12 Days Tour in Nepal

On this Nepal tour, you’ll explore Kathmandu with its temples and old palace squares, then go to Nagarkot for sunrise views. You’ll visit Nuwakot, a peaceful historic town, then head to Pokhara, the cleanest city in Nepal, surrounded by mountains. Then the trip ends in Chitwan, where you experience jungle life and spot wildlife up close.

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is packed with history, ancient temples, and busy streets that feel like organized chaos. You’ll visit places like Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath, and the old palace squares in Patan. The city might feel loud and crowded at first, but the mix of culture and tradition makes it unforgettable.

Key Attractions: Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Garden of Dreams, and Kumari Ghar.

Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur takes you back in time with its narrow lanes and old buildings full of history. At the center is Durbar Square, where the 55-window palace and the bright golden gate catch your eye. The tall Nyatapola Temple stands strong above the square, while the stone Vatsala Temple adds to the city’s old-world feel. Nearby, there are Pottery Square where you can try making your own pottery as well. The slow pace and deep traditions make Bhaktapur a special place to visit.

Key Attractions: Bhaktapur Durbar Square, 55-Window Palace, Golden Gate, Nyatapola Temple, Vatsala Temple, Pottery Square.

Nagarkot

Similarly, Nagarkot is a quiet hill station just a short drive from the city. People go there mainly for the mountain views and sunrises, and a short hike for nature admiration. On a clear day, you can even catch a distant glimpse of majestic Mount Everest from here. It’s peaceful, with cool air and a slower pace that feels like a break from the city buzz.

Key Attractions: Nagarkot View Tower, Sunrise & Sunset Views, Nagarkot Nature Trail, Himalayan Views, and Traditional Villages.

Nuwakot

Next, you visit Nuwakot, also known as the “City of Nine Hills”. It’s located on a ridge overlooking the Trisuli and Tadi Rivers. This place is home to the Nuwakot Durbar, or fort palace, located on a hill. King Prithvi Narayan Shah used it as a strategic base to take over the Kathmandu Valley. The cultural lodge here is simple, peaceful, and cozy, set amidst green hills. It has that old medieval town vibe that is calm and grounding.

Key Attractions: Nuwakot Durbar, Bhairabi Temple, Trisuli River Views, Local Village Walks, and Rural Architecture.

Pokhara

Then you go to Pokhara, where things get more relaxed. It’s all about the lakeside views, mountain backdrops, and taking it easy. You can boat on Phewa Lake, explore caves and waterfalls, or just chill at a cafe. The most important highlight in Pokhara is the sunrise from Sarangkot hill. You can reach the top within 1 or 1.5 hours on a short hike from the lakeside, all while enjoying photo shoots and rests in between.

Key Attractions: Phewa Lake, Sarangkot Sunrise, Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, International Mountain Museum, Bindhyabasini Temple, and World Peace Pagoda.

Chitwan

At last, Chitwan flips the vibe completely. It is warm, flat, and filled with jungle. You’ll go on safari rides, maybe see rhinos, deer, or even a tiger if you’re lucky. There’s also canoeing, bird watching, and cultural dances in the evening. It’s a fun, wild contrast to the mountains. The Tharu villages nearby give you a peek into local life, showcasing the rich culture of the Nepalese people. Spending time here feels more like an adventure than a tour.

Key Attractions: Chitwan National Park, Jungle Safari, Elephant Breeding Centre, Tharu Cultural Show, Canoe Ride, Bird Watching, and Tharu Village Visit.

During this 12-day tour across Nepal, you’ll get to experience a mix of cultural sites, light hiking, nature, and wildlife, all without needing to be super athletic. The activities aren’t just limited to the cities either; every stop offers something new to do, see, or try. Whether you’re into views, temples, local life, or jungle vibes, this tour has a bit of everything.

• Easy hikes and village walks in Sarangkot, Naudanda, Nagarkot, and Nuwakot
• Sightseeing at historical squares, temples, and palaces in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur
• Boating on Phewa Lake to reach Barahi Temple in the middle of the water
• Cave exploring in Pokhara: Mahendra Cave, Bat Cave, and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave
• Watching sunrise and sunset views from Nagarkot and Sarangkot
• Jungle safari in Chitwan National Park by jeep or canoe
• Birdwatching and visiting the Elephant Breeding Center in Chitwan
• Cultural Tharu dance show in the evening
• Souvenir shopping and food tasting in local markets
• Photography spots everywhere, like mountains, temples, rivers, and village life

This tour balances perfectly between adventure and relaxation.

Yes, you can absolutely add other places to this Nepal tour if you have more days or want to explore different parts of the country. The 12-day plan already covers major highlights like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and hill towns like Nagarkot and Nuwakot, so you’re getting a good mix of culture, views, and nature. But if you’re into history, religion, or want to see something less touristy, there are great options to add.

Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, is perfect if you’re into peaceful, spiritual places. If you want more time in the hills, places like Bandipur or Tansen are great for relaxed village vibes and scenery. You can also go for short treks near Pokhara like Ghandruk, Dhampus, or Australian Camp, which give you real mountain experiences without needing a long trekking itinerary. Tour operators can help you customize everything based on your pace and interests.

Yes, this type of Nepal tour is possible throughout the year, which is one of its best features. Since it doesn’t involve high-altitude trekking, you don’t need to worry much about harsh weather. The best times are usually spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), as the weather is pleasant and the skies are mostly clear, offering great views and fewer travel disruptions. These months are also ideal for activities like boating, hiking, and sightseeing.

Winter (December to February) can be cold, especially in Nagarkot or Nuwakot, but it’s still very doable, and it’s less crowded. Chitwan stays warmer even in winter, so the jungle part of your tour is still enjoyable. Monsoon season (June to August) brings rain and clouds, mostly in Pokhara and the Terai, which may affect mountain views, but if you’re okay with that, it’s quieter and cheaper. So yes, you can visit anytime, just plan according to what kind of weather and crowd level you’re comfortable with.

In 2025, we charge $1,130 per person for the 12-day tour of Nepal. However, traveling in a group can always save you a good chunk of money, and Nepal is no exception. The cost per person decreases as the group size increases, as expenses such as transportation, guide, and accommodation are shared among more people.

Note: These prices usually include accommodation, local transport, entrance fees, guide services, and most meals. Flights, insurance, and personal expenses are extra.

Throughout the 12-day tour, you’ll be staying in hand-picked lodges and hotels that are clean, comfy, and full of local character. Some are family-run guest or tea houses, while others are boutique lodges tucked away in quiet corners. But all of them have warm beds, private rooms, and hot showers (yes, even in the hills). Places like Sarangkot or Nuwakot offer peaceful stays surrounded by nature, while your hotels in Kathmandu or Pokhara are closer to town life with cafes, shops, and wi-fi at your fingertips.

As for food, don’t worry, it’s not just dal bhat every day, unless you want it. Most lodges serve fresh, locally sourced meals, and you’ll usually get a menu to choose from, like fried rice, pancakes, soups, momos, noodles, and pasta. Some spots like Nagarkot and Nuwakot serve organic vegetables straight from their own gardens. It’s simple but tasty, and there’s always hot tea, coffee, or something cold to go with it. You won’t stay hungry for sure, but if you’re picky, carrying a few snacks is never a bad idea.