Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days
Destinations covered: Kathmandu - Dhulikhel - Nagarkot - Pokhara - Chitwan - Kathmandu
Day 1 - Arrive Kathmandu
On arrival at Kathmandu Airport you will be met with a floral welcome and transferred to your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 2 - Kathmandu
After breakfast sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu City - The Hanumandhoka - Kathmandu\'s Durbar Square is the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar Square with its old temples and palaces, epitomises the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Also visit the Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 AD, the temple of Kal Bhairav - the God of destruction and the temple of Kumari (Vestal Virgin) or the Living Goddess - represents a very ancient Hindu deity of Nepal locally known as Taleju is Buddhist by birth. The Kumari acknowledges greeting from her balcony window. Once a year during Indra Jatra festival, the King of Nepal seeks the Kumari\'s blessing. Kasthamandap - Located near the Kumari Temple is said to be built from the wood of a single tree from the city. The city of Kathmandu dervies its name from this temple. The Kathmandu Durbar Square was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.
Next to Swoyhumbhunath Stupa - the oldest Buddhist shrine. It is said to be 2,000 years old. Painted on the four sides of the spire\'s base are the all - seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is 3 km west of Kathmandu City and is situated on a hillock about 77 m above the level of Kathmandu Valley and commands an excellent view of the Valley. This Stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal. It was also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.
Sightseeing tour Pasupatinath Temple - is situated 5 kms of Kathmandu, and the temple of Lord Shiva, The temple with a two tiered golden roof and silver door is considered one of the holiest shrines for Hindus. Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, visitors can witness the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River. The temple was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.
After proceed to Boudhanath Stupa - The stupa of Bouddhanath lies 8 kms east of Kathmandu. This ancient colossal Stupa is one of the biggest in the world, and is the centre of Tibetan Buddism in Nepal. Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 3 - Kathmandu
Guided sightseeing in Boddhanath and Pasupatinath. Boddhanath is a great white half dome with the Eyes of Buddha painted on it. It is one of the most famous cultural icons of Nepal. Doddhanath is a site of very active worship and many Tibetan-type Buddhist monasteries representing sects from Tibet, Bhutan, Sikkim, different areas of Nepal and India. Nowhere on earth will you encounter such a concentration or Tibetan Buddhist activity. Non-Buddhists cannot appreciate the great holiness of this location and its significance as a growing, glowing, radiant center of spiritual attraction.
Not far away you will visit one of the most holy and venerated of all Hindu temples, Pasupatinath. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the golden-roofed pagoda-style temple, but you can glimpse the great golden bull through the doorway. A great pilgrimage occurs here in February attracting Hindu ascetics and devout worshippers from all areas of the Hindu world. Monkeys are everywhere around the grounds, riverside creations are often taking place and there is always a colorful and often bizarre area of visitors encamped in the general area. Finally, this day, if time permits you will visit the Tibetan refugee center and Patan, another of the old Kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4 - Kathmandu / Dhulikhel
After breaklfast transfer to the village of Dhulikhel on a ridge top north of the Kathmandu Valley. You will stay at a lodge with panoramic view of the Himalayas. You have only a 20-minute walk to the village with its winding streets and narrow alleys. This an excellent place to relax and observe typical rhythms of life in Nepal.
Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel offers a wealth of opportunities for exploration. Roam the shops in the village, enjoy guided hikes of various lengths and difficulty or just relax on the patio and enjoy the splendid view. There are sacred Hindu temples, an active Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, a venerated holy location where the Buddha offered his flesh to a starving tiger, and many scenic view points within a morning\'s walk of your lodging. Local people are very friendly and likely to invite you in to see their homes, school or shops.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 5 - Dhulikhel / Nagarkot
Weather permitting, there are excellent morning views of the sunrise over the Himalaya. After breakfast a gently three and half hour walk through the hills to Nagarkot. The trail passes through villages inhabited by the Newars and Bahun commnities and offers a fascinating insight into the rural Nepalese way of life.
Nagarkot - 32 kilometers, east of Kathmandu, is situated on a hill at an altitude of 2,175 m above sea level. This highly popular site offers one of the most breathtaking views of all the major peaks of the world.
On very clear day it is even possible to see Mt. Everest from here. This place is famous for its spectacular Sunrise and Sunset views and offers good rural countryside and, walking country. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the view and mountain air.
Overnight at Hotel in Nagarkot.
Day 6 - Nagarkot / Kathmandu / Pokhara
Early morning wake up to view the sunrise. (Subject to weather) Breakfafst in the hotel.
Our representative will accompany you on your drive to Kathmandu. You will be driven straight to the domestic airport to fly to Pokhara.
Upon arrival meet in Pokhara check in at your hotel. POKHARA is one of the most picturesque valley in Nepal. Its lies 200 kms west of Kathmandu, under the shadows of the Annapurna Range. A rare combination of snow - clad mountains, foothills clear lakes, streams, and villages trekking and rafting destinations. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.
Day 7 - Pokhara
Be prepared for an early morning wake up call because if it is clear we wish you to witness the sunrise over the Annapurna Range and especially the virgin Fishtail Mountain (Machapurcharre).
After Breakfast sightseeing tour of Pokhara Valley including on of the Tibetan Refugee camps. Sightseeing tour is followed by an enchanting session in a rowing boat on Lake Fewa and the chance for some local shopping.
Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.
Day 8 - Pokhara / Chitwan
After Breakfast drive to Chitwan at the foot of the Himalayas.
Upon arrival at Chitwan our naturalists will meet you and immediately you will enter into an atmosphere of adventure which begins with crossing the river by boats. You are given hot towels to refresh yourselves and welcome Tika and Drinks. you will then be transferred to the temple Tiger Jungle Lodge by elephants / landrovers.
Temple Tiger is situated in the heart of the Royal Chitwan National Park, which is the home of the great one horned rhinoceros, sloth bear, wild boar, gaur (bison), 4 species of deer, 2 species of monkeys, 2 species of crocodiles, leopard, the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, over 450 species of birds. At the Temple Tiger Jungle Lodge, the Manager will brief you about the activities at the lodge and shoe you your room.
You will be either taken for a jungle safari on elephant back so that you can penetrate deep into the jungle for viewing and photographing wildlife, or for a jungle walk to experience the abundant bird - life and the flora and fauna of the Park. If you are lucky, you may see the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger either on nature walk or on elephant safari.
Afterwards, tea will be available or our well stocked bar will cater to the needs of the thirsty. Dinner either continental or Nepalese cuisine will be served in the evening, around the campfire.
Overnight at Temple Tiger Jungle Lodge in Chitwan.
Day 9 - Chitwan
Early morning offers another opportunity for an elephant safafris, Lasting two hours and penetrating through dense grasslands to view wildlife. This grass commonly known as elephant grass is dense and grows to a height of 5 - 6 meters. It is the favourite habitat of the rhinoceros and other mammals.
After a leisurely breakfast, you can visit to our elephant stables where the senior naturalists will give a talk about the habits of the elephants. Also a chance to see the elephant having a bath.
In the afternoon relax around the lodge or either take a drive through the jungles in land rovers followed by a boat ride down the Narayani river where there are excellent chances of viewing the gharial crocodiles as well as mugger crocodiles, fresh water dolphins, otters and varieties of water birds or go on a nature walk or birding with one of our naturalists. At the end of the canoe ride, waiting land rovers will bring you back to the lodge. In the evening there is be a slide presentation and a talk programme when one of our senior naturalists will give an introduction on The Royal Chitwan National Park, animals and their habitats and other social structure of the Park and the villages in the vicinity.
Dinner at the lodge. Overnight at Temple Tiger Jungle Lodge in Chitwan.
Day 10 - Chitwan / Kathmandu
After breakfast, transfer by elephants, landrover and canoes to waiting vehicles to drive to Kathmanadu (5 hours drive) . Upon arrival check in at your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 11 - Depart Kathmandu
After breakfast you will be transferred to Kathmandu International airport for your ownward flight to home.
Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days
Destinations covered: Kathmandu - Dhulikhel - Nagarkot - Pokhara - Chitwan - Kathmandu
Kathmandu Introduction
Wandering through the cobbled streets and alleys of Kathmandu is like going back and forth in time. It was in the 1950s that the government of Nepal decided to open its borders to foreigners. The sudden influx of modernity and tourists has made for some interesting and eye-catching contrasts in this Himalayan Shangri-La. Kathmandu Valley is dotted with countless shrines, temples, palace squares, charming old bazaars and ageless sculptures. Very much the abode of Lord Shiva and Guatama Buddha, a patron saint of the Sikhs has also walked here. Not to mention the Living Goddess, Kumari, who is venerated by all.
Pokhara Introduction
Known as the jumping ground for the best trekking in Nepal, the Pokhara Valley lies 200 kms. west of Kathmandu, enriched with gorgeous lakes and surrounded by picturesque mountains.
Mt. Machapuchre as seen from Pokhara
Pokhara has always been a favorite among tourists visiting Nepal, to get away from the hustle and bustle of the capital to a peaceful setting, to relax by the lake side or take a hiking trip around the valley, with routes available to suit everyone\'s needs, ability and preferences.
Chitwan Introduction
He beautiful Royal Chitwan National Park is located 166km southwest of Kathmandu and nearly 204km southeast of Pokhara. The park sprawls across lushly wooded hills and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Chitwan offers great tiger and rhino spotting opportunities.
Getting There:The nearest airport is at Meghauly. Royal Nepal Airlines, Everest Air and Necon Air connect Chitwan to Kathmandu. The park can also be reached directly from India by road.
