Private Tour

Highlights of Nepal - 8 Days / 7 Nights

Celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of Kathmandu and explore a hilltop ancient town of Bandipur before retreating to Pokhara for spectacular views of the Himalayas. UNESCO has inscribed seven groups of historic monuments and buildings within Kathmandu Valley that witnessed some of the most artistic and architecture developments of Buddhism and Hinduism from the 5th century. This trip offers a walk back in time where ancient traditions prevail amid colorful markets, villages and 26,000 feet snow capped peaks.

 

Private, Local Guides!

Whether you are a single person, a couple, or a group, you'll have your own guide and driver for all airport pickups, drop offs, and daily excursions.

Choose Your Dates!

This is not a fixed-departure-date tour. Just let us know the dates that work best for you and we will arrange everything.

Customizable!

Need more time? Less time? Want to see or do something that isn't included? The options are unlimited, so talk to us about the different possibilities and our recommendations.

Great Accommodation!

We've scouted the best hotels in the best locations of all categories. We'll recommend accommodation to suit your budget and travel style.
  • Durbar Squares of 3 Ancient Royal Cities of Kathmandu, Patan & Bhaktapur
  • Exquisite Architecture Marvels of Hindu & Tibetan Buddhist Monuments
  • Forgotten Newari Town of Bandipur, once an important stop along the ancient Tibet-India trade route
  • Inspiring views of the snow capped Annapurna Mountain Range
Private Tour

Highlights of Nepal - 8 Days / 7 Nights

Visit the Seven Heritage Sites of major temples, palaces, and stupas in the Kathmandu Valley to witness ancient religious practices of Buddhism and Hinduism. Take a walk back in time while strolling along the ancient houses and villages on the 3000 ft hilltop town of Bandipur, once an important stop along the ancient Tibet-India trade route. Rejuvenate at the picturesque lakeside town of Pokhara with spectacular sunrise views of the majestic Himalaya mountain range.

  • Day 1Arrive Kathmandu

    Upon arrival at the Kathmandu Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day is free to rest up from your long flight.

    Overnight in Kathmandu

  • Day 2Swayambunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square

    Take a short drive this morning up to the 5th century Swayambunath Temple, also popularly  known as the Monkey Temple with a lively resident population of holy monkeys throughout the temple grounds. This is the oldest Buddhist monument in the Kathmandu Valley and a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site for Tibetans and followers of Tibetan Buddhism. Enjoy views of Kathmandu City from the temple grounds.

    Later, do a walking tour around the Heritage site of Kathmandu Durbar Square. Surrounded with spectacular architecture, this square vividly showcases the skills of the Newar artists and craftsmen over several centuries. The Square also holds the palaces of the Malla and Shah kings who ruled over the city. Along with these palaces, the square surrounds quadrangles revealing courtyards and temples. If schedule permits, you can catch a glimpse of the Kumari Living Goddess.

    Explore the narrow Local Alleys around the Durbar Square to see typical local life and lively markets. From daily necessities, spices to colorful Pashmina scarf vendors, these alleys are a treasure cove for street photography where life and architecture have not changed much in generations.

    Overnight in Kathmandu

  • Day 3Bhaktapur, Bodhnath & Pashupatinath

    Today head outside of the city to Bhaktapur also known as the “City of Devotees”. This former royal capital city from 12th to 15th century lies along the ancient trade route between India and Tibet. Dotted with numerous historic religious sites and a traditional pottery square, this ancient city has suffered bad earthquake damage in 2015, but it provides a pleasant walk back in time.

    7 miles north of Bhaktapur, visit Changu Narayan, considered the oldest Hindu Temple in Nepal. The Temple has a stone inscription pillar erected by King Manadeva in 464 AD.

    Back in Kathmandu City, visit Bodhnath, one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu and the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. The influx of large populations of refugees from Tibet has seen the construction of over 50 Tibetan Gompas (Monasteries) around Bodhnath.

    At sundown, head over to Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and site of Hindu cremations. This is also one of the most significant Hindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world. Here you will witness the sacred Aarti ceremony.

    Overnight in Kathmandu

  • Day 4Drive from Kathmandu to Bandipur

    Depart the city today for Bandipur, a picturesque and well preserved medieval town nestled 3,000 ft high on a mountain ridge part way between Kathmandu and Pokhara.

    This town was once an important point of trade by Newar traders from Bhaktapur plying the ancient route between Tibet and India. The traders left a legacy of a beautiful small town dotted with old shop houses and residential areas that are largely unchanged till this day.

    The drive from Kathmandu takes around 4 to 5 hours. It’s a little tedious along a windy narrow highway that can see some traffic congestion, but it’s well worth the effort to explore this hidden town that sees very few visitors.

    Overnight in Bandipur

  • Day 5Drive Bandipur to Pokhara

    Rise early for spectacular sunrise views of the Himalayas from your lodge. Take easy short walks around the town and surrounding village to see a more traditional way of life here.

    Today’s drive to Pokhara takes about 2 hours. This quaint lakeside town is a gateway for hikers and climbers heading towards the Annapurna Range and the secluded Upper Mustang Region.

    Visit the International Mountaineering Museum of Pokhara, learn about the various mountains and climbing peaks, Tibetan people and environmental projects. Continue to a Tibetan Refugee Camp to learn about the hardships of thousands of refugees in Nepal.   The only source of livelihood for many of the Tibetans is  through carpet weaving and selling of small trinkets.

    Overnight in Pokhara

  • Day 6Sarangkot Sunrise & Village Hike

    Early this morning, drive to Sarangkot to enjoy spectacular sunrise views over the snow capped mountains. Depending on weather conditions, best to do this before dawn for the best views. Depending on your fitness level, you can discuss with your guide on your preferred hiking duration to visit small villages spread across the foothills. Nestled among agricultural fields of millet and vegetables, the hills are dotted with numerous traditional villages from various ethnic groups including the Magars and Gurungs who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers.

    Back in Pokhara town, enjoy some free time to relax and explore quaint restaurants, shops, bookstores and western style cafes by the lakeside.

    Overnight in Pokhara

  • Day 7Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu

    Return to Kathmandu today with a short flight flight from Pokhara.

    Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport, you will be welcomed and proceed to Patan, another ancient Royal Capital City. Your hotel will be located inside the Patan Durbar Square, a Heritage Site built around 250AD. Spend your last day exploring this small town and the Patan Museum, a very well curated with lots of original religious artifacts. Stop by a shop to receive a special “Singing Bowl” therapy.

    Overnight in Patan

  • Day 8Depart Kathmandu

    Transfer to Kathmandu Airport for onward journey.

Private Tour

Highlights of Nepal - 8 Days / 7 Nights

Our private tours include the things that make it so you don’t have to worry about logistics for your trip.

Our Rates Include

  • Airport transfers
  • In Country Flights
  • Accommodation, including all taxes and service fees
  • Services of a local, English-speaking guide for all visits and excursions
  • Private, local, English-speaking guides for tours and activities
  • All Tours and Activities as described
  • Entrance fees to Sights

Rates Do Not Include

  • International airfare
  • Nepal Visa & Fee (obtained upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport)
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for Guides and Drivers

Itinerary Add-Ons to Consider

Consider a pre- or post-tour extension to this itinerary in India or a Scenic Everest Flight. It’s quite easy to add a couple of days in Delhi with an excursion to see the Taj Mahal, or take an one-hour mountain flight for a close-up view of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak at 29,029 ft, along with superb view of many other Himalayan peaks.

Taj Mahal Stopover

Starting Price : $1200 / Person

If you are traveling through New Delhi, consider a side trip to Agra to see the iconic Taj Mahal...truly a must-see. India makes it easier to get e-visas now, so if you're flying through Delhi, take advantage of the opportunity!

Scenic Everest Flight

Starting Price : $200 / Person

Take a breathtaking flight over the majestic Himalaya with close up views of Mount Everest and many other spectacular peaks at over 25,000 ft.

Private Tour

Highlights of Nepal - 8 Days / 7 Nights

Here’s an explanation of what to expect and the planning process with a Red Lantern Journeys travel consultant.

The price for this trip will vary based on many factors including:

  • Dates of travel – high vs. low vs. shoulder season
  • Your preference of hotel standards – 3, 4, or 5-star categories. We’ve scouted the best hotels and the best locations in each category and will make our recommendations based on your budget and travel style. We’ll even try to book specific room categories to avoid street noise or other inconveniences.
  • The number of people in your group
  • Customization of tours and activities
  • How far in advance you book the trip
  • Personal Travel Consultant

    Your peronal travel consult to work with you to prepare your itinerary, recommend tours and activities and accommodation and explain the reasoning behind every aspect of your tour.

  • Private Vehicles with Driver and Guides

    You'll have your own private, chauffeur-driven vehicle for all of your airport transfers and daily excursions. These will also include your personal, English-speaking guide who is licensed and will provide the insights to make each of your tours an exceptional experience.

  • Hotel Recommendations

    We've inspected hundreds of hotels and can recommend accommodation that fits your style and budget.

  • Activity Recommendations

    We have access to a wide range of activities to make your trip truly memorable. Activities range from visiting iconic sights to meeting local personalities, adventure sports, and exclusive dining experiences!

Private Tour

Highlights of Nepal - 8 Days / 7 Nights

The Best Time to Do This Itinerary

October through April are the best times to travel to enjoy clear skies and good mountain views. January and February can be very cold at night, but main tourist sights will be less busy.

 

Times to Avoid

The Monsoon Season

From May, temperature and humidity starts to build up around Kathmandu valley. The monsoon season lasts from June through September where mountain views will be obscured.

 

Availability at Hotels

Some of our favorite hotels in Nepal are the smaller luxury boutique hotels in great locations that have between 20 and 50 rooms. These can fill up well in advance of the bigger hotels that have hundreds of rooms…so plan accordingly.

 

How Far in Advance Should You Book?

For travel during the peak season of October through December and March to April, book at least 6 months in advance. For travel in the shoulder seasons, book at least 4 months in advance.  For travel in the monsoon season of June through Septemberbook at least a month in advance.

Private Tour

Highlights of Nepal - 8 Days / 7 Nights

Customize This Itinerary

Starting From: $2900 / Person
Call us at 206-568-0710 or fill out the form below. We’ll get back to you within 1 business day!

Please provide as much information as you can to help us prepare before contacting you. For example:

  • Number of travelers – adults and children with ages
  • When you want to travel – are your dates fixed or flexible?
  • Destinations of interest – country or countries, plus destinations within a country
  • Activities of interest – like beaches, wildlife, hiking, shopping, art, local culture, adventure, etc.
  • Purpose of trip and Special Occasions – holiday, honeymoons, important birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
  • Approximate budget per person

Submit Your Inquiry Here

Have A Question?

Call us at 206-568-0710 or email us at info@redlanternjourneys.com. Click Inquire Here to fill out and submit a form.

Inquire Here

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