Nepal and the Maldives
Overview
- Duration: 11 days / 10 nights
- Departures: Private, any date
- Group size: Private, from 2 travellers
- Accommodation: Comfortable 4★ hotels in Nepal and a 4–5★ island resort with water or beach villas in the Maldives
- Countries: Nepal, Maldives
Start among the stupas and royal squares of Kathmandu and watch the Annapurnas turn gold above Pokhara, then trade mountain air for warm lagoons on an island resort in the Maldives.
This eleven-day trip combines two of the most contrasting landscapes in South Asia: the Himalayan valleys of Nepal and the coral islands of the Maldives. It suits honeymooners and couples who want a week of culture and mountain scenery followed by a few days of real rest.
You begin with three nights in Kathmandu, exploring the old royal squares, the great stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath, and the car-free streets of Bhaktapur. A short flight then takes you to Pokhara for three nights beside Phewa Lake, with a sunrise over the Annapurnas from Sarangkot and an easy walk in the foothills. After a final night in Kathmandu, you fly to Malé and transfer to your island resort for three nights.
The pace in Nepal is relaxed, with plenty of free time, and no trekking or altitude to worry about: Kathmandu and Pokhara are at moderate heights. The only early start is for the Sarangkot sunrise, and mountain views depend on the weather, so we suggest the clearer autumn and winter months. Domestic flights in Nepal can be delayed by cloud, and the flight to the Maldives usually involves a connection, which is why we include a night in Kathmandu before it.
We can extend your island stay, add a safari in Chitwan or a short trek near Pokhara. Tell us what you have in mind on our plan your trip page.
Day-by-day itinerary
Your driver greets you at the airport and drives you through the city to your hotel. Take the rest of the day slowly. Towards evening, you might stroll the lanes of Thamel, where trekking shops sit beside small cafés, or simply relax in the hotel garden while your guide calls to talk through the days ahead.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Begin at Kathmandu Durbar Square, the old palace quarter of tiered temples and carved wooden balconies. Then climb to Swayambhunath on its wooded hill, where prayer flags flutter above the valley and monkeys play on the steps. In the late afternoon, join the pilgrims circling the vast white dome of Boudhanath as the butter lamps are lit.
Overnight: Kathmandu · Meals: Breakfast
Drive about an hour east to Bhaktapur, a former royal city where the old brick streets are largely closed to traffic. Wander from square to square with your guide, see the tall Nyatapola temple and watch potters shaping clay by hand. Share a pot of juju dhau, the creamy local yoghurt, then return to Kathmandu for a free evening.
Overnight: Kathmandu · Meals: Breakfast
A short flight west brings you to Pokhara; sit on the right-hand side for the best chance of mountain views on a clear morning. In the afternoon, hire a painted wooden boat on Phewa Lake and row to the small island temple of Tal Barahi, with the reflection of the Annapurnas in the water when the sky allows.
Overnight: Pokhara · Meals: Breakfast
Rise before dawn and drive up to the ridge at Sarangkot to watch the first light touch Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna peaks, a sight that depends on clear weather. Return for a late breakfast. In the afternoon, cross the lake and walk up to the World Peace Pagoda for a broad view over the town and the water.
Overnight: Pokhara · Meals: Breakfast
Spend a gentle day on foot in the hills around Pokhara with a local guide, following trails past terraced fields and farming villages, with mountain views when the cloud lifts. The walk lasts a few hours at an easy pace. Alternatively, take a tandem paragliding flight over the lake, or simply enjoy a quiet lakeside afternoon together.
Overnight: Pokhara · Meals: Breakfast
Fly back to Kathmandu in the morning. In the afternoon, visit Pashupatinath, the sacred Hindu temple of Shiva on the Bagmati river. Only Hindus may enter the main temple, so your guide takes you to the opposite bank to watch the ghats quietly and respectfully. Enjoy a farewell Nepali dinner in the evening, with dal bhat or momos.
Overnight: Kathmandu · Meals: Breakfast
Today you fly from Kathmandu to Malé, usually with a connection in another city; we confirm routes and timings when we book. From the airport, a speedboat or seaplane transfer takes you to your island resort, depending on where it lies. Seaplanes fly only in daylight, so a late arrival may mean a speedboat or a night near Malé.
Overnight: Maldives (island resort) · Meals: Breakfast
Wake to the sound of the lagoon. Snorkel along the house reef, where you may see reef fish, turtles or small rays depending on conditions and luck. Read in the shade, swim in the warm, clear water, and watch the sky turn orange at sunset. Your resort can arrange a dinner on the beach if you would like one.
Overnight: Maldives (island resort) · Meals: Breakfast
Choose how active to be. You could join a snorkelling trip to a nearby reef, take a sunset boat cruise to look for dolphins (sightings are never guaranteed), try diving with an instructor, or book a spa treatment. Or do nothing at all. This is your last full day, so make it as slow as you wish.
Overnight: Maldives (island resort) · Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast and a final swim, take your speedboat or seaplane transfer back to Malé airport for your international flight home. We time the transfer around your flight and the seaplane schedule, and confirm all the details in your written quote.
Overnight: — · Meals: Breakfast
What’s included
- Accommodation with breakfast for 10 nights, including 3 nights at an island resort
- Private airport and hotel transfers in Nepal
- Private car and driver for sightseeing in Nepal
- Local English-speaking guides for sightseeing in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Pokhara, and for the foothills walk
- Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu flights
- Flight from Kathmandu to Malé
- Speedboat or seaplane transfers between Malé airport and your resort
- Entrance fees to sights in the itinerary in Nepal
- 24/7 support during your trip
Not included
- International flights to Nepal and home from the Maldives
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Meals not listed (half board or full board can be added at your resort)
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities such as paragliding, diving, excursions and spa treatments
Good to know
Sample itinerary: we adapt the route, hotels and dates to you and confirm everything in your written quote. Best October–April.
In Nepal you travel with a private car and driver and take short flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara, which can be delayed by weather. From Kathmandu you fly to Malé, usually with one connection; routes and schedules change with the season, so we confirm them when booking. Islands near Malé are reached by speedboat and more distant atolls by seaplane, which flies only in daylight.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. It balances culture and gentle activity in Nepal with complete rest in the Maldives. We can arrange touches such as a private dinner by the lake in Pokhara or a water villa at your resort, and you can extend either part.
No. The foothills walk near Pokhara is a gentle half-day on good trails and is optional. If you would like more walking, we can add a short trek of a few days in the Annapurna foothills, with trekking permits arranged according to the rules in force when we book.
