The 12-day Adventure Tour of Nepal combines Kathmandu Valley heritage, Himalayan viewpoints, an Everest mountain flight, Chitwan wildlife, and Pokhara’s lakeside scenery in one varied journey. Explore Changu Narayan and Bhaktapur, walk from Nagarkot toward Sankhu, visit sacred temples and stupas, search for rhinos in Chitwan, cruise Phewa Lake, and experience Nepal’s culture, landscapes, and wildlife without strenuous trekking today.
Overview of the Adventure Tour
The Adventure Tour of Nepal 12 Days is designed for travelers who want an active and varied journey without committing to a multi-day high-altitude trek.
The itinerary combines culture, hiking, scenic flying, wildlife, road travel, boating, Himalayan viewpoints, and city exploration.
Rather than spending twelve days visiting similar historical monuments, the route changes character repeatedly.
You begin among the ancient cities and sacred sites of Kathmandu Valley. You then climb to Nagarkot for Himalayan views and walk back toward the valley through the rural countryside around Sankhu.
A completely different perspective follows with an Everest mountain flight from Kathmandu.
From the aircraft, Nepal's Himalayan geography becomes much easier to understand. Snow-covered ranges that seemed distant from Kathmandu suddenly fill the horizon, with some of the world's highest mountains visible when flying conditions are favorable.
The journey then leaves Kathmandu altogether.
You descend from the middle hills toward Chitwan National Park, where temples and mountain views are replaced by sal forest, grasslands, wetlands, rivers, crocodiles, rhinoceros, and subtropical wildlife.
Two nights in Chitwan provide enough time for a proper wildlife program rather than a rushed overnight visit.
After Chitwan, the route turns north toward Pokhara, one of Nepal's most naturally beautiful cities and the principal gateway to the Annapurna region.
Here, the landscape changes again.
Phewa Lake lies beneath forested hills while Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, and other Himalayan peaks dominate the northern skyline when the weather is clear.
This progression from heritage to countryside, mountains, wildlife, and lakes makes the 12-day Nepal adventure and cultural tour particularly suitable for first-time visitors.
Why Choose Basanta Adventure for the Adventure Tour of Nepal?
Basanta Adventure has been organizing journeys throughout Nepal and the Himalayan region since 1998.
A twelve-day tour covering Kathmandu Valley, Nagarkot, Chitwan, and Pokhara involves considerably more logistics than its easy physical grade suggests.
Over the course of the journey, transportation changes repeatedly.
You travel from Kathmandu to Changu Narayan, Bhaktapur, and Nagarkot, walk toward Sankhu, return to Kathmandu, take an early morning mountain flight, drive south to Chitwan, continue west to Pokhara, and finally return to Kathmandu.
Hotel reservations, guides, sightseeing vehicles, heritage tickets, mountain flight schedules, national park activities, meals in Chitwan, and local guides all need to connect smoothly.
Our operations team manages these elements as a single journey rather than leaving guests to coordinate separate suppliers.
That reliability becomes particularly important when circumstances change.
Mountain flights depend on visibility.
Road travel can be delayed by traffic or construction.
Chitwan activities may shift according to wildlife conditions, river levels, weather, or park instructions.
A flexible itinerary works only when an experienced local team is available to reorganize the practical details.
Basanta Adventure also brings decades of experience leading treks throughout the Annapurna region.
For more than two decades, our trekking teams have coordinated mountain transport, permits, guides, porters, teahouses, route conditions, weather changes, safety procedures, and daily logistics across Annapurna.
Pokhara is the main gateway to this region, so our long operating history gives us strong local knowledge of the city and the surrounding tourism network.
The Adventure Tour does not require the high-altitude management of an Annapurna Circuit or Sanctuary trek, but it benefits from the same operational discipline.
Our goal is to make complicated logistics feel simple to the traveler.
Basanta Adventure is also ISO 9001:2015 certified, reflecting our commitment to quality management and consistent service delivery.
That certification matters through practical details rather than labels.
Guides need to understand the program.
Vehicles need to arrive at the correct time.
Hotels need confirmed reservations.
The mountain flight needs monitoring.
Chitwan lodge activities need coordination.
Travelers need clear information when weather or road conditions affect the itinerary.
We also follow responsible and sustainable tourism policies across our operations.
For this package, that commitment applies to both cultural heritage and wildlife travel.
Kathmandu Valley's temples and religious monuments are active sacred places.
Our guides encourage respectful photography, appropriate dress, responsible behavior around religious ceremonies, and awareness that these sites belong first to the communities who worship there.
In Chitwan, responsible tourism means treating wildlife as wildlife.
We focus on guided jeep safaris, canoeing, birdwatching, and nature activities that allow guests to experience the national park while following local conservation rules.
We do not promise tiger sightings or encourage unsafe proximity to wild animals.
Supporting local guides, naturalists, hotels, restaurants, drivers, and community-based services also ensures that a greater share of tourism benefits remains within Nepal.
Basanta Adventure's operational expertise extends well beyond Nepal.
We have worked in Tibet since 1998 and have developed a long-standing reputation as a specialist in Tibet tours, treks, Mount Kailash journeys, and expeditions.
Successful Tibet operations require permit coordination, local partnerships, remote-area logistics, contingency planning, cultural understanding, and dependable transport.
That experience strengthens the systems we use for our Nepal programs.
Whether we are organizing an expedition on the Tibetan Plateau, an Annapurna trek, or a twelve-day Nepal cultural and wildlife tour, the principle remains the same.
Prepare thoroughly, communicate clearly, manage the logistics professionally, and allow the traveler to focus on the journey.
Adventure Tours Itinerary
| Day | Itinerary | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel | Hotel (BB) |
| 02 | Tour of Changunarayan & Bhaktapur, then drive to Nagarkot | Hotel (BB) |
| 03 | Morning walk to Sankhu. Boudhanath and Pasupatinath sightseeing. | Hotel (BB) |
| 04 | Full day Sightseeing in Kathmandu | Hotel (BB) |
| 05 | Transfer to airport for Mountain Flight. Tour of Budhanalikantha | Hotel (BB) |
| 06 | Drive to Chitwan. Afternoon: Jungle activities | Lodge (AP) |
| 07 | Jungle activities | Lodge (AP) |
| 08 | Drive to Pokhara. | Hotel (BB) |
| 09 | Full day Sightseeing in Pokhara | Hotel (BB) |
| 10 | Drive back to Kathmandu. | Hotel (BB) |
| 11 | Day at leisure. Evening: Farewell Dinner | Hotel (BB) |
| 12 | Holiday extension or transfer to airport for departure. | --- |
What is included in the tour
Kathmandu Portion:
- 6 nights accommodation in twin sharing BB basis (Bed and Breakfast) in Hotel as per the itinerary
- 3 Full day guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu
- Mountain flight from Kathmandu
- 1 professional English speaking guide
- Private transportation during sightseeing
- All entrance fee during sightseeing
Pokhara Portion:
- 2 nights accommodation in twin sharing BB basis (Bed and Breakfast) in Hotel Meera as per the itinerary
- 1 Full day guided sightseeing tour of Pokhara
- Boating in Fewa Lake
- 1 professional English speaking guide
- Private transportation during sightseeing
- All entrance fee during sightseeing
Chitwan Portion:
- 2 nights / 3 Days full board Chitwan package in Jungle Lodge as per the itinerary
- Chitwan National park fee
- All meals during stay
- Jungle activities such as Jungle walk, Elephant back safari, visit to Elephant breeding centre, Dugout canoe, Tharu cultural show, visit to Tharu village
- Jungle guide during the tour
Nagarkot Portion:
- 1 night accommodation in twin sharing AP basis in Hotel in Nagarkot as per the itinerary
- All meals during stay in Nagarkot
Transportation:
- All airport transfers as per the itinerary
- Kathmandu – Nagarkot – Kathmandu
- Kathmandu – Chitwan
- Chitwan – Pokhara
- Pokhara – Kathmandu
What is NOT included in the tour
- Nepal Visa
- Travel insurance (must cover all risk undertaken)
- Any arrangement in Kathmandu
- Lunch and Dinner in Hotel in Nagarkot, Pokhara and Lumbini
- Liquor beverages (hard and soft drinks)
- Expenses of personal nature e.g. Phone calls, laundry etc
- Gratuity for staff
- Services not mention herein
- Explore Changu Narayan, Bhaktapur, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Patan, and Kathmandu Durbar Square, covering some of Kathmandu Valley's most important UNESCO World Heritage monuments
- Spend a night at Nagarkot at approximately 2,175 m / 7,136 ft, with opportunities for Himalayan sunset and sunrise views in clear weather
- Walk approximately 10 to 12 km downhill from the Nagarkot ridge toward the historic Newar settlement of Sankhu through terraced farmland, local villages, and countryside trails
- Take an approximately one-hour Everest mountain flight from Kathmandu for close aerial views of the Himalayan chain, including Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and other major peaks when weather is clear
- Visit Budhanilkantha, around 9 km north of central Kathmandu, and see the remarkable five-meter reclining stone image of Lord Vishnu
- Spend two nights around Chitwan National Park, searching for greater one-horned rhinoceros, deer, crocodiles, monkeys, and birdlife through jeep safari, canoeing, birdwatching, and guided nature activities
- Explore Pokhara through the International Mountain Museum, Phewa Lake, World Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls, and clear-weather views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range
- Experience Nepal's striking geographical contrasts, moving from Kathmandu's middle hills to the subtropical Terai and back into the green foothills beneath the Annapurna Himalaya
Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel: (BB)
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Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel: (BB)
Arrival in Kathmandu where you will be met and transferred to Hotel, just walking distance to any styles of good restaurants and shops. Our Representative will give you short briefing on hotel facilities and safety.
Tonight we only have a short introduction to the area, just what you need to know before the main briefing tomorrow. Kathmandu offers varieties of restaurants and fast-food for food lovers.
O/N at Hotel in Kathmandu (BB)
Day 2Morning: Tour of Changunarayan. Afternoon: Tour of Bhaktapur then drive to Nagarkot: (BB)
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Morning: Tour of Changunarayan. Afternoon: Tour of Bhaktapur then drive to Nagarkot: (BB)
After having your breakfast, your city guide will pick you up and then take you to Changunarayan Temple. Changunarayan is a pagoda-style Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu in his incarnation as Narayan. It is one of the oldest temples in Nepal.
Then you’ll be taken to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Bhaktapur which is also known as Bhadgaon is another Newar city founded in the 9th century. In Bhaktapur you'll be visiting the ancient Gateway, Durbar Square the Royal Residential quarter of Bhupatindra Malla, the famous five-storied temple of Nyatapola in pagoda style and other temples. You can also do shopping in local markets of Bhaktapur.
You will take your lunch in one of restaurant located in the middle of the square. Then, we'll continue our journey to Nagarkot 2300m above the sea level. This spot provides an excellent view of the sunset and Mt. Everest can be seen on a clear day. Rest of the afternoon we spend in the resort viewing the Himalayan sunset and relaxing. We spend the night in the resort.
O/N at Hotel in Kathmandu (BB)
Day 3Early morning walk to Sankhu. Then transfer to Boudhanath for sightseeing. Afternoon: S/S of Pashupatinath: (BB)
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Early morning walk to Sankhu. Then transfer to Boudhanath for sightseeing. Afternoon: S/S of Pashupatinath: (BB)
Today you’ll have an early morning walk to Sankhu. It is almost 3hrs of walking from Nagarkot to Sankhu. Here you’ll visit Bajrajogini Temple, one of the famous temples of Sankhu. You can also enjoy looking at Nepali village life.
Then you’ll transfer to Boudhanath for sightseeing in a private vehicle. Bouddha also known as ‘The Little Tibet’ is a 2500-year old Buddhist Stupa, - a holy place and center of Tibetan Buddhism. After having our lunch here, then we’ll visit to Pashupatinath temple where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of lingam. (Only Hindus are allowed inside).
There is a Ghat (cremation sites) by the holy river Bagmati where dead bodies are cremated with traditional ritual.
O/N at Hotel in Kathmandu (BB)
Day 4Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu: (BB)
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Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu: (BB)
After having your breakfast, our Tour Guide will pick you up from hotel for a day sightseeing of world heritage sites. First you will visit Swyambhunath also known as The Monkey Temple is a 2500-years old site where, it is believed, the Radiant Lotus of the valley-mythology, settled when the water was drained by Manjushree, the God of Wisdom.
Then, you'll visit Patan City where you can see the historic Durbar Square, The Golden Gate, The Sky piercing temple of Taleju and the statue of King Yogendra Malla.
After having lunch in Patan City your guide will bring you to Kathmandu Durbar Square. Here you will visit Hanuman Dhoka (the ancient royal residential quarter), Temple House of Kumari (The living Goddess) and local markets. Later on, you'll be return back to the hotel walking through local market.
O/N at Hotel in Kathmandu (BB)
Day 5Early morning transfer to airport for Mountain Flight. Afternoon: Tour of Budhanalikantha: (BB)
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Early morning transfer to airport for Mountain Flight. Afternoon: Tour of Budhanalikantha: (BB)
Today you’ll have an early morning wake-up call then we’ll transfer you to domestic airport for enchanting Mountain flight. A Mountain flight gives you the opportunity to experience spectacular views of the Himalayas.
Wandering in the sky you will observe the natural serenity, beautiful mountain valleys, large open clear sky, lush flora and fauna of the valley and sights of nature and wonder during a mountain flight you will encounter the tallest mountains in the world, giving you spectacular views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, the Tibetan plateau and many others. On return you’ll have your breakfast.
Then on afternoon you’ll be visiting Budhanalikantha. Budhanalikantha is about 8km northeast of Kathmandu and 15km from Thamel, at the base of Shivapuri hill. Budhanalikantha is a colossal statue of lord Vishnu reclining on a bed of snakes. The fifth-century statue lies in the middle of a small pond. An interesting feature of this shrine is that the reigning King of Nepal may not visit the spot according to an old tradition.
O/N at Hotel in Kathmandu (BB)
Day 6Drive to Chitwan. Afternoon: Jungle activities: (Full Board)
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Drive to Chitwan. Afternoon: Jungle activities: (Full Board)
After having breakfast, drive to Chitwan approx. 5/6 hours of driving will finally take you to Chitwan. Upon arrival in Chitwan Lodge will serve you welcome drink and followed by Lunch.
Later Guide will brief you on Jungle activities. And start your jungle activities. First you’ll do a short canoeing to reach to Elephant breeding centre. Then, on return you’ll have your dinner.
O/N at Jungle Lodge in Sauraha, Chitwan (AP)
Day 7Jungle activities: (Full Board)
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Jungle activities: (Full Board)
After an early morning wake-up call by your guide, you’ll start doing remaining of your activities. First you’ll be enjoying elephant back safari inside the jungle. Then you’ll enjoy bathing the elephant in Rapti River. On return you’ll have your lunch and then you’ll be visiting ancient Chitwan Museum where you’ll learn about the history of wildlife of National Park.
Then you’ll be going on a Jungle walk with your guide and experience the thrill of wildlife. Then on return you’ll be enjoying a cultural dance program shown by the local Tharu people with sticks and fire.
O/N at Jungle Lodge in Sauraha, Chitwan (AP)
Day 8Drive to Pokhara: (Full Board)
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Drive to Pokhara: (Full Board)
Today you’ll have an early morning wake-up call by your guide and enjoy bird watching near Rapti River. This place is heaven for bird lovers. After having your breakfast, you’ll then drive to Pokhara which is almost 6hrs of driving. You’ll then transfer to your hotel and rest of the day is a free day for you for necessary shopping and washing.
O/N at Hotel in Pokhara (BB)
Day 9Full day sightseeing in Pokhara: (BB)
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Full day sightseeing in Pokhara: (BB)
Today after having your breakfast you will first visit the International Mountain Museum from where you will learn about the history of Mountains of Nepal.
Then you will have a 30mins of boating in Fewa Lake and walk an hour to reach Peace Pagoda Temple. It is a Buddhist temple. Then you'll return to Lake Side for lunch. Later on you will visit Mahendra Cave and Davis Fall.
O/N at Hotel in Pokhara (BB)
Day 10Drive back to Kathmandu: (BB)
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Drive back to Kathmandu: (BB)
Today we'll have an early morning drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu . It will take 6-7 hrs to drive. We'll reach Kathmandu late afternoon then enjoy our night at Thamel. Upon arrival your reconfirmed international flight tickets will be distributed.
O/N at Hotel in Kathmandu (BB)
Day 11Day at leisure. Evening: Farewell dinner: (BB)
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Day at leisure. Evening: Farewell dinner: (BB)
This pleasant day you may have full day at leisure and either relax at hotel or explore Kathmandu city, shopping, washing etc. Later on evening you’ll have a farewell dinner in a typical Nepali Restaurant with cultural dance. O/N at Hotel in Kathmandu (BB)
Day 12Holiday extension or transfer to airport for final departure
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Holiday extension or transfer to airport for final departure
Today either you’ll have your holiday extension for another tour or we will transfer you to airport for final departure flight. Tour concludes
