Nepal - Kathmandu Beyond the Ordinary
This is a 14-day tour full of local experiences whilst also positively impacting the people of the destinations you visit.
This 14 day journey in Nepal blends cultural discovery with hands-on experiences, offering you a deep connection to the country’s spiritual, artistic, and community traditions. The adventure begins in Kathmandu with a calming sound-healing session before exploring the city's sacred landmarks. In Patan, you'll engage directly with Newar heritage during a Paubha painting workshop, where intricate brushwork becomes a meditative practice.
Venturing to the hill town of Nagarkot, you are welcomed by local families into their homes, engaging in the rhythms of daily life through traditional crafts like pottery, leaf-plate making, and communal cooking. A sunrise yoga session and a hike to Jalpa Devi Temple immerse you in natural beauty and spiritual practice, creating a lasting connection to the landscape and its people.
Your journey continues to Chitwan, where the Barauli Community introduces travellers to the vibrant culture of the indigenous Tharu people. Daily life unfolds through cooking classes, cycling tours, and traditional dances. At the same time, a safari through Chitwan National Park offers you close encounters with rhinos, crocodiles, and rare bird species, seamlessly blending culture with nature.
In Pokhara and the nearby village of Hemjakot, the Himalayas form a breathtaking backdrop to local life. Whether watching the sunrise over Sarangkot, learning to distil traditional alcohol in Hemjakot, or exploring the ancient crafts of wood carving in Bhaktapur, each moment is rooted in authenticity. The final days offer a taste of Newar cuisine in Kirtipur, capping off a enriching and unforgettable journey.
Day 1 – Welcome to Nepal
Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you'll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After check-in and freshening up, enjoy a relaxing, sound-healing session to recover from any jet lag. This will be followed by a healthy dinner before you'll then be taken back to your hotel for a restful night.
Overnight at Babar Mahal Villas (D)
Day 2 – Discover Kathmandu
A day of sightseeing in Kathmandu. Enjoy a guided Kathmandu sightseeing tour focusing on the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Pashupatinath is a sacred Hindu temple complex, Boudhanath is the largest stupa in Nepal, and Kathmandu Durbar Square is the former royal residence and a museum of temples.
Overnight at Babar Mahal Villas (B)
Day 3 – Explore Patan and Paubha Painting
Patan is comparatively quiet, surrounded by peaceful palace courtyards, shops, and pagoda temples. The museum here is in a historic royal complex, showcasing Hindu and Buddhist artefacts, sculptures, and elaborate woodcarvings, with educational displays on Newar history. Join a Paubha Painting Workshop to explore the vibrant Newar culture through its sacred art form. Guided by experienced artisans, you'll learn intricate painting techniques while enjoying a meditative and educational experience.
Overnight at Babar Mahal Villas (BL)
Day 4 – Nagarkot
Visit Thimi for a pottery-making session with a local artisan and explore Bhaktapur’s historic Durbar Square. Travel to Nagarkot, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your homestay family and engage in cultural activities like making Tapari (leaf plates) and Batti (wicks). End the day connecting with the community.
Drive Duration: 1 hour approx.
Overnight at Nagarkot Community Homestay (BLD)
Nagarkot Community Homestay, located approximately 27 km east of Kathmandu at 2,175 meters, offers breathtaking Himalayan views and a peaceful rural escape. Guests enjoy comfortable accommodations, authentic local cuisine, and activities like hiking, yoga, and cultural crafts. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich traditions of the Brahmin community while exploring natural attractions and participating in vibrant local festivals.
Day 5 – Nagarkot
Start your day with Hatha yoga at Shanti Danda. Then, enjoy a community hike with valley views and a visit to Jalpa Devi Temple. In the evening, cook a traditional Nepali meal with your hosts.
Hike Duration: 3-3.5 hours approx.
Overnight at Nagarkot Community Homestay (BLD)
Day 6 – Chitwan
Transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Bharatpur. On arrival you will be taken to the Barauli Community Homestay and enjoy a cultural experience this evening.
Overnight at Barauli Community Homestay (BLD)
Nestled near the lush landscapes of Chitwan National Park, Barauli Community Homestay offers an immersive experience of the indigenous Tharu community's culture and way of life. Surrounded by rich biodiversity, visitors can enjoy the tranquillity of rural life while exploring cultural and natural attractions. Stay in traditional Tharu houses with comfortable accommodations, engage in activities like cycling, cooking classes, canoe rides, and bird watching, and enjoy authentic Tharu dance performances with local meals. The area is rich in wildlife, scenic views, and vibrant village life, making it a perfect destination for cultural exploration and nature lovers.
Day 7 - Chitwan National Park Safari
Discover Chitwan National Park on a jeep safari where you may spot rhinos, crocodiles and much more. Later, enjoy a guided cycling tour around the park's outskirts, taking in the local scenery and wildlife, before learning how to prepare traditional Tharu dishes with a local expert.
Overnight at Barauli Community Homestay (BLD)
Day 8 - Pokhara
Leave Chitwan and catch a domestic flight to Pokhara. On arrival the rest of the day is free to relax or explore.
Overnight at Fishtail Lodge (B)
Day 9 - Sarangkot and Pokhara
Sarangkot is a must-do sunrise experience for anyone visiting Pokhara. You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the base of Sarangkot Hill, a 30-minute drive from the lakeside. After walking up the stairs for about 15 minutes, you will find a good spot to watch the sunrise with a breathtaking view. The rest of the day is free time to explore in Pokhara.
Overnight at Fishtail Lodge (B)
Day 10 – Hemjakot
Hemjakot is a peaceful rural village in the Annapurna region. It offers stunning views of the Annapurna ranges, including Mt. Machhapuchhre. This village is ideal for those seeking an authentic experience of Nepali village life, where traditional culture meets the breathtaking natural beauty of the Himalayas. The settlement is rural, offering a genuine experience of Gurung culture and hospitality. Experience a cooking class and enjoy the flavours of traditional Nepali cuisine, with dishes that are prepared using fresh, local ingredients. The culinary experience in Hemjakot is deeply connected to the region's agricultural lifestyle. Guests can also enjoy the local alcohol-making process and taste it if the time is favourable.
Overnight at Fishtail Lodge (BLD)
Day 11 – Return to Kathmandu
Transfer to Pokhara airport for a flight to Kathmandu. On arrival you will transfer to your hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Babar Mahal Villas (B)
Day 12 – Bhaktapur Wood Carving
Today you will discover the ancient art of wood carving in Bhaktapur with a hands-on workshop that immerses you in traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage. This workshop offers an in-depth introduction to wood carving, guided by skilled artisans who bring years of experience to their craft. You'll be able to create your wooden masterpiece while learning about the techniques and cultural significance behind this traditional art form.
Overnight at Babar Mahal Villas (BL)
Day 13 – Kirtipur
Kirtipur, just 5 km from Kathmandu, offers an immersive experience in the heart of Nepal’s Newar culture. Here, visitors can discover the ancient Ranjana Lipi script, participate in a momo-making workshop, and explore the town's rich heritage. Kirtipur is also renowned for its gastro tourism, where you can savour traditional Newari cuisine, including the famous Yomari, a sweet, steamed dumpling.
Overnight at Babar Mahal Villas (BL)
Day 14 - Depart Nepal
Departure transfer to the airport at a suitable time. Checkout time from the hotel is 12 noon. (B)
Get in touch with Our Local Tour to book Nepal - Kathmandu Beyond the Ordinary Tour
Departure Dates available throughout 2025 and 2026
As a private tour, we can schedule this tour for your own departure date.
Price
from £2495 per person based on two people travelling and sharing a room.
Included in the Nepal - Kathmandu Beyond the Ordinary Tour
- Airport and domestic transfer assistance
- All land transportation by private vehicle in a car
- All accommodation as shown
- Meal plan as per the itinerary - Breakfast (B) Lunch (L) Dinner (D)
- Activities mentioned in the itineray
- Entrance fees to sightseeing places as per itinerary
- All domestic flights as mentioned
Not Included in Nepal - Kathmandu Beyond the Ordinary Tour
- International travel to the start and end point - contact us for information and flight options
- Any airport taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Any visa requirements
- Items of a personal nature
- All meals which are not mentioned as included in the package
- Soft and alcoholic drinks
Government Travel Safety Advice
Entry requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Nepal’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Nepal set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Nepal Embassy in the UK.
Passport validity requirements
To avoid problems at immigration, make sure your passport has an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after your date of entry into Nepal. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Checks at border control
At border control, you may need to show:
- a travel insurance document which has cover for healthcare costs including repatriation and other emergencies while you are in Nepal
- confirmation of where you will spend your first night, for example, a hotel booking
Visa requirements
You must have a visa to visit Nepal for up to 90 days.
Applying for a visa
You can apply online for a visa on arrival up to 15 days in advance of your arrival. Using your submission receipt, you then collect and pay for your visa at the airport. You can also apply using the forms or terminals available at the airport, then queue up to get the visa. You can pay by card, but you should have cash as a back-up, with US dollars being the preferred currency.
Alternatively you can apply for a tourist visa in advance and collect it from the Nepal Embassy in the UK or in another country. Applying in advance can reduce the time it takes to pass through immigration.
Visas are available for several lengths of stay at various costs. Look on the immigration department website for the options.
You can extend your visa online to up to a total of 150 days in one year. Overstaying your visa in Nepal is a serious crime and can lead to significant fines or imprisonment.
Vaccine requirements
To enter Nepal, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had:
- a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk
- a polio vaccine, if you’re coming from certain countries with a transmission risk
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Nepal guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Nepal. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Bringing precious metals into Nepal is strictly regulated. You can carry gold ornaments up to 50 grams and silver ornaments up to 100 grams. If you bring in undeclared gold or silver, you may:
- get a fine equivalent to the value of the goods
- go to prison for between one month and 5 years depending upon the value of the goods
- have the goods confiscated
- be detained during the proceedings
Taking money into and out of Nepal
You must declare on a customs form on arrival any amount above the value of 5,000 US dollars in banknotes or 10,000 dollars in notes and travellers cheques combined. Customs will give a certified declaration, which you must keep.
You will need to convert all your Nepali currency before you leave Nepal, and the bank or exchange counter at the airport may ask you for the declaration. ATMs are not reliable outside main tourist sites.
What to bring on your The Real Nepal Tour
Clothing
Lightweight, casual, non-synthetic clothing (cotton and natural fibres are best) which appropriately covers the body when in the company of the local communities. Please understand local customs and religious requirements relating to dress codes. It doesn't have to be fancy, but it needs to be respectful.
Footwear
The ideal footwear would be sandals and good walking shoes/boots.
Luggage while on your tour
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day sack. Remember, you are expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suit case.
Equipment
We recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent and a reusable water bottle. A power adapter for phones, laptops, etc. Earplugs, particularly if you are a light sleeper!
Currency
The Nepalese rupee is the official currency of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. The Nepalese rupee is subdivided into 100 paisa.
Away from major centres, changing a Rs 1000 note can be very difficult, so it is always a good idea to keep a stash of small-denomination notes. Cash withdrawals on credit cards from dispensing machines are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara but should not be relied entirely on for funds. Credit cards, preferably Mastercard or Visa, are accepted in major hotels, tourist shops and bigger restaurants in Kathmandu and Pokhara only.
Weather in Nepal
The best time to visit Nepal is between October and December, when the skies are a clear blue and the views are spectacular. The weather remains dry until about April, with temperatures varying between regions.
Late spring in May is a beautiful time to travel, with the rhododendrons bursting into bloom. Heat and humidity levels build, with temperatures climbing to 35°C.
The monsoon season arrives in June and lasts until the end of August, with the clouds obscuring the glorious mountain views. The heavy rain and landslides make travel difficult, and many places close down, so the country is best avoided at this time.
Time Zone
Time zone: UTC +5 hours 45 mins
Electricity
The electric voltage in Nepal is 220 volts. Most English electric appliances work well in Nepal but a universal adaptor is needed as the pin holes are round.
