Golden Triangle Nepal Tour (Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara)

Touchdown: land at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal's oldest airport, where a Relax Getaways representative greets you and whisks you to your hotel in a private luxury vehicle.

Settle in: check in to your hotel, rest and freshen up. At 1,400 metres, take it slow and let your body adjust.

Pre-trip meeting: meet your guide and fellow travellers for a briefing on the itinerary and safety essentials.

Following breakfast, your sightseeing excursion will commence with the assistance of a private vehicle and a professional tour guide. You will be taken to the following sites:

Swayambhunath Stupa (The Monkey Temple): Perched on a hillock on the western side of the valley, Swayambhunath offers panoramic views over Kathmandu. Also known as Samhengu, it is nicknamed the Monkey Temple for the many monkeys that roam its grounds.

Pashupatinath Temple: Located on the banks of the Bagmati River on Kathmandu's eastern outskirts, Pashupatinath is one of Nepal's holiest Hindu temples. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and draws devotees and visitors from across the region.

Boudhanath Stupa: One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the valley, Boudhanath is believed to date back to the 5th century. Its four pairs of Buddha's eyes watch over each cardinal direction, and Tibetan pilgrims can often be seen circling the stupa while spinning prayer wheels.

Patan Durbar Square: Located in the heart of Lalitpur, this square showcases the finest Newar architecture of the Malla era. Its temples, palaces, and courtyards are filled with intricate carvings and sculptures, making it a must-visit for lovers of history and architecture.

After breakfast in Kathmandu, set off on a scenic 5-6 hour drive (160 km) through hills, rural towns, and rivers, with a lunch stop en route to sample local cuisine. Arriving in Chitwan's warm, low-lying Terai region, check into your lodge, receive a safety orientation, and settle into the surroundings. The evening features dinner and an optional Tharu cultural program with traditional dance and music, followed by a restful night ahead of your jungle adventures—marking the transition from Kathmandu's mountains to Chitwan's lush plains.

Start with an early breakfast at your lodge and a briefing from your guide or naturalist, who will outline the day's plan and share tips about the park and its wildlife. The morning is spent on an elephant-back or jeep safari, a chance to spot rhinos, deer, monkeys, and, with luck, tigers. Elephant-back safaris offer a unique view of the dense jungle, while jeep safaris cover more ground.

After lunch and a rest at the lodge, away from the intense midday heat, the afternoon begins with a peaceful canoe ride on the Rapti River, where you can look for aquatic wildlife and birds. A guided jungle walk follows, offering a closer look at the park's plants and wildlife. In the late afternoon, visit the Elephant Breeding Center to learn about conservation efforts, or take a cultural village tour to discover the traditions of the local Tharu community.

The day ends with dinner at your lodge, where some lodges host talks on the park's biodiversity and conservation. Afterward, relax under Chitwan's clear skies and enjoy some stargazing.

Tips for Jungle Activities:

• Wear comfortable, earth-toned clothing to blend with the natural surroundings and comfortable walking shoes.

• Carry binoculars, a camera, insect repellent, and a hat.

• Stay quiet and follow your guide’s instructions during safaris and walks for safety and better chances of wildlife sightings.

• Stay hydrated, but carry a manageable amount of water to avoid frequent bathroom breaks during safaris.

• This exciting day in Chitwan National Park immerses you in the heart

• Nepal's wildlife and natural beauty, offering an unparalleled experience of the country's rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem.

After breakfast and check-out from your Chitwan lodge, enjoy a scenic 3-4 hour drive (150 km) through terraced fields, villages, and river valleys to Pokhara, with a lunch stop en route. Arriving beside serene Phewa Lake with the Annapurna range as a backdrop, check in and spend the afternoon exploring Lakeside—perhaps with a boat ride to Tal Barahi Temple. The evening offers dinner with lake and mountain views, followed by a relaxed night at Lakeside or your hotel, as the tour transitions from Chitwan's jungles to Pokhara's tranquil beauty.

The day begins before dawn with a trip to Sarangkot, a renowned viewpoint where the first light of the sun illuminates the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After returning to your hotel for breakfast and a short rest, you visit Bindhyabasini Temple, one of Pokhara's oldest, dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati and offering peaceful atmosphere and views over the area. Next come Davis Falls, where water drops into a deep, narrow canal, and the nearby Gupteshwor Cave, known for its limestone formations and a revered Shiva shrine.

After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy a boat ride on Phewa Lake, Nepal's second largest lake, with a stop at the island temple of Tal Barahi. Then hike or drive up to the World Peace Pagoda for panoramic views of the lake, the city, and the Himalayas. In the late afternoon, wander through the Old Bazaar, a traditional market area that gives a feel for local life.

The evening is free to stroll along the Lakeside promenade, lined with shops, cafes, and bars. Finish with dinner at a Lakeside restaurant, perhaps with live music, before returning to your hotel. Wear comfortable walking shoes, carry a light jacket for cool mornings and evenings, and bring your camera for Pokhara's natural and cultural sights.

After breakfast and check-out, retrace the scenic 5-6 hour drive (200 km) back to Kathmandu, with a lunch stop to enjoy local cuisine and reflect on your journey through Nepal's diverse landscapes. Arriving in the afternoon, check into your hotel and spend leisure time exploring Thamel for last-minute souvenirs and handicrafts. The evening features a farewell dinner celebrating your Golden Triangle journey, followed by a restful final night in Kathmandu ahead of your departure.

After a final breakfast, finish packing and double-check your travel documents before enjoying any remaining free time for last-minute shopping or relaxation in Kathmandu. Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport at least 2-3 hours before your flight, marking the end of your Golden Triangle Nepal Tour. As you depart, take with you the rich memories of Kathmandu's culture, Chitwan's wildlife, and Pokhara's natural beauty—a fitting farewell to an unforgettable journey through Nepal.