Nepal India border expedition

Your Nepal adventure begins at the historic Sonauli border crossing between India and Nepal. Our representative will assist you with immigration formalities, helping you transition seamlessly between the two countries. Once in Nepal, travel to Lumbini, the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Sacred Garden where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama in 623 BC, visiting the ancient Maya Devi Temple housing the exact birthspot marked by a stone. Wander through the peaceful garden complex with its Ashoka Pillar, ancient ruins, and the sacred Puskarini Pond where Buddha's mother bathed before giving birth. Spend the afternoon exploring the international monastic zone where countries from around the world have built temples and monasteries representing their unique Buddhist architectural traditions from the gleaming white Thai temple to the ornate Chinese pagoda and the serene Japanese stupa. As evening approaches, witness monks in saffron robes performing prayers and meditation in this profoundly spiritual setting.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive (4-5 hours) to Chitwan National Park, Nepal's first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel through changing landscapes from the flat Terai plains to lush forests as you approach the park. Upon arrival, receive a warm welcome at your jungle lodge with refreshing drinks and a briefing about the park and its conservation efforts. After lunch, immerse yourself in local culture with a guided walk through a nearby Tharu village, where you'll learn about the indigenous Tharu people's unique customs, traditional housing, and agricultural practices that have adapted to life alongside the wilderness. Return to your lodge for an authentic cultural program featuring colorful Tharu stick dances that tell stories of jungle life, accompanied by traditional drums and singing under the starlit sky.

Rise early for a full day of jungle exploration in one of Asia's finest wildlife sanctuaries. Begin with an elephant-back safari or jeep drive into the heart of the park's grasslands and sal forests, searching for the park's famous one-horned rhinoceros, elusive Bengal tigers, and other wildlife including sloth bears, wild elephants, and various deer species. Your experienced naturalist guide will help spot and identify animals while sharing insights about their behavior and the ecosystem. After returning for lunch, embark on a traditional dugout canoe ride along the gentle Rapti River, silently gliding past basking gharial and mugger crocodiles while watching for the park's 500+ bird species including kingfishers, ospreys, and the majestic great hornbill. Later, enjoy a guided nature walk through the forest understory, learning about medicinal plants, tracking techniques, and the park's conservation challenges, perhaps encountering monkeys, deer, and abundant birdlife in their natural habitat.

After a final morning nature activity and breakfast, begin your journey to Kathmandu (5-6 hours). The drive offers a spectacular cross-section of Nepal's diverse landscapes—from the subtropical lowlands of Chitwan through the terraced middle hills, climbing up winding roads with views of terraced fields, traditional villages, and distant snow-capped peaks. Stop at scenic viewpoints and local restaurants along the way. As you approach Kathmandu Valley, witness the dramatic change in landscape and culture. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check into your centrally located hotel. In the evening, explore the lively Thamel district on your own, wandering through narrow streets filled with shops selling Tibetan handicrafts, singing bowls, pashmina shawls, and trekking gear. Savor authentic Nepalese cuisine at one of the many restaurants offering traditional dishes alongside international options.

Embark on a comprehensive exploration of Kathmandu's cultural treasures, beginning with Pashupatinath Temple complex on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. Observe Hindu cremation rituals and meet colorful sadhus (holy men) at Nepal's most important Hindu temple. Continue to the massive Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath, where you'll join Tibetan pilgrims circling the dome under the watchful eyes painted on the golden spire. After lunch featuring traditional Newari cuisine, visit Swayambhunath temple complex perched on a hilltop, blending Hindu and Buddhist elements while offering panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley. End your day exploring the medieval splendor of Kathmandu Durbar Square with its ancient palaces, intricately carved temples, and the house of the Living Goddess Kumari. The evening offers time for shopping for handicrafts, thangka paintings, and jewelry to bring home memories of Nepal.

After an early breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your cross-border journey. Drive to the Raxaul/Birganj border crossing between Nepal and India (approximately 6 hours) through the southern Terai region of Nepal. Our representative will assist with exit formalities from Nepal and entry procedures into India. Once in India, continue by private vehicle to either Patna Airport (approximately 4-5 hours) or Varanasi Airport (approximately 8-9 hours) as per your preference for your onward flight. The drive through rural India offers fascinating glimpses into village life, agricultural practices, and the bustling activity of small towns and markets along the route.

Inclusions: Border transfer assistance, all accommodation in quality hotels and lodges, daily breakfast and full board in Chitwan, English-speaking guide throughout, all ground transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle, jungle activities in Chitwan, entrance fees to all sightseeing places mentioned in the itinerary, bottled water during sightseeing, transfer to Indian airport, and all applicable taxes.