry tourist visa valid for 30 days costs US $40 (or equivalent foreign currency). A 90-day visa costs US $100. You will need to bring two passport-size photos and have your passport ready. The process is straightforward with clear signage at the airport. If you are extending your stay beyond the 10-day tour, the 30-day visa is sufficient.

No special trekking permits or restricted area permits are required for the Nepal Explore Tour. All sightseeing includes entry fees to temples, stupas, and national parks, which are covered under "All guided sightseeing tours & activities including entry fees" in the Cost Includes section. Your guide handles all entrance payments at sites like Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Chitwan National Park.

You can book by filling out the inquiry form on the Nepal Hiking Team website or by contacting them directly via email. A deposit (typically 20–30% of the total package cost) is required to confirm your booking. The minimum group size is 2 persons, so solo travelers may need to join an existing group or pay a single supplement. NHT accepts credit cards, bank transfers, and PayPal. After booking, you'll receive a confirmation and detailed pre-trip information.

NHT accepts major credit cards, wire transfers, and online payments. The package includes: all ground transportation by private vehicle with airport transfers; 3-star hotel accommodations as specified (3 nights Kathmandu, 1 night Nagarkot, 2 nights Chitwan with full board, 1 night Lumbini, 2 nights Pokhara); all guided sightseeing tours with entry fees; jungle activities in Chitwan (canoe ride, jungle walk, elephant safari, Tharu cultural dance); and a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant. Exclusions are: international airfare, Nepal entry visa, meals not specified (lunches on many days are not included), and tips for your guide and driver.

The minimum group size is 2 persons, so solo travelers are welcome but may need to either join an existing group departure (if available) or pay a single supplement for private arrangements. Contact NHT directly to discuss options. The tour includes private vehicle and guide for your party, so solo travelers receive personalized service at a higher per-person cost.

All ground transportation by private vehicle is included. This covers: airport transfers on arrival and departure, all city sightseeing drives in Kathmandu, the drive to Nagarkot (32 km, 1–2 hours) and back, the journey from Kathmandu to Chitwan (180 km, 5–6 hours), Chitwan to Lumbini (165 km, 2–3 hours), Lumbini to Pokhara (150 km, 4–5 hours via Tansen Palpa), and Pokhara back to Kathmandu (200 km, 6–7 hours). You have a dedicated driver and comfortable private vehicle for all these movements.

No internal flights are included in this package. All transportation is by private vehicle, allowing you to see the countryside, terraced fields, and rural villages along the way. The drives are scenic and include stops at notable places like Tansen Palpa on the route from Lumbini to Pokhara. If you prefer to reduce driving time, NHT can customize the itinerary to include flights (e.g., Pokhara to Kathmandu) for an additional cost.

The drives are on Nepal's national highways and mountain roads. While roads are generally paved, they can be winding and subject to traffic delays. Key driving times: Kathmandu to Chitwan: 5–6 hours; Chitwan to Lumbini: 2–3 hours; Lumbini to Pokhara: 4–5 hours; Pokhara to Kathmandu: 6–7 hours. Your driver, like Krishna mentioned in reviews, ensures safety on challenging roads. The itinerary includes stops for meals and rest breaks.

The Nepal Explore Tour does not include any extended trekking. It is classified as a "Cultural Tours" activity with "Easy" difficulty. Activities include walking during sightseeing at temple complexes (Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath's hilltop stupa, Lumbini Garden), jungle walks in Chitwan National Park (flat terrain), and the short drive to Sarangkot viewpoint in Pokhara (no hiking required; you drive up for sunrise views). The tour is suitable for travelers of all ages and fitness levels who can manage moderate walking on paved and unpaved surfaces.

Yes, this tour is designed for a broad range of travelers. The sightseeing involves walking at heritage sites, but the pace is relaxed with private vehicle support. In Chitwan, jungle activities like canoe rides and elephant safaris are accessible. The drive to Sarangkot in Pokhara is by vehicle, so you can enjoy sunrise views without hiking. Families with children will appreciate the wildlife experiences, and elderly travelers with good mobility can comfortably participate. If any walking is too strenuous, you can opt to rest at the vehicle or café while others explore.

The highest point on the tour is Nagarkot at 2,175m (7,136 ft), where you stay overnight on Day 2. The sunrise viewpoint at Sarangkot in Pokhara is at 1,592m. Other locations are at lower elevations: Kathmandu (1,400m), Chitwan (below 500m), Lumbini (150m), and Pokhara (822m). Altitude sickness is not a concern on this itinerary.

Your guide is trained in first aid and familiar with all locations. Private vehicle transportation ensures you can rest between destinations. In Chitwan National Park, jungle activities are conducted by licensed naturalists with safety protocols for wildlife encounters (elephant safaris, jungle walks, canoe rides). Your guide coordinates all activities and accommodations. As noted in reviews, drivers like Krishna are experienced with challenging roads and prioritize safety. NHT recommends comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation and trip interruption.

NHT employs experienced guides like Bibek, Netra, Nim, and Dnes who are praised for their knowledge, patience, and people skills. Guides are knowledgeable about Nepal's political history, Hindu and Buddhist religions, and cultural sites. Drivers are experienced on Nepal's highways and mountain roads, ensuring safe transportation across the 6–7 hour drives between cities. All staff are insured and well-compensated, reflecting in the quality of service.

Chitwan activities are conducted with experienced naturalists who follow park regulations. During jungle walks, you stay with your guide and naturalist. Elephant safaris provide a safe vantage point for viewing rhinos, tigers, and other wildlife. The itinerary includes a briefing upon arrival at Chitwan to explain safety protocols. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the park offers excellent opportunities to see one-horned rhinos, elephants, monkeys, and numerous bird species.

Pack layers for varying climates: light, breathable clothing for lowland Chitwan and Lumbini (warm/humid), and warmer layers for Kathmandu, Nagarkot, and Pokhara where mornings and evenings can be cool. Essentials include: comfortable walking shoes, modest clothing for temple visits (shoulders and knees covered), a fleece or light jacket, a waterproof/windproof outer layer (especially if traveling during monsoon or spring showers), sunglasses, and a hat. For Chitwan jungle activities, neutral-colored clothing (brown, green, khaki) is recommended, along with insect repellent.

For Chitwan, pack: long-sleeved shirts and long pants for jungle walks to protect from insects and vegetation, sturdy closed-toe shoes, insect repellent with DEET, sunscreen, a hat, and binoculars for bird and wildlife viewing. A reusable water bottle, camera with zoom lens, and a small daypack for carrying essentials during activities are useful. The itinerary includes canoe rides, jungle walks, and elephant safaris—all of which are comfortable with casual outdoor clothing.

No specialized gear is needed. For early morning sunrise at Sarangkot (Pokhara) and Nagarkot, bring a warm jacket or fleece as temperatures can be cool before dawn. The viewpoints are accessible by vehicle, so there is no hiking required. Comfortable shoes are fine. A camera with a good zoom lens will help capture the Annapurna and Everest ranges on clear days.

You stay in 3-star category hotels throughout the tour: three nights in Kathmandu, one night in Nagarkot, two nights in Chitwan (with full board meals), one night in Lumbini, and two nights in Pokhara. All accommodations are comfortable, clean, and include attached bathrooms. In Chitwan, the 3-star hotel provides full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as part of the package. Hotels are selected for their location and service quality.

Most 3-star hotels in Nepal offer free WiFi, though speeds can vary, especially in Chitwan and Lumbini where connectivity may be slower. Mobile SIM cards with data can be purchased at Kathmandu airport (Ncell or Nepal Telecom). Your guide can assist if you need reliable internet access. Many travelers find hotel WiFi sufficient for basic communication.

Nepal uses 230V, 50Hz electricity. Common plug types are Type C (European two-round-pins), Type D (Indian-style round pins), and sometimes Type M. A universal travel adapter is recommended. Power outages are rare in 3-star hotels, but carrying a power bank is useful for long drive days and during jungle activities to keep devices charged.

The package includes breakfast daily throughout the tour. Additionally, in Chitwan, full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are provided for both nights (Day 4 and Day 5). A farewell dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant is included on Day 9 in Kathmandu. All other lunches and dinners are not specified as included and are at your own expense. Your guide can recommend good local restaurants along the way. The Cost Includes section specifies "Meals Inclusives" for each location.

Nepalese cuisine includes dal bhat (rice and lentils), momos (dumplings), noodles, and vegetable curries. Hotels offer continental options as well. In Chitwan, meals are provided at your hotel. For the farewell dinner, you'll enjoy authentic Nepalese food with cultural dance. Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, inform NHT in advance so they can communicate with hotels and restaurants.

Tap water is not safe to drink directly. Bottled water is widely available and included as part of your meal service at hotels. To reduce plastic waste, bring a reusable water bottle and consider using water purification tablets or a portable filter. Your guide can help you refill from large water containers or purified water dispensers at hotels. In Chitwan, staying hydrated during jungle activities is especially important.

Yes, the package description states: "If the above Nepal Explore Tour itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences and specifications." You can request modifications such as adding more days in Pokhara, focusing more on wildlife, including additional heritage sites, or combining with trekking. NHT specializes in tailor-made itineraries. Contact them with your ideas for a personalized quote.

This tour is operated on a private basis—the vehicle, driver, and guide are exclusive to your party. There is no standard "group joining" option where you share with strangers, though NHT may be able to connect solo travelers or small groups with similar dates to reduce costs. The per-person cost is lower when more people share the vehicle and guide fees. Solo travelers pay a higher rate due to single room occupancy and exclusive vehicle expenses.

Tipping is not included in the package but is customary for good service. A common guideline is 10–15% of the total tour cost shared between your guide and driver, or approximately US $10–15 per day for the guide and US $5–8 per day for the driver. However, tips are at your discretion based on your satisfaction. Cash in USD or Nepalese Rupees is acceptable. Your guide can advise on local norms, and if you provide a combined tip, the guide will usually distribute it to the driver.

The Nepal Explore Tour uniquely combines four distinct experiences: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley (Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur), wildlife safari in Chitwan National Park (home to one-horned rhinos, tigers, elephants, and over 500 bird species), spiritual exploration at Lumbini (the birthplace of Lord Buddha with Maya Devi Temple and Ashoka pillar), and natural beauty in Pokhara (Fewa Lake, Sarangkot sunrise, Annapurna mountain views). This 10-day journey covers Nepal's most iconic attractions in a single, well-paced itinerary.

In Chitwan, you experience a full day of jungle activities including: a canoe ride along the Rapti River (with potential wildlife sightings), a guided jungle walk, elephant bathing (optional viewing), and an elephant safari. Additionally, you visit an ethnic Tharu village, the National Park Visitor's Centre, enjoy a sunset view from the Rapti River bank, and attend a Tharu cultural dance performance. On Day 6, you visit the Elephant Breeding Centre before departing to Lumbini. These activities are all included in the package.

Nagarkot (2,175m) offers panoramic views of the Himalayas including Ganesh Himal, Dhaulagiri, and even Mount Everest on clear days. You stay overnight there to experience both sunset and sunrise over the mountains. Sarangkot in Pokhara (1,592m) provides a stunning sunrise view over the Annapurna range, with the reflection visible in Fewa Lake below. Both locations are classic viewpoints that require minimal effort (drives) but deliver memorable mountain experiences, making them accessible to all travelers.