Nepal Countryside Tour with Homestays

After your arrival in Kathmandu, our representative will meet and greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.

(We can begin our sightseeing this day if you have an early arrival and are fresh enough to start)

Full day sightseeing of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Bouddhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Bouddhanath, built in the 14th century is the world’s largest stupa and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist Temple outside Tibet. It is the center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu with rich Buddhist symbolism, Buddhist architecture and a site of great veneration for Buddhists. Today, it remains an important place of pilgrimage and meditation for Tibetan Buddhists and local Nepalis.

Pashupatinath Temple the largest temple complex in Nepal is one of the four most important religious sites for devotees of God Shiva. Built in the 5th century and later renovated, its main pagoda style temple has a gilded roof, four sides covered in silver and exquisite wood carvings.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square in the medieval city of Bhaktapur with its ancient temples, monuments and palaces are magnificent examples of Newari craftsmanship with their beautiful carved wooden windows and latticework. Their people are still renowned for their pottery and hand woven fabrics, including the traditional local red and black saris.

Overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu.

Bandipur is an old Newari town on top of a hill that overlooks the magnificent Marshyangdi Valley and boasts a breathtaking view of the Himalayan range. The town is a well preserved cultural site and lies on the old trading route from Nepal to Tibet which used to be a rest stop for traders

Drive to Bandipur (4.5 hrs) through views of the scenic countryside. On arrival, we check-in to our hotel, rest for a while and start a late afternoon cultural walk around the old Bandipur town. It is an interesting walk to a stone carved water spout called “Tindhara” where locals through ages have come to collect water, bathe and wash. To “Tudikhel”, a former parade ground, now a scenic vista and also a junction point of socialization for the commons and to "Thanimai" Temple, a revered religious site and do Puja (ritual) like the locals. And finally walk to Martyrs Tower to see the amazing sunset overlooking the hilly landscape as the glistening sun-rays recede from the mighty mountains.

We walk back on the stone paved path in between the local houses to Hotel Gaunghar, an old residence renovated into a heritage hotel. Living in the old residence truly makes you experience the local Newari culture at all times during your stay.

After breakfast, we drive towards Pokhara along the Marshyangdi River. Upon arrival, we are rewarded with magnificent closeup views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Machhapuchhre, two of which are over 8000 meters. We check-in to our hotel, relax for a bit and head for boating in Phewa Lake. We also experience prayer ceremonies in the Barahi temple in the middle of the lake.

Pokhara occupies a broad fertile valley in Nepal’s central hills, south of the Annapurna Massif. Deep gorges created by the rivers, temples and monasteries of varied heritage, boating and photographing scenic reflections of the Annapurna mountains in Phewa lake and enjoying the famous Lakeside night-life market are the major attractions.

Phewa Lake The view of Machhapuchhre reflected in the lake, the Tal Barahi temple in the island middle of the lake, the white stupa on the top of a hill, the paragliders jumping from Sarangkot, the Ultra-light aircrafts soaring up high, all at once can be seized in the mild breeze over the lake.

We drive about 45 mins to Dhampus and walk up-to the viewpoint to soak in the spectacular up-close views of the highest mountains. We also explore the village’s unique architecture, culture, traditional living style and skills in local cuisine, drink-making, farming etc. Drive back to Pokhara.

Dhampus (1650 m) is a famous typical Nepali village which boasts unmatched vista of the entire Annapurna range, Fishtail, Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal and more which are all above 6900m to 8500m.

In the evening, we stroll around the popular lakeside market in Pokhara with its lively shopping street and restaurants. Overnight at your hotel in Pokhara.

After breakfast, we drive along a picturesque scenery of settlements and nature to Palpa. We check-in to our homestay, warmly welcomed by our hosts and take some rest. An afternoon visit to historic Tansen Palace, old Tansen bazaar (market) where we observing traditional Fabric Weaving and Water Jug Crafting skills still practised by smiths today. You will learn about the town’s interesting historical past and culture. We also drive a little further to visit Rani Mahal (Queen's Palace), a architectural wonder of ancient Nepal.

Palpa is a commercial center of west Nepal and a historically significant town. It has perhaps Nepal’s most far stretching views of the country’s Himalayas. It is famous for its crafts and textiles - the woven Dhaka cloth used for the iconic Dhaka topi, the hat that many Nepali men wear.

Rani Mahal is a historic palace with a captivating blend of Mughal and Victorian architectural styles, showcasing intricate designs and artwork. The palace holds historical significance and is associated with a tragic love story between an ancient king and queen.

In the evening, we dine with our host family, eating the same kind of delicious food they eat on a daily basis. They are happy to teach you Nepali cooking if you are interested. Overnight at your homestay in Palpa.

After breakfast, we drive 2.5 hours to Lumbini. It is a sacred place where Gautam Buddha, the apostle of peace, compassion, non-violence and universal brotherhood, was born in 624 B.C. After lunch, we begin sightseeing, where the focal point is Maya Devi Temple. We also explore its ancient monasteries, beautiful gardens and the serene atmosphere that fosters contemplation and spiritual reflection to those seeking to connect with Buddhism's roots and teachings.

Maya Devi Temple is the most famous monument which is about 2300 years old. It is the exact spot where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Prince Siddhartha.

Puskarni Pond is a famous sacred pond near the temple. It is believed that Maya Devi took a bath in this pond before delivery. This pond was recovered during the 1933-34 excavation.

Ashoka Pillar is the most important relic near the temple, first reported in 1895. This stone pillar was erected by King Ashoka who reigned India in 3 B.C and visited Lumbini Garden in 250 G.C. to pay homage to the birthplace of Buddha.

Overnight at your hotel in Lumbini.

After breakfast, we drive (3.5 hours) along the interesting Terai flatlands to Barauli Community Homestay in Chitwan. On arrival, you can relax and retreat in your cottage with the sight of goats scampering free or the buffalo chomping on their grass.

After some rest, you can enjoy a peaceful and local experience with Guided Village Walks from the Tharu women who will show you the important features of the village and then a bicycle ride along lush farmlands and local life to watch the sunset on the Narayani river enjoying drinks, also called  Sundowner Cycling! In the evening, you are welcomed by women dressed in their traditional Tharu gowns with a traditional Barauli dances and songs program. You are invited to join!

Overnight at Barauli Community Homestay.

After breakfast, we say goodbye to our local hosts and drive 1.5 hrs to Sauraha. We check-in to our hotel, rest for a bit and begin our program of jungle activities starting with a 1 hour long Canoe Ride along the river with a great to chance to see countless two different species of Crocodiles, Aquatic Birds, Fishes, Wild Elephants and other water and land based wildlife in the serene jungle atmosphere.

After lunch, we rest for a bit and begin Jeep Safari in the afternoon for about 2-3 hours to spot the vast animals and birds species. A highlight would be spotting one-horned rhinoceros: there are more than 600 of the enormous creatures in the park, thanks to successful conservation efforts. If you are lucky, you might see a tiger!

Chitwan National Park comprises 932 square kilometers of Sal and riverine jungle containing a greater variety of wildlife than any other area of Nepal. Over 500 species of birds have been recorded here, with many mammals, reptiles and insects. Mammals include the endangered Bengal Tiger, Indian Rhinoceros, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac, Spotted and Hog Deer, Rhesus and Hanuman Monkeys, while reptiles include Marsh Mugger Crocodile and the fish-eating Gharial. Leopards, Sloth Bears, and Gaur (wild bison) are all fairly common and occasionally seen by the lucky ones!

Overnight at your hotel in Chitwan.

After breakfast, we drive 5 hrs back to Kathmandu. It will be scenic drive with a chance to reflect on your amazing adventure in the countryside with lunch on the way. Free time in the evening to relax. You can walk around explore on your own. You can stroll around Thamel, a tourist hotspot famous for its restaurants, lively atmosphere, shopping, massage etc. if your hotel is nearby.

We also offer activities like cooking classes - to learn cooking traditional Newari dishes in our restaurant premises, and other activities if you are interested. Please check 'Experiential Tours' in the website to learn more.

Overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, full day sightseeing of Kathmandu’s most iconic and ancient UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Kathmandu Durbar Square is spread around the old royal palace of the former Kathmandu Kingdom and surrounded with spectacular architecture that vividly showcases the skills of the Newar artists and craftsmen over several centuries. It held palaces of kings in the past and surrounds quadrangles, revealing courtyards and many famous temples.

Swoyambhunath Stupa, is one of the holiest, oldest Buddhist stupas in Nepal overlooking and giving a panoramic view of the city. It has numerous shrines, temples, deities and monasteries on its premises standing out as a hallmark of faith and harmony among Buddhists and Hindus.

Patan Durbar Square is full of ancient palaces, temples, and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings, extravagant wooden and stone work. One can rummage for treasures and souvenirs in the various shops around the square. The main attractions here are the ancient Royal Palace, Krishna Temple, Mahaboudha Stupa, The museum etc..

Overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport and fly back home with great memories of Nepal.

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* Please send us an enquiry with your details for the price and further information.