Duration
Nepal Cultural Tour
Contact for pricing
Bookable From
October - May
Trip Style
Privately Guided
Country
Nepal
Physical Rating
Easy
Overview
This 8-day, action-packed Nepal Cultural Tour covers iconic cultural and UNESCO World Heritage sites, medieval towns, remote countryside, and the mighty Himalayas.
Pokhara is Nepal’s adventure-centric cultural hub, providing access to cultural landmarks as well as local artisans. Bandipur is a charming city from which travelers can glean better insight into natural, cultural, historical, and religious diversity. On this trip, guests will see both these cities and more, ensuring that they get to know the “real” Nepal. Visit local communities and immerse yourself in their cultures and traditions.
Highlights
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan
- Wander along the narrow cobbled alleyways
- Get a deeper understanding of wood carving and explore the ancient lifestyle of the locals in Bungamati – a village that seems to remain unchanged
- Explore Pokhara, the beautiful lake city, and be rewarded with magnificent views of the Himalayas
- Discover the natural beauty and traditional customs of ethnic Newar communities
- Discover the traditional process of pottery-making
- Visit the Tibetan Refugee Center and learn about the daily life of these refugees
- Explore local mountain towns and observe traditional ways of life
Seasonal Notes
The high season is from October to May. During this season of paddy harvest, nature ripens in yellow. The sky is clear blue and visitors can enjoy panoramic mountain views during this time. During these months, there are several traditional festivals and events happening that visitors can witness and have a chance to celebrate with locals. If travelers are planning to visit Nepal from October to November, they can observe the biggest Hindu festivals, Dashain and Tihar.
The off-season (monsoon season) is from June to September.
Itinerary
Day 1 Kathmandu [Nepal] (arrival day)
Day 2 Kathmandu: Cultural Tour
Day 3 Boudhanath, Pashupatinath & Bhaktapur: Heritage Tour
Day 4 Bandipur
Day 5 Ramkot Village Hike (~2 hrs)
Day 6 Pokhara: Cultural Tour
Day 7 Pokhara - Kathmandu
Day 8 Kathmandu (departure day)
Route Map
Inclusions & Exclusions
Private airport pick-up transfer
Entrance fees
7 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner
3-night hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
1 night in Bhaktapur with breakfast
2-night hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
1-night hotel in Bandipur with breakfast
Breakfast in hotel in Kathmandu
Breakfast in hotel in Bhaktapur
Breakfast in hotel in Pokhara
Breakfast in hotel in Bandipur
Internal flight Pokhara-Kathmandu
Sightseeing in Kathmandu (Days 2, 3)
Sightseeing in Pokhara (Day 6)
Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu (Day 7)
Station tour guide for sightseeing in Pokhara and Bandipur
Flights to/from Nepal
Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Travel Insurance
Liability Insurance
Beverages
Personal equipment
Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Pottery making
Wood carving
Tips
Visa fee: US $30 for 15 days (US $50 for 30 days, and US $125 for a 90-day, multiple entry visa)
Pricing
Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.
Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.
Solo travelers will have private rooms.
Deposit per person
$200 pp
Group of 2 Travelers - price per person
Contact for Pricing
Group of 10 Travelers - price per person
Contact for Pricing
Single Supplement
$300 (if traveling with a group and you prefer a private room)
Sustainability
We are a Travelife-certified company, and we work to reduce all negative impacts on the natural and social environments. One of our approaches is to support our business partners, such as accommodation providers and excursion providers, in adopting sustainable best practices. By doing so, we promote greater tourism dispersal and help boost the local economy. Our focus on sustainability also includes creating awareness among our guests, office, and trekking staff.
- Environmental Initiatives
We prioritize environmental practices that minimize negative impacts on the natural environment. For example, we use biodegradable hand soap and cleaning powder for our office, and we source these products from women who are mostly from poor, remote communities. We also encourage travelers to bring reusable water bottles and water filter tablets to reduce plastic waste. Our guides collect trash along the trail and dispose of it in designated areas, and we use cloth bags as much as possible. In addition, our trip includes low-carbon impact activities such as village walks, hiking, visiting local artisan workshops, and interacting with locals. Our office is solar-powered, and we prioritize energy-efficient lights and water-efficient toilets.
- Sociocultural Initiatives
Our sociocultural practices focus on supporting the local communities we visit. Our trip takes guests to medieval towns that have remained largely untouched by modern life, promoting greater tourism dispersal and boosting the local economy. Meals are cooked using local produce, and we cater to guests' dietary requirements, such as vegetarian and vegan options. Our focus on sustainability also includes providing poverty-stricken children with shelter and education and engaging in various volunteering and charitable organizations. Additionally, our trip focuses on gaining a deep understanding of the everyday lifestyles of locals, strolling around old alleys and traditional houses, and hiking through ethnic villages.
Health & Safety
Be sure you have traveler's insurance.
FAQs
What does the Physical Rating of "Easy" mean?
It means the trip involves cultural sightseeing tours, local interaction, and local experiences. There is 1 two-hour hike on this trip.
What are the accommodations like?
The accommodations on this trip are boutique hotels with a more authentic style.
What about the weather?
Nepal's climate varies with its topography. It ranges from sub-tropical to arctic depending upon the altitude. The Terai plain region has a hot and humid climate. The mid-land region (Kathmandu, Pokhara) is pleasant almost all year round, although winter nights are cool. The northern mountain region, around an altitude of 3,353 m. and beyond, has an alpine climate with a considerably lower temperature in winter as expected.
What about health & safety?
- For the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash, and other valuable items we advise the use of a neck wallet or money belt while traveling.
- A safety deposit box is available in city hotels to store your valuable items but during the tour, you have to secure your belongings. We recommend you leave valuables at your home. A lock is suggested for securing your luggage.
- It is advised to consult or get professional advice from a travel doctor about vaccinations and medical travel information beforehand.
- Avoid consuming ice, salad, raw vegetables, and deep-fried, spicy, and greasy food.
- The company and our suppliers (including for accommodation and transportation) adhere to stringent protocols related to health and safety.
Is this trip safe for solo travelers?
This trip is safe for solo (female and male) travelers.
Do I need a visa?
A visa for Nepal can be acquired on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, and at border entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki on the Nepal-India border and Kerung on the Nepal-China border. Outside of Nepal, a visa can also be obtained at the nearest Nepal Embassy or Diplomatic Mission.
- Visa fee: US $30 for 15 days, US $50 for 30 days, and US $125 for a 90-day, multiple-entry visa.