Overview

The Grand Nepal Pilgrimage: An 10-Day Spiritual & Natural Odyssey

This comprehensive overland journey bridges the plains of India with the high-altitude spiritual hubs of the Himalayas. Designed for travelers seeking both religious fulfillment and natural wonder, this itinerary takes you from the sacred waters of Muktinath to the lush jungles of Chitwan, covering the most significant cultural and geographical landscapes of Nepal.

9 Nights 10 Days 27 Oct, 27 Oct, 28 Oct, and more Raxaul, Bihar
Inclusions/Exclusions
What we'll give. What we won't

What is included in the tour

  • Breakfast and dinner ; Pure Nepali Veg
  • Accommodation in AC deluxe rooms
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) permits (all required permits included)
  • 1 cable car ticket( Manakamana Cabel Car)
  • Transportation from Raxaul to Nepal Border by Indian car (Ertiga or Kia Carens), and Raxaul(Nepal side) to destination by private car
  • Parking, toll, fuel, and driver allowance
  • All applicable taxes, including immigration and Bhansar fees

What is NOT included in the tour

  • Lunch
  • Personal expenses
  • Monument/entry fees
  • Airfares and Train Tickets
  • Insurance
Highlights
What makes this tour special

1. The Sacred Purification at Muktinath

Standing at an altitude of 3,710 meters, Muktinath is the crown jewel of this pilgrimage. The highlight is the ritual of passing through the 108 sacred brass water spouts and visiting the eternal flame that burns on water. It is a rare spiritual site revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, set against the backdrop of the towering Thorong La pass.

2. The Dramatic Kali Gandaki Corridor

The drive from Pokhara to Jomsom and Muktinath is one of the most spectacular road trips in Asia. You will travel through the deepest gorge in the world, witnessing the landscape shift from lush subtropical forests to the high-altitude, wind-swept "mountain desert" of Mustang. The sheer scale of the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri peaks flanking the road is unforgettable.

3. Aerial Views via Manakamana Cable Car

To break the journey to Kathmandu, you’ll soar above the clouds on the Manakamana Cable Car. This 10-minute ride glides over the steep terraced hills and the rushing Trishuli River below. Reaching the temple of the "Goddess of Wishes" provides a perfect blend of thrill and traditional Nepali devotion.

4. Spiritual Immersion in the Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu serves as a living museum. The highlight here is the deep contrast between the Pashupatinath Temple’s ancient Hindu rituals on the Bagmati River and the peaceful, meditative atmosphere of the Boudhanath Stupa. Witnessing the "Eyes of Buddha" at Swayambhunath as the sun sets over the valley is a definitive Nepal moment.

5. Wildlife and Tharu Culture in Chitwan

After the spiritual intensity of the mountains, the shift to the tropical jungles of Chitwan National Park is a total change of pace. The highlight is the evening Tharu Cultural Show, where the indigenous people of the jungle perform the traditional "Stick Dance," followed by a sunset walk along the Rapti River to spot rhinos and crocodiles.

Itinerary
Day 1

Pick-up from Raxaul | Drive to Kathmandu | Thamel Market & Pashupatinath Aarti

Raxaul
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Your unforgettable Nepal journey begins with a comfortable drive from Raxaul to Kathmandu after completing the immigration formalities at the Indo-Nepal border in Birgunj. Covering approximately 280 km in around 8 to 10 hours, the drive passes through the scenic towns of Pathlaiya, Hetauda, Naubise, and the beautiful Trishuli River Valley, offering spectacular views of hills, rivers, terraced farms, and traditional Nepali villages. Upon reaching Kathmandu, check in to your hotel and relax before heading to the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most revered Shiva temples in the world. Witness the mesmerizing evening Bagmati River Aarti, where priests perform devotional rituals accompanied by chants, bells, and lamps. Later, explore the lively streets of Thamel, Kathmandu's most famous tourist district, known for its vibrant cafés, handicraft stores, souvenir shops, trekking equipment stores, restaurants, and local markets. Enjoy the colorful atmosphere before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 2

Full-Day Kathmandu Heritage Exploration

Kathmandu
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After breakfast, spend the day exploring Kathmandu's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. The sightseeing begins with the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by monasteries and Tibetan prayer wheels. Continue to the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa, popularly known as the Monkey Temple, offering panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley along with beautiful shrines, prayer flags, and ancient monasteries. Later, visit the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, where centuries-old temples, royal courtyards, Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Kumari Ghar, and traditional Newari architecture reflect Nepal's glorious past. The journey continues to Budhanilkantha Temple, home to the magnificent reclining statue of Lord Vishnu carved from a single stone. Depending on available time, you may also stroll through the peaceful Garden of Dreams or explore the local handicraft markets. The day's sightseeing covers approximately 35 to 40 km within Kathmandu Valley before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 3

Drive to Pokhara via Chandragiri Hills | Lakeside Exploration & Evening Aarti

Pokhara
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After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, covering approximately 210 km in 7 to 8 hours. Before leaving the Kathmandu Valley, visit the beautiful Chandragiri Hills, where a thrilling cable car ride takes you to the hilltop offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including Mount Everest, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and the Annapurna Range on a clear day. The hilltop is also home to the revered Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple, making it a perfect blend of spirituality and natural beauty. After exploring Chandragiri Hills, continue your journey along the picturesque Prithvi Highway, passing through charming towns, lush green hills, terraced farms, rivers, and traditional Nepali villages while enjoying spectacular views of the Trishuli and Marsyangdi Rivers. Upon arrival in Pokhara, check in to your hotel and unwind before heading to the beautiful Phewa Lake. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the vibrant Lakeside Market, known for its cafés, restaurants, handicraft shops, and lakeside ambience. Later, visit the sacred Tal Barahi Temple, situated on an island in the middle of Phewa Lake, and witness the peaceful Phewa Lake Evening Aarti, a spiritual ceremony performed with devotional music and lamps against the stunning backdrop of the Annapurna Range. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Pokhara.

Day 4

Full-Day Pokhara Sightseeing

Pokhara
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Begin the day with a visit to Sarangkot, one of Nepal's most famous viewpoints, where spectacular panoramic views of the Annapurna Range, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and Pokhara Valley await. Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Davis Falls, a unique underground waterfall, followed by Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, an ancient limestone cave housing a sacred Shiva shrine. Later, visit the International Mountain Museum, which beautifully showcases Nepal's mountaineering history, Himalayan cultures, and the world's highest peaks. Continue to the sacred Bindhyabasini Temple, one of Pokhara's oldest temples dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, before visiting the impressive Seti River Gorge, carved naturally by the powerful Seti River. The day's sightseeing covers approximately 45 km and offers a perfect blend of spirituality, natural beauty, adventure, and Himalayan landscapes before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 5

Scenic Drive to Muktinath

Muktinath
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After breakfast, begin one of Nepal's most scenic mountain journeys towards Muktinath. Covering approximately 170 km in around 8 to 9 hours, the route passes through Beni, Tatopani, Ghasa, Marpha, Jomsom, and the spectacular Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. Along the journey, admire dramatic Himalayan landscapes, waterfalls, suspension bridges, apple orchards, traditional Thakali villages, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Stop at Rupse Waterfall, one of the tallest waterfalls in western Nepal, and explore the charming village of Marpha, renowned for its apple orchards, local monasteries, and traditional whitewashed houses. Continue through the windy landscapes of Jomsom before arriving in the sacred pilgrimage town of Muktinath. Check in to your hotel and relax amidst the peaceful surroundings of the Himalayas.

Day 6

Muktinath Darshan & Drive to Ghandruk

Ghandruk
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Begin the day with a spiritual visit to the sacred Muktinath Temple, one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations for both Hindus and Buddhists. Devotees can take a holy bath under the famous 108 sacred water spouts and seek blessings at the eternal flame temple, where natural gas flames have burned continuously for centuries. After completing the darshan, begin the scenic drive towards Ghandruk, covering approximately 165 km in around 7 to 8 hours through picturesque Himalayan landscapes, charming mountain villages, and beautiful river valleys. Upon arrival in Ghandruk, enjoy a leisurely 30-minute walk through the traditional Gurung village, known for its stone-paved pathways, beautifully preserved houses, local culture, and panoramic views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. Visit the Gurung Museum to learn about the region's history and traditions before settling into your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 7

Sunrise in Ghandruk | Drive to Chitwan | Leisure & Cultural Experience

Chitwan
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Wake up to breathtaking sunrise views over the Annapurna, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre mountain ranges, one of the most memorable experiences of your Nepal journey. After breakfast, enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Ghandruk before beginning the scenic drive to Chitwan. The journey covers approximately 165 km and takes around 6 to 7 hours, passing through Nayapul, Pokhara, Mugling, and the lush landscapes of Nepal's Terai region. Along the way, witness picturesque river valleys, terraced farmlands, charming villages, and beautiful mountain scenery as the landscape gradually changes from the Himalayas to subtropical forests. Upon arrival in Chitwan, check in to your jungle resort and relax amidst the serene natural surroundings. In the evening, enjoy the vibrant Tharu Cultural Program, where members of the indigenous Tharu community perform traditional stick dances and folk music, offering a fascinating insight into their rich heritage and customs. After the cultural performance, return to the resort for dinner and an overnight stay in Chitwan.

Day 8

Chitwan Jungle Activities | Drive to Nagarkot via Manakamana & Chandragiri Hil

Nagarkot
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Begin the day exploring the incredible biodiversity of Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its rich wildlife and tropical forests. Enjoy exciting jungle activities including canoeing along the Rapti River, bird watching, a thrilling jeep safari through dense forests, and visits to the Elephant Breeding Centre if operational. After completing the safari activities, begin the approximately 210 km drive towards Nagarkot, taking around 7 to 8 hours. En route, visit the sacred Manakamana Temple by cable car, where devotees seek blessings from Goddess Bhagwati. Continue to Chandragiri Hills by cable car, offering magnificent panoramic views of the Himalayan range and Kathmandu Valley. Arrive in Nagarkot by evening and enjoy its peaceful mountain atmosphere before retiring for the night.

Day 9

Bhaktapur Heritage Tour & Pashupatinath Aarti

Bhaktapur
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After breakfast, drive to the beautifully preserved medieval city of Bhaktapur, located approximately 35 km from Nagarkot. Explore the magnificent Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exquisite Newari architecture, intricately carved temples, and royal courtyards. Visit the iconic Nyatapola Temple, Nepal's tallest pagoda-style temple, the historic 55-Window Palace, the beautifully crafted Golden Gate, Pottery Square, and Dattatreya Square, where local artisans continue centuries-old traditions. Later, return to Kathmandu and once again visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple to experience the divine evening Bagmati River Aarti, allowing another opportunity to witness the spiritual grandeur of one of Nepal's holiest temples. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 10

Drive to Raxaul | Departure

Raxaul
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After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin the return journey to Raxaul. Covering approximately 280 km in around 8 to 10 hours, the drive follows the scenic mountain highways through Naubise, Hetauda, Pathlaiya, and Birgunj, offering beautiful views of rivers, hills, forests, and traditional villages along the way. After completing the immigration formalities at the Indo-Nepal border, continue to Raxaul, where your memorable Nepal holiday concludes with unforgettable memories of majestic Himalayan landscapes, sacred temples, vibrant cities, pristine lakes, rich wildlife, cultural heritage, and warm Nepalese hospitality.

Route Map
Nepal 9 nights 10 days Raxaul Pick Drop Relaxing Tour - Route map
Pickup point
Directions.
Raxaul, Bihar, India View on Map