Nepal, situated on the lap of the Himalayas, is a dream destination for travelers looking for cultural richness, spiritual calmness, and heavenly landscapes. From the bustling sightseeing of Kathmandu to the serenity of lakes in Pokhara, Nepal invites one for an unforgettable experience. For a person planning a trip, it is essential to understand how Nepal tour packages are priced for budgeting purposes. Nepal tourism packages, especially those including the Nepal tour package from Gorakhpur, are in fact the cheapest mode to explore this magical country. This article discusses the prices for flights, hotels, and food covered under these packages, thus presenting a comparison for travelers to fix up their journey.
Overview of Nepal Tour Packages
Nepal tour packages are fixed itineraries that normally include by and large transportation, accommodation, guided tours, and occasionally meals. They vary in time-3 to 12-day packages-focusing on cultural sites, adventure sites, or spiritual sites like Lumbini and Muktinath. One very popular package is the Nepal tour package from Gorakhpur, taking advantage of the city’s proximity to the Nepal border for cheap land travel. Prices below may vary depending on seasons of travel, accommodation, anything included, and size of the group: INR 8,000 to 50,000 per person for a 4-day-8-night trip.
Flights: Getting to Nepal
From India and Beyond
Foreigners generally use Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu as the primary point of entry. There are direct flights from major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore on Air India, IndiGo, and Nepal Airlines. Round-trip economy tickets usually come at a price of INR 10,000-15,000 between Delhi and Kathmandu, depending on the season and how early the ticket was purchased. From Mumbai or Bangalore, the price might range between INR 15,000 and INR 20,000.
Being just 100 km away, the Sunauli border provides for a more common route as compared to flying for those who choose to go with a Nepal tour package from Gorakhpur. However, Mahayogi Gorakhnath Airport in Gorakhpur offers flights with layovers via Delhi to Kathmandu priced at around INR 12,000-18,000 for a round-trip. On the other hand, the Bhairawa Airport, which comes at a 2.5-hour drive from Gorakhpur, offers direct flights to Kathmandu that take 25 minutes and cost between INR 5,000-8,000.
Overland Travel from Gorakhpur
The Nepal tour package from Gorakhpur sometimes comes with road transfers, so it is most economical. An AC private car or a shared bus from Gorakhpur to Pokhara or to Kathmandu will cost anywhere between INR 2,000 to 5,000 per person. This usually includes formalities upon arrival at the Indo-Nepal border and any permits thereof. It is a dreamy and picturesque option, the 10-hour-long drive from Gorakhpur to Kathmandu via Sunauli, and cheap too, with the packages taking care of the challenging documentation for Indian citizens (passport or voter ID required).
Cost Considerations
Flight costs vary according to seasons, costly during peak season (March-May, September-November) due to the fine climate and the Dashain festival. Booking early by 3-6 months can save 20-30%. Gorakhpur-based tours mostly sell packages without airfare; hence for those who are choosing road travel, this reduces the cost of their Nepal tour package.
Stay: Accommodations in Nepal
Types of Accommodations
Depending upon the budget, a Nepal tour package generally allows accommodation in a 3-star hotel, guesthouse, or resorts. Some 3-star hotels provide cozy rooms and basic amenities such as Wi-Fi and breakfast in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lumbini. Cheaper options include budget guesthouses in Thamel or Lakeside Pokhara; they are clean and convenient. On being charged, luxury options are open, including Hyatt Regency Kathmandu.
Cost Breakdown
- 3-Star Hotels: For double/twin, the nightly budget usually falls within INR 2,000-4,000 and is often inclusive of average at best. Breakfast is included in the package
- Budget Guesthouses: INR 800-1,500 per night, common in shorter or budget-focused tours.
- Luxury Hotels: INR 8,000-15,000 per night, featured in high-end packages.
Packages for 5 nights like a Nepal tour package from Gorakhpur commonly have 3-star accommodation, thereby charging anywhere between INR 10,000 and 20,000 per individual just in staying expenses (on double occupancy basis). Tours for groups of seven or more may reduce the price since rooms are shared.
Seasonal Impact
Being peak seasons increase hotel rates by 20-40% in Pokhara and Kathmandu. During the off-season (June to August), one may be given a discount, but the monsoon rains do pose a challenge to travel. A better price for packages is often ensured because of bulk bookings, thus keeping the Nepal tour package price competitive.
Food: Dining in Nepal
Culinary Experience
Nepalese cuisine is an interesting, yet flavor-laden amalgam of Nepali, Tibetan, and Indian influences. Famous Nepali foods include momos (steamed dumplings), dal bhat (lentil rice platter), thukpa (noodle soup), and sel roti (sweet rice bread). Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian varieties are available, and Indian restaurants in Kathmandu and Pokhara cater to these familiar tastes.
Cost Breakdown
- Breakfast: Often included in packages, featuring continental or Nepali options like paratha, eggs, or porridge, valued at INR 200-400 per person.
- Lunch/Dinner: Not always included, costing INR 300-600 per meal at mid-range restaurants. A dal bhat platter or momo plate averages INR 200-350. Street food or local eateries offer meals for INR 100-200.
- Beverages: Tea/coffee costs INR 50-100, while soft drinks or local beers are INR 100-300.
For a 5-day tour, expect to spend INR 3,000-6,000 per person on lunches and dinners if not included. Some Nepal tourism packages offer full-board plans (breakfast, lunch, dinner), adding INR 5,000-8,000 to the Nepal tour package price.
Dining Tips
Packages including meals ensure hygienic dining at vetted restaurants. For independent dining, Thamel in Kathmandu and Lakeside in Pokhara offer diverse options. Indian Rupees (100 and 200 denominations) are widely accepted, simplifying payments.
Sample Nepal Tour Package Price Breakdown
A 5-night/6-day Nepal tour package from Gorakhpur, covering Lumbini, Pokhara, and Kathmandu, might break down as follows (per person, double occupancy):
- Transportation: INR 3,000 (road transfer from Gorakhpur, private AC car).
- Accommodation: INR 12,000 (5 nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast).
- Food: INR 4,000 (lunches and dinners, with breakfast provided).
- Sightseeing/Permits: INR 3,000 (entry fees, guides, Manakamana Temple cable car).
- Total expenses: INR 22,000-25,000 (excluding extra optional activities like the Everest Mountain Flight, an additional INR 10,000).
Packages with flights from Delhi or Mumbai may cost INR 35,000-50,000, including airfare. Group discounts (7+ people) can lower costs by 10-15%.
Additional Costs to Consider
- Optional Activities: The additional might encompass cost of use of INR 10,000 for an Everest mountain flight, INR 5,000 for a paraglide in Pokhara, and further inland agriculture INR 3,000 for a Chitwan jungle safari.
- Personal Expenses: Extra options include Pashmina schawls or Thangka paintings, a tip (total INR 500-1,000), or travel insurance (INR 500-1,000).
- Taxes/Service Charges: Most packages include taxes (23.44% hotel tax), but confirm inclusions.
Tips to Optimize Your Budget
- Book Early: It is advised to reserve both your flights and accommodation between 3 and 6 months in advance due to peak season..
- Choose Road Travel: The Nepal tour packages from Gorakhpur save the airfare costs, which is affordable for budget travelers.
- Opt for Group Tours: Groups create a lower per-head cost with transport and accommodations, as the charge is for the method of transport and the piece of accommodation.
- Select Half-Board Packages: Having the breakfast included in your plan will help you save on dining expenses and will bring you a lot of flexibility for lunches..
- Travel Off-Season:Checking the weather will provide you with all the necessary information regarding this period’s availability, as it is considered a budget period.
Conclusion
To be truly cost-conscious, one must understand what goes into a Nepal tour package’s price. Whether by air or road from Gorakhpur, 3-star hotels offer lodging that speaks of a comfortable stay in Nepal, and the culinary culture is certainly a gastronomic delight. An average 5-6 day Nepal tour package from Gorakhpur would set one back by anywhere between INR 22,000 and 25,000, and that would include all the essentials. On the other hand, packages inclusive of air travel from India would lean a little more towards the expensive side. Yet, depending on the package one chooses, the time of the visit, and the inclusions therein, it is indeed possible to enjoy the culture and scenics of Nepal without spending a fortune. Be it a spiritual trip to Lumbini or a picturesque retreat at Pokhara; the land of Nepal patiently waits to be explored on your terms.
