Terai: Chitwan safari and Lumbini
8 days, 7 nights: Kathmandu (2N), Chitwan (3N), Lumbini (2N). Best time to go: Oct–Mar.
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Kathmandu
- Boudhanath Stupa evening kora · 2 h. Join the clockwise kora at dusk when pilgrims light butter lamps; rooftop cafés overlook the dome. Foreigner entry about NPR 400.
- Thamel and Asan bazaar walk · 2 h. Walk from Thamel via Kathesimbhu Stupa to Asan and Indra Chowk; spice, bead and brass stalls. Bargain politely for souvenirs and trekking gear.
Local tip: Join the clockwise kora at dusk when pilgrims light butter lamps; rooftop cafés overlook the dome. Foreigner entry about NPR 400.
Day 2: Explore Kathmandu
Kathmandu
- Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) · 1.5 h. About 365 steps up the east side; the west car park is easier. Walk clockwise around the stupa and keep food out of sight of the monkeys.
- Kathmandu Durbar Square & Kumari Ghar · 2 h. Foreigner ticket about NPR 1,000; ask at the office for a pass if you will come back. The Kumari sometimes appears at her window — photos of her are not allowed.
- Garden of Dreams · 1.5 h. A restored neoclassical garden next to Thamel; a quiet spot for coffee after a sightseeing morning.
Local tip: About 365 steps up the east side; the west car park is easier. Walk clockwise around the stupa and keep food out of sight of the monkeys.
Day 3: Kathmandu → Chitwan
Chitwan · Kathmandu to Chitwan, Tourist bus ~5–6h (flight to Bharatpur ~25 min + 30 min drive)
- Dugout canoe on the Rapti River · 1.5 h. Mugger crocodiles, gharials and kingfishers at dawn; usually combined with a short guided walk back. Price includes the park fee.
- Tharu cultural dance show · 1.5 h. Nightly in Sauraha's cultural houses; the stick dance is the finale.
Local tip: Mugger crocodiles, gharials and kingfishers at dawn; usually combined with a short guided walk back. Price includes the park fee.
Day 4: Explore Chitwan
Chitwan
- Chitwan jeep safari (half day) · 4 h. Price includes the foreigner park fee (about NPR 2,000 per day) and a shared jeep. One-horned rhinos and deer are common; tigers and sloth bears are rare. Feb–May, after the grass is cut, gives the clearest views.
- Rapti riverbank sunset · 1.5 h. Sauraha's riverside bars face the park; rhinos sometimes cross at dusk — keep your distance.
Local tip: Price includes the foreigner park fee (about NPR 2,000 per day) and a shared jeep. One-horned rhinos and deer are common; tigers and sloth bears are rare. Feb–May, after the grass is cut, gives the clearest views.
Day 5: Explore Chitwan
Chitwan
- Elephant breeding centre (no riding) · 2 h. About 4 km from Sauraha by bicycle or jeep; calves stay with their mothers. Elephant rides and bathing are widely criticised on welfare grounds — choose jeep, canoe or walking options instead.
- Early-morning bird walk · 3 h. More than 500 species are recorded in the park; Bis Hajari Tal and the community forests are good spots. Winter adds migrants.
Local tip: About 4 km from Sauraha by bicycle or jeep; calves stay with their mothers. Elephant rides and bathing are widely criticised on welfare grounds — choose jeep, canoe or walking options instead.
Day 6: Chitwan → Lumbini
Lumbini · Chitwan to Lumbini, Private car ~4h (local bus ~5h)
- Maya Devi Temple & Sacred Garden · 2 h. The marker stone of the Buddha's birthplace, the Ashoka Pillar and the Puskarini pond. Shoes off and silence inside; go at opening to avoid heat and groups.
- Eternal Peace Flame and central canal walk · 1 h
Local tip: The marker stone of the Buddha's birthplace, the Ashoka Pillar and the Puskarini pond. Shoes off and silence inside; go at opening to avoid heat and groups.
Day 7: Explore Lumbini
Lumbini
- Monastic Zone by bicycle · 4 h. Monasteries built by China, Thailand, Myanmar, Germany, Korea and others line the canal; hire a bicycle or e-rickshaw. Many close for a break around midday.
- World Peace Pagoda Lumbini · 1 h
Local tip: Monasteries built by China, Thailand, Myanmar, Germany, Korea and others line the canal; hire a bicycle or e-rickshaw. Many close for a break around midday.
Day 8: Depart from Lumbini
Lumbini
- Lumbini Museum · 1 h
Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.
Where to stay
- Kathmandu (2 nights): Thamel edges and Lazimpat. Quieter streets with gardens, 10 min from Thamel and the Garden of Dreams.
- Chitwan (3 nights): Sauraha riverside resorts. Pools and views over the Rapti into the park.
- Lumbini (2 nights): Hotels around the Sacred Garden. Quiet compounds close to the Monastic Zone.