Golden Triangle: Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara
Eight days across three of Nepal’s most visited places: three nights in Chitwan for jeep safaris and canoeing, Pokhara’s lake, museum and viewpoints, a night on Sarangkot ridge, and a farewell dinner with music and dance in Kathmandu.
8 days · Signature · From US$ 2,000
Enquire- Duration
- 8 days
- Group size
- Private — 2 to 6 guests
- Best season
- Oct–Mar
Overview
The Golden Triangle joins the three places most visitors to Nepal hope to see: the jungle of Chitwan, the lake and mountains of Pokhara, and Kathmandu.
You fly from Kathmandu to Bharatpur and spend three nights at a lodge beside Chitwan National Park, with a canoe trip on the Rapti River, a visit to the elephant breeding centre and the Tharu museum, and a full day in the park by private jeep looking for rhino, deer, crocodiles and, with luck, a tiger.
A long drive takes you to Pokhara for the International Mountain Museum, the World Peace Pagoda and the Shiva statue at Pumdikot, a morning on Phewa Lake and a night on Sarangkot ridge. You fly back to Kathmandu for a farewell dinner with Nepali music and dance.
Highlights
- Full-day private jeep safari in Chitwan National Park
- Canoe on the Rapti River and a Tharu cultural evening
- World Peace Pagoda and the Pumdikot Shiva statue above Pokhara
- Sunrise over the Annapurna range from Sarangkot
- Meghauli Serai and The Pavilions Himalayas on the Luxury level
Gallery
Day by day
Transfer to Kathmandu airport and fly to Bharatpur (about 25 minutes). Drive to your lodge: Jagatpur Lodge by Annapurna (Comfort) or Meghauli Serai, a Taj Safari lodge (Luxury). Evening Tharu cultural dance.
A canoe on the Rapti River to look for gharial and mugger crocodiles and river birds. Later, a drive to Sauraha for the Tharu museum and the government elephant breeding centre, a visit to watch the elephants and calves (no riding). Free time at the lodge.
A full day in Chitwan National Park by private jeep with a naturalist, with a packed lunch, looking for one-horned rhino, deer, wild boar, crocodiles and birds. Tigers are seen sometimes, never promised.
Drive to Pokhara along the Trishuli and Seti valleys (about 5 to 6 hours with stops). Check in to Fish Tail Lodge (Comfort) or The Pavilions Himalayas The Farm (Luxury).
With your guide, the International Mountain Museum, the World Peace Pagoda on the hill above the lake, and the large Shiva statue at Pumdikot, both with views of the Annapurna range on clear days.
A morning boat on Phewa Lake. In the late afternoon, drive up to Sarangkot ridge for sunset and a night at Sarangkot Mountain Lodge.
Sunrise over the Annapurnas, then drive to Pokhara airport and fly to Kathmandu. In the evening, a Nepali dinner with live folk music and dance.
Private transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Choose your comfort
| Comfort tier | Lodging | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Jagatpur Lodge by Annapurna in Chitwan (3 nights, all meals and lodge activities), Fish Tail Lodge on Phewa Lake (2 nights), Sarangkot Mountain Lodge (1 night) and Hotel Barahi in Kathmandu (1 night). | From US$2,000 |
| Luxury | Meghauli Serai, a Taj Safari lodge (3 nights, all meals and lodge safaris), a chalet villa at The Pavilions Himalayas The Farm (2 nights), Sarangkot Mountain Lodge (1 night) and Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu (1 night). | From US$3,260 |
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop by private car
- Flights Kathmandu–Bharatpur and Pokhara–Kathmandu
- Private car from Chitwan to Pokhara and around Pokhara
- All meals in Chitwan; breakfast in Pokhara, Sarangkot and Kathmandu
- Full-day private jeep safari, canoe trip, elephant breeding centre and Tharu museum visit
- Chitwan National Park fees and all entrance fees
- Farewell dinner with cultural music and dance in Kathmandu
- Licensed guide in Pokhara and national park naturalists in Chitwan
Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners not listed above, and drinks
- Tips and personal expenses
- A hotel night in Kathmandu before Day 1 (we can arrange it)
Optional extras
Not included in the price above. Mention any you’d like in your enquiry message and we’ll add them to your proposal.
- Paragliding over Phewa LakeA tandem flight of about 20–30 minutes from Sarangkot with a licensed pilot, weather permitting.US$ 100 per person, once
Dates & departures
Best from October to March: cool, dry days in Chitwan and clear mountain views in Pokhara. From April it gets hot in the jungle. Price per person, based on two guests travelling together and sharing a room.
Questions, answered
Are there elephant rides?
No. We do not include elephant rides. The elephant breeding centre is a visit only, to watch the elephants and their calves.
Will we see a tiger?
Perhaps. Chitwan’s tigers are wild and shy, so sightings take patience and luck. One-horned rhino, deer, crocodiles and many birds are seen on most safaris.
How long is the drive from Chitwan to Pokhara?
About 5 to 6 hours with stops, on a winding hill road. A flight via Kathmandu is possible on request but costs more and takes most of the day.
Do we start in Kathmandu?
Day 1 begins with the flight from Kathmandu to Bharatpur. If you land in Nepal the same morning we connect you to the flight; most guests arrive a day earlier, and we can book that night for you.
Is the price per person?
Yes. The price shown is per person for two guests travelling together and sharing a room. Tell us your group size and dates and we will send an exact quote.
Golden Triangle: Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara: the complete guide
The route at a glance
Kathmandu → Bharatpur by air (Day 1) → Chitwan (Days 1–3) → Pokhara by road (Day 4) → Sarangkot (Day 6) → Kathmandu by air (Day 7).
On safari
Wear green, brown or beige, bring binoculars and a warm layer for early mornings from December to February. Follow the naturalist’s instructions at all times.
Ethical wildlife
We do not offer elephant rides. Elephant visits are for watching only, and jungle activities follow national park rules.
Enquire about this journey
Share a few details for a private, tailor-made proposal.
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