| |
Upon arrival, meeting and assistance at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to hotel.
PM: Free and Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2:
IN KATHMANDU
After breakfast at hotel drive to visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath, Pashupati and Boudhanath.
 Kathmandu Durbar Square: Kathmandu Durbar Square is in the heart of old city Kathmandu in Basantapur. The founding of the Royal Palace dates back to Licchavi times. With considerable renovations by Malla rulers and later the Ranas, construction was accomplished progressively over many centuries. There are around 50 temples in the vicinity. In this toura, we visit the 17th Century Durbar complex and Hanuman Dhoka, temple of Kumari (living goddess), Narayan Mandir, Maiju Dewal, and Kasthmandap a wooden temple built from a single tree, Shiva Paravati temple, great Bell and Drum, Bhairav and Taleju Temple.
Entrance fee: Rs. 200 (approx. US$ 3.00)
 Swoyambhunath: Swoyambhu literally means 'Self-Existent One.' Swoyambhunath is believed to have been established more than 2,500 years ago. Large numbers of Buddhists and Hindus alike visit Swoyambhunath. Swoyambhu is perhaps the best place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. The stupa is atop a hill, and requires considerable walk. There is also a road that leads almost to the base of the statue. One of the oldest Buddhist stupa overlooking the entire Katmandu valley also known as the Monkey Temple.
Entrance fee: Rs. 75 (approx. US$ 1.5), approx. 5 Kms from Kathmandu City Centre.
 Pashupatinath: Pashupatinath is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for Shiva devotees. Pashupatinath, dedicated to Shiva the god of Destroyer, is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination in Nepal. Although the Pashupatinath Temple was only built in the 5th century and later renovated by Malla kings, the holy site is said to have existed from the beginning of the millennium. A gold-plated roof, four silver doors, and wood carvings of the finest quality decorate the pagoda temple of Pashupatinath. Temples dedicated to several other Hindu and Buddhist deities surround the temple of Pashupatinath. On the banks of Bagmati river has been raised platforms used as cremation sites for Hindus. Only Hindus are allowed inside the Pashupatinath courtyard.
Entrance fee: Rs. 250 (approx. US$ 3.50), approx. 5 kms from Kathmandu city center
 Boudhanath: The 1500 years old Buddhist stupa in the Valley built in 5th century with four pairs of eyes of Lord Buddha in four cardinal directions keeping an eternal watch over the people and their doings. You will find Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet going round the stupa spinning the prayer wheels. Bouddhanath is the center of Tibetan culture in Nepal. The 36-meter-high stupa of Bouddhanath is one of the largest stupas in South Asia. The mandala design in Bouddhanath is a copy of the one in Gyangtse in Tibet.
Entrance fee: Rs. 100 (approx. US$ 1.50), approx. 6 Kms from Kathmandu city center.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 3: IN KATHMANDU
After breakfast at hotel drive to visit Patan Durbar Square and Bhadgaon.
 Patan Durbar Square, It is situated in the center of Patan city, houses the residence of the former Royal family of Patan. The Square and its surroundings provide very good example of ancient Newari architecture. The old Newar city and see the historic Durbar Square, the Golden Gate, the sky piercing temple of Taleju and the statue of Yogendra Malla, Krishna Mandir, Sati Temple, Hiranya Varna Mahabiar (the golden temple) with views of old carved wooden windows through the streets, curios shop and Bazaars.
Entrance fee: Rs. 225 (approx. US$ 3.50), approx. 5 kms from Kathmandu city center.
 Afternoon visit: Bhadgaon known as Bhaktapur: It is situated in the center of Bhaktapur city. The Square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the Valley as it highlights some of the finest medieval arts of Nepal. The main items of interest in Bhaktapur Durbar Square are the Lion Gate, the Golden Gate, famous five storied temple of Nyatapola in Pagoda style, Batsala temple, Bhairavnath temple and Palace of 55 windows, Potters Village and the statues of kings on stone monoliths. The Golden Gate was erected by King Ranjit Malla as the entrance to the main courtyard of the Fifty-five Windowed Palace. The art gallery of Bhaktapur Durbar Square contains ancient paintings belonging to the Hindu and Buddhist traditions of various periods.
Entrance fee: Rs. 750 (approx. US$ 11.00), approx 14Kms east from Kathmandu city center
Overnight at Hotel
DAY 4:
KATHMANDU-POKHARA
Morning depart by surface for Pokhara and on arrival check in at hotel. Observing village life of Nepal. (approx. 8 hrs)
 Pokhara: Pokhara is its center of adventure. An enchanting city nestled in a tranquil valley; it is the starting point for many of Nepal's most popular trekking and rafting destinations. The atmosphere on the shore of Phewa Lake is one of excited vitality as hipster backpackers crowd the many bars and restaurants exchanging recommendations on guest houses and viewpoints, both by the lake and above the clouds.
Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fishtailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6,977 m) rising behind it create an ambience of peace and magic. At an elevation lower than Kathmandu, it has a much more tropical feel to it, a fact well appreciated by the beautiful diversity of flowers which prosper in its environs. Indeed, the valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, emerald lakes, and of course, the world famous views of the Himalaya.
The powerful rule of the old kings of Kathmandu, the Lichhavis and the Mallas, held sway over this valley for some time. As these dynasties fell prey to their own troubles, Pokhara Valley and the surrounding hills disintegrated into small kingdoms, frequently at war with each other. These were called the Chaubise Rajya or the Twenty-four Kingdoms. It was among these that Kulmandan Shah established his kingdom. His descendant Drabya Shah was the first to establish Gorkha, home of the legendary Gurkha warriors.
Finally, Pokhara is a part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the land of the Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned world-wide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship.
Check in at Hotel in Pokhara and overnight at the hotel.
DAY 5:
POKHARA-CHITWAN
Morning breakfast at hotel and half day city tour including Binda Basini temple, David Falls, Mahendra Cave, Old Bazar, Tibetan Refuges camp and 1 hour boating at Phewa Lake
Depart for Chitwan and on arrival check in at hotel.
 Chitwan: Nepal's first and most famous national park is situated in the Chitwan Doon or the lowlands of the Inner Terai. Covering an area of 932 sq km. the park includes hilly areas of the Siwalik Range covered by deciduous sal forest. One fifth of the park is made up of the floodplains of the Narayani, Rapti, and the Reu Rivers and is covered by dense tall elephant grass interspersed with riverine forests of silk cotton (kapok), acacia and sisam trees. This ecologically diverse area is the last remaining home in Nepal for more than 300 of the endangered Asian one-horned rhinoceros and harbours one of the largest populations of the elusive and rare Royal Bengal tiger. Besides rhino and tiger, Chitwan also supports a great variety of flora and fauna. There are four species of deer, including the spotted chittal, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, rhesus monkey, grey langur monkey, wild dog, small wild cats, the white stockinged gaur (the world's largest wild cattle) and many other smaller animals. The swampy areas and numerous oxbow lakes of Chitwan provide a home for marsh crocodiles. In a stretch of the Narayani river is found one of the few remaining populations of the rare and endangered fish-only eating gharial, or Gangetic crocodile. Here also is found one of the world's four species of freshwater dolphins. For the ornithologist and the amateur bird-watcher the park offers excellent possibilities with more than 450 species recorded. Some of the resident specialities are several species of woodpeckers, hornbills, Bengal florican, and red-headed trogons. Winter birds such as waterfowl, Brahminy duck, pintails and bareheaded geese, amongst many other cold weather visitors are drawn by the sanctuary of the park's rivers. In the summer the forest is alive with nesting migrants such as the fabulous paradise flycatcher, the Indian pitta and parakeets.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 06: IN CHITWAN
An elephant ride takes you around the jungle for an hour and half. There are two trips a day, one in the morning at eight and another at four in the afternoon. Jeep safaris are also very popular they take you around for four hours. A great way to spot wildlife in areas further inside the Park which are less trodden. Canoeing along the Rapti river is another option. With some luck you will get to see Gharial crocodiles, marsh muggers, and variety of fish. With a lot of luck you may be able to see a Gangetic dolphin. The trip is a paradise for birdwatchers with possible spotting of kingfishers, ospreys, and egrets. Chitwan is known to have 400 species of birds. Jungle walks through the jungle is a good way to spot game. Monkeys, birds and deer are assured; rhinos are less common (but not uncommon). They can help you stay safe as well as point out interesting things
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 06: CHITWAN-KATHMANDU
After breakfast at resort morning depart for Kathmandu and on arrival check in at hotel.
Rest of the day free for independent activity.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 8: DEPART KATHMANDU
End of our services with departure transfer to the airport to board flight for your onward destination.
|
|
DAY
1: ARRIVE 
