NEPAL HIGHLIGHTS TOUR – TIHAR FESTIVAL

6N/7D GROUP TOUR – $1200

NOVEMBER 7TH – NOVEMBER 13TH 2026

Nepal Highlights Tour - Tihar Festival 6N/7D

Dates: 7th – 13th of November 2026

Price: $1,200 USD

This 7-day Nepal Festival & Culture Tour combines breathtaking Himalayan landscapes with the vibrant traditions of Tihar, the Festival of Lights. From exploring UNESCO World Heritage cities like Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan, to wildlife safaris in Chitwan National Park, serene boat rides in Pokhara, and sacred rituals with local families, this journey offers a rich blend of culture, nature, and celebration.

Whether marvelling at Himalayan sunrises, sharing a home-cooked Tharu meal, or lighting butter lamps at ancient stupas, every day reveals a new side of Nepal’s heritage.

We have produced our Nepal Highlights tour from the ground up, working closely alongside our local partners, ensuring a unique experience.

What’s Included

Pick up and drop off at the airport by private vehicle
All ground transportation
English Speaking Local Guide
Beyond The Borders Tour Leader
All Accommodation
Nature Guide in Chitwan
Chitwan Jungle Activities
All Site Entries
All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

What’s Not Included

Flights to Nepal
Nepal Entry Visa Fee
Optional Pokhara-Kathmandu Flight upgrade ($105)
Everest Sightseeing Flight ($240)
Single supplement ($300 total)
Souvenirs
Optional tips for guides

Day 1 – Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal!

Fly into Kathmandu, the bustling capital of Nepal, where ancient culture blends with modern vibrancy. After completing immigration formalities and collecting your luggage, you will be warmly welcomed by our Beyond The Borders tour leader and local guide outside the terminal and transferred to your hotel.

Take the remainder of the day to relax and recover from your journey. Your arrival coincides with Tihar, Nepal’s enchanting Festival of Lights. The city comes alive with shimmering lamps, colourful decorations and lively markets filled with festive energy.

In the evening, enjoy a gentle introduction to your upcoming adventure during a welcome dinner at the hotel, accompanied by a short briefing about the journey ahead.

Day 2 – Kathmandu, Bhaktapur & Patan

Kukur Tihar (Dog Festival), temples and incredible culture!

Optional Experience: Begin the day with an Everest Mountain Flight (one hour, early morning). This scenic flight offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Himalayas, including the majestic Mount Everest.

After breakfast, head out for a unique cultural experience at the Kukur Tihar (Dog Festival) in Kathmandu. On this special day, dogs are honoured and worshipped as loyal companions of humankind, adorned with garlands and offered treats in a joyful celebration.

Later, drive to Bhaktapur, a beautifully preserved Newar city famed for its medieval architecture and timeless atmosphere. Stroll through Bhaktapur Durbar Square, visit the intricately designed 55-Window Palace, and admire the towering Nyatapola Temple. Wander along cobbled lanes to discover the Pottery Square, where you can learn from a local artisan how traditional clay pots are shaped by hand.

Continue on to Patan, another ancient royal city. Explore Patan Durbar Square, filled with exquisite temples, delicate stone carvings, and Newari architecture. Visit the sacred house of the Kumari, the Living Goddess of Patan, where receiving her blessing is considered highly auspicious.

Your journey then takes you to the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. Here, monks chant sacred prayers as colourful prayer flags flutter in the wind. Take a moment to sip tea at a rooftop café overlooking the stupa before participating in a serene meditation session at a monastery. Conclude the visit by lighting 108 butter lamps, joining locals in their evening rituals.

In the evening, witness another highlight of the Tihar festival - the celebration of Goddess Laxmi, worshipped for prosperity and wellbeing. Streets and homes glow with oil lamps as families sing and dance in the lively tradition of Bhailo, especially performed by women and young girls visiting houses and shops.

Day 3 – Journey to Chitwan & Tharu Cultural Experience

Chitwan: Rivers, Culture, Festive Rhythms

After breakfast, depart the Kathmandu Valley and begin your scenic drive towards Chitwan, gateway to Nepal’s famous wildlife reserves. The journey unfolds with dramatic landscapes – winding hills, terraced fields, and rushing river gorges – before levelling out into the lush plains of the Terai region. Some stretches of the road are a little bumpy, adding to the adventure.

Upon arrival, receive a warm welcome at your jungle lodge. After check-in, unwind with refreshing drinks before setting out on a tranquil canoe ride along the local rivers. Keep your eyes open for crocodiles basking on the banks and a variety of bird species gliding above the water.

In the evening, stroll through a traditional Tharu village, where you can meet locals and learn about their unique way of life. Share a delicious home-cooked dinner with a Tharu family, joining in a short cooking session for an authentic taste of their cuisine.

Later, immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Deusi, a lively Tihar tradition performed by men. Dance, sing, and celebrate with the community, enjoying a night filled with cultural music and laughter.

Day 4 - Chitwan

Jungle Safari & Bhai Tika Festival

Rise early for a thrilling jeep safari in Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich biodiversity. Enjoy breakfast in the heart of the jungle as you search for rhinos, deer, monkeys, and - if you’re lucky - the elusive Bengal tiger.

Return to your lodge by midday and immerse yourself in the most significant day of the Tihar festival: Bhai Tika. Share the moment with a local family as sisters bless their brothers with a sacred seven-coloured tika on the forehead, symbolising protection and long life. A festive buffet lunch follows this joyful tradition.

In the afternoon, set out on a peaceful guided nature walk, discovering the flora and fauna of the Terai plains. As evening falls, savour dinner while enjoying a vibrant Tharu cultural performance, complete with rhythmic music and the traditional stick dance.

Day 5 - Chitwan - Pokhara

Scenic Drive to Pokhara via Bandipur

Leave Chitwan behind in the morning as you journey towards Pokhara, Nepal’s serene lakeside city. En route, pause at Bandipur, a charming Newar town perched on a ridge. Its cobbled lanes, traditional houses, and peaceful atmosphere offer a glimpse of Nepal’s timeless heritage. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the town before continuing your drive.

Arrive in Pokhara by the afternoon and begin exploring its highlights. Visit the dramatic Davis Falls, the mystical Gupteshwor Cave, and the International Mountain Museum, which showcases the history and culture of Himalayan mountaineering.

As evening approaches, glide across Phewa Lake in a traditional wooden boat. Watch the sun set behind rolling hills as the majestic Machapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) reflects beautifully on the still waters - a perfect end to the day.

Day 6 - Pokhara – Kathmandu

"Sunrise at Sarangkot & Return to Kathmandu"

Begin the day with an early drive to Sarangkot, followed by a short 15-minute hike to its viewpoint. Here, witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, as the first golden rays illuminate the Himalayan peaks - an unforgettable sight.

Return to your hotel for breakfast before setting off on the scenic drive back to Kathmandu. The journey passes through mountain landscapes, rice terraces, and rural villages, with sections of bumpy off-road tracks adding to the adventure.

In the evening, head to Kirtipur, one of the Kathmandu Valley’s historic towns, for a memorable dinner at a women-led, community-run restaurant. Savour authentic Newari cuisine, prepared with traditional recipes and warm hospitality.

Day 7 - Kathmandu

Departure or Journey to Bhutan

Your Nepal adventure concludes today. After breakfast, depending on your onward plans, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home. Our team will ensure you arrive in good time for check-in and departure formalities.

For travellers continuing their journey, the adventure doesn’t end here - those joining our Bhutan tour will catch a flight to Paro, where new experiences await.