You arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our Ambassador Himalaya representative welcomes you and assists with your luggage. From an airport, you transfer by private vehicle to hotel in city. After check-in, you have time to settle into your room, recover from your international journey, and enjoy the first atmosphere of Nepal’s capital.

Depending on your arrival time, you can take a relaxed orientation walk around the hotel neighborhood. This is a good opportunity to observe everyday Kathmandu life, with its busy streets, traditional shops, small temples, local markets, and roadside tea stalls. Your guide can also provide a short introduction to Nepal’s cultural diversity and the culinary experiences planned throughout the journey.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Nepali welcome dinner at a heritage-style restaurant such as Bhojan Griha, subject to availability. Your introduction to Nepali cuisine begins with Dal Bhat Tarkari, a traditional combination of steamed rice, slow-cooked lentil soup, seasonal vegetable curries, and homemade achar. Some restaurants also offer a more elaborate multi-course dining experience, served in traditional tableware.

The first day is intentionally kept flexible, allowing you to adjust to the new surroundings without a demanding sightseeing schedule. After dinner, return to your hotel and rest before beginning your Kathmandu Valley heritage and food exploration.

Today’s Highlights

• Arrival and private airport transfer in Kathmandu

• Introduction to traditional Nepali Dal Bhat cuisine.

• Heritage-style welcome dinner.

you travel to Patan, also known as Lalitpur, one of the three historic cities of Kathmandu Valley. Famous for its traditional Newari architecture, artistic craftsmanship, and centuries-old cultural heritage, Patan offers an excellent introduction to the valley’s indigenous Newar community.

Your guided heritage walk begins around Patan Durbar Square, where you explore the historic palace complex, intricately carved wooden windows, stone sculptures, multi roof-style temples, and traditional courtyards. The square is particularly well known for its concentration of metalwork and architectural craftsmanship. You also have opportunities to visit traditional bahals, where local artisans continue working with metal, wood, and other traditional materials.

After exploring the heritage area, the focus shifts to Newari gastronomy. Enjoy a traditional Newari Khaja Set, commonly known as Samay Baji, featuring beaten rice (Baji), spicy Choila, roasted soybean salad (Bhatmas Sadheko), seasonal vegetables, and traditional pickles. Depending on availability, you can also sample Chatamari, a rice-flour crepe with savory toppings, and Bara, a delicious lentil-based pancake.

The culinary experience provides insight into the Newar community’s food traditions, where ingredients, preparation methods, and ceremonial dishes are closely connected to local festivals and family gatherings. After your exploration and meal, return to Kathmandu for an evening at leisure.

Today’s Highlights

• Guided heritage exploration of Patan Durbar Square.

• Authentic Newari Samay Baji culinary experience.

• Tasting Chatamari, Bara, and traditional Newari dishes.

ou drive east from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur, a historic Newar city renowned for its preserved medieval architecture, traditional craftsmanship, and distinctive culinary heritage. Unlike the busy streets of central Kathmandu, Bhaktapur retains a more traditional atmosphere, with narrow brick-paved lanes, historic squares, and old residential courtyards.

Your exploration begins around Bhaktapur Durbar Square, where you discover the impressive palace complex, the famous 55-Window Palace, traditional temples, and intricately carved architectural details. Continue towards Nyatapola Temple, one of the valley’s most remarkable five-tiered pagoda temples. You can also explore Pottery Square, where local potters continue shaping clay vessels using traditional techniques and drying their products in the open square.

Bhaktapur is equally famous for its food culture. Begin your culinary exploration with Haluwa-Swari, a traditional combination of sweet semolina halwa and fried bread, accompanied by a cup of Nepali milk tea. Later, visit a local dairy shop to taste Juju Dhau, popularly known as the King of Curds. This rich, creamy yogurt is traditionally prepared in clay pots and is one of Bhaktapur’s best-known culinary specialties.

The day allows sufficient time to enjoy the city’s architecture, local food shops, and traditional markets without rushing between attractions. After completing your sightseeing, return to Kathmandu for an overnight stay.

Today’s Highlights

• Guided exploration of Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

• Traditional pottery-making experience at Pottery Square.

• Taste authentic Haluwa-Swari and Bhaktapur Juju Dhau.

After breakfast, join your local food specialist for a guided street food exploration through the traditional markets of Asan and Indra Chowk. These historic trading areas are among the busiest commercial neighborhoods in Kathmandu, offering an excellent opportunity to experience everyday local life and discover traditional snacks.

As you walk through the narrow market lanes, you encounter shops selling spices, grains, vegetables, traditional sweets, and household products. Along the way, stop at selected food vendors to sample popular Kathmandu street snacks such as Pani Puri, crispy hollow shells filled with seasoned potato and tangy spiced water. You can also try local sweets and a refreshing glass of Lassi, a traditional yogurt-based drink.

In the afternoon, drive to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage sites outside Tibet. Walk around the enormous white dome alongside monks, pilgrims, and local residents as they turn prayer wheels and recite traditional prayers. The surrounding neighborhood is known for its Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, handicraft shops, and Himalayan food establishments.

For dinner, explore Sherpa and Tibetan culinary traditions with dishes such as Thenduk, a hearty noodle soup, and Rilduk, a traditional Sherpa preparation of pounded potato dumplings served with broth. You can also sample Su-Chiya, or Tibetan butter tea, Khapse festive biscuits, and Tsampa, roasted barley flour traditionally consumed in Himalayan communities.

Today’s Highlights

• Guided street food exploration of Asan and Indra Chowk.

• Taste traditional Pani Puri, Lassi, and local snacks.

• Observe Tibetan Buddhist traditions and prayer rituals.

• Discover Sherpa and Tibetan dishes, including Thenduk and Rilduk.

After breakfast, leave Kathmandu and begin your overland journey towards Chitwan in the southern Terai region of Nepal. The road descends from the Kathmandu Valley through winding hills, terraced farmland, and rural settlements before joining the main highway alongside the Trishuli River. As you continue towards the lowlands, the landscape gradually changes from mountain foothills to warmer subtropical plains.

Upon reaching the Meghauli area of Chitwan, check into your selected jungle lodge or wilderness resort. This quieter western section of the Chitwan region provides access to rural settlements, agricultural landscapes, and wildlife areas around Chitwan National Park. After check-in, enjoy lunch and some time to relax in the natural surroundings of your accommodation.

In the late afternoon, visit a nearby Tharu village with your local guide. The Tharu are among the indigenous communities of Nepal’s Terai, with distinctive traditions, architecture, agricultural practices, music, and cuisine. Walking through the settlement allows you to observe traditional houses, household activities, and aspects of rural life. Depending on local arrangements, you may also experience traditional cultural performances or demonstrations.

In the evening, enjoy a Tharu-inspired dinner featuring regional specialties. Possible dishes include Chhichhar, a traditional rice preparation, local river fish, seasonal vegetables, and Ghonghi, freshwater snails prepared with local spices where available. These dishes offer a different culinary experience from the mountain and Kathmandu Valley food traditions.

Today’s Highlights

• Scenic overland journey from Kathmandu to Chitwan.

• Observe the changing landscapes along the Trishuli River corridor.

• Discover indigenous Tharu culture and rural lifestyles.

• Experience regional Terai cuisine and traditional dishes.

Begin the day with an early morning excursion along the Rapti River, where you can experience the quiet atmosphere of Chitwan’s river ecosystem. Depending on current park regulations and operating conditions, you may take a traditional dugout canoe ride to observe aquatic habitats and search for crocodiles along the riverbanks. The area is known for the endangered gharial and the mugger crocodile, both important species within Nepal’s lowland river ecosystems.

After breakfast, continue your wildlife exploration with a guided jeep safari inside the permitted areas of Chitwan National Park. Established in 1973 and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park protects an important landscape of sal forests, grasslands, wetlands, and riverine habitats. It is particularly famous for the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros, Bengal Tiger, wild elephants, sloth bears, and several species of deer.

During the safari, your naturalist guide helps identify animal tracks, bird species, and other signs of wildlife activity. Sightings depend on season, weather, vegetation, and animal movement, so observing a tiger or other elusive species cannot be guaranteed. Chitwan is also an excellent destination for birdwatching, with numerous resident and migratory bird species.

Return to your lodge for meals and relaxation between scheduled activities. The evening can be spent enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the resort or learning more about the park’s conservation efforts and local wildlife.

Today’s Highlights

• Early morning Naryani River excursion, subject to availability.

• Guided jeep safari in Chitwan National Park.

• Search for the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros.

• Explore subtropical forests, grasslands, and wetlands.

• Birdwatching and introduction to wildlife conservation.

After breakfast, leave the subtropical lowlands of Chitwan and begin your scenic drive northwest towards Pokhara. The route follows the highway through the river valleys and rolling hills of central Nepal, passing agricultural settlements, roadside markets, and green landscapes. As you gradually approach Pokhara, the surrounding hills become more prominent, with the Annapurna Himalayan region forming the backdrop in clear weather.

Upon arrival in Pokhara, check into your hotel around the Lakeside area. Located beside Phewa Lake, Pokhara is one of Nepal’s most popular tourism destinations, known for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful natural surroundings, and views of the Annapurna range. After some time to refresh, take an evening walk along Lakeside Road, where you can explore local shops, cafés, restaurants, and the lakeshore.

The main culinary experience of the day is a traditional Thakali Khana dinner. The Thakali people originate from the Mustang region of Nepal, particularly the Kali Gandaki Valley, and their cuisine is well known for its balanced flavors and distinctive preparation methods.

Enjoy a traditional Thakali set featuring steamed rice or Dhindo, lentil soup, seasonal vegetables, potatoes, pickles, and local spices. Depending on the restaurant, you may also sample Kalo Dal, Kanchemba, and Timur-flavored tomato achar. This meal provides an excellent introduction to one of Nepal’s most recognized regional food traditions.

Today’s Highlights

• Scenic drive from Chitwan to Pokhara.

• Evening exploration with street food of Pokhara Lakeside.

• Traditional Thakali Khana dining experience.

Begin your morning in Pokhara with an early opportunity to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere around Phewa Lake. If weather conditions are clear, the surrounding Annapurna Himalayan range and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) provide an impressive natural backdrop. Travelers interested in sunrise photography can arrange an early excursion to a suitable viewpoint, such as Sarangkot, subject to weather and transport arrangements.

After breakfast, continue your culinary exploration with traditional Nepali snacks. One popular option is Sel Roti, a ring-shaped rice-flour bread with a lightly sweet flavor and crisp exterior. It is commonly enjoyed with tea or savory accompaniments such as chickpea curry. Local bakeries and food stalls around Pokhara also offer opportunities to explore other regional snacks and everyday Nepali food.

The afternoon is intentionally kept flexible, allowing you to enjoy Pokhara at your own pace. You may take a peaceful boat ride across Phewa Lake, visit the lakeside markets, explore local handicraft shops, or arrange an excursion to the World Peace Pagoda. The pagoda is located on a hill overlooking the lake and offers broad views of Pokhara Valley and the surrounding mountains on clear days.

Alternatively, you can spend the afternoon relaxing at your hotel or enjoying the cafés and restaurants around Lakeside. This leisure day provides a comfortable break after the road journeys and wildlife activities before your departure from Nepal.

Today’s Highlights

• Optional early morning mountain-view excursion to Sarangkot

• Taste traditional Sel Roti and local Nepali snacks.

• Optional boating experience on Phewa Lake.

• Visit the World Peace Pagoda, if desired.

• Leisure time around Pokhara Lakeside.

After breakfast, enjoy your final morning in Pokhara before transferring to Pokhara International Airport for your domestic flight to Kathmandu. The flight offers a convenient alternative to the longer overland journey and, on clear days, provides beautiful aerial views of Nepal’s hills, valleys, and Himalayan landscapes.

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport’s domestic terminal in Kathmandu, collect your luggage and transfer to the international departure terminal for your onward international flight. Your representative can assist with the airport transfer arrangements and provide guidance for the departure process.

If your international flight is scheduled later in the day, you may have time to enjoy a final cup of Nepali tea or purchase local souvenirs, subject to the available connection time. However, domestic flights in Nepal can be affected by weather conditions, operational delays, and seasonal flight disruptions. It is therefore important to maintain sufficient time between your domestic arrival and international departure.

Your nine-day Nepal culinary and cultural journey concludes with memories of Kathmandu’s ancient heritage, the distinctive flavors of Newari and Himalayan cuisine, the wildlife and indigenous culture of Chitwan, and the beautiful lakeside setting of Pokhara.

We recommend arranging the international departure with an adequate connection buffer or staying overnight in Kathmandu if the onward flight schedule is tight.

Today’s Highlights

• Scenic domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

• Aerial views of Nepal’s Himalayan and hill landscapes, weather permitting.

• Assistance with the international airport transfer.

• Conclusion of your Nepal culinary and cultural experience.