Nepal Golden Triangle Package — Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan
8 days / 7 night
Nepal's Golden Triangle is the country's most beloved and most booked tour — three extraordinary destinations, one perfect private vehicle journey. Explore the UNESCO heritage temples and sacred shrines of Kathmandu Valley, experience the breathtaking Himalayan lakeside beauty of Pokhara, and discover Nepal's wild heart with a thrilling jungle safari in Chitwan National Park. All in 8 days, in your own private vehicle, with a professional driver and a fully customized itinerary. Whether you are a first-time Nepal visitor, a family group, or a pilgrim exploring the country's sacred landmarks, the Nepal Golden Triangle delivers an unforgettable and deeply complete Nepal experience.
DestinationNepal
Duration8 Days
GradeEasy
ActivitiesMulti-day Trip
AccommodationGuest House
Max. Elevation1400m.
Group SizeMin. 1 Pax
VehiclePrivate Vehicle
Highlights of nepal-golden-triangle-package-kathmandu-pokhara-chitwan trip
Explore 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley — Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square
Walk the stone-paved medieval lanes of Bhaktapur — Nepal's finest preserved ancient city. Witness the morning Aarti ritual at Pashupatinath Temple on the sacred Bagmati River.
Arrive in Pokhara and experience the breathtaking reflection of the Annapurna peaks on Phewa Lake.
Sunrise panorama over the full Himalayan range from the Sarangkot viewpoint above Pokhara Visit the World Peace Stupa — panoramic 360-degree views of Pokhara Valley and the Himalayas.
Thrilling jeep safari inside Chitwan National Park — spot one-horned rhinos, tigers, and wild elephants.
Silent dugout canoe ride on the Rapti River beside basking crocodiles and jungle birds Sunrise visit to the Elephant Breeding Center — watch young calves being bathed and cared for Traditional Tharu village cultural walk and spectacular Tharu cultural dance show.
Private vehicle and professional driver for all 8 days — total flexibility, zero public transport Fully customizable — add Muktinath, Lumbini, Nagarkot, Mankamana, or Bandipur to your journey.
Top attractions
Kathmandu
Pokhara
Chitwan
Manakamana
Trip Overview
Nepal's Golden Triangle brings together the three destinations that define the Nepal experience — and connects them all by private vehicle so your group travels in complete comfort, at your own pace, with no fixed bus schedules or crowded shared transport.
Kathmandu Valley is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites within a single valley — the sacred Pashupatinath Temple on the holy Bagmati River, the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa, the hilltop Swayambhunath Monkey Temple, the ancient royal Kathmandu Durbar Square, the perfectly preserved medieval city of Bhaktapur, the artistic masterpiece of Patan Durbar Square, and the 4th-century Changu Narayan Temple. Three full days in the Kathmandu Valley allow your group to explore all these treasures without rushing.
Pokhara is Nepal's most beautiful city — a peaceful lakeside destination set against the dramatic backdrop of the Annapurna Himalayan range. The iconic reflection of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) on Phewa Lake, the sunrise panorama from Sarangkot, the World Peace Stupa, Bindhyabasini Temple, Davis Falls, and the relaxed Lakeside promenade make Pokhara a destination that every Nepal visitor falls in love with.
Chitwan National Park is Nepal's premier wildlife destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to over 700 one-horned rhinoceroses, Bengal tigers, wild elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, and over 600 bird species, Chitwan delivers a genuine jungle safari experience. AJeep safari inside the park, a dugout canoe ride on the Rapti River, a sunrise visit to the elephant breeding center, a Tharu village cultural walk, and the spectacular Tharu cultural dance show complete two unforgettable nights in the jungle.
All three destinations are connected by your dedicated private vehicle and professional licensed driver — from your airport arrival on Day 1 to your final airport departure on Day 8.
This package is designed for all fitness levels — no trekking or physical exertion is required. All activities are accessible by vehicle and on flat ground. The maximum altitude reached is 1,400 meters in Kathmandu — no concerns about altitude sickness for this package. Chitwan National Park activities involve light walking on flat jungle trails — comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Useful Info:
Carry mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and a hat for Chitwan jungle activities
Wear neutral colors (greens, browns, khakis) for the jeep safari — avoid bright colors
Bring a light jacket for Kathmandu evenings — temperatures can be cool, especially in October to February
Photography is permitted at most sites — check with your guide regarding restrictions inside temple inner sanctums
Tipping is not mandatory, but appreciated — NPR 500 to 1,000 per day for driver and guide is a generous gesture
Peak season (October–November and March–April) hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan book out quickly. We strongly recommend booking at least 3–4 weeks in advance during these months to secure your preferred hotel and dates.
Itinerary of Nepal Golden Triangle Package — Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan - 8 days
Day 01
Arrival in Kathmandu — Airport Transfer & Welcome
Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, your professional driver will be waiting at the arrivals terminal with a welcome placard. Board your private vehicle for a smooth transfer to your 3-star hotel in Thamel — Kathmandu's vibrant tourist hub. Check in, freshen up, and rest after your journey. Your guide will visit for a welcome briefing covering the full itinerary ahead. In the evening, explore Thamel's colorful lanes at your own pace and enjoy a welcome dinner at one of the area's excellent restaurants.
Depart early for Pashupatinath Temple on the sacred Bagmati River — Nepal's holiest Shiva shrine and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experience the morning Aarti ritual, observe the sacred ghats, and feel the temple's profound spiritual energy. Continue to Boudhanath Stupa — one of the world's largest Buddhist stupas — for the sacred kora walk and a refreshment break with stupa views. After lunch, explore Kathmandu Durbar Square — the ancient royal palace complex with Hanuman Dhoka Palace and the living Goddess Kumari's residence. End the day at Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) for panoramic valley views at golden hour.
Max. Elevation:1400
Duration:8 hours
Distance:40 km
Day 03
Kathmandu Heritage — Bhaktapur & Patan Ancient Cities
Drive 13 km east to Bhaktapur — Nepal's finest-preserved medieval city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the 55-Window Palace and the gilded golden gate, Nyatapola Temple (Nepal's tallest pagoda), the traditional pottery square, and the ancient stone-paved lanes of the old city. Try the legendary Juju Dhau (King Curd) before continuing to Patan — the City of Fine Arts. Explore Patan Durbar Square's Krishna Mandir, the outstanding Patan Museum, and the 12th-century Golden Temple. Return to Kathmandu in the evening.
Max. Elevation:1350m
Duration:8 Hours
Distance:40 km
Day 04
Kathmandu to Pokhara — Scenic Prithvi Highway Drive
After breakfast, check out of your Kathmandu hotel and depart for Pokhara along the scenic Prithvi Highway. The road follows the powerful Trishuli River through lush gorges and terraced hillsides. Stop at Mugling for a refreshing break and fresh river fish. An optional stop at Mankamana Temple by cable car — the wish-fulfilling Goddess beloved by devotees — adds 1.5 to 2 hours and a deeply meaningful experience. Continue to Pokhara, arriving by late afternoon. Check in to your lakeside hotel and enjoy the breathtaking reflection of the Annapurna peaks on Phewa Lake at sunset.
Max. Elevation:827
Duration:6 Hrs
Distance:200 Km
Day 05
Pokhara Sightseeing — Sarangkot Sunrise, Phewa Lake & World Peace Stupa
Optional pre-dawn drive to Sarangkot for the most famous sunrise in Nepal — the full Annapurna range illuminated in gold and crimson. Return for breakfast, then head to Phewa Lake for a traditional rowing boat ride to the island of Tal Barahi Temple. Visit the World Peace Stupa on the hilltop above the lake for panoramic views of the Himalayas. Continue to Bindhyabasini Temple, Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave (with its sacred Shiva lingam), and the International Mountain Museum—evening free in Lakeside — restaurants, shops, and rooftop bars beside the lake.
Max. Elevation:1592 ( Sarangkot)
Duration:6 Hours
Distance:40 km
Day 06
Pokhara to Chitwan — Jungle Arrival & Rapti River Nature Walk Short
After breakfast, check out and drive from Pokhara through the Seti River gorge and down into the Terai lowlands to Chitwan National Park — approximately 3 to 4 hours. Arrive at your jungle resort in Sauraha and enjoy a welcome lunch. Begin your Chitwan experience with a guided nature walk along the Rapti River bank — spot mugger and gharial crocodiles sunning on the sandbanks, observe a wide variety of birdlife, and with luck spot one-horned rhinos grazing on the opposite bank: evening Tharu community introduction and dinner at the resort.
Duration:6 Hours
Distance:40 km
Day 07
Full Chitwan Safari Day — Jeep Safari, Canoe Ride & Tharu Culture
Rise before dawn for the Elephant Breeding Center visit — watch resident elephants and young calves being bathed and fed. Morning jeep safari deep inside Chitwan National Park in an open-top safari vehicle with your expert naturalist guide — searching for one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, wild elephants, sloth bears, and crocodiles through the sal forest and tall grasslands. After lunch, a silent dugout canoe ride on the Rapti River beside basking crocodiles and jungle birds. Afternoon Tharu village cultural walk. Evening spectacular Tharu cultural dance show featuring stick dance, peacock dance, and fish dance—dinner at the resort.
Max. Elevation:Sauraha, Chitwan
Duration:6 Hours
Distance:40 km
Day 08
Chitwan Morning Walk & Return Drive to Kathmandu — Departure
Final early morning birdwatching walk along the forest edge — Chitwan's 600+ bird species make the morning hours magical. Return for a final breakfast and checkout. Browse the Sauraha souvenir shops before your private vehicle departs for Kathmandu — approximately 4 to 5 hours with a lunch stop en route. Arrive back in Kathmandu by late afternoon. Your driver will provide a timely transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. A farewell dinner in Thamel is available on request for groups with late departure flights.
Max. Elevation:1350m
Duration:4-5 Hours
If the provided schedule isn't suitable for you, we can create personalized travel arrangements.
Full board at Chitwan — breakfast, lunch, and dinner for both Chitwan nights
Licensed English-speaking sightseeing guide for Kathmandu sightseeing (Days 2 and 3) and Pokhara sightseeing (Day 5)
All Chitwan National Park entry and jungle permit fees
Government-licensed naturalist guide for all Chitwan jungle activities
Morning jeep safari inside Chitwan National Park
Sunrise elephant breeding centre visit
Dugout canoe ride on the Rapti River
Rapti River nature walk and birdwatching with guide
Tharu village cultural walk
Tharu cultural dance show
Phewa Lake boating in Pokhara
Farewell dinner on last Kathmandu evening
Bottled water for all passengers throughout
Cost Excluded
International airfare to and from Nepal.
Nepal visa fee — USD 30 for 15 days, available on arrival at Kathmandu Airport Entry/monument fees at Kathmandu heritage sites — Bhaktapur (NPR 1,500), Boudhanath (NPR 400), Pashupatinath (NPR 1,000), Patan (NPR 1,000), etc.
Lunches in Kathmandu and Pokhara — own expense.
Personal travel insurance — strongly recommended.
Tips and gratuities for driver, guide, and hotel staff.
Personal expenses — shopping, beverages, laundry, telephone.
Optional activities not in the program — paragliding, hot air balloon, bungee, zip-line Mankamana cable car ticket, if selected — available at additional cost.
Medical expenses and emergency evacuation costs.
Camera and video permit fees inside Chitwan National Park.
Any costs due to natural disasters, road closures, or events beyond our control
Choose your rental car
Included as standard:
Experienced Driver
Clean & Sanitized Vehicle
24/7 Customer Support
Flexible Payment Options
Electric
Omoda E5
5 Doors
3 Seats
3 Luggages
Electric
MG ZS
4 Doors
3 Seats
3 Luggages
Diesel
Scorpio
5 Doors
6 Seats
6 Luggages
Diesel
Toyota Hiace
4 Doors
12 Seats
12 Luggages
Useful Information
Nepal Visa: All foreign nationals except Indian citizens require a visa for Nepal. Tourist visas are available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport — USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days. Bring 1 passport-size photo and USD cash. Indian nationals enter Nepal visa-free with a valid passport or voter ID card.
Best Time to Visit: October to November is the finest season — clear skies, stable weather, perfect Himalayan views, and excellent wildlife activity in Chitwan. March to May is the second-best season with warm weather and blooming rhododendrons. December to February is cool and clear—ideal for sightseeing and the Chitwan safari. June to September is monsoon — travel is possible, but expect occasional rain and road variations.
Dress Code at Temples: Modest attire is required at all temples and religious sites. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Remove footwear before entering all temple sanctums and monastery halls.
Currency: Nepal Rupee (NPR). ATMs are widely available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Sauraha. TheIndian Rupee is accepted at many places in Nepal. USD and major foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and exchange counters.
Chitwan Wildlife: Rhino sightings are highly likely — Chitwan has one of the world's highest rhino densities. Tiger sightings occur but cannot be guaranteed. All wildlife activities follow national park guidelines for responsible tourism.
Vehicle Flexibility: We provide the right vehicle for your group — aprivate car for couples and small groups, aHiAce van for groups of 6 to 12, amicrobus for 13 to 20, and a full coach for larger groups. All vehicles are well-maintained and driven by professional licensed drivers.
Customization: Every aspect of this package can be customized — add Mankamana Temple cable car stop, extend with a Muktinath pilgrimage, add a Nagarkot sunrise night, or adjust the pace to suit your group. Contact us to build your ideal itinerary.
FAQs
FAQs
FAQ 1 Q: What is the Nepal Golden Triangle Package?
The Nepal Golden Triangle Package is an 8-day private vehicle tour connecting Nepal's three most popular destinations — Kathmandu (cultural heritage and sacred temples), Pokhara (Himalayan lakeside beauty), and Chitwan National Park (jungle safari and wildlife). It is the most popular and most complete introductory Nepal tour package, designed for first-time visitors, families, and group travellers.
FAQ 2 Q: Is this package suitable for first-time visitors to Nepal?
Yes — this package is specifically designed for first-time Nepal visitors. It covers the three most iconic and accessible destinations in the country, requires no trekking or physical fitness, involves no high-altitude travel, and is fully guided throughout. It is the perfect introduction to Nepal's culture, nature, and Himalayan scenery.
FAQ 3 Q: What vehicle will be used for the tour?
We provide a private vehicle matched to your group size — a private car or SUV for couples and small groups of up to 5, a Toyota HiAce van for groups of 6 to 12, a microbus for 13 to 20 passengers, and a full coach for larger groups. All vehicles are well-maintained, clean, and driven by professional licensed drivers who know the routes thoroughly.
FAQ 4 Q: Can we add Muktinath or Mankamana Temple to this package?
Absolutely. This package is fully customizable. The most popular addition for pilgrim and devotee groups is the Mankamana Temple cable car stop on the Kathmandu to Pokhara drive (Day 4) — this adds approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and a deeply meaningful Darshan experience. A full Muktinath pilgrimage extension (3 to 4 extra days) can also be added after the Pokhara section. Contact us to customize your itinerary.
FAQ 5 Q: What wildlife can we see in Chitwan National Park?
Chitwan National Park is home to the greater one-horned rhinoceros (700+ individuals — sightings are highly likely), Bengal tiger, wild Asian elephant, sloth bear, leopard, gharial and mugger crocodile, spotted deer, sambar, wild boar, and over 600 bird species. Rhino sightings during the jeep safari are very common. Tiger sightings occur regularly but cannot be guaranteed as tigers are elusive and move through large territories.
FAQ 6 Q: Do Indian nationals need a visa for Nepal?
No. Indian nationals do not require a visa to enter Nepal. A valid Indian passport or voter ID card is sufficient for entry. Indian nationals also benefit from significantly discounted SAARC rates at most heritage sites and monuments. The Nepal Rupee and Indian Rupee are both widely accepted throughout Nepal.
FAQ 7 Q: What is the best time of year to do this tour?
October to November is the finest season — crystal clear skies, stable weather, perfect Himalayan views from Pokhara and Kathmandu, and optimal wildlife activity in Chitwan. March to April is the second best season. December to February is cool and clear — excellent for all sightseeing and safari activities. June to September is monsoon season — travel is possible but rain is expected and road conditions may vary.
FAQ 8 Q: Can the duration be shortened or extended?
Yes — this package is fully flexible. A shorter 5-night / 6-day version is available by reducing Kathmandu to 2 nights and combining some sightseeing days. The package can be extended to 10 to 12 days by adding Muktinath, Lumbini, Bandipur, or Nagarkot. Tell us your available days and preferred pace and we will build the ideal itinerary for your group.
Car Rental Nepal exceeded our expectations during our Pokhara trip. The vehicle was ready on time, and the driver was both courteous and skilled. Their clear communication made our journey pleasant and hassle-free.
EEmily Carter9th Oct, 2024
Our journey from Kathmandu to Lumbini with Car Rental Nepal was smooth and enjoyable. The car was clean and well-maintained, and the driver was cooperative throughout. Even with minor delays, the support team stayed connected. Highly recommend!
SSagar Giri12th Aug, 2024
We recently rented a scorpio from Car Rental Nepal for a trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and the experience was fantastic. The driver was incredibly cooperative, and the agency's support was top-notch. Despite traffic delays, they didn't charge extra. Highly recommend!
RRajesh Mehta3rd Jun, 2024
We booked a Toyota Hiace with Car Rental Nepal for our group tour, and it was a stress-free experience. The driver was professional, the vehicle spacious, and everything ran perfectly. A trustworthy service for anyone traveling in Nepal!
