Nepal Classic Circuit

Kathmandu Valley–Pokhara–Chitwan–Lumbini, Nepal's classic loop for visitors who aren't trekking.

The Nepal Classic Circuit is the route most often taken by visitors who aren't doing long-distance treks. It starts in the Kathmandu Valley, then goes west to Pokhara and south to Chitwan National Park and Lumbini, the Buddha's birthplace. The Kathmandu Valley concentrates seven World Heritage monuments: the three Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, plus Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), the Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple. Pokhara is a relaxed lakeside town on Phewa Lake, where you can watch sunrise over Annapurna and Machapuchare from Sarangkot, try paragliding, or use it as the start of short treks. In Chitwan National Park you can track one-horned rhinos and Bengal tigers by elephant or jeep, and see crocodiles from a dugout canoe. Lumbini has the Maya Devi Temple and a park of monasteries from many countries. Bandipur, along the way, is a well-preserved Newar hill town. A 9–12 day trip is recommended: 3–4 days in the Kathmandu Valley, 3 in Pokhara, 2 in Chitwan and 1 in Lumbini. Cities are connected by tourist buses or domestic flights, and mountain roads are slow. Air pollution and power cuts are common in Kathmandu, so take care with drinking water.

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