Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPART UK
You will depart the UK for the trip of a lifetime! If you have booked flights with us (option available for Bucket Lister + trips only), we’ll provide all the information you’ll need to meet your guide. If you are arranging your own flights, have a safe journey!
DAY 2: ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU
On arrival in Kathmandu you’ll make your way to the accommodation. If you have booked transfers through us, we’ll send you the details before your trip.
The rest of the day is spent at your leisure. You can either explore the sights of Kathmandu or simply relax and recuperate ready for an exciting trip ahead.
Special Information: Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today.
DAY 3: KATHMANDU - CITY TOUR OF BOUDANATH STUPA, PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE AND PATAN CITY
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will head off for a sightseeing tour. First, we will visit Boudanath Stupa, which is located around eight kilometres east of Kathmandu. Boudanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world and is considered to be the centre of Buddhism.
Next, we will continue to Pashupatinath Temple – the temple of Lord Shiva. We will marvel at its golden roof and impressive architecture, before visiting Patan Durbar Square. The highlight here is Krishna Mandir, a temple that was built in the seventeenth century, featuring 21 spires completely made of stone.
This is a fascinating day, full of ancient Nepali culture waiting to be discovered.
DAY 4: CITY TOUR OF KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE AND BHAKTAPUR CITY
Today is day two of our cultural experience in the enthralling city of Kathmandu. After breakfast, we begin the day by visiting the famous Durbar Square.
Laden with old temples and palaces, Durbar Square epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the Nepali people. There are countless interesting sites to explore here, including Nyatapola Temple, Taleju Temple, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Great Drums, and the Jagannath Temple.
We will then continue to visit Swoyambhunath Stupa. Sat atop a hillock, this is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal. There is then the option to extend the tour to visit Changunarayan Temple, which is located on the hilltop and is dedicated to Vishnu. According to a fifth-century stone inscription on the temple, the building is sixteen hundred years old!
After a full day of cultural immersion, we will return to Kathmandu, where you can visit local shops and restaurants for the evening.
DAY 5: FLY TO POKHARA AND CITY TOUR
This morning we will rise early to fly to Pokhara. After a short rest and quick showers at the hotel, we will begin our city tour of Pokhara.
Pokhara has a completely different energy to Kathmandu and is an entrancing city to visit. We will explore the serene shores of Phewa Lake, with its temple sitting right in the middle of the water. The water of the lake beautifully reflects the Annapurna range that sits behind it, and the colourful canoes that line the shores make for a very picturesque scene.
The lake can be explored in canoes, locally known as doongas, and you can also swim or fish in the waters if you so choose.
The evening will be at your leisure to explore the delights of Pokhara city. Make time to stop by the Women’s Skills Development Institute to browse their beautiful handicrafts, and sample some Nepalese food in a local restaurant.
DAY 6: DRIVE TO KANDE AND HIKE TO AUSTRALIAN CAMP (2100M)
We start our day with a drive to Kande (around 35 minutes). We drive through a large Tibetan camp at Hyanjha where local handicrafts can be purchased and the weaving of Tibetan carpets can be observed. Starting trekking from Kande, we start walking uphill to Australian Camp. This takes about 1.5 hours of easy walking up the stairs through the terraced rice field. Along the hike, you can see very impressive views of the Annapurna Range including Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiuchuli, Annapurna II and IV, and Lamjung.
Despite its name, Australian Camp is a large Gurung village, where there are several tea houses and lodge accommodations; we will overnight at a tea house.
DAY 7: HIKE TO DHAMPUS (1650M)
After breakfast, we’ll start the leisurely trek to Pothana, walking mostly uphill through cultivated fields and local villages. This scenic Gurung village is inhabited by a mix of people (Gurung, Brahman, and Magar communities) and it offers a spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges including the Annapurnas. After having lunch at Pothana we descend to Dhampus through a rhododendron forest; this is an easy and relaxing day.
DAY 8: DESCEND TO PHEDI AND DRIVE TO CHITWAN
We will take a short hike to the famous Chitwan National Park where many protected species live, including the Bengal tiger and the greater one-horned rhinoceros. We will spend three days at the edge of the Chitwan Park National Park. During your stay, you will have the option of a spectacular safari through the jungle with metre-high grass, in search of rhinos and crocodiles.
DAY 9: CHITWAN – JUNGLE ACTIVITIES
After breakfast, your adventure holiday continues with canoeing in the Rapti River where you can see gharial, then a visit to the elephant breeding centre. After lunch, we’ll proceed to the jungle for a guided safari where you’ll see animals such as greater one-horned rhinos and antelope.
DAY 10: CHITWAN – KATHMANDU
After an early jungle walk and breakfast at the lodge, we transfer to Bharatpur Airport in Chitwan and fly to Kathmandu. Following the transfer to the hotel, you will have free time to go shopping on your own.
DAY 11: EXPLORING THAMEL
Today is a free day to explore Kathmandu at your leisure.
Head back to Durbar Square to soak up the historical atmosphere of the city, wander through the busy streets of Thamel in search of a bargain, or visit local stupas – whatever you choose to do, make the most of your last day in Nepal.
In the evening we will have a farewell dinner at one of the top Nepali restaurants.
DAY 12: FLY BACK TO UK
This marks the end of our Nepali adventure.
Food & Accommodation
- Day 1 FlightBreakfast
Lunch Dinner - Day 2 3* Hotel - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 3 3* Hotel - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 4 3* Hotel - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 5 Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 6 O/N at Lodge/Tea houseBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 7 O/N at Lodge/Tea houseBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 8 Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 9 Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 10 3* Hotel - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 11 3* Hotel - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 12 FlightBreakfast Lunch Dinner
What’s the Food Like in Nepal?
Nepali food is simple, comforting and full of flavour, with meals built around fresh ingredients and warming spices. The national staple is dal bhat — a generous plate of rice, lentil soup, seasonal vegetables and pickles — and you’ll quickly understand why locals say “dal bhat power, 24 hour.” It’s hearty, nutritious and perfect fuel for days of exploring.
You’ll also enjoy plenty of momos (Nepali dumplings filled with meat or vegetables), noodle dishes like chow mein, and lightly spiced curries influenced by both Indian and Tibetan cuisine. In cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara, restaurants offer a wide range of international options too, so there’s always something familiar if you fancy a change.
Vegetarian food is widely available, meals can be adapted to different spice tolerances, and your guides will help you choose safe, tasty options throughout the trip — whether you’re eating in local teahouses, family-run restaurants or city cafés.
How Difficult Is It?
How Difficult Is The Best of Nepal?
The Best of Nepal adventure is designed to be easy to moderate in activity level, making it a great choice if you want to experience Nepal’s landscapes, culture and wildlife without extreme trekking or technical challenges. There’s a mix of walking, sightseeing and light adventure, but nothing requires specialist fitness or mountaineering skills.
Most days involve gentle walking over a variety of terrain, from city streets and temple complexes to village paths and forest trails. You’ll explore bustling markets in Kathmandu, wander around Pokhara and Phewa Lake, and enjoy short walks through rhododendron forests and rural communities. Distances covered on foot are typically manageable, and there are plenty of opportunities to rest, take photos and enjoy the scenery.
Some activities, such as the canoe safari on the Rapti River, guided village walks and wildlife spotting in Chitwan National Park, involve uneven ground and natural surfaces — but these are short, well-supported experiences rather than strenuous hikes. If you’re comfortable walking a few kilometres a day at a steady pace and are happy to be on your feet for a couple of hours at a time, you’ll find this trip very doable and rewarding.
What's Included?
What’s Included on the Best of Nepal
From bustling cities to tranquil lakes and jungle landscapes, this trip has been carefully designed so you can experience Nepal without worrying about the logistics. Once you arrive, we’ve got the details covered.
- All transport within Nepal as outlined in the itinerary (this excludes international airport arrival & departure transfers – unless added to your booking, or if you have added Group Flights to a BL+ trips)
- Internal flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and Chitwan to Kathmandu
- Accommodation throughout in comfortable hotels and lodges
- Selected additional meals as outlined in the itinerary
- All guided sightseeing and cultural experiences listed in the itinerary
- Jungle activities in Chitwan National Park, including safari experiences
- All entrance fees for included attractions and national parks
- Experienced local guides and support staff throughout
- Support from The Bucket List Company team before and during your trip
- Access to the Vamoos app with full itinerary, packing lists and key trip info
- UK Bucket List Company Leader on all BL+ departures
What's Not Included?
What’s not Included on the Best of Nepal
Some costs are best kept flexible, allowing you to travel in a way that suits you.
International flights
Flights to and from Nepal are not included in the base trip cost. These can be added on Bucket Lister Plus trips if you’d like us to arrange everything for you.
Airport Arrival & Departure transfersThese are excluded from the base cost of your trip but can be added to your booking. If you are booking Group Flights with us on a BL+ trip, then these transfers are included automatically.
Travel insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory. It must also cover adventure travel and wildlife activities.
Visas
Visa fees (if applicable) are not included.
Meals not listed
Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
Personal expenses
Souvenirs, snacks, drinks, laundry and any optional activities not listed.
Tips
Tips are not included – trip-specific guidance will be provided.
UK Leaders on BL Trips
BL trips will not have a UK Bucket List Company Leader present.
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to enter Nepal?
Because entry requirements can and do change, and because we have clients of many nationalities, we always recommend checking this with your own government’s website. Be sure to allow enough time to apply for any visas or permits required; don’t leave your checks until the day before!
What vaccinations do I need?
These change, so it is important that you check with either a travel health clinic or your doctor’s surgery. You should allow plenty of time for this process, as some vaccines need multiple doses. The TravelHealthPro website is another useful source of information – https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries
How can I avoid roaming charges but still use my phone?
Your mobile provider might have reasonably-priced roaming add-ons, so it is worth exploring these. Or you could buy an eSim; these are often much cheaper than add-ons and are easy to activate and use. See our article for more information – https://thebucketlistcompany.co.uk/unlock-seamless-connectivity-with-esims-the-ultimate-travel-companion/
How do the monthly payments work?
If you choose to pay for your trip monthly your payment plan will start the month after your booking is made, and will end a minimum of 28 days prior to departure. After deposit, the outstanding balance will be divided by the number of months available and we’ll charge this amount each month to the card of your choice. If you have a preferred date of the month for payments to be taken just let us know. If at a later date you wish to add an extra experience to your trip we can modifiy your payment plan to accommodate this.
Can you cater for different diets?
When you book you will receive a link to your portal, where you can fill in your passenger information, including dietary and medical requirements. These will be shared with our guides and providers (including airlines if you have also booked flights). Please provide this information as quickly as possible, so we can make any necessary arrangements for you.
Whilst we do our utmost to ensure your needs are met, in some locations options for very specific diets may be extremely limited; we therefore suggest bringing some suitable snacks.
If you have a severe food allergy please ensure you carry your medication at all times, and that we are made aware. We will pass this information on, but a conversation with your in-country guide on arrival will help them give you the best possible guidance regarding suitability or otherwise of foods.
If you have specific concerns we always suggest contacting us to discuss before booking.
Can I drink the tap water?
No; we would also recommend you use treated/bottled water for teeth brushing.
