Kathmandu Bandipur Pokhara Chitwan Tour Package | 9 Days

Trip Glance

The Kathmandu Bandipur Pokhara Chitwan tour package is a nine-day, eight-night loop from Kathmandu with two nights in the capital, one night in Bandipur, three nights in Pokhara and two nights in Chitwan. The vehicle covers about 650 to 700 km. The longest drives, from Kathmandu to Bandipur and from Chitwan back to Kathmandu, take about five to seven hours; the drive from Bandipur to Pokhara takes only two to three hours.

The highest point is Sarangkot at 1,592 metres and the lowest is Sauraha in the Terai, under 250 metres, so there is no altitude concern. All roads are paved, though parts of the Prithvi Highway are busy and under widening, and the road to Bandipur is narrow and winding. No permits are needed. For more ideas, see our guide Explore Nepal Your Way.

Why This Route Works So Well

Shorter driving days. By stopping in Bandipur on the way to Pokhara, the long drive from Kathmandu is split in two, and no day on the road is exhausting.

More time in each place. Two days in Pokhara allow both sightseeing and a free day for adventure or relaxation, and two nights in Chitwan give a full day in the national park.

Variety. In nine days you see temple cities, a traditional hill town, the high Himalaya, lakes, caves, river gorges and tropical jungle.

A natural loop. The route runs west to Bandipur and Pokhara, south to Chitwan and back north-east to Kathmandu, so the scenery changes every day.

Bandipur: The Hill Town in the Middle

Bandipur sits on a ridge at about 1,030 metres, about 8 km above Dumre on the Prithvi Highway, 143 km from Kathmandu and 73 km from Pokhara. Originally a Magar village, it became a prosperous trading town after Newar merchants from the Kathmandu Valley settled here in the late eighteenth century, building tall brick houses with carved windows along a stone-paved street. When the highway was built along the valley below, trade moved away, and the town stayed quiet and well preserved.

Today the main street is closed to traffic, and the community welcomes visitors to its guesthouses, cafés and temples. One night is enough to enjoy sunset, sunrise and a morning walk; travellers who fall in love with the town can add a second night.

Pokhara: Two Days in the Lake City

Pokhara is Nepal’s favourite holiday town, and two days there make a big difference. The lakeside district, along the eastern shore of Phewa Lake, is lined with cafés, bookshops and handicraft stores, while the lake itself, the second-largest in Nepal, reflects the forested ridge of the World Peace Pagoda and, on clear mornings, the snow peak of Machhapuchhre.

The city’s attractions are spread out, which is why having your own vehicle is so useful: Sarangkot and Pumdikot lie on ridges above the lake, the caves and the Seti gorge are on the northern side of town, and the quieter lakes of Begnas and Rupa are about half an hour to the east.

The first day is for the classics: sunrise at Sarangkot, the Peace Pagoda, Devi’s Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, the Mountain Museum and a boat ride on the lake. The second day is free, giving you time for an adventure, a short hike in the foothills, or simply a slow morning by the water. Many guests say the free day is the highlight of the trip, a chance to relax in the middle of a busy holiday.

Chitwan National Park in Brief

Chitwan was Nepal’s first national park and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It protects about 950 square kilometres of lowland forest, grassland and river islands in the Terai, bordered by the Narayani and Rapti rivers. Sal forest covers most of the park, while tall grasslands, some among the tallest in the world, provide shelter for rhinos and deer.

The park is a stronghold for the greater one-horned rhinoceros and a vital home for Bengal tigers, along with leopards, sloth bears, gaur, wild elephants, mugger crocodiles and the rare fish-eating gharial. More than 540 species of birds have been recorded, making Chitwan one of the best places for bird watching in Asia. The village of Sauraha, on the northern edge of the park across the Rapti River, is the main base for visitors, with lodges, restaurants and activity operators.

Route Overview

Kathmandu to Bandipur (about 143 km). From Kathmandu the road climbs to Nagdhunga and descends to Naubise, then follows the Prithvi Highway along the Trishuli River to Mugling and the Marsyangdi to Dumre. A narrow 8 km road climbs to Bandipur. Budget travellers sometimes use the Kathmandu to Pokhara bus as far as Dumre, but need local transport for the climb.

Bandipur to Pokhara (about 73 km). The road returns to Dumre and follows the highway west through Damauli into the Pokhara valley. This short leg leaves plenty of time for the morning in Bandipur.

Pokhara to Chitwan (about 150 to 160 km). The highway runs east to Mugling, then south through the Narayani gorge to Narayanghat and across the plains to Sauraha. For a shared seat on this leg, see our Pokhara to Chitwan bus.

Chitwan to Kathmandu (about 165 to 175 km). The road climbs back through the Narayani gorge to Mugling and follows the Trishuli River to Naubise and Kathmandu. Shared seats are available on the Chitwan to Kathmandu bus.

Shorter and Longer Versions

The nine-day plan is the most relaxed, but the same vehicle hire can follow a shorter or longer programme.

Seven days. Remove the free day in Pokhara and combine Kathmandu arrival and sightseeing into one day for travellers who land early. The Bandipur night remains, keeping the driving days short.

Eight days. Keep the free day in Pokhara but reduce Chitwan to one night with an afternoon and morning of activities.

Ten or eleven days. Add a second night in Bandipur for longer walks to Ramkot and the surrounding hills, add Lumbini between Chitwan and Kathmandu, or finish with a night at Nagarkot for a final Himalayan sunrise.

Reverse direction. Start with Chitwan, continue to Pokhara and Bandipur, and return to Kathmandu, which suits travellers who want to end their holiday with mountain views and the hill town.

Kathmandu Valley Highlights

The Kathmandu Valley holds seven UNESCO Monument Zones within a short distance of each other: the palace squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur; the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath; the great Hindu temple complex of Pashupatinath; and the ancient hilltop temple of Changu Narayan. A single day covers four or five of these, and travellers with an extra day can see them all. Kathmandu Durbar Square is home to the living goddess Kumari, Patan is famous for its metalwork and museum, and Bhaktapur is the best-preserved medieval city in the valley, with traditions closely linked to the Newar merchants who built Bandipur. At Boudhanath, the evening kora around the great white stupa is one of the most memorable experiences in Nepal.

Road Condition and Safety

All roads on this tour are paved. The Prithvi Highway is busy and winding, with long sections of widening that can slow traffic and cause dust or mud. The road from Dumre to Bandipur is narrow, with sharp bends and steep drops, so careful driving is essential. The Mugling to Narayanghat road is smooth, and the roads in the Terai are flat. In the monsoon, landslides can delay traffic between Naubise and Mugling, and in winter, fog in the Terai and river valleys can slow early starts.

Our drivers are licensed for tourist vehicles, drive these roads regularly, never overtake on blind bends and take a rest every two to three hours. Vehicles are serviced on schedule and checked before every multi-day tour, seat belts are fitted in every seat, and highway driving after dark is avoided. Read more in our article on the importance of safe transportation during Nepal tours.

Vehicle Options for This Tour

Car. A private sedan or hatchback for one to three travellers with normal luggage, comfortable on the highways and easy to park in Bandipur and Lakeside. Couples usually book a private car with driver.

Jeep and Scorpio. A Mahindra Scorpio or similar jeep for four to six travellers, with a higher seat and stronger suspension for the steep roads to Bandipur, Sarangkot and Pumdikot. Our Kathmandu to Pokhara private Scorpio page shows the same vehicle on a single transfer, and our jeep hire in Nepal page shows the full fleet.

Hiace. The Toyota Hiace for seven to thirteen travellers, with air-conditioning, large windows and room for luggage on a covered roof carrier, as explained in our note on Nepal vehicle rental with roof luggage space. It is the favourite vehicle of family groups. See the Hiace page.

Coaster bus. A Coaster for fifteen to twenty-five travellers, which can reach the Bandipur car park with an experienced driver.

Bus. A full-size tourist bus for thirty to forty travellers. Because the Bandipur road is narrow, large buses may stop at a lower parking area, with smaller vehicles arranged for the final climb.

Service Options: Private, One-Day, Two-Way and Shared

Private hire. This package is a private hire. The vehicle is reserved for your group alone for all nine days.

One-day hire. A single transfer or a day of sightseeing. Some guests book only individual legs, such as the Kathmandu to Pokhara car or the Kathmandu to Chitwan private car.

Two-way hire. A round trip with the same vehicle. This tour is a multi-stop round trip from Kathmandu.

Shared. Tourist bus seats between the main cities, such as our Kathmandu to Pokhara bus tickets. Shared buses cannot reach Bandipur or provide sightseeing.

For any of these options, send your dates and group size through our contact page.

Pickup and Drop Options

The tour normally starts and ends at Tribhuvan International Airport or your Kathmandu hotel. Guests flying into Pokhara can begin there with a Pokhara airport transfer and adapt the loop, and those flying into Bharatpur can start in Chitwan. Visitors arriving overland from India at Sunauli can begin with our Sunauli to Pokhara car or follow the longer Nepal tour from Gorakhpur.

Best Time for This Tour

Autumn is the peak season. Skies are clear after the monsoon, the Himalaya is sharp from Bandipur and Sarangkot, and the festivals of Dasain and Tihar fill the towns with colour. In Chitwan, the grass is still tall early in the season, so wildlife can be harder to spot until it is cut.

Winter brings crisp, clear mornings, fog seas below Bandipur and excellent mountain views. Days are pleasant in Pokhara and Chitwan, though the Terai is foggy in the early mornings. It is a superb season for bird watching in Chitwan.

Spring is warm and colourful, with rhododendrons on the hills and the tall grass in Chitwan cut and burned, making rhinos and deer easier to see. Haze can hide the mountains in the afternoons, and the Terai becomes hot later in the season.

Monsoon turns the countryside green and brings the fewest visitors, but clouds often hide the peaks, roads can be affected by landslides, and some jungle activities are restricted in heavy rain. We add extra time to driving days in this season.

Places to See and Stops Along the Way

• Riverside stalls on the Trishuli, famous for fried fish.
• Kurintar and Manakamana. The cable car to the hilltop temple, a popular stop on the way to Bandipur.
• The meeting of the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers and the junction of the roads to Pokhara and Chitwan.
• Anbu Khaireni. The turn-off for Gorkha and its hilltop palace, an optional half-day detour.
• The Tundikhel terrace, Thani Mai hilltop, Siddha Cave and the temples of the old bazaar.
• The meeting of the Seti and Madi rivers.
• The Narayani gorge. A dramatic river valley through the last range of hills.
• A sacred river confluence near Narayanghat.
• Bis Hazari Tal. A wetland of small lakes near Sauraha, rich in birdlife.

Entry Fees and Etiquette

No trekking or road permit is needed for this tour. Foreign visitors pay entry fees at the heritage sites of the Kathmandu Valley, at Siddha Cave and several attractions in Pokhara, and at Chitwan National Park, where each jungle activity is booked separately and accompanied by a licensed nature guide. These fees are not part of the vehicle hire, so carry Nepali rupees in cash. At temples and monasteries, dress modestly, remove shoes where asked, walk clockwise around stupas and ask before photographing people.

Adventures and Treks from Pokhara

Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna region. With extra days, you can set off on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, the quiet Muldai View Trek or the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, with trailhead transport by our Pokhara to Nayapul transportation, Pokhara to Ghandruk jeep, Pokhara to Ulleri private jeep or Pokhara to Ghorepani Poon Hill jeep hire. Read our guide on how to book a jeep from Pokhara. River lovers can try Kali Gandaki rafting, and those seeking comfort on the trail can browse the short scenic treks and signature treks of Alpine Luxury Treks.

Extend Your Journey

• Add one or two days for the birthplace of the Buddha, driving from Chitwan with our Chitwan to Lumbini private car and returning with the Lumbini to Kathmandu car.
• Finish with a Himalayan sunrise from the rim of the Kathmandu Valley using our Kathmandu to Nagarkot vehicle or the Nagarkot sunrise tour.
• Muktinath and Mustang. Continue from Pokhara with our Pokhara to Mustang jeep and Muktinath Yatra, or explore the old kingdom of Lo on the Upper Mustang Trek or the Upper Mustang luxury lodge tour.
• Sikles and the Gurung villages. Visit traditional Gurung villages north-east of Pokhara with our Pokhara to Sikles jeep rental.
• More wildlife. Visit the wilder Bardia National Park in the far west or the wetlands of Koshi Tappu.
• Trekkers can continue to the Khumbu with our Ramechhap Manthali transportation for flights to Lukla and the Everest Base Camp Trek, or simply see the peaks on the Mt Everest by helicopter tour.
• Tibet and Bhutan. Our sister companies arrange the Nepal Tibet Bhutan Tour, the Luxury Bhutan Tour and the Luxury Nepal Tibet Tour.
• Luxury trekking. For upgraded lodges in the mountains, browse the luxury treks of Alpine Luxury Treks.

Where to Stay

Hotels are not included, so you are free to choose. In Kathmandu, Thamel is lively and close to restaurants, while Lazimpat, Patan and Boudha are quieter. In Bandipur, guesthouses in restored Newari houses line the car-free street. In Pokhara, Lakeside has the widest choice, with quieter hotels in Damside and on the hills. In Sauraha, jungle lodges range from simple guesthouses to riverside resorts, many with activity packages. Tell us where you plan to stay, and we will plan the best routes; we can also suggest hotels for your group.

A Typical Day on the Road

On driving days, breakfast is usually around 6:30 to 7:30 am and departure soon after, so most driving happens in the quieter morning hours. The driver stops for tea after two to three hours and for lunch around midday at a clean tourist restaurant, or in Bandipur on the way to Pokhara. Most legs end in the afternoon, leaving time to check in, rest and enjoy a sunset walk on the Tundikhel, beside Phewa Lake or along the Rapti River. On sightseeing days, the vehicle is available from early morning until late afternoon.

Life in Chitwan Beyond the Safari

The Tharu people have lived in the forests of the Terai for centuries, and their culture is an important part of a visit to Chitwan. A walk or bicycle ride through a Tharu village shows traditional houses with mud walls decorated with paintings and clay reliefs, rice fields, fishing ponds and family shrines.

The Tharu Cultural Museum in Sauraha explains their history, and the evening Tharu stick dance is performed in many lodges. Some families run homestays, offering a closer look at village life and home-cooked Tharu food. At sunset, visitors gather on the riverbank at Sauraha to watch the sky turn orange over the Rapti, sometimes with a rhino grazing on the far bank.

More Ideas for Your Free Day in Pokhara

• Hill villages. Take our Pokhara to Jhinu Danda jeep for the natural hot springs below Jhinu village, or visit the Gurung villages of Sikles and Tangting north-east of the city.
• River adventures. Raft the Seti or Kali Gandaki rivers with a local operator, or join our sister company’s Kali Gandaki rafting trip on a longer stay.
• Cultural walks. Explore the old bazaar around Bindhyabasini Temple and the Tibetan settlements on the edge of the city.
• Sunset viewpoints. Return to Sarangkot by evening with our Pokhara to Sarangkot jeep and come back with the Sarangkot to Pokhara jeep after dark.

Responsible Travel on This Route

A few simple choices help protect Nepal’s heritage, wildlife and communities. In Chitwan, keep a quiet distance from wildlife, follow your nature guide, and choose activities that respect animal welfare, such as jeep safaris, canoe rides, walks and bird watching. At temples, dress modestly, remove shoes where asked and ask before taking photographs. Carry a refillable water bottle to reduce plastic waste, and take your rubbish back to town. In Bandipur and the Tharu villages, buy handicrafts, coffee and honey directly from local families, and consider a community homestay, so that tourism income reaches local households.

Photography Highlights Along the Route

Each stop on this tour offers its own photographic rewards. In Kathmandu, the golden evening light at Boudhanath and the carved temples of the Durbar Squares are unforgettable. In Bandipur, the stone street and carved windows glow at dusk, and winter mornings often bring a sea of fog below the Himalaya. In Pokhara, sunrise from Sarangkot and the reflection of Machhapuchhre in Phewa Lake on calm mornings are classic images, and paragliders drifting over the lake make striking shots. In Chitwan, dawn mist on the Rapti River, kingfishers, storks, crocodiles and rhinos in the tall grass reward patience and a long lens. With a private vehicle, you can stop whenever the light is right.

Who This Tour Suits

Families. Short drives, safe car-free streets in Bandipur, boats in Pokhara and rhinos in Chitwan keep children excited every day. Child seats are available on request.

Senior travellers. No long, exhausting days, no trekking and no high altitude, with the vehicle dropping you close to each site.

First-time visitors. Nine days give a well-rounded introduction to Nepal’s culture, mountains and wildlife.

Couples. A relaxed pace, romantic hill-town evenings, lakeside sunsets and jungle lodges.

Photographers. Palace squares, a traditional hill bazaar, Himalayan sunrises, lakes and wildlife offer an exceptional range of subjects.

Groups. Friends, school groups and companies stay together on one schedule in a Hiace, Coaster or bus.

Packing and Preparation Tips

• Pack for different climates: cool mornings in Kathmandu, Bandipur and Sarangkot, mild days in Pokhara and warm weather in Chitwan for much of the year.
• Comfortable walking shoes for stone streets, the Thani Mai stairway, Siddha Cave and jungle walks.
• A warm layer for sunrise viewpoints and a light rain jacket in every season.
• Neutral clothing and insect repellent for Chitwan.
• A torch for Siddha Cave and early mornings.
• Your usual remedy if you suffer from motion sickness on winding roads.
• Cash in Nepali rupees for entry fees and small purchases.
• Binoculars for birds and wildlife in Chitwan.

Travel Tips for a Smooth Tour

• Decide in advance whether you want to stop at Manakamana on the way to Bandipur.
• Pack a small overnight bag for Bandipur, as you will walk a short distance from the car park to your guesthouse.
• Book paragliding and Chitwan activities in advance during the peak season.
• In winter, expect fog in Chitwan until mid-morning.
• Keep the final day relaxed, with a generous buffer before your international flight.
• If you continue to high-altitude treks afterwards, read our notes on altitude sickness.

Why Choose Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd

Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd is a Kathmandu-based tourist transport company that regularly runs multi-day tours across central Nepal. Learn more on our About Us page.

• One vehicle, one driver. The same team for all nine days.
• A full fleet. Car, jeep, Scorpio, Hiace, Coaster and bus from one company.
• Experienced drivers. Licensed, courteous and familiar with every road on the route, including the climb to Bandipur.
• Flexible itineraries. Add Lumbini, Nagarkot or Gorkha, or adjust the number of nights in each place.
• Clear written plans. A day-by-day itinerary listing what is included and what is not.
• Tour partners. Through our sister companies we can add treks, guided tours and journeys to Tibet and Bhutan.

Our article on quality transport in Nepal explains the standards we follow.

Related Vehicle Hire Services

• Bandipur to Kathmandu car and Pokhara to Bandipur car for single transfers to and from the hill town.
• Pokhara to Kathmandu car and Chitwan to Pokhara car for other legs of the route.
• Car hire in Pokhara for extra sightseeing days.
• Kathmandu day tour and one day jeep hire in the Kathmandu Valley for more time in the capital.
• Pokhara to Kathmandu bus for a shared tourist bus seat.
• Our complete trekking transport services and the Nepal Vehicle Hiring blog for more travel guides.

How to Book

• Step 1: Send your details. Share your arrival and departure dates, flight times, group size, hotels and preferred vehicle through the Plan a Trip form, by email or on WhatsApp at +977 9814227196.
• Step 2: Receive your plan. We reply with a day-by-day itinerary and booking details for your group.
• Step 3: Confirm. Confirm the booking, and we reserve the vehicle and driver for your dates.
• Step 4: Travel. Your driver’s name and phone number are sent before you arrive, and he meets you at the airport on Day 1.