Introduction: Nepal Circuit Tour with Jungle Safari
There are several places in Nepal worth visiting. From high-altitude trekking to cultural immersion in prominent cities, Nepal provides a fabulous experience that caters to every individual's needs. Those who wish to combine Nepal's cultural heritage, natural beauty, spiritual depth, and adventure should choose the 15-Day Circuit Tour with Jungle Safari.
On the circuit tour, tourists will explore some of Nepal's popular cities, including Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Chitwan, Lumbini, Palpa, Pokhara, and Gorkha. One can explore UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu, watch the sunrise from Nagarkot, walk among the ancient Newari villages of Bungamati and Khokana, encounter rare wildlife in Chitwan National Park, and meditate at Lumbini. Furthermore, the tour adds an extra layer of adventure with visits to Pokhara's serene Phewa Lake and the cultural city of Tansen.
Each destination offers a unique perspective on Nepal's beauty, culture, and traditions. From the mountains, jungles, plains, and hills, the packages provide a complete immersion in Nepal's warm hospitality and cultural authenticity.
On the other hand, the best time for the Nepal Circuit Tour with Jungle Safariis all year round. For the best experience, visit in spring or autumn. Spring in Nepal lasts from March to May, and autumn lasts from September to November. These times have the best weather conditions for a smooth touring experience.
Nepal Trekking Planner arranges Circuit Tours with Jungle Safari in Nepal at a reasonable price. We provide all the help and guidance you need to make your holiday enjoyable and hassle-free. We also offer to customize treks and tours for individuals and groups.
How Does the Nepal Circuit Tour with Jungle Safari Start and End?
The Nepal Circuit Tour begins with arrival in Kathmandu, the capital city. In Kathmandu, you will have a sightseeing tour around the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The sightseeing tour will include visits to Swayambhunath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa.
The next day, you will drive towards Nagarkot via Bhaktapur. During your detour to Bhaktapur, you will visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square and relive Nepal's history. You will explore ancient temples, architecture, wood carvings, stone carvings, and several monuments. Thereafter, you will move towards Nagarkot for a marvelous sunset view in the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, including Everest, Annapurna range, Manaslu range, Langtang range, Ganesh Himal, Jugal Himal, and others.
After a quality night in Nagarkot, you will drive back to Kathmandu with a visit to Bungamati and Khokana. Both Bungamati and Khokana are Newari villages that showcase Nepal's culture. Then, you will be transferred to Chitwan for a visit to Chitwan National Park. You will participate in the Jungle safari in search of exotic wildlife, including one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, crocodile, elephant, musk deer, and others.
The tour will then proceed to Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. You will explore the Lumbini area and its popular landmarks. The trip includes visits to the Sacred Garden, Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, Pushkarini Pond, and others. Afterwards, you will leave for Tansen Palpa. You will visit the Rani Mahal beside the Kali Gandaki River.
The following day, you will visit the lakeside city of Pokhara, the largest tourist city in Nepal. The day follows with the exploration of the popular sightseeing tour of Pokhara. Here, you will visit landmarks including World Peace Stupa, Shiva Temple at Pumdikot, Davis Fall, Mahendra Cave, and others.
With the end of the Pokhara tour, you will drive to Gorkha to visit the Gorkha Palace and Museum. Then, with the overnight stop in Gorkha, you will head back to Kathmandu. You will have an additional day in Kathmandu for shopping, exploration, and quality time. Then, with the final departure, your 15-Day Nepal Circuit Tour with Jungle Safari with Nepal Trekking Planner ends.
What to Expect in Nepal Circuit Tour with Jungle Safari?
Kathmandu
The capital city offers a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which include:
Kathmandu Durbar Square: The Durbar Square is located in the center of Kathmandu. It was an Old Malla King's Royal Palace, now a popular attraction during your stay in Kathmandu. The Kathmandu Durbar Square is also known as Hanumandhoka Durbar Square or Basantapur Durbar Square, as the sculpture of God Hanuman is situated here.
The top attractions in Kathmandu Durbar Square are as follows:
- Hanumandhoka Palace: It features a standing stone sculpture of the Hindu deity Hanuman, also known as the Monkey God. It stands in the entryway of Durbar Square.
- Kala Bhairav: It is a statue carved from a single stone dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. Kal Bhairab is also known as the God of Justice, and it is believed to have been discovered by King Pratap Malla. Now, various pilgrims come with offerings and seek blessings.
- Shiva Parvati Temple: The temple consists of two wooden figures depicting God Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The figures are positioned so they look out from the central window on the first floor.
- Kumari Ghar: The Temple of Kumari is located in the center of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building, carved with wooden balconies, was built by King Jaya Prakash Malla. The Kumari goddess, also known as the Living Goddess, is replaced upon reaching puberty.
- Nasal Chowk: The place was used as a coronation platform in ancient history. It is located in the center courtyard of Kathmandu Durbar Square. One can see woodcarvings and intricate medieval architecture.
- Mohan Kali Chowk: A statue of Goddess Mohan Kali is located here. It has artistic features and enhances the beauty of Durbar Square.
- Sundari Chowk showcases the Newar architecture, the local style of the Kathmandu Valley. The main highlights of the chowk are the sunken bath and the ornate windows.
Swayambhunath Temple: It is a hilltop temple offering a beautiful panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley below. The Swayambhunath Stupa is also known as the Monkey Temple due to the abundance of monkeys on its premises. The main stupa consists of a white dome stupa with all-seeing Buddha eyes. The temple is a blend of Hinduism and Buddhism, and a living example of how two distinct religions can coexist harmoniously. There are two entrances to the temple, one of which, in particular, has 365 stone steps, each representing a day of the year.
Pashupatinath Temple: It is the oldest Hindu Temple of Nepal, situated in Kathmandu. The temple is located on both banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here you can see various Gurus in sapphire-colored robes, dedicated their Lives to Shiva to escape the cycle of Life. The significant attractions of Pashupatinath are as follows:
- Mukhalinga: a sacred stone representing Lord Shiva's face.
- Guhyeshwari Temple: It is a Hindu Shrine that has the Goddess Sati's "Yoni" emblem. The temple represents divine feminine energy and spirituality.
- Gorakhnath Temple: It is devoted to Guru Gorakhnath, a respected figure in Hinduism, especially within the Nath lineage.
- Western Cremation Ghats: Hindu death procedures are conducted in the Cremation Ghats. It is the place where the dead are burned.
Boudhanath Stupa: It is one of the most prestigious Buddhist stupas of Kathmandu. The Boudhanath Stupa is semi-circle shaped with an all-seeing Buddha eye. The stupa also features a pinnacle at the top representing Mount Sumeru (the King of all mountains). You can see various monks and pilgrims circling the stupa as they rotate the prayer wheels in search of enlightenment.
Bhaktapur and Nagarkot
During the visit to Nagarkot, you will have a side trip to Bhaktapur, which is en route. You will visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square and the vantage point in Nagarkot for sunset views. Here are some of the popular attractions in Bhaktapur and Nagarkot:
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square: It is the royal palace in Bhaktapur district, Nepal. The Durbar Square is adorned with temples, monuments, woodcarvings, and medieval art. The major attractions of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square are as follows:
- 55 Window Palace: The palace features 55 intricately carved windows that showcase Newar artistry and historical significance.
- Golden Gate: The Golden Gate, located in the Durbar Square, is dedicated to the Taleju Bhawani Temple. It has an intricately carved wooden door covered in Gold. The gate carvings feature figures from mythology and spirituality, showcasing Bhaktapur's cultural heritage.
- Lions Gate: The gate features two majestic lions on either side, along with other ancient buildings and artifacts.
- Vatsala Temple: It is a shikhar-style temple that is located on the eastern side of Durbar Square. The temple is dedicated to Vatsala, who is revered as the manifestation of Goddess Durga. The temple is known for its dog-barking bell, which is believed to toll a death knell when rung.
- Mini Pashupatinath Temple: The temple is located south of the Vatsala temple. The mini Pashupatinath temple, also known as the Yakeshvara temple, is a scaled-down replica of the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu.
- Nyatapola Temple: It is one of the most famous temples of Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The temple is located in the central part of Bhaktapur. Nyatapola means 'five tires' in Newari, a reference to the symbolism of the five elements. The temple is dedicated to Siddhilaxmi, a Hindu goddess of supreme power and success.
- Nagarkot: It is located about 32 km east of Kathmandu in the Bhaktapur district. The Nagarkot valley is renowned as a vantage point for viewing the magnificent Himalayan ranges. One can see the Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Jugal, and Rolwaling ranges. The location also offers a bird's-eye view of the Kathmandu Valley and Shivapuri National Park.
- Visitors can relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy a cup of tea while enjoying the magnificent view of the valley. It is also an excellent place for family tours in Nepal with BBQ or other good food. Tourists can also see Everest, the highest mountain in the world, from here as long as the sky is clear. Another notable highlight of Nagarkot is the sunrise and sunset views. It is a great place to see the sunrise or sunset while enjoying panoramic mountain views.
Bungamati And Khokana
Bungamati: The Newari village of Bungamati is only 10 kilometers away from Kathmandu. The town is the origin of Rato Machindranath, which is regarded as the supporter of the valley. Rato Machindranath stays in Bungamati for half of the year and is then transported to Patan.
Another highlight is the Karya Binayak Temple, one of Nepal's most important temples. The temple stands in the middle of trees and bamboo. Other attractions in Bungamati include the Shree Sulakshyana Mahadev Temple, the Bungamati Museum, and the Macchindra Bahal monastery.
Khokana: It is another Newari village located near Bungamati. The town is famous for its traditional mustard oil industry. Mustard oil is extracted using conventional methods, as observed during the visit.
Chitwan
The primary attraction of Chitwan is the Chitwan National Park. Tourists can participate in several adventure activities while viewing various exotic animals. According to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, there are more than 50 mammal species, over 525 bird species, and 55 amphibian and reptile species within Chitwan National Park. Some of the exotic animals present inside the park are the One-horned rhino, the Gaur, the Royal Bengal tiger, the Wild elephant, the four-horned antelope, the Pangolin, the Bengal florican, the great hornbill, and others. Adventure activities inside Chitwan National Park are as follows:
- Jungle safari with a Jeep or on Elephant Back
- Jungle walks
- Canoeing in the Rapti River
- Elephant bathing
- Try out authentic food like Ghongi, Patushni, etc.
- Tharu village tour with Tharu dance and Tharu food
- Visiting Tharu Cultural Museum
- Bird watching with sunset and sunrise options
Lumbini
Gautam Buddha, who is the founder of Buddhism, was born in Lumbini, Nepal. So, Lumbini is a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site recognized as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site with significant archaeological remains. Some of the popular attractions of Lumbini are as follows:
- Maya Devi Temple: It is the most sacred site in Lumbini. It is believed that the Maya Devi Temple is the exact spot where Lord Buddha was born. The temple houses stone slabs that mark the actual birthplace of Lord Buddha. The temple is named after the mother of Buddha, Maya Devi. You can see pictures of Buddha and Queen Maya Devi inside the temple. The temple features a sacred pond where Maya Devi took a ritual bath after giving birth. Likewise, there is the famous Bodhi Tree, where Maya Devi is said to have rested in the shade.
- Ashoka Pillar: The pillars were apparently built during 249 BC when Emperor Ashoka of India visited Lumbini. He built the four stupas and a pillar with a horse idol on the top. There are also ancient inscriptions that mention Ashoka describing the importance of Lumbini as the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The pillars are now surrounded by a small fence, prayer flags, and incense sticks used for meditation.
- Myanmar Golden Temple: The Golden Temple has three prayer halls, which are among the oldest structures in Lumbini. The temple's interior features the Lokamani Pula Pagoda.
- World Peace Stupa: The stupa was made by the Japanese Buddhist Organization in 2001 in Lumbini. It is a white-domed structure decorated with Buddhist symbols and paintings of Buddha. The central part of the stupa features a golden statue of the Buddha in meditative posture.
Tansen
Tansen, located in the Palpa district, is above the Kali Gandaki River. Tansen holds a glorious past and rich cultural heritage, and was a significant capital of the Gorkhali Kingdom. The beautiful town of Tansen is famous for a traditional Dhaka fabric and Karuwa (a brass jug with a spout). Here are some of the major attractions of Tansen:
- Palpa/Tansen Durbar: The Palpa Durbar was built by Pratap Shamsher Jung Bahadur Rana in 1927. It used to be an administrative hub; however, now it is a museum open to the public. The museum now showcases artifacts, local crafts, and insights into the political past.
- Rani Mahal: Rani Mahal, also known as the Taj Mahal of Nepal, lies on the bank of the Kali Gandaki River. It is one of Nepal's most romantic and iconic landmarks. General Khadga Shamsher Janga Bahadur Rana built the Rani Mahal in memory of his beloved wife.
- Shree Amar Narayan Temple: It is an 18th-century pagoda-style temple built by Amar Singh Thapa, the first governor of Tansen. It features carved wooden deities and is considered one of Nepal's most beautiful temples.
- Bhairab Temple: It is one of the most significant Hindu temples of Lord Kal Bhairab, situated 8km away from Tansen. Pratam Shamsher Rana built the temple. The temple also has the biggest trishul in Asia.
Pokhara
Pokhara is Nepal's largest tourist city, known for its beautiful lakeside area. It is also the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit Trek, a popular Himalayan trekking route. Besides, Pokhara has various popular attractions for tourists, which are as follows:
- Phewa Lake: It is also known as Fewa Taal, is a beautiful freshwater lake located in the center of the Pokhara valley, making it one of the city's most recognized landmarks. The Phewa Lake provides opportunities for boating, Kayaking, and other adventure activities. Similarly, the lake, on a clear day, provides a stunning reflection of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain Ranges.
- Davis Fall: Davis Fall, locally known as Patale Chango, is a roaring waterfall located 2km from Pokhara. The waterfall gained its name after a Swiss woman named Davis lost her Life as the strong currents carried her away.
- Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave: Nepal's longest cave, stretching about 2,950 meters. The cave contains a Shivalinga, sacred to Hindus.
- World Peace Pagoda: It is a white-domed structure located on a hilltop that symbolizes purity. It provides a magnificent view of the Annapurna range and the Pokhara valley below.
- Pumdikot: The Pumdikot Shiva statue is 51 feet tall and of religious importance.
- Sarangkot: It is a vantage point offering a mesmerizing view of sunrise and sunset. Tourists can enjoy the golden and pink hues that reflect on the snow-capped mountains of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
- Bindabasini Temple: It is the oldest temple in Pokhara, dedicated to Goddess Bindhyabasini, an incarnation of the Hindu Goddess Kali.
Gorkha
Gorkha is home to the courageous Gorkha soldiers, who were born along the Himalayan foothills. The great King Prithivi Narayan Shah, who unified Nepal, was born in Gorkha, which then split the country into 50 separate kingdoms. The Gorkha district has an ancient history in Nepal. The popular attractions of Gorkha are as follows:
- Gorkha Museum: The museum houses historical artwork, traditional Gorkha weapons, and musical instruments. The museum has pistols, cannons, and spears that were bought and used during unification. Similarly, the museum also has copper and gold coins used by King Prithivi Narayan Shah to purchase such arms from other countries. If you are visiting Gorkha, a visit to the Gorkha Museum is a must.
- Gorkha Durbar: It is the most popular landmark of Gorkha, which is situated on a hilltop. It takes about an hour to reach the Gorkha Durbar, which was the home of King Prithivi Narayan Shah. The durbar was constructed in the 16th century in the Newari architectural style.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 2: Full day in Kathmandu
- Day 3: Kathmandu-Nagarkot via Bhaktapur
- Day 4: Drive to Kathmandu via Bungamati and Khokana
- Day 5: Drive to Chitwan
- Day 6: Full day in Chitwan
- Day 7: Drive to Lumbini
- Day 8: Full day in Lumbini
- Day 9: Drive to Tansen
- Day 10: Drive to Pokhara
- Day 11: Full day in Pokhara
- Day 12: Drive to Gorkha (3-4 hrs.)
- Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu (4-5 hrs.)
- Day 14: Full day in Kathmandu
- Day 15: Final departure
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