9 Days Best Nepal Tour Overview
Best Nepal Tour leads main touristic cities related with history, culture, tradition, wildlife, sunrise tour and Nepalese lifestyles. Nepal is located between the towering peaks of the Himalayas and the lush landscapes of the Indian plains, Nepal is a country of immense natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Known worldwide as the home of Mount Everest and the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Nepal is a travel destination that offers something for every kind of traveler—be it adventure, spirituality, or a deep dive into history and culture. This tour package takes you on a journey through the best tour of Nepal, focusing on four of its most captivating destinations: Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara Valley, Chitwan National Park, and Nagarkot.
Kathmandu Valley: The Cultural and Historical Heart of Nepal
- Kathmandu City: A Symphony of Ancient and Modern
Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is often the first stop for travelers arriving in the country. This city, which is a melting pot of cultures, religions, and traditions, is known for its rich history and vibrant energy. The city’s chaotic streets, teeming with life, contrast sharply with the serene courtyards of its ancient temples and palaces.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: At the heart of the city lies the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the royal palace of the Malla kings. The square is surrounded by numerous temples, shrines, and statues, each with intricate carvings and designs that reflect the rich artistic heritage of Nepal. Here, you can explore the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the residence of Nepalese royalty until the 19th century, and the Kumari Ghar, the home of the living goddess, Kumari.
Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): Perched atop a hill overlooking the city, the Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple due to the large population of monkeys that live there, is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal. The stupa, with its iconic eyes of Buddha, symbolizes enlightenment and is surrounded by a mix of small shrines, statues, and prayer wheels. The panoramic view of Kathmandu from this vantage point is simply breathtaking, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Pashupatinath Temple: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pashupatinath Temple is the most important Hindu temple in Nepal, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located on the banks of the Bagmati River, the temple complex is a sprawling collection of temples, ashrams, and inscriptions dating back centuries. The ghats along the river are used for cremation ceremonies, which visitors can respectfully observe, offering a unique insight into Hindu rituals and beliefs.
Boudhanath Stupa: One of the largest stupas in the world, Boudhanath is the center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu and an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. The stupa’s massive mandala and its all-seeing eyes are iconic symbols of Buddhism. The area around Boudhanath is filled with monasteries, shops selling Tibetan crafts, and cafes where you can relax and absorb the spiritual atmosphere.
Patan and Bhaktapur: The Jewel Cities of the Valley
Beyond Kathmandu, the valley is home to two other ancient cities, Patan and Bhaktapur, each with its own unique charm and cultural significance.
Patan (Lalitpur): Just across the Bagmati River from Kathmandu lies Patan, also known as Lalitpur, meaning “City of Beauty.” Patan is renowned for its stunning Durbar Square, which is less crowded and more intimate than its counterpart in Kathmandu. The square is home to the magnificent Patan Museum, housed in a former palace, which displays a rich collection of artifacts related to Nepalese art, particularly metalwork. The city is also known for its traditional crafts, and you can visit local workshops to see artisans at work.
Bhaktapur: Often referred to as the “Living Museum,” Bhaktapur is a beautifully preserved medieval city that feels like stepping back in time. Its Durbar Square is a masterpiece of architecture and art, with temples and statues that reflect the height of Newari craftsmanship. The city is famous for its pottery, and visitors can try their hand at creating traditional pottery in one of the many workshops. Bhaktapur is also known for its unique festivals, such as the Bisket Jatra, which is celebrated with much fervor and color.
Pokhara Valley: A Gateway to Adventure and Natural Beauty
After exploring the cultural richness of the Kathmandu Valley, the journey continues to Pokhara, a city that offers a stunning contrast with its natural beauty and tranquil surroundings. Pokhara, often called the “Gateway to the Himalayas,” is the starting point for many of Nepal’s famous trekking routes, including the Annapurna Circuit.
- Phewa Lake: A Serene Retreat
The centerpiece of Pokhara is undoubtedly Phewa Lake, a serene body of water surrounded by lush hills and overlooked by the towering peaks of the Annapurna range. The lake offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, and renting a boat to paddle across its calm waters is a must-do activity. In the middle of the lake lies Tal Barahi Temple, a small pagoda-style temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. The temple is accessible only by boat, adding to the sense of tranquility and mystique.
- Sarangkot: A View Like No Other
For those seeking breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas, a trip to Sarangkot is essential. This hilltop offers one of the best sunrise views in Nepal, where the first rays of the sun illuminate the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna range, including the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain). Sarangkot is also a popular spot for paragliding, offering an exhilarating way to experience the beauty of the landscape from above.
- Devi’s Fall and Gupteshwor Cave: Natural Wonders of Pokhara
A short drive from the city center brings you to Devi’s Fall, a unique waterfall where the water from Phewa Lake disappears into an underground tunnel. This natural phenomenon is especially impressive during the monsoon season when the waterfall is at its most powerful. Just across the road from Devi’s Fall is Gupteshwor Cave, one of the longest caves in Nepal, which houses a sacred Shiva lingam deep inside. The cave is a fascinating place to explore, with its narrow passages and underground formations.
- World Peace Pagoda: A Symbol of Tranquility
The World Peace Pagoda, also known as Shanti Stupa, is a symbol of peace and unity, built by Buddhist monks from Japan. Located on a ridge overlooking Phewa Lake, the pagoda offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range, the lake, and the city of Pokhara. The hike to the pagoda is relatively easy and takes you through lush forests, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful retreat and meditation.
Chitwan National Park: A Wildlife Adventure in the Jungle
From the cool, serene valleys of Pokhara, the journey takes a turn to the subtropical lowlands of southern Nepal, where Chitwan National Park offers a completely different kind of adventure. As Nepal’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chitwan is a haven for wildlife and nature lovers.
- Jungle Safari: A Glimpse of the Wild
Chitwan National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, and a jungle safari is the best way to experience it. The park is home to over 700 species of wildlife, including endangered species such as the one-horned rhinoceros and the Bengal tiger. Visitors can explore the park on a jeep safari or an elephant-back safari, both of which offer excellent opportunities to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. The dense forests, grasslands, and wetlands of Chitwan are teeming with life, making every safari a thrilling adventure.
- Canoeing and Bird Watching: A Riverine Experience
The park’s numerous rivers and lakes are perfect for a canoe ride, where you can glide along the waters while spotting crocodiles basking on the riverbanks and a variety of bird species. Chitwan is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 500 species of birds, including the endangered Bengal florican, the giant hornbill, and the paradise flycatcher. The early morning is the best time for bird watching, as the park comes alive with the sounds of the jungle.
- Tharu Culture: A Glimpse into Indigenous Life
The indigenous Tharu people have lived in the Chitwan region for centuries, and their culture is deeply intertwined with the environment. A visit to a Tharu village offers a unique opportunity to learn about their way of life, traditions, and customs. You can explore their traditional mud houses, learn about their farming practices, and enjoy a cultural performance featuring traditional Tharu music and dance. The Tharu stick dance, performed by men wielding long sticks, is a highlight and a testament to their martial traditions.
Nagarkot: A Himalayan Panorama
To conclude the tour, we return to the hills of the Kathmandu Valley, to the quiet and scenic town of Nagarkot. Located just 32 kilometers from Kathmandu, Nagarkot is famous for its stunning views of the Himalayas and is a popular destination for those looking to escape the city for a few days of peace and tranquility.