Luxury Train Tour: Discover Nepal's Temples & Nature

Discover the Best of Nepal

Download PDF

Overview

Join Palace Tours on this 5-day journey to Kathmandu to discover its numerous temples and monuments and fly to Chitwan National Park for unforgettable jungle adventures and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Beautiful mountains, hills, valleys and plains dominate the geography of landlocked Nepal that extends from the Himalayan range in the north to the Indo-Gangetic lowlands in the south. Mt. Everest, the highest point of the Himalayas, is in Nepal. The country is well endowed with perennial rivers and glacial lakes that originate in the Himalayas. The variety in Nepal's topography provides a home to wildlife such as tigers, rhinos, monkeys, bears, yaks, leopards and many different species of insects and birds. Nepal is home to almost 10 percent of the world's bird species, 500 of which can be found in the Kathmandu Valley.

📄 Download Tour Information (PDF)

Itinerary

Your Itinerary

Day 1

KATHMANDU

Upon arrival in Kathmandu International Airport, you are met and greeted by our representative who offers you a welcome gift of a "Khada," a religious silk scarf, and transfers you to your hotel. Depart for a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the “City of Glory”. Visit Durbar (palace) Square, the epicenter of religious and cultural life, an area filled with old temples and historical significance.

Some of the sights you may see include Kal Bhairav, Hanuman Dhoka, Taleju Temple, Kasthamandap and Kumari Ghar; home to the Living Goddess.

Two rhinos relax in a watery marsh, surrounded by tall green grasses at sunset.

Day 2

CHITWAN

After breakfast, you are transferred to the domestic airport for a connecting flight to Chitwan. Upon arrival in Chitwan, you are met and greeted by the staff and transferred to the property. Enjoy lunch at the lodge before participating in various jungle activities such as an elephant safari, nature walk, jungle drive and more. Later, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3

CHITWAN

After breakfast at the lodge, you have another chance to participate in various jungle activities you may not have had time to do yesterday. Enjoy lunch, dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 4

KATHMANDU

After breakfast at the lodge, receive a transfer to the airport and fly back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu airport you are met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This massive temple complex sits alongside the banks of the holy Bagmati River.

Only Hindus are allowed to enter the courtyard of the temple, whereas tourists can see the temple from the eastern side of the river. Later, visit Boudhanath, a Buddhist Stupa said to be one of the largest in the world.

Day 5

KATHMANDU

Check out of the hotel this morning after breakfast and transfer to the airport to connect to your departure flight home.

Book This Tour

Loading departure information...

Terms & Conditions

PAYMENT TERMS:
(i) 25% of total tour cost due at the time of booking
(ii) 75% or balance no later than 65 days prior to date of the first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS

CANCELLATION FEES:

(i) 25% of the total tour value if cancelled more than 65 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS
(ii) 50% of the total tour value if cancelled 64-30 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS

(iii) 100% of the total tour value if cancelled 29-0 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover the losses incurred in case of cancellation. For information on available plans or to purchase travel insurance, please visit www.palacetours.com/insurance.

Inclusions & Exclusions

This tour is available in two classes. The services in all classes are the same, however the hotels used are different. We use the hotels listed in our accommodation section or ones similar to them. Please see the accommodation section to see the list of hotels used.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Package cost is inclusive of:<o:p></o:p> <UL> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Sightseeing and transport as per the itinerary via private air conditioned vehicle with English speaking guide<o:p></o:p></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">2 nights accommodation with breakfast in <st1:place w:st="on">Kathmandu</st1:place><o:p></o:p></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">2 nights accommodation with all meals and jungle activities in Chitwan<o:p></o:p></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">All applicable government taxes and service fees<o:p></o:p></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Porterage<o:p></o:p></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Monument and entrance fees to sites specified in the itinerary</DIV></LI></UL> Package cost does not include:<o:p></o:p> <UL> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Domestic and International airfare<o:p></o:p></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Travel insurance<o:p></o:p></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">International Airport Tax (SAARC: approx. USD 18 & other countries USD 23)<o:p></o:p></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nepal</st1:place></st1:country-region> visa fee (approx. USD $30 per person)<o:p></o:p></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Meals except where specified as "included" <o:p></o:p></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Gratuities, beverages, laundry and items of a personal nature<o:p></o:p></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Any items not specifically mentioned as "included"<o:p></o:p></DIV></LI> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve dinner</DIV></LI></UL>

Frequently Asked Questions & Tips

1 How long is the Discover the Best of Nepal tour?

Discover the Best of Nepal is a 5-day, 4-night tour: two nights in Kathmandu and two nights in Chitwan National Park. It starts with your arrival in Kathmandu and ends on day 5 with a transfer to the airport for your flight home.

2 What is the itinerary of the Best of Nepal tour?

Day 1 is arrival and a Kathmandu city tour, day 2 is a flight to Chitwan and jungle activities, day 3 is a full day of wildlife in Chitwan, day 4 is a flight back to Kathmandu and a temple tour, and day 5 is departure.

3 What do we see on the Kathmandu city tour?

On day 1 you visit Durbar Square, the heart of Kathmandu's religious and cultural life, with sights such as Kal Bhairav, Hanuman Dhoka, Taleju Temple, Kasthamandap and Kumari Ghar, home of the Living Goddess. You then visit Swayambhunath Stupa, one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in the world, set on a hill above the city.

4 How will I be welcomed on arrival in Kathmandu?

Our representative meets you at Kathmandu International Airport and offers you a khada, a traditional silk scarf given as a welcome gift, before transferring you to your hotel. The city tour follows the same day.

5 What jungle activities are included in Chitwan?

At Chitwan you take part in jungle activities such as an elephant safari, a nature walk and a jungle drive. They start on the afternoon of day 2 after lunch at the lodge, and continue on day 3, giving you a second chance at anything you did not have time for.

6 What wildlife might I see in Chitwan?

Nepal's varied landscape is home to wildlife such as tigers, rhinos, monkeys, bears and leopards, as well as many insect and bird species. Nepal has almost 10 percent of the world's bird species. Sightings in Chitwan depend on the season and luck, but the jungle activities are designed to maximise your chances.

7 How do we travel between Kathmandu and Chitwan?

You fly from Kathmandu to Chitwan on day 2 and back on day 4, with transfers to and from the airports at both ends. Please ask a travel specialist to confirm whether the domestic flights are included in your quote.

8 What is Pashupatinath Temple?

Pashupatinath is a massive Hindu temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, visited on the afternoon of day 4. Only Hindus may enter the temple courtyard, but visitors can view the temple from the eastern side of the river.

9 What is Boudhanath Stupa?

Boudhanath is a Buddhist stupa said to be one of the largest in the world, visited on day 4. The massive structure is painted with four pairs of eyes facing the four cardinal directions, and it is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Kathmandu.

10 What is included in the Discover the Best of Nepal price?

The package includes sightseeing and transport as per the itinerary in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide, 2 nights with breakfast in Kathmandu, 2 nights with all meals and jungle activities in Chitwan, all applicable government taxes and service fees, and porterage.

11 Which meals are included on the Nepal tour?

Breakfast is included daily in Kathmandu, and all meals are included during your two nights at the Chitwan lodge, including lunch and dinner on days 2 and 3. Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu are at your own expense.

12 What is the difference between the Heritage and Deluxe classes?

The tour is available in two classes, Heritage and Deluxe. The services in both classes are the same; only the hotels differ. We use the hotels listed in the accommodation section or similar, and a travel specialist will confirm the properties for your dates.

13 Is Discover the Best of Nepal a private tour?

Yes. It is an independent tour with sightseeing and transport in a private air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking guide. In Chitwan, jungle activities are organised by the lodge.

14 Do I need a visa for the Nepal tour?

Visas for Nepal are obtained on arrival at the immigration counter, and you should bring passport-sized photographs for the application. Requirements can change, so please check the current rules for your nationality before you travel.

15 How much is the deposit and when is the balance due for the Nepal tour?

A 25% deposit secures your booking of Discover the Best of Nepal. The balance is due 65 days before departure, so bookings made within 65 days of travel are normally paid in full at the time of booking.

16 Can children join the Discover the Best of Nepal tour?

Yes. Child pricing uses two bands based on age on the day of departure: under 5, and from 5 to under 12, and from age 12 the adult rate applies. The jungle activities in Chitwan make this tour appealing for families.

17 When can I take the Best of Nepal tour and what does it cost?

No fixed departure dates are currently listed on this page, so the tour is quoted on request for your travel dates. Prices are per person sharing in USD and depend on your class. Single occupancy is available on request with a supplement.

18 Can I combine this Nepal tour with India?

Yes. The five-day format makes it easy to add Nepal to a longer journey, including our India tours. A travel specialist can link the programmes with suitable flights and transfers and extend your stay in Kathmandu if you wish.

19 Is Mount Everest visible on this tour?

Mount Everest, the highest point of the Himalayas, is in Nepal, but this tour focuses on Kathmandu's temples and the lowland jungle of Chitwan rather than the high mountains. Ask a specialist if you would like to add a mountain experience to your trip.

20 How do I ask a question or book Discover the Best of Nepal?

Email travel@palacetours.com, call 786-408-0610, or message us on WhatsApp at https://wa.me/17864080610, answered by a travel specialist or our AI assistant. Any departure listed on this page can be booked directly online, and if none suits you, the team will quote your preferred dates.

What are the passport/visa requirements for travel to <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nepal</st1:place></st1:country-region>?<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> Visas for <st1:country-region w:st="on">Nepal</st1:country-region> are obtained upon arrival in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nepal</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Please go to the Immigration Counter and have 3 passport-sized photographs and approximately US $30.00 cash per person ready for the visa fee, along with your passport. I am flying to Nepal from India. Do I need a re-entry permit for India? If you are planning to enter India multiple times within a 2-month period, recent updates to Indian visa regulations may impact your travel. Further clarification was issued stating that if the visa holder is traveling to multiple countries on the same itinerary, no permit is needed, as long as the trip follows the itinerary exactly. The visa holder must carry a copy of their itinerary to show the Immigration Officer upon their first entry to India. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> What is the best season to travel to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nepal</st1:place></st1:country-region>?<o:p></o:p> We operate tours throughout the year; however the best seasons to travel to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nepal</st1:place></st1:country-region> are spring and autumn. We do operate tours in the off-season but do not recommend them, as Tiger Tops in Chitwan is closed from June until the second week of September.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> What should I bring for my stay in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nepal</st1:place></st1:country-region>? <o:p></o:p> We recommend that you bring casual clothes in jungle colors such as beige, brown, khaki and green that are least disturbing to the environment and are most appropriate for wildlife viewing. Natural fiber clothes are often best for the humid jungle conditions, trousers are preferred and a fleece jacket or sweater is recommended if you are traveling during wintertime. We also recommend that you bring binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellant, camera with extra film and a small suitcase/overnight bag if your tour includes an overnight in Chitwan.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Approximately how many hours do the tours each day last?<o:p></o:p> In general, sightseeing tours start at 9:00 – 9:30 a.m. Every half-day sightseeing tour lasts for a maximum of 3 hours and each full-day tour will last for 7 hours with a 1 hour lunch break. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> What types of vehicles are utilized for tours/transfers?<o:p></o:p> We provide luxury vehicles with air conditioning. Size of the vehicle (ie: car, van, coaster or bus) is based on the group size.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> What type of cuisine is served during the tour?<o:p></o:p> Most of the hotels that you will stay at provide a variety of cuisines including local specialties with a vegetarian option.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Is the tap water safe to drink? Is bottled water provided?<o:p></o:p> We do not advise tap water for drinking. Most of the hotels provide boiled and filtered water to the clients. Bottled water can be provided at an extra charge.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Is there internet/telephone access while on the tour?<o:p></o:p> Most of the hotels have internet access in the business center and telephone access in every room. Only satellite (international roaming) mobile gets a signal in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nepal</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Pre-paid mobile SIM card can be purchased or rented.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Do you have any recommendations for gratuities?<o:p></o:p> Gratuities are left solely to the discretion of the clients.