Nepal Highlights Tour

A small geography, located on the lap of the snow-capped Himalayas, in between two huge countries of Asia, Nepal, Undoubtedly is the core of the attractions of the people of the world. The multicultural, multilingual, multi ethnic jewellery make the country different among its other geographies. The very social differences with natural combination decorate the country on its best which lures the millions of hearts of every age of people.

Such, sensitively designed trip so as to elevate your level of your experience, would truly justifies your interest of Nepal's concern by assisting you whole over your visit here. Starting from the mystical city Kathmandu- the capital with a plenty of historical, cultural information takes you to see wildlife activities in Chitwan National Park. There are more than 43 species of mammals in the park. The park is especially renowned for its protection of the endangered one- horned rhinoceros, tiger, and gharial crocodile along with many other common species of wild animal. The very place perfectly entertains you with the magical culture dance of the Tharu people.

Since Nepal is the country of lord Buddha, the third destination of your tour will be for Lumbini- birth place of Lord Buddha. Peace zone Lumbini will surely help you to internalize the essence of Buddhism. Driving towards the most mysterious city Pokhara, the charms of the naturally decorated historic kingdom Palpa would excite you too much. Mesmerizing panoramas of the mysterious city Pokhara, would definitely compel you to make a deep observation. The rare combination of snow-clad peaks and snow fed lakes and rivers has helped to make the valley of Pokhara (210kms/131 miles from Kathmandu) one of the most picturesque natural attractions. Besides these your visit to Nagarkot, only 32 kms far from Kathmandu equally makes your visit adventurous.

Your trip will be completely handled by our experienced tour leader from arrival to until the date of departure. During the course of this trip, you will be travelled by deluxe air-conditioned vehicle. Most of the accommodation during the tour is deluxe and four to five star. There are many places throughout the tour where you can gain some authentic souvenirs including carpets, handicrafts, carvings and Thankas.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 01- Arrival at the Int'l airport will be welcomed by our representative. Transfer & check-in at hotel.

Day 02 - Pre-Trip meeting and Sightseeing in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast at 9 AM, we host a Pre-Trip meeting at your hotel and introduce your tour Guide(s) mean time and it will provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the your tour and to introduce you to other participants. This includes a final briefing and preparations for the trip.

PLEASE ADVISE US IF YOU WILL BE ARRIVING LATE AND ARE THEREFORE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE PRE-TRIP MEETING.

In THE PRE-TRIP MEETING All passengers MUST bring:
1. Passport.
2. Four copies of Passport size photos each.
3. Travel Insurance Policy.
4. A writing pen
5. Notepad.

After the Pre-Trip meeting and breakfast your sightseeing trip will start at 9.45 AM in the morning for both days. We provide a private vehicle and professional tour guide. The places we visit are as below:

Kathmandu Durbar Square
Known as Kantipur, the capital of Nepal. Here you can visit the temple of the Living Goddess Kumari, who acknowledges greetings of devotees from the balcony of her temple residence. The Kasthamandap, said to be built from the timber of a single tree. In fact, the name Kathmandu is believed to have been coined from the name Kasthmandap standing right in the midst of the Durbar Square with its array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the ancient place of the former Nepalese royalty.

Swayambhunath
This Buddhist stupa, said to be 2000 years old has the main structure made of a solid hemisphere of bricks and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are what is believed to be the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples

Pashupatinath
Situated 5 kilometers east of Kathmandu city, Pashupatinath temple is considered one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the banks of the Bagmati River, the temple built in pagoda style has gilted roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors are permitted to view the temple from the east bank of river Bagmati as entrance into the temple is strictly prohibited to all non Hindus. Pashupatinath is the center of annual pilgrimage on the day of the Shivaratri festival which happens around February/March. Behind the temple are the cremation grounds.

Day 03- After breakfast at your hotel proceed for easy day hiking to Shivapuri. Pack Lunch Provided. Drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at Hotel.

Shivapuri
Shivapuri situated at an altitude of 2563m north of Kathmandu is second highest hill around Kathmandu valley. Baghdwar, source of holy river Bagmati is located nearby Shivapuri. AM : After breakfast at the hotel, we drive for about 20 minutes to Budhanikantha Temple, 8 kms north of Kathmandu. From Budhanilkantha we walk through Shivapuri conservation area. This is the Government protected forest where over 177 species birds are found. We start our hike from the southern boundary of the area where the army check post is located.

Day 04 - After breakfast at your hotel, we leave for six hours drive to Chitwan National Park by tourist vehicle. On reaching resort, our Guest Relations Officer will brief guests. After lunch, you will be doing Elephant Safari / Jungle Walk / Nature Walk with Boat Ride and dinner will be ready at 8:00 pm.

Chitwan
Royal Chitwan National Park stands today as a successful testimony of nature conservation in South Asia. This is the first national park of Nepal established in 1973. There are more than 43 species of mammals in the park. The park is especially renowned for its protection of the endangered one- horned rhinoceros, tiger, and gharial crocodile along with many other common species of wild animal.

Day 05- Activities. Overnight at Resort. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner provided.
An early morning wakeup call followed by tea/coffee. The early morning tour provides you one of the best times to see the wildlife at its best with Bird Watching / Elephant Safari / Jungle Walk.

After breakfast a 45 minute walk through grassland and forest upstream of the Narayani River.

Climb aboard the local boats to observe crocodiles along the banks while floating back to the camp and to enjoy lunch. Late afternoon a guide will take you for Elephant Safari / Jungle Walk / Visit Observation Tower / Nature Walk with Boat Ride, back to the camp and have dinner.

Day 06- Breakfast at Resort in Chitwan. Five hour drive to Lumbini by tourist vehicle. In the afternoon half day guided sightseeing in Lumbini. Over night at hotel.

Lumbini
Siddhartha Gautama, the Lord Buddha, was born in 623 B.C. in the famous gardens of Lumbini, which soon became a place of pilgrimage. Among the pilgrims was the Indian emperor Ashoka, who erected one of his commemorative pillars there. The site is now being developed as a Buddhist pilgrimage centre, where the archaeological remains associated with the birth of the Lord Buddha form a central feature.

Day 07- Breakfast at hotel. Three hours drive to Palpa, Lunch at Palpa on route. Four hours drive to Pokhara same day by tourist vehicle. Overnight at hotel.

Pokhara
A mysterious city Pokhara, is a place of remarkable natural beauty only about 200 kms west from Kathmandu. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fishtailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6,977 m) rising behind it has added the importance of it. Phewa lake, Seti river george, Devi's Fall, Gupteshowar cave, Mahendra cave, Tibetan refugee camp, Gorkha Memorial Museum etc are the main attractions of Pokhara during this trip. However, there are hundreds of other attractions in this mysterious city.

Palpa
Approximately 296 kms away from Kathmandu, Palpa was the seat of Sen kingdom that ruled over this region from 16th century for almost 300 years, which gives historical touch. It is a typical Nepali town with numerous fairs and festivals, religious and cultural events. The Scenic beauty of whole Palpa district is absolutely the heart touching one. One can't finish describing the beauty of Palpa even if she spends lifelong here.

Day 08 - Thirty minutes drive to Sarangkot for sunrise/ Mountain View, after breakfast drive back to Pokhara. Free day in Pokhara. Overnight at hotel.

Sarangkot
Situated in the North of Pokhara, at the elevation of 1592m, Sarangkot is one of the world's best destinations to glance sunrise and sunset view with the snowcapped Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan ranges. The reflection of the Macchapuchre Himal seen in Phewa Lake is another attraction from here. Pokhara valley from here is equally charming one.

Day 09- Breakfast at hotel. A full day guided sightseeing in Pokhara. Overnight at hotel. The places we visit are as below:

Phewa Lake & Barahi Temple
Situated at an altitude of 800meters above sea level, it is the second largest lake in the kingdom. With Barahi island Temple in the middle of the lake it is the most important religious monument in Pokhara. Built almost in the middle of Phewa Lake, this two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protector's deity representing the female force Shakti. The reflection of Mt. Machhapuchhare & Annapurna can be seen in its serene water. Thick forest lies on the adjoining southern slopes of the lake.

Seti River Gorges
Carved by Seti-Gandaki is one of the natural wonders of Pokhara. K.I. Singh bridge at Bagar, Mahendrapool & Prithivi highway Bridge near bus park, provides a perfect view of the river's dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by the turbulent flow of white water.

Devi's fall
Locally known Patale Chhango in the southern flank of the Pokhara valley is where the stream flowing from Fewa lake collapses and surges down the rock into a deep gorge, leaping through several potholes.

Gupteswar Cave
Gupteswar Cave is a sacred cave, lies 2 km from Pokhara airport. The entrance is right across from Devi's fall and the cave is almost 3 km long. It has some big hall-size rooms and some passages where you have to crawl on all fours. This cave holds special value for Hindus since a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva is preserved here in the condition it was discovered.

Tibetan Refugee Camp
Tibetan Village Tashiling in the south of Pokhara valley, which is inhabitant by the Tibetan people who keeps themselves busy by producing and trading woolen carpets and other handicrafts.

Gurkha Memorial Museum
We will visit Gurkha Memorial Museum dedicated to the famous Gurkha Warriors who earned their name during many fierce battles fought during the World Wars and numerous operations around the world since 1815. They won 13 Victoria Cross medals awarded for exceptional bravery shown in the field.

Day 10- After breakfast, seven hours drive back to Kathmandu by tourist vehicle. Over night at Kathmandu Hotel.

Day 11- Breakfast at hotel. A full day sightseeing around Pharping (Daksinkali/ Gorakhnath cave), Godawari (National botanical garden), Patan Durbar Square. Overnight at hotel.

Pharping
Only about 2 kilometer away- Pharping is an ancient renowned city situated in Southern Region of Kathmandu. It was popular with the name "Shikharapuri Mahanagari (Metropolitan City)" which was recognized as an independent state with 48000 people in ancient time. So "Shikharapur" is an ancient name of Pharping village. Shikharapur was independent Newari State. Presently this village contains a lot of Buddhist monastries.

Dakshinkali Temple
Dakshinkali Temple, located 22 km outside Kathmandu, and about 1 km outside the village of Pharping, is one of the main temples of Nepal dedicated to the goddess Kali. Animal sacrifices, particularly of cockerels and male goats, are the main way that the goddess is worshipped, and this is especially seen during the Dashain festival.

Patan
5 kms away from Kathmandu City, Patan also known as Lalitpur is the city of fine arts, enclosed within 4 stupas said to be built in 3rd century AD, by Emperor Ashoka of India. You will see the Durbar square, the Krishna Temple built by Kind Siddhi Narsingh Malla, Hiranya Varna Mabavihar and MahadouddhaTemple with other many beautiful temples.

A trip to the Tibetan Refugee Camp and the Handicraft Center will also be covered while visiting Patan, where one witnesses the hand weaving of Tibetan carpets and mounding of metal statues.

National Botanic Garden (Godawari )
Locally known as Godawari- National Botanic Garden is located only about 16 kms south east from Kathmandu city center. Ever since its establishment, much of its activities have been enriching the garden with indigenous plants as to integrate its collection with scientific investigation, observation education and demonstration.

The garden is quite charming in Spring and autumn. Visiting NBG, one can feel an extreme peaceful and refreshed moment. The garden has pleasing landscaped, surrounded by evergreen natural forest.

Day 12- Breakfast at hotel. Guided sightseeing to Boudhanath Stupa (the biggest of the world) Changunarayan temple (built in 464A.D.). Evening drive to Nagarkot. Overnight at Nagarkot hotel.

Boudhanath
This Stupa situated about 8 kms from Kathmandu City is one of the biggest of its kind in the world. Standing with a pair of eyes in each of the four directions, it symbolizes watchfulness. It is said that this Buddhist Stupa was built by King Man Deva at the advice of the goddess Mani Jogini. It rises from an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. The shrine is surrounded by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priests. The Stupa is surrounded by a lot of monasteries.

Changurayan
Situated on a ridge overlooking the Valley, about 12 km to the east of Kathmandu. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Bishnu. One of the finest and oldest specimens of pagoda architecture built in 323 AD by King Hari Dutta Varma. The temple is richly decorated with sculptures and carvings, and its position above the Kathmandu Valley affords a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.

Nagarkot
Nagarkot is one of the most scenic spots situated about 35 km east of Kathmandu from where an excellent view of snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan Ranges in eastern Nepal can be seen (when weather permits). The place is also renowned for spectacular sunrise sights.

Day 13 - Drive to the viewpoint to see spectacular view of the sunrise and beautiful snow clad mountain ranges. After breakfast, drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square for sightseeing. Drive back to Kathmandu . Overnight at hotel.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square
As you walk in, you will feel a sense of inner harmony. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a collection of pagoda and shikhara & style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The attraction of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is The Lion gate, The Golden gate, The Palace of fifty-five windows, Art Galleries, The Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla.

Day 14- Free day in Kathmandu.
Breakfast at hotel. Free day in Kathmandu. You can utilize your spare hours by observing the Narayanhiti Palace Museum situated at the heart of Kathmandu (previous Royal Palace). Evening Farewell dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurant with dance and music. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15 - Transfer to airport for your final departure.
The trip ends, our Airport Representative will drop you to the Kathmandu International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.

NOTE: The above information is a guide and standard template of what we provide. The trip can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements. The uncertain problems to be seen on the field would be handled by your tour leader as per the rules and regulations of the company.

Weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Two/three star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast (7 nights)
Two nights three days Wildlife Safari activities inside Chitwan National Park including all meals.
Two/three star hotel accommodation in Lumbini including breakfast (1 nights)
Two/three star hotel accommodation in Pokhara including breakfast (3 nights)
Two/three star hotel accommodation in Nagarkot including breakfast (1 night)