This trip of yours is funfilled to create a lifetime experience in the Himalayas. The tour combines adventure, nature, fun and culture to squeeze out the most from the days you spend in Nepal. Enjoy the boat trip on the Fewa Lake, or bathe with an elephant in a jungle river and follow the wildlife in their natural habitat. Moreover, the tour also covers some of Nepal’s Heritage Sites recognized by the UNESCO as the World Heritage Site. Start the tour with a visit to Kathmandu’s Heritage Sites – Pashupatinath (main temple for the Hindus) and Boudhanath,visit to the medieval city of Bhaktapur famous for their art and architecture .Drive deep into the mountains to the town of Bandipur (Newari village) for a typical mountain experience. Driving further deep, we spend a day at Bandipur and continue our journey to the fantastic Lake City of Pokhara. After making another full day sightseeing of Pokhara, drive to Lumbini – the birthplace of Buddha, stopping by a picturesque town of Tansen on the way. While returning from Lumbini, we stop at Chitwan Jungle and discover why the National Park holds an important place in preserving the wild lives that are rapidly getting extinct from this planet and therefore recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. After spending another full day of jungle activities at Chitwan, we return to Bhaktapur for the night and drive to Kathmandu to end the Journey in the Himalayas.
Activities
• On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met at the airport by our representative who will be waiting with our placard.
• After you settle into the hotel there will be a group briefing with your tour leader in the late afternoon. They will discuss the trip details and co-ordinate any last minute arrangements.
• The evening is free, but the tour leader will usually organise dinner (optional) at one of Kathmandu’s fine Nepali restaurants.
Accommodation: Shangri La Hotel or similar, Kathmandu
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Accommodation: Shangri La Hotel or similar, Kathmandu
Activities
• In the early morning – weather permitting – you will take a scenic Mt. Everest flight. The flight will glide through Sagamartha’s National Park, past a crescendo of the highest peaks in the world, climaxing with Mt. Everest.
• Upon your return you will explore Kathmandu on an organised sightseeing tour. The tour will take you to Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where you can observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. You’ll also explore Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here you will see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats.
Travel time: Flight time: approx 25 minute
Meals included: 2 B
Accommodation: Barahi Hotel or similar, Pokhara
Activities
• You will depart the hotel early for your flight to Pokhara today. The flight offers spectacular views of the main Himalayan chain to the north.
• On arrival in Pokhara, you will take a boat ride across the lake (Phewa Tal), which is the second largest in Nepal. You will also visit the Peace Pagoda, which enjoys excellent views of the mountains including the Annapurnas and the famous fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare, along with views back across to Pokhara.
• Next you’ll visit the fascinating International Mountain Museum, where you’ll hear about the exploits of various climbing expeditions from the past 50 years.
• A free day has been allocated for further exploration in the peaceful surroundings of Pokhara. Your leader can advise you of sightseeing opportunities. The lakeside area has great shopping and Internet cafes.
• Pokhara has an interesting old area, as well as an elaborate Hindu temple and a Buddhist monastery to explore.
Meals included: B
Accommodation: Debche Hotel, Bandipur
Activities
• In the morning you will drive to Bandipur. This traditional Nepalese settlement is a natural treasure and one of the hidden gems of Nepal. Tourism in Nepal essentially developed along its main roads and airport infrastructure. For over 30 years, there was simply no major road linking Bandipur to this infrastructure, leaving it almost untouched by touristic influence. The village is saddled on a high ridge above Dumre, 700 metres above the Marsyangdi River Valley and is gifted with an exceptional view of the Himalayan panorama.
• The surrounding hills are ideal for hiking. The trails will wind you through villages, verdant forests, ‘power places’, and hilltop shrines that once doubled as fortresses. You will explore this incredible settlement and enjoy a myriad of opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture of Nepal of old, while enjoying spectacular views, incredibly maintained architecture, and amazing trails.
Travel time: Driving time: approx 4 hours
Meals included: B, L, D
Accommodation: Royal Park or similar, Chitwan
Activities
• After breakfast you will drive to Chitwan National Park.
• There is some flexibility at this stage of the trip, and the activities may vary depending on the time of year, and the known wildlife movements and locations.
• A late afternoon safari will take you in to the forest and across grasslands to observe the varied and exciting wildlife in the park. In the early evening the local Tharu dance troupe may perform a cultural program. You will then enjoy dinner and afterwards you will be free to relax in the bar.
Meals included: B, L, D
Accommodation: Royal Park or similar, Chitwan
Activities
• You will awake today to an early morning excursion. This could include either another safari to different parts of the park in search of the great Indian rhino, deer, and exotic bird life, or joining one of the other activities available at the park. Tiger sightings are rare these days, but these magnificent animals do inhabit the park.
• After breakfast you will leave the lodge for a dugout canoe adventure on the Rapti River. This is an exciting trip with chances to view marsh magar crocodiles and various birds that inhabit the riverbanks.
• A program will be organised for you to fill the rest of the day, and may include further excursions by jeep or a visit to one of the nearby villages.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Driving Time : approx 6 and half hours
Accommodation: Bhadgaon Guest House or Similar, Bhaktapur
Activities
• If you are an avid wildlife lover, there is an optional early morning bird watching safari available today – a worthwhile addition to your trip.
• After breakfast you will drive on to Bhaktapur, which was once the capital of Nepal and the Great Malla Kingdom during the 15th century. Its rich heritage, inspiring temples and artisanal history played a big part in Bhaktapur being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Enjoy an evening of exploration on your own, soak up the incredible atmosphere in one of the local cafes, or just relax in your hotel.
Travel time: Driving time: approx 1 hours
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Accommodation: Shangri La Hotel or similar, Kathmandu
Activities
• Spend the day exploring Bhaktapur’s famous temples, starting at Durbar Square, which is reputed to be the most beautiful piece of art in Nepal. Durbar Square is home to the majestic Lion Gate and Golden Gate. You will also visit the Pashupati Temple, a replica of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu. This will be an enlightening morning of discovery and enrichment, as you truly delve into all Bhaktapur has to offer.
• In the afternoon you will drive to Kathmandu. The evening will be free but the group leader will usually organise an evening meal (optional) at one of Kathmandu’s fine Nepali restaurants.
Activities
• Your trip officially comes to an end after breakfast today. Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist with your onward travel arrangements.
