10 Day Inspiring Nepal Small Group Tour

Welcome to Kathmandu! Kathmandu, Nepal's largest city, is the nation's political and cultural heart. Despite rapid growth, its people remain warm and welcoming. Explore colorful markets, ancient temples, and sacred shrines, soak in rich culture, and discover the gateway to the Himalayas. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel where you will have the night to enjoy the city and prepare for your adventure ahead. Special Information Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed. If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

After breakfast, meet your tour leader for a welcome briefing before you begin exploring Kathmandu.You will discover some of the Kathmandu Valley's most beautiful heritage sites—from temples and stupas to ancient alleyways. Start by heading to the old quarter of the city, where you'll wander through narrow lanes lined with traditional shops and bustling markets. Continue on foot to Kathmandu Durbar Square, the historic royal palace complex renowned for its exquisite architecture and sacred temples. Next, drive to the ancient town of Kirtipur, known for its charming houses and warm, welcoming locals. Here, you'll enjoy an authentic Newari meal at a local homestay. Afterwards, we will reach one of the area's most iconic landmarks—the Bagh Bhairav Temple. This ancient site is steeped in culture, and on clear days the views from the top are spectacular.Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, rejoin with your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. Inspiring Highlights Kathmandu Durbar Square Kirtipur Town Visit Local Lunch at a Newari House

After breakfast, continue your exploration of the Kathmandu Valley. The valley comprises three sister cities, one of which is the charming and well-preserved town of Bhaktapur. Founded in the 9th century, Bhaktapur is the best-preserved of the Kathmandu Valley's three ancient cities. Before heading there, you will visit two of Kathmandu's most significant religious landmarks: Pashupatinath Temple, a beautifully crafted pagoda-style shrine with a gilded roof and ornate silver doors, revered as Nepal's holiest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva; and the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the city's most iconic Buddhist sites. This 36-meter stupa rises from a three-tiered mandala platform and is surrounded by 108 images of Amitabha Buddha and rows of prayer wheels that thousands of pilgrims circle each day. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Pashupatinath Temple Boudhanath Stupa Bhaktapur Visit Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

After breakfast, drive to the airport to catch a short flight to Pokhara. Pokhara is a city that captivates visitors with its year-round pleasant climate and jaw-dropping views of the Himalayas. Towering above the city, the majestic Machhapuchhre—known as Fish Tail Mountain (6,997 m)—and the mighty Annapurna range create a breathtaking backdrop at every turn. Adding to the city's charm is the tranquil Phewa Lake, where shimmering waters reflect the surrounding peaks, making it a perfect spot for boating, relaxation, or simply soaking in the natural beauty. After checking-in at your hotel, go for a boat ride on Phewa Lake and visit Tal Barahi temple in the middle ofthe Lake. The lake is stream fed but a dam regulates the water reserve, therefore, classifying as semi-naturalfreshwater lake. The two-story pagoda of the Barahi Temple is situated in a small island in the Phewa Lakesurrounded by marvellous views. This Hindu temple in Nepal is dedicated to Goddess Ajima in the form ofa boar called Barahi. Spend the evening relaxing or strolling around the vibrant Phewa Lakeside. Inspiring Highlights Phewa Lake Boat Ride Tal Barahi Temple Visit Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. Your flight will be escorted and documentation will be given to you on tour by your tour leader.Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 25kg, and one 5kg carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed.

After breakfast, set out to explore this beautiful town and its key landmarks. Begin with a visit to the International Mountain Museum, where you'll discover remarkable stories from historic Himalayan expeditions—some triumphant, others tragic. The museum showcases equipment from early mountaineering attempts and offers fascinating insights into the region's natural history and the daring feats of legendary climbers. Next, drive to the Pema Tsal Sakya Monastery for an insightful glimpse into Buddhist philosophy and daily monastic life in Nepal, where many young monks receive their spiritual and academic education.Continue your exploration with a visit to the World Peace Pagoda, a Buddhist stupa built by monks of the Japanese Nipponzan Myohoji order. Perched on a narrow ridge above Phewa Lake, it offers sweeping views of both the lake and the city below. Return to your hotel in the afternoon and enjoy the remainder of your day. Inspiring Highlights International Mountain Museum Pema Tsal Sakya Monastery World Peace Pagoda

After breakfast, you will be driven on a scenic route on your way to Santi Maidan, enjoying winding roads and beautiful landscapes along the way. Upon arrival immerse yourself in local life with a visit to a traditional Nepali home. Here, you can sample local delicacies that serve as a light traditional breakfast for the villagers. Depending on the season, you may also have the opportunity to participate in activities such as ghee-making (preparing butter in the traditional local style), or grinding flour using a stone mill, as still practiced in many households. From there, a short drive brings you to the starting point of your hike. Passing charming Nepali-style houses, begin a 15–20 minute uphill walk along stone stairways. As you ascend, the views grow increasingly spectacular, with glimpses of Begnas Lake, Pokhara's second-largest lake. Continue to the hilltop Thulakot Temple, dedicated to Bhairav, where breathtaking vistas of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhare mountains await. Below, the serene village of Deumadi unfolds, offering a perfect spot to soak in the natural beauty. Descend along the ridge toward Deumadi village, where your exploration concludes. Here, a vehicle transfer is arranged for the next leg of the journey. Later, drive back to Lakeside for lunch and some free time. In the afternoon, transfer to Sarangkot for a relaxing end to your day, enjoying panoramic views and tranquil surroundings. Upon arriving in Sarangkot, relax in a peaceful mountain setting while taking in the up-close, breathtaking vistas of the majestic Annapurna range. Inspiring Highlights Deumadi Village Hike Sarangkot Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Deumadi Village Hike: This moderate, less-crowded trail offers a peaceful experience immersed in nature. The route features a mix of gentle ascents and descents. The halfway point includes some rough, uneven terrain, while the remainder of the hike follows a stone-paved path and stairways. It can be adapted for comfort and accessibility as needed. The hike covers approximately 7 km and typically takes around 4 hours, depending on your pace and the number of breaks taken.

Sarangkot is considered one of the best spots for Himalayan views, particularly for sunrise and sunset, offering panoramic vistas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. For early risers, enjoy a breathtaking sunrise from your room (weather permitting). After breakfast, begin your scenic drive to Chitwan National Park for an immersive nature and wildlife experience. Meaning “heart of the jungle,” Chitwan is one of Asia's finest national parks, celebrated for its rich biodiversity, dense forests, and expansive grasslands. It remains one of the last surviving stretches of continuous wilderness that once ran from the Indus River in Pakistan to the Burmese border. The park is especially renowned for its population of Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros and is also home to the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. Upon arrival and check-in, enjoy an excursion to a Tharu village. The Tharu are an Indigenous community of Nepal's lowlands, known for their distinctive culture, attire, and traditions. You will also have the chance to participate in preparing a few traditional Tharu dishes that will later be included in your dinner at the resort. This hands-on experience offers a delightful glimpse into the region's culinary heritage. In the evening, relax at the resort and enjoy a vibrant Tharu cultural dance performance. Inspiring Highlights Himalayan Range Sunrise Chitwan National Park Tharu Village Visit & Cultural Dance Performance Tharu Cooking Experience Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. Please note that the experiences on Day 7 and Day 8 may be arranged in either order, depending on local condition.

Today is dedicated to exploring Chitwan National Park and discovering the remarkable wildlife that thrives within its borders. Board a jeep for a thrilling four-hour safari, keeping watch for a diverse array of species—from the majestic one-horned rhinoceros to honey badgers, Bengal foxes, civets, mongooses, and, with a bit of luck, even the elusive Bengal tiger. After lunch, enjoy a serene canoe ride down the Rapti River in a traditional dugout canoe. As you glide along the water, look out for exotic birdlife and the river's reptilian residents, including marsh mugger crocodiles and gharials, resting along the banks. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Chitwan National Park jeep ride Chitwan National Park canoe ride

In the morning, you may opt to join an early birdwatching excursion before returning for a leisurely breakfast in the peaceful southern plains of Nepal. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in the capital and transfer to your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure—whether you prefer to relax or explore the local markets for some souvenir shopping. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.Your flight will be escorted and you flight documentation will be given to you on tour by your tour leader.Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 25kg, and one 5kg carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed.

Your adventure through Nepal comes to an end today! Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special Information Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. If you choose to extend your stay (e.g., departing after the final tour date) and have booked your additional accommodation independently, this included service will be forfeited and no refund will be issued. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveler Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.