Nepal's Essentials
Between sacred temples and Himalayan peaks, a journey to the heart of Nepal's soul.
Duration
13 days
From
€1,610/pers.
Ideal seasons
Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Family, Solo, senior
The spirit of travel
This program offers you a discovery of Népal's main historical sites and an overview of the richness of its landscapes. On the agenda are UNESCO-listed sites, century-old temples, an immersion in history and religions, as well as spectacular viewpoints over the Annapurnas and a safari in the Teraï jungle.
You will travel through the Kathmandu Valley, the true cultural heart of the country, before reaching the foothills of the Himalaya where panoramas of the world's highest peaks unfold throughout your journey. Traditional villages, encounters with local populations and the discovery of Nepalese gastronomy enrich this immersion. In the Chitwan national park, set off in search of unicorn rhinoceroses, crocodiles, elephants and, with a bit of luck, the discreet Bengal tiger.
As a couple, with friends or as a family, the Essentials of Népal is a perfect summary for those who want to see as much as possible while taking their time. Culture, mountains and wildlife, that's what awaits you. Ready for adventure?
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Nepal!
Welcome and assistance by our representative at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. A short car ride takes you to your hotel where you can rest for a while.
Day visiting historical sites of Kathmandu
After breakfast at your hotel, you will visit three sites that are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:
You start the day with a visit to Swayambunath temple. Perched on a hill overlooking the capital, it is a mythical place in Nepalese culture, since it was built at the very spot where Manjushri is said to have split the hills to open the Kathmandu valley. Beware of mischievous monkeys!
Pashupatinath, one of the sacred temples of South Asia, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. It is the holiest place of worship for Hindus. The atmosphere there is particular with cremations along the river, sadhus and small monkeys that have taken over the place.
The great stupa of Boudhanath, a wonderful Buddhist site organized around a huge stupa, with "eyes that see everything". To immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of devotion, we will come here if possible in early evening, when hundreds of Tibetans come to pray Kora.
Your driver will take you back to your hotel.
Royal City and view over the Himalayas
Bhaktapur, medieval city and former royal palace, inhabited mainly by Newars who are primarily Hindu. Bhaktapur contains squares and historical monuments of great artistic value. The city has preserved its architecture and it is a pleasure to walk through its original streets.
Trek in the Himalayan foothills
Wake up at dawn to enjoy the sunrise from Nagarkot. After breakfast, you start the trek to Dhulikhel, another privileged viewpoint over the Himalayas. A walk of approximately 4 hours through the Nepali countryside without difficulty, on small paths in the heart of the forest. Your driver awaits you to drop you off at your hotel.
Route to the Annapurna!
After breakfast, you head towards the second major tourist city in Nepal, Pokhara.
Having become an important tourist destination since the advent of trekking in Nepal, it is situated in the heart of a broad subtropical valley. The Pokhara valley is home to several lakes, including the largest in the country, the Phewa Lake, to the southwest of the city. It forms the heart of Pokhara's tourism industry. You can enjoy pleasant walks or bicycle rides around the lake.
It is also possible to rent a small rowing boat to enjoy the tranquility and peacefulness of this place.
Visit to Pokhara
Early this morning, your driver takes you to Sarangkot Hill. A short half-hour hike and here you are at the summit to admire the sunrise over the Annapurna this time. The mountains appear very close and immense, behind you, you can observe Pokhara and the lake.
Come back down for breakfast at the hotel before heading to the World Peace Pagoda, perched above the lake.
Afternoon free.
In the Heart of the Mountains
Your driver picks you up and takes you to Kande. This morning, you're heading to the mountains! A short one-hour trek through the forest takes you to Australian Camp with superb views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre. Arrive at your lodge and enjoy the view of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and much more. Night in lodge.
Return to Pokhara
Enjoy the mountain views as soon as you wake up, a beautiful spectacle that will take your breath away. Descend leisurely down to Phedi where your driver awaits you.
Rest of the day is free.
On the way to the jungle!
In the morning, on the way to Chitwan. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Chitwan means the "heart of the jungle". This park is located in the low region of the country, the Terai, at the foot of the Himalaya.
Upon our arrival, briefing for the afternoon safari. On the program for these next 2 days: canoeing, jeep safari, jungle trek and many wild animals!
Activities in the Jungle
Organize the day as you wish. Your hotel offers various activities to choose from such as river descent by boat, ideal for spotting crocodiles, tropical birds and rhinoceros, safari by jeep, mountain bike or on foot, perfect for having a chance to see a tiger!
Bluesheep Journeys Activity or Free Day
Today you have the choice, you can take advantage of the day to stroll through Katmandou or ask us for a guided tour of the city's main sites.
We offer you the possibility to participate in an immersive and exclusive activity with a traditional craftsman. Program to choose from: cooking class, sculpture, painting, music and much more. A fun activity for the whole family. The best souvenir you can take back!
Welcome back!
Transfer to the international airport (3 hours before) for your final departure according to your flight schedule.
The entire Bluesheep team wishes you a safe return and thanks you for trusting us. See you soon!
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Travel insurance: cancellation / repatriation / trip interruption / baggage loss
- International Flights
- The entrance fees for visited sites
- Visa fees 30 USD for 15 Days
- Personal expenses: drinks, souvenirs, phone, spa, etc.
- Tips
Included
- All ground transportation included in the itinerary
- 4 nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu on B&B
- 1 night at Country Villa hotel on bed and breakfast
- 1 night at Dhulikhel Lodge Resort hotel on B&B
- 3 nights in a 3-star hotel in Pokhara on B&B
- 1 night in basic lodge in Dhampus without meals
- 2 nights at Tharu Homestay with full board
- An English-speaking guide from day 2 to day 8
- An English-speaking naturalist at Chitwan
- Daily fees and insurance for Nepalese local teams
- Your travel expert's 24/7 support
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Nepal for a tourist stay. Since entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Nepal, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into the country and must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist visa
Unlike some destinations, Nepal does not grant visa exemptions to nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada. A tourist visa is mandatory to enter the territory.
This visa can be obtained in two ways:
On arrival (visa on arrival): available at the main entry points, notably Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and certain land border crossings. It is strongly recommended to complete the application form online before departure to facilitate procedures on site.
Online before departure: via the official online visa system of the Nepalese government (online visa application), allowing you to obtain prior authorization to present upon arrival.
Official rates are as follows:
15 days: 30 USD
30 days: 50 USD
90 days: 125 USD
Payment is generally made in cash (USD, EUR, or other accepted currencies) or by credit card depending on the entry points. It is advisable to have US dollars in cash for payment on site.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward journey),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Online arrival form
Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival form available on the official portal of the Nepalese government. This form allows you to provide immigration authorities with:
passport information
flight details
the address of your first accommodation in Nepal
A digital confirmation or a reference code may be requested when passing through immigration or at the visa issuance counter upon arrival.
Special permits for trekking areas
Certain regions of Nepal require additional permits in addition to the tourist visa:
the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System): mandatory for most trekking itineraries,
national park or conservation area permits (e.g., Sagarmatha for Everest, Annapurna Conservation Area),
restricted zone permits for certain specific destinations such as Mustang, Dolpo, or Manaslu.
These permits are generally obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara from the relevant offices.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Nepal, except in case of arrival from a country at risk of yellow fever. However, several vaccinations are strongly recommended by health authorities:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis (DTP),
rabies (especially for extended stays or in remote areas),
Japanese encephalitis (depending on areas and season).
Preventive antimalarial treatment may be recommended for certain low-altitude regions (Terai). It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as their own tourist visa.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Nepal in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be covered for emergency assistance, repatriation and foreign medical expenses.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the full policy detailing all coverage and claims reporting procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claims reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Yes, a tourist visa is required, issued upon arrival at Kathmandu airport or at land borders (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, USD 125 for 90 days). A valid passport for at least 6 months beyond entry and an identity photo are required.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, plan between 110 and 190 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. Himalayan treks require a dedicated budget (permits, porters, lodges).
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Kathmandu Valley
Himalayan pathfinder, based in Katmandou (Naxal)
Nepal is a country that naturally teaches patience and humility. Even a simple trip can become a very profound experience there.
— Nirmala
