Namaste Nepal
This trip is going to be an epic adventure! We'll take an Everest flight, see rare animals, and experience some of the world's most beautiful landscapes.
From Mount Everest to sacred temples to rare wildlife encounters, prepare for an unforgettable journey through this Himalayan nation.
Must-Try Traditional Dishes
Nepali cuisine blends Tibetan, Indian, and indigenous flavors, focusing on rice, lentils, vegetables, and meats.
Dal Bhat 🍛
The national dish—lentil soup served with rice, vegetables, and pickles. You'll see locals eating this twice a day!
Momo 🥟
Nepali dumplings, similar to Tibetan dumplings, stuffed with vegetables, chicken, or buffalo meat.
Sel Roti 🍩
A crispy, ring-shaped rice doughnut, often eaten for breakfast or festivals.
Yomari 🍡
A sweet rice dumpling filled with molasses and sesame seeds—a Newari festival specialty.
Chatamari 🥞
Sometimes called "Nepali pizza," it's a thin rice-flour pancake with eggs, meat, or vegetables.
Thukpa 🍜
A Tibetan-style noodle soup with vegetables or meat, great for cold mornings.
Gundruk 🥬
Fermented leafy greens, packed with probiotics, served as a pickle or soup.
Cultural Etiquette in Nepal
1
Greetings
A polite "Namaste" (hands pressed together in prayer position) is the standard greeting.
2
Respect for Religion
Buddhism and Hinduism are deeply interwoven. Many temples have separate areas for Hindus and non-Hindus—follow signs.
3
Right-Hand Rule
Always use your right hand for giving/receiving money, food, and objects. The left hand is considered unclean.
Temple & Sacred Site Etiquette
Pashupatinath Temple
We will visit one of the holiest Hindu Temples in entire south Asia. See devotees taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati river.
Cremation
The cremation ground is near the temple. Ashes are sprinkled into the Bagmati to be carried to the sacred Ganges River.
Remove Footwear
Shoes must be removed before entering temples, monasteries, and homes.
Foot Positioning
Never point your feet at people, shrines, or sacred objects.
Clockwise Movement
Always walk clockwise around stupas and religious monuments.
Photo Restrictions
Some religious sites prohibit photos inside—ask before taking pictures.
What to Pack for Chitwan National Park
Clothing for Chitwan Safaris
  • Neutral-Colored Clothes – Avoid bright colors (no red, yellow, or neon) to avoid attracting animals or insects.
  • Lightweight, Long-Sleeve, Breathable Fabrics, a Rain Jacket, Hat – It's hot and humid and can rain, but you still need bug & sun protection.
  • Sturdy Walking Shoes or Hiking Boots – Needed for jungle walks.
Safari Gear & Insect Protection
  • Mosquito Repellent (with DEET) – Chitwan is malarial in some seasons, so repellent is a must!
  • Anti-Itch Cream – In case of bites.
  • Binoculars – Great for spotting tigers, rhinos, and rare birds.
  • Camera (with zoom lens) – Animals keep their distance
Hydration & Snacks
  • Reusable Water Bottle – Staying hydrated is key in hot weather.
  • Electrolyte Packets – Prevents dehydration from sweating.
  • Protein Bars or Nuts – Good energy boosts for long safari days.
Get that Great Photo!
  • Stay quiet & move slowly – Loud noises scare away animals.
  • Do not approach or feed animals – Even if they seem harmless.
  • Follow your guide's instructions – If you encounter a rhino, stay calm and listen to your guide!
Walk on the Wild Side at Chitwan National Park
Optimal Hours
Early morning (6-8 AM) and late afternoon (4-6 PM).
Best Season
Dry season (Oct-April) is best because animals gather near waterholes.
Durbar Square: Royal Residence
Features the iconic Hanuman Dhoka Palace, once the royal residence of Nepalese kings. Home to Kumari Ghar, the residence of the Kumari, Nepal's living goddess, a prepubescent girl believed to be the reincarnation of the Hindu goddess Taleju. Famous for its intricate wood carvings, pagoda-style temples, and sacred courtyards. The Maju Deval Temple, a striking multi-tiered pagoda, dominates the square.
1
12th-18th Centuries: Construction Period
Built between the 12th and 18th centuries, the square is a collection of palaces, courtyards, temples, and shrines showcasing the artistry of the Newar people (the indigenous inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley).
2
Until 19th Century: Royal Seat
Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of three royal palaces in the Kathmandu Valley and served as the seat of Nepalese royalty until the 19th century.
3
2015: Earthquake Impact
The square was severely damaged during the 2015 earthquake, but restoration efforts are ongoing.
Luxury Lodging:
Experience 8 nights across Nepal's most captivating destinations with carefully selected accommodations for comfort and authentic experiences, balancing urban luxury with nature immersion.
Itinerary in the words of Sayang Holidays
21 March 2025, Friday (Day 01): Arrival in Kathmandu
Welcome to Nepal! You are met on arrival in Kathmandu and transfer you to the hotel. If time permits, walk to Asson and Indrachock and thamel. Overnight at Marriott Kathmandu
22 March 2025, Saturday (Day 02): Kathmandu
Visit Pashupatinath temple - one of the holiest Hindu Temples in entire south Asia. See devotees taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati river. The cremation ground is near the temple and the ashes of people cremated are sprinkled into the waters of the Bagmati and eventually to be carried to the sacred Ganges. Drive 10 minutes to Bouddhanath Stupa - one of the largest Buddhist shrines in Asia. The Stupa with 100m (328ft) diameter and 40m (130ft) height can be spotted from many viewpoints in Kathmandu. There are number of Buddhist monasteries around and the area is dominantly Tibetan in character and reminds very much of Barkhor area in Lhasa, Tibet. Late afternoon, drive 14 km east to visit the ancient city of Bhaktapur, the third major town in the valley. Enjoy the cobblestone streets free of traffic and visit Lion Gate, the five-storied Nyatopola temple and the Palace of 55 windows. Overnight at Marriott Kathmandu.
23 March 2025, Sunday (Day 03): Kathmandu
Early Morning, transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for Mountain Flight. MOUNTAIN FLIGHT offers the closest possible aerial views of Mt Everest and the Tibetan Plateau. The 45-minute flight offers an incredible panorama, and you can take a photograph of the world’s highest mountain from your window seat. Mt. Everest is more than just the highest mountain in the world, it is the reason why you are here, to see it, to put it into your film rolls, to get as close to it as possible. While on board, you will be able to see some of the highest peaks in the world – Mt. Everest, which is 8,848m (29,029 ft.) and other eight peaks in Nepal which stands above 8000 meters high among the fourteen all over the world, such as Lhotse (8, 516 m), Nuptse (7,855 m), Amadablam (6,812 m), Chamlang (7,319 m), Makalu (8,463 m), Gauri Shankar (7,134 m), Langtang Lirung (7,234 m), Annapurna (8,091 m), Manaslu (8,136 m), Ganesh (7,429 m), etc. In the morning, visit Kathmandu Durbar Square which is in the heart of the old city Kathmandu. Once residence of Nepal’s royal family it has numerous ancient shrines & temples in and around the premises. The place is decorated with wooden carving, architecture and history. All around the splendor is the hustle & bustle of a marketplace. A few steps away is the Temple of the Living Goddess, from where you can see the Kumari in one of the open windows that overlook the inner courtyard. Later, we will travel in a rickshaw to Thamel. The rickshaw ride will take you through the narrow streets of Kathmandu and you will see the old traditional houses with many wooden sculptures. Explore Thamel and some free time to enjoy in this tourist area. You will find many shopping options for traditional clothes, music, thanka, etc. This evening, proceed to Bhojan Griha Restaurant for dinner with cultural performance. Overnight at Marriott Kathmandu.
24 March 2025, Monday (Day 04): Fly to Chitwan National Park
Morning flight to Chitwan and drive to the lodge. This wildlife reserve is one of the best managed and preserved in Asia and contains many species of rate animals and birds. On arrival, a guest briefing will take place followed by lunch and then a Jeep safari or nature walk with boat ride in Rapti River. Overnight at Barahi Jungle Lodge, Chitwan.
25 March 2025, Tuesday (Day 05): Chitwan National Park
You will enjoy Chitwan National Park with Jeep jungle drives, nature walks, elephant orientation. Afternoon, pay visit to the nearby villages of the ethnic group called Tharu. This provides an excellent and colourful introduction of their culture, farming and crafts. Also learn about the flora and fauna of Chitwan. In the evening, we will be entertained by amazing local Tharu dances. Tharu are the aboriginal inhabitant of the area and still live today with their century old lifestyle and traditions. Overnight at Barahi Jungle Lodge, Chitwan.
26 March 2025, Wednesday (Day 06): Flight to Pokhara
Flight to Pokhara – 30 minutes. After leisure breakfast in the morning, transfer to airport for flight to Pokhara. Up on arrival in Pokhara, check in hotel and take some rest, a short walk along lake side, we visit Gorkha museum, and Seti River George, after lunch a short drive to Tibetan refugee camp and nearby holy cave and visit Davi’s fall. Later afternoon, Boating on Fewa lake and visit Barahi temple. Overnight at Temple Resort, Pokhara
27 March 2025, Thursday (Day 07): At Pokhara
This morning, we drive to Sarangkot which is northern foothill of Annapurna for sun rise over the Annapurna, one of the best sunrise viewpoints in Nepal. After the sunrise tour, we visit Binadaseni temple, old Bazaar and international mountain museum. Afternoon visit Peace stupa and gentle hike down about 2 hrs. Overnight at Temple Resort, Pokhara
28 March 2025, Friday (Day 08): Pokhara to Kathmandu
Morning transfer to airport for flight to Pokhara, met by driver and we visit Swayambhunath stupa and Patan city, the city of art and craft. Overnight at Marriott Kathmandu.
29 March 2025, Saturday (Day 09): Flight to Paro and Drive to Thimpu - See Bhutan itinerary here