The complete four-region Nepal journey
Nepal in Depth: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan & Lumbini
For travellers with more time — a thorough journey through all four of Shakurma's core regions, including the Buddhist heritage of Lumbini.
Who this suits
Travellers with under two weeks who want to properly cover Nepal's four core regions rather than rush through them, including Lumbini's Buddhist heritage sites.
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu
Private airport pickup and transfer; relaxed first evening.
Overnight: Kathmandu - 2
Day 2: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath & Boudhanath
A full heritage and sacred-sites day with a Newari lunch.
Overnight: Kathmandu - 3
Day 3: Pashupatinath & Patan, then Nagarkot
Morning at Pashupatinath and Patan Durbar Square, afternoon transfer up to Nagarkot for mountain views.
Overnight: Nagarkot - 4
Day 4: Nagarkot sunrise, then fly to Pokhara
An early Himalayan sunrise from Nagarkot, then transfer to Kathmandu airport for a short flight to Pokhara.
Overnight: Pokhara - 5
Day 5: Sarangkot sunrise & lakeside Pokhara
Sarangkot at dawn, then Phewa Lake, Tal Barahi Temple and the World Peace Pagoda.
Overnight: Pokhara - 6
Day 6: Short Annapurna foothill walk
An optional day walk to Australian Camp or Dhampus for close mountain views without a multi-day trek commitment.
Overnight: Pokhara - 7
Day 7: Free day / adventure activities
Choose from paragliding, boating, a cooking experience, or simply resting lakeside.
Overnight: Pokhara - 8
Day 8: Drive to Chitwan
Scenic drive to Chitwan with an afternoon orientation walk.
Overnight: Chitwan - 9
Day 9: Chitwan National Park
Jeep safari, canoe excursion and a Tharu cultural evening.
Overnight: Chitwan - 10
Day 10: Drive to Lumbini
Morning birdwatching, then transfer to Lumbini, arriving in time for an introductory visit to the Sacred Garden.
Overnight: Lumbini - 11
Day 11: Lumbini in depth
A full day covering Maya Devi Temple, the Ashoka Pillar, the Monastic Zone and the World Peace Pagoda, at an unhurried, respectful pace.
Overnight: Lumbini - 12
Day 12: Return to Kathmandu
Domestic flight from Bhairahawa back to Kathmandu, with a free afternoon for last-minute exploring or shopping in Thamel.
Overnight: Kathmandu - 13
Day 13: Departure
Private transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Overnight: —
Typically included
- All accommodation as per itinerary
- Private transfers between all destinations
- One domestic flight (Bhairahawa–Kathmandu)
- English-speaking guide throughout
- Entrance fees for included sightseeing
- Chitwan National Park activities as listed
- Daily breakfast; additional meals as noted at booking
Typically excluded
- International flights
- Nepal visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Meals not specified as included
Optional upgrades
- Boutique/luxury accommodation upgrade
- Additional trekking days from Pokhara
- Private meditation session in Lumbini
Important notes
- Flight schedules between Kathmandu and Pokhara/Bhairahawa are occasionally affected by weather; we build reasonable buffer time where possible.
- Exact accommodation properties are confirmed at booking stage based on availability, your preferences and room category.
- This itinerary is a starting point — every detail can be adjusted to your dates, pace and interests.
Travelling responsibly
- We favour locally owned and registered accommodation and transport partners wherever standards allow.
- Wildlife activities follow national park rules and avoid animal performance-based experiences.
Experiences on this journey
Culture & Heritage
UNESCO World Heritage squares, living temple culture and Newari, Tharu and hill communities across Nepal.
Wildlife
Ethical jeep safari, canoe trips and guided walks in Chitwan National Park, with genuine conservation framing.
Spiritual Journeys
Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage sites across Nepal, visited with genuine respect and cultural context.
Regions covered
Kathmandu
Nepal's capital is usually where a journey begins and ends — a dense, living valley of temples, courtyards and markets that rewards slowing down for at least two or three days.
Explore Kathmandu
Pokhara
Our home base. A lakeside city facing the Annapurna range, and Nepal's most versatile hub for trekking, adventure sports, wellness and simply slowing down.
Explore Pokhara
Chitwan
A UNESCO World Heritage lowland national park — one of the best places in Asia to see one-horned rhinos, and, with patience, a wide range of birdlife and other wildlife.
Explore Chitwan
Lumbini
A UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage site and the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) — a place of quiet significance rather than a conventional sightseeing stop.
Explore Lumbini
Ready to plan Nepal in Depth: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan & Lumbini?
Share your dates and preferences and we'll come back with a tailored itinerary and quotation. Sending this enquiry doesn't confirm a booking, availability or price.
More journeys
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek
A classic teahouse trek through subtropical forest, Gurung villages and rhododendron woodland to the Annapurna Sanctuary at roughly 4,130m, surrounded by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre.
Essential Nepal: Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan
A well-paced first journey through Nepal's three most complementary regions — heritage in Kathmandu, mountains and lakes in Pokhara, and wildlife in Chitwan.
Pokhara & the Annapurna Foothills
A Pokhara-focused week combining lakeside time, a short Annapurna foothill walk and a choice of adventure activities.