East Nepal Tour – An offbeat Itinerary – 13 Days

Start your day with breakfast in Kathmandu before heading to the Chandragiri Cable Car station for a scenic ride up Chandragiri Hill. Enjoy panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. Upon arrival, explore the area and soak in breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Embark on a 3-hour hike down to Mata Tirtha, ensuring you have comfortable shoes, water, and snacks. From Matatirtha have your lunch at a downtown restaurant and return to Kathmandu by private vehicle.

And in the late afternoon, visit Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple. Explore the ancient stupa complex, observe playful monkeys, and enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley at sunset. Take time to explore the prayer wheels, shrines, and statues before returning to your accommodation to unwind after a fulfilling day of sightseeing and hiking.

Start your day with breakfast in Kathmandu and head to Bhaktapur, a city of ancient architecture and culture. See the wooden temples and palaces in the UNESCO-listed Bhaktapur Durbar Square and watch the potters at work. Leave Bhaktapur and drive to Dhulikhel, a town with stunning views of the Himalayas.

Check in to your hotel and relax. Stroll around the hotel’s surroundings and enjoy the sunset over the mountains. End your day with a tasty dinner at your hotel and get some rest for the next day.

On Day 4, you’ll travel from Dhulikhel to Janakpur, covering approximately 230 kilometers in about 6.5 hours. Upon arrival in Janakpur, explore its renowned landmarks including Janaki Mandir, Ram Mandir, Jaleswor Mahadev Mandir, Ram Sita Vivah Mandap, Ganga Sagar Lake (where you can enjoy the evening Arati), Dhanush Sagar, and Ratnasagar. These sites offer profound insights into Hindu mythology and spiritual traditions.

Take in the architectural splendour of the temples, stroll along the serene lakeshores, and immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Janakpur. Enjoy the distinctive ambiance of this historic city before concluding your day with a relaxing evening in preparation for the next leg of your journey.

On Day 5, depart from Janakpur to Itahari, covering a distance of approximately 190 kilometres with a driving time of around 5 hours. Upon reaching Itahari check in to your hotel. After some rest drive to Koshi Tapu and spend the afternoon exploring the natural wonders of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve.

This half-day excursion offers opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and serene walks amidst the tranquil landscapes of the reserve. Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the reserve before returning to Itahari for a relaxing evening, rejuvenating yourself for the adventures that lie ahead.

Day 6 invites you to discover the natural wonders of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in Nepal’s eastern Terai region. Home to over 485 bird species, including the Sarus Crane and Asian Openbill Stork, it’s a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers. The reserve also boasts wild water buffalo, Gangetic dolphins, and other wildlife.

Enjoy guided nature walks, river safaris, and cultural tours to learn about the local Tharu communities. With its serene landscapes and diverse ecosystems, Koshi Tappu promises unforgettable wildlife encounters for nature enthusiasts of all levels.

Start your trip from Itahari and head to Kanyam, a peaceful place known for its green tea gardens. Enjoy a beautiful 3.5-hour drive of 126 kilometers and visit the Chiya Bagan, where you can smell the fresh tea leaves and see how they are processed. You can also watch the birds and admire the stunning scenery. Next, travel to Shree Antu, a place famous for its organic products like tea, cardamom, and garlic.

You can explore Antu Pokhari, Bhanjyang, and Chiruwa, which have amazing views and peaceful spots to see the sunrise. Relax in the lush tea gardens, where you can see the green fields reaching the sky. Feel the calmness and beauty of Shree Antu as you get ready for more adventures.

Day 8 features a scenic 6-hour drive from Shree Antu to Hile, spanning 208 kilometers. Make a memorable detour to visit the sacred Pathibhara Temple and admire a stunning waterfall, offering a refreshing hour-long walk amidst nature’s beauty. Arriving in Hile, witness the breathtaking sunset over the majestic landscape. Enjoy Tongba, a traditional millet-based alcoholic beverage, and immerse yourself in the cultural ambiance.

As evening sets in, relax in Hile’s serene atmosphere, reflecting on the day’s experiences amidst the tranquil Himalayan foothills before resting for the night and gearing up for more adventures ahead.

Start your day with a half-hour hike from Hile, offering stunning views of Mt. Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and Everest. Following the hike, enjoy a scenic 2-hour drive to Dharan, covering 70 kilometers. Upon arrival, have a delicious lunch before exploring cultural and natural attractions. Begin with a visit to Barahachetra, a sacred pilgrimage site, then enjoy a peaceful boating experience on the Koshi River. Don’t miss the historic Budha Subba Temple.

For an added adventure, consider a motorboat ride to Barahachetra and a scenic hike back. Reflect on the day’s experiences as you return to your accommodations in Itahari for the night.

On Day 9, embark on a scenic 6-hour drive covering 243 kilometres from Itahari to Sindhuligadhi. Upon arrival, explore the historic site of Sindhuligadhi, an ancient fort known for its strategic importance and historical significance.

Take your time to wander through the ruins of Sindhuligadhi and immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. Here, you’ll get to see a historic fort that witnessed the Anglo-Nepalese War of 1814-16, where you will learn about the Nepalese Army’s resistance against the British invasion.

In the late afternoon, go on a scenic hike to Bhumitan Temple and enjoy majestic sunset with mountain views.

After exploring Bhumithan Temple, proceed to your hotel and unwind amidst the tranquil surroundings. Reflect on the day’s discoveries and adventures as you prepare for the next leg of your journey, filled with more exploration and cultural experiences in the days ahead.

Today, spend your day at Sindhuligadhi exploring the surrounding places such as Kalaghar (Arthouse), view tower and learning the historical importance of Sindhuligadhi region.

Unwind at your mountain resort amidst the most tranquil surroundings. You can also take it easy for the day after all the driving throughout the East Nepal.

On Day 12, embark on a picturesque 4-hour drive covering 128 kilometres from Sinduli to Kathmandu. Along the way, pause for a delightful lunch in the scenic town of Dhulikhel, known for its panoramic views of the Himalayas and traditional Newari architecture.

After savouring a delicious meal, resume your journey to Kathmandu, the vibrant capital city of Nepal. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and unwind after the day’s travels.  In the evening, enjoy your farewell dinner at a fine restaurant in Kathmandu.

Finally, after 12 days of exploring its finally time for your Departure from Nepal. Our airport representative will be at the hotel to ensure your smooth transition to the Tribhuvan International Airport. Make sure you packed all your belongings before heading for the airport.

Goodbye, and hope to see you back in Nepal on your next adventure.