Nepal World Heritage Sites Tour – 9 Days

Nepal, a land of breathtaking landscapes and profound cultural heritage, proudly hosts 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include seven remarkable monument zones within the historic Kathmandu Valley, as well as the stunning Sagarmatha National Park, the diverse Chitwan National Park, and Lumbini – the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha.

The Kathmandu Valley is a treasure trove of architectural marvels and spiritual landmarks. Visitors will discover iconic sites such as Swayambhunath Stupa, often called the Monkey Temple, and the massive Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. The ancient palaces and courtyards of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Patan Durbar Square showcase the rich Newar culture and exquisite craftsmanship dating back centuries. The sacred Hindu temple complex of Pashupatinath, a vital pilgrimage site, and the ancient Changunarayan Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, are also included in this cultural tapestry.

Outside the Kathmandu Valley, nature lovers can explore Sagarmatha National Park, home to Mount Everest and an extraordinary range of Himalayan flora and fauna. Meanwhile, Chitwan National Park offers a completely different experience — an opportunity to witness the exotic wildlife of Nepal’s Terai lowlands, including Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceros, and vibrant bird species.

No visit to Nepal would be complete without visiting Lumbini, the serene and spiritual birthplace of Lord Buddha. This sacred site is a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists worldwide and features ancient monasteries, stupas, and the sacred Maya Devi Temple.

The Alpine Club of Himalaya invites travelers to explore these unparalleled cultural and natural wonders through a carefully crafted 9-day tour that balances history, spirituality, and adventure. Whether you are passionate about ancient architecture, eager to experience vibrant local traditions, or fascinated by Nepal’s diverse wildlife and natural landscapes, this tour offers an unforgettable insight into the heart of Nepal.

Discover Nepal’s World Heritage Sites with the expert guidance and thoughtful planning of Alpine Club of Himalaya, ensuring a seamless and enriching travel experience through one of the most culturally and naturally diverse countries in the world.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Nepal for the World Heritage Sites Tour is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer the most pleasant weather, with clear skies, moderate temperatures, and minimal rainfall—ideal conditions for both sightseeing and travel between regions. During spring, Nepal blooms with colorful rhododendrons and lush landscapes, while autumn provides crystal-clear views of the Himalayas and vibrant cultural festivals like Dashain and Tihar.

While these are the most popular months, the tour can be done year-round with some considerations:

• Winter (December to February): Cooler temperatures, especially in the mornings and evenings. Kathmandu and Lumbini remain accessible, but higher-altitude areas like Sagarmatha may be very cold.
• Monsoon (June to August): Heavy rainfall can affect travel logistics and visibility, especially in the Terai and hilly regions. However, the rain brings rich greenery and fewer tourists, offering a more peaceful experience for those who don’t mind the wet weather.

Overall, spring and autumn are highly recommended for comfort, cultural experiences, and optimal photography opportunities during your journey with Alpine Club of Himalaya.

Accommodation

During the 9-day Nepal World Heritage Sites Tour, accommodation is arranged in comfortable 3-star to 4-star hotels, handpicked for their service, location, and cleanliness. In Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, you’ll stay in heritage-style boutique hotels that reflect traditional Nepali architecture with modern amenities. In Lumbini and other destinations, accommodations are selected for comfort, safety, and accessibility to nearby attractions.

Upgrades to luxury hotels or eco-resorts can be arranged upon request. All accommodations offered by Alpine Club of Himalaya are based on twin-sharing rooms unless you opt for a single supplement.

Meals

The tour package typically includes daily breakfast at your hotel, giving you a fresh and healthy start to each day. Some packages may also include lunch and dinner depending on the itinerary and location, especially in places like Lumbini or optional add-ons to Chitwan.

Nepal offers a rich culinary variety, from traditional Nepali dishes like dal bhat and momo to international cuisine. Special dietary preferences such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or halal meals can be accommodated with prior notice.

Drinking Water

Drinking water safety is an important consideration when traveling in Nepal. It is not recommended to drink tap water directly in Nepal, including in urban areas like Kathmandu.

To stay healthy, travelers are advised to:

• Use bottled water (readily available at hotels and shops)
• Bring a refillable water bottle and use water purification tablets or filters
• Many hotels also offer boiled or filtered water on request

The Alpine Club of Himalaya encourages sustainable travel, so using eco-friendly refillable bottles where possible is highly recommended.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential when booking the Nepal World Heritage Sites Tour. While the tour mainly covers cultural sites and moderate travel, having insurance protects you in case of medical emergencies, trip cancellations, delays, or lost baggage.

For those planning to visit high-altitude areas such as Sagarmatha National Park (home to Everest), ensure your insurance includes high-altitude trekking or helicopter evacuation coverage.

Most travel companies, including Alpine Club of Himalaya, require proof of insurance before the tour begins. It's best to purchase your insurance policy in your home country before traveling.

Passport and Visa

To enter Nepal, a valid passport with at least six months of validity from your entry date is required. Tourist visas are mandatory for most foreign nationals and can be obtained:

• On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu
• At Nepal’s land border crossings
• In advance from a Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in your country

Visa on arrival is available for 15, 30, or 90 days, with fees depending on the duration. You’ll need to fill out a form, provide a passport-sized photo, and pay the visa fee in cash (USD is widely accepted).

Note: Some nationalities may require pre-approval. It’s always recommended to check the latest visa policy and entry requirements before you travel.

Transportation During the Nepal World Heritage Sites Tour

Transportation plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience throughout the 9-day Nepal World Heritage Sites Tour. All ground travel is conducted using comfortable, private vehicles arranged by the Alpine Club of Himalaya. Depending on the group size and terrain, transportation may include private cars, SUVs, tourist vans, or minibuses—all fully air-conditioned and operated by experienced local drivers.

Private transportation allows for a flexible itinerary, personalized stops, and a more relaxed travel experience, especially when visiting the culturally rich and traffic-sensitive areas of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan.

For longer distances, such as Kathmandu to Lumbini or optional add-ons to Chitwan or Sagarmatha National Park, domestic flight options are also available. Flights significantly reduce travel time and offer stunning aerial views of Nepal's diverse landscapes, from the Himalayas to the Terai plains.

All flight bookings, airport transfers, and overland travel arrangements are fully managed by Alpine Club of Himalaya, ensuring your journey is efficient, safe, and stress-free.

Final Notes

Before joining the Nepal World Heritage Sites Tour, it's important to ensure you're well-prepared for both the cultural exploration and light travel involved. While this is not a high-altitude or physically demanding trek, being organized will enhance your overall experience.

Please make sure that:

·        Your travel documents (passport, visa, insurance) are valid and easily accessible

·        You’ve packed suitable clothing for Nepal’s varied climates—ranging from warm days in the Terai to cooler mornings in Kathmandu and Nagarkot

·        Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes are packed, as you’ll be exploring several historic and religious sites on foot

·        You’ve consulted our packing list to avoid missing any essentials

Alpine Club of Himalaya takes care of all transportation, accommodation, and guided tours. Should you have any specific needs (dietary, accessibility, or medical), please inform us well in advance so we can accommodate you accordingly. Clear communication and thoughtful planning ensure you get the most from your cultural journey through Nepal.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation by the Participant:

If you need to cancel your booking for the Nepal World Heritage Sites Tour, written notice must be provided to Alpine Club of Himalaya via email or official communication. The following cancellation fees apply:

·        60 days or more before the tour start date:
A cancellation fee of 20% of the total tour cost will be charged.

·        30 to 59 days before the tour start date:
A cancellation fee of 50% of the total tour cost will be charged.

·        Less than 30 days before departure:
The full tour cost is non-refundable.

These fees cover administrative expenses, pre-arranged logistics, permits, and potential opportunity losses.

Cancellation by Alpine Club of Himalaya:

In the unlikely event that Alpine Club of Himalaya must cancel the tour due to unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances (such as natural disasters, political unrest, or safety concerns), participants will be offered the following options:

·        A full refund of all payments made

·        Or the option to reschedule the tour to a future date of their choice

Your safety and satisfaction are our highest priorities. We will only cancel the tour under unavoidable conditions and always strive to provide fair alternatives.

Force Majeure Clause:

Alpine Club of Himalaya will not be held liable for cancellations, delays, or additional expenses caused by events beyond our control, including but not limited to:

·        Natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, landslides, floods)

·        Political unrest or government-imposed travel restrictions

·        Health emergencies (e.g., pandemics, epidemics)

·        Airspace closures or flight disruptions

In such cases, participants are responsible for any additional personal costs incurred, such as accommodation, transportation, or flight rebooking. Therefore, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, delays, medical emergencies, and force majeure events.