Nepal for Older Travellers Without Trekking: What a Gentle 9-Day Tour Looks Like

Last updated 10 October 2026.

Short answer: Yes, you can see the best of Nepal at a slow pace without trekking. Our Gentle Nepal Tour for Seniors takes 9 days, starts at 9:30 each morning, flies between Kathmandu and Pokhara so the longest drive is under an hour, and never goes above about 1,600 m. It costs from USD 1,270 per person on Budget for 2 to 4 people. No site is step-free, so tell us about your walking and health when you ask.

Many of the people who write to me are not trekkers. They are parents, grandparents and couples in their sixties and seventies who want the temples, the lake and a mountain view, and who are worried about steps, altitude and long days. I built this tour for them. You can see the plan on our Gentle Nepal Tour for Seniors, 9 Days page. A licensed guide is with you every day, and the pace is set by you.

What does a gentle 9-day tour look like?

Most days have one or two short visits. Mornings start at 9:30. Day 6 is a full rest day, because a trip is more enjoyable when you are not tired. The longest drive is under an hour, since you fly between the two cities.

How much walking is there?

Less than on a normal sightseeing tour, but not none. Temples have steps, and squares have cobbles. We pick the easiest route and viewpoint at each stop, but no site is step-free, and I would rather tell you that than let you find out at Pashupatinath. If a day is too much, we shorten it. On the lake day you sit in a private boat on Phewa Lake. Sarangkot, about 1,600 m, is reached by vehicle, so the view takes no climbing.

Is there any altitude?

Hardly. Kathmandu is at 1,400 m and Pokhara at 820 m. The highest point on the tour is Sarangkot, at about 1,600 m, and you reach it by vehicle. There is no trekking and no high pass. If you want a longer look at the mountains from a plane or helicopter, that is a different trip, and I describe those in my helicopter day tours guide.

Is the tour right for you?

I cannot judge that for you, because I am not a medical professional. Please talk to your doctor, bring your regular medicines in their original packs, and tell us about your health and walking when you write. We change the plan to fit. If you walk well on flat ground and can manage a few steps, most of the tour will suit you. If you use a stick or a frame, tell me before you book, and I will say honestly what I think about each site. For older travellers who would like a walk, my guides to trekking in Nepal over 50 and over 60 help.

When is the best time to go?

This year Dashain falls on 17 to 23 October and Tihar on 8 to 12 November, so ask me about dates if you plan to come then. My guide to the Kathmandu temples describes what you will see in the first days.

What does it cost?

Prices are per person and are the live prices on the trip page. The route and the pace are the same on all three tiers. Budget gives you simple, clean twin-share hotels, breakfast and an English-speaking guide. Standard gives you 3-star private rooms, all meals and a guide in your language where we have one. Luxury gives you deluxe ensuite hotels, all meals, a senior guide and a more spacious vehicle.

All tiers include the flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara, with your guide's flights, airport pick-ups, a private car or van for every transfer and sightseeing day, a private boat on Phewa Lake, and the entrance fees at Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Patan. Lunch and dinner on Budget, international flights, the Nepal visa, travel insurance and tips are not included.

How do you get there?

You arrive at Kathmandu airport and our representative takes you to your hotel. The flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara is on day 4, and the return on day 8. My guide to getting from Kathmandu to Pokhara explains why I prefer the flight for this tour. For the lake and the viewpoint, read my guides to Phewa Lake and Sarangkot.

What are the terms?

Group size is 1 to 12, and every tour is private. Buy travel insurance at home that covers medical care, repatriation, cancellation and your dates. We do not recommend insurance bought in Nepal. The deposit is 10 per cent and it is non-refundable, with no refund if you cancel. You can reschedule free of charge with at least 72 hours notice, to any date within one year. The balance is paid on arrival in Kathmandu, in USD or EUR, cash or by card. Card carries 3.5 per cent and cash carries none. We do not take Nepali rupees from foreign clients. We tell you your guide's name after you book.

Questions people ask

How gentle is the tour? Mornings start at 9:30, most days have one or two short visits, and day 6 is a full rest day. You fly between the two cities, so the longest drive is under an hour. There is no trekking and no altitude.

How much does the tour cost? For 2 to 4 people it is USD 1,270 on Budget, USD 1,775 on Standard and USD 3,075 on Luxury per person. A solo traveller pays USD 2,000, USD 2,780 or USD 5,330.

Is it suitable if I have trouble with steps? Temples have steps and squares have cobbles, and no site is step-free. We choose the easiest route, but tell me about your walking before you book.

Is there any altitude? No. Kathmandu is 1,400 m, Pokhara 820 m and the highest viewpoint, Sarangkot, about 1,600 m, reached by vehicle.

What if I get tired on a day? We shorten it. The plan changes to fit you, and day 6 is a full rest day.

Can I do it alone? Yes. A solo traveller pays the solo price and has a single room.

What should I bring? Your regular medicines in their original packs, comfortable walking shoes, a hat and layers for the mornings and evenings. Bring your passport.

When is the best time? October to November and February to April.

How do you book?

Message me on WhatsApp on +977 9810351300 with your dates, the number of travellers, and a few lines on how you walk and any health conditions. I will tell you honestly if the tour fits, how I would adjust it, and send the exact quote.

Written by Shreejan Simkhada, CEO of The Everest Holiday, from a family of three generations of family guides. TAAN Member #1586. WhatsApp +977 9810351300.