Overview
This Golden Triangle Nepal tour links the country's three most popular destinations over six relaxed days: the jungle of Chitwan, the lakes of Pokhara and the heritage of the Kathmandu Valley. You start among the temples and stupas of the Kathmandu Valley, head into the subtropical forests of Chitwan National Park for safaris and river trips, then move on to Pokhara for mountain viewpoints and lakeside calm before the drive back to Kathmandu. It is a gentle, varied itinerary that mixes wildlife, scenery and culture, which makes it a favourite for families and first-time visitors who want to see the best of Nepal without trekking.
The itinerary
- Pickup from your Kathmandu hotel with your licensed guide
- Explore Patan Durbar Square and its Newari architecture
- Visit the great stupa of Boudhanath
- Finish at the sacred temple of Pashupatinath, then back to your hotel
- Overnight in Kathmandu
- Scenic drive from Kathmandu south to Chitwan through hills and river valleys
- Check in to your jungle resort near Chitwan National Park
- Relax in the tropical surroundings
- Overnight in Chitwan
- Canoe ride on the Rapti River after breakfast, watching for crocodiles and birds
- Guided jungle walk with a park-certified guide
- Jeep safari after lunch in search of one-horned rhino, deer and other wildlife
- Overnight in Chitwan
- Visit the Elephant Breeding Centre before leaving Chitwan
- Scenic drive alongside rivers and green hills to Pokhara
- Check in, then free time near the Lakeside
- Overnight in Pokhara
- Early drive to Sarangkot for sunrise over the Annapurna range
- Visit Gupteshwor Cave
- Continue to the World Peace Pagoda for valley views
- See the hilltop Shiva statue at Pumdikot
- Overnight in Pokhara
- Scenic drive back to Kathmandu along mountain highways and river valleys after breakfast
- Drop-off at your Kathmandu hotel
- End of the trip
What the price covers
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Things to carry
- Light, neutral clothing for the jungle
- A warm layer for early mornings and viewpoints
- Insect repellent and sun protection
- Comfortable shoes and modest temple clothing
- Binoculars and a camera
Good to know
The classic circuit of Nepal
The Golden Triangle is the classic first trip to Nepal: three very different places, jungle, lake and temple city, joined into one easy circuit. Over six days this tour takes you from the living heritage of the Kathmandu Valley to the wildlife of Chitwan National Park and the mountain views and calm of Pokhara, all without a single day of trekking. It is the most complete way to see the country's variety in under a week.
What the Golden Triangle Nepal tour covers
Over six days you start with a guided day among the Kathmandu Valley's temples and squares, drive south to Chitwan for two nights of safaris and river trips, continue to Pokhara for its lakes and viewpoints, and drive back to Kathmandu, where we drop you at your hotel. The days mix wildlife, scenery and culture, with comfortable hotels and a guide on the sightseeing days, and some of the longer drives can be swapped for a domestic flight if you prefer. For a fuller day among the valley's monuments, our seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites day tour covers the main sites in one go.
Chitwan and its wildlife
Chitwan National Park, in the subtropical lowlands, is one of the best places in Asia to see wildlife on foot and from a jeep. Over two days you take a dawn canoe on the Rapti River, walk the forest with a park-certified guide and drive deep into the park in search of one-horned rhino, deer and the many birds that live here. It is a genuine wilderness experience, and a complete change from the hills and cities.
Pokhara and Kathmandu
From the jungle the tour climbs back into the hills to Pokhara, the lake city under the Annapurna range, with its sunrise viewpoint at Sarangkot, caves and hilltop shrines. From there the road takes you back to Kathmandu, where the tour began among the royal squares and great stupas that make the valley one of the richest heritage areas in Asia. If you would like to add an easy walk with mountain views, our Bandipur, Pokhara and Kathmandu tour follows a similar hill-and-valley route with a night in old Bandipur.
Who it suits and good to know
This tour is ideal for families, couples and first-time visitors who want variety and comfort rather than a challenge. Expect easy days, scenic drives and a real mix of nature and culture. October to March is the best season, especially for Chitwan's wildlife and the mountain views. There is no trekking or altitude to prepare for, just neutral clothing for the jungle, a warm layer for the viewpoints and modest dress for the temples. Tell us your dates and starting point and we will tailor the tour to you.
