Highlights

• The World Heritage sites of Nepal.
• Explore the friendly chaos of Kathmandu with a rickshaw ride in Thamel.
• Experience the majesty of Himalayan range.
• Boat ride at Phewa Lake.
• Admire the natural beauty of Annapurna region in Pokhara.
• Watch for elusive Bengal tigers and endangered one-horned rhinos at Chitwan National Park.

Day 1: ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU
Welcome to Nepal! Arrive in Tribhuvan international airport. Upon arrival you will be required to get a visa on arrival and clear immigration and customs; after you clear customs you will be welcomed by our representative holding sign with your names on it. You will be then escorted to your hotel for check in.

Kathmandu – extending over an area of 360 km square at an altitude of 1336 meters above sea level, is the largest city of Nepal, the political as well as cultural capital of the country. Kathmandu is a city where ancient traditions rub shoulders with the modern. However, it is the grandeur of the past that enchants the visitor whose gaze may linger on an exquisitely carved wooden window frame, an 18th century bronze sculpture or the spiritually uplifting stupas. Like any big city, Kathmandu has seen rapid expansion in the last decade, but despite the hustle and bustle typical of metropolitan cities, its people remain as refreshingly friendly as ever.

Accommodation : Kathmandu Aloft Thamel 4* or upgrade to Marriott International 5* or similar

Day 2: KATHMANDU (B)
Post breakfast, explore Kathmandu Durbar Square & Swayambhunath.
Durbar, which means palace, is where the kings were once crowned and where they ruled from. Kathmandu has its Durbar Square at its heart; here charm of old town blends well with traditional architecture in a rich cultural backdrop. The entire square was designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The massive complex consists of three main squares, which is home to palaces, temples, and courtyard. South of Basantapur square is a former Royal elephant stable, which today has souvenir stalls and leads to Freak Street (the lane still lives in the former glory of being the ultimate Hippie destination during the Flower Power era).

During your visit in Durbar square, also visit the temple of Living Goddess, Kumari which is also on the southern end. Kumari is a young Shakya girl from Newar community, chosen through an ancient and mystical selection to become the human incarnation of Hindu Goddess, Taleju. If you are lucky, you might get to get a glimpse of Kumari peeking out of an elaborately carved wooden window.
Take a walk through the Ason Market. It’s a local bazaar and well-known place for buying daily requirements. A lush of crowded locals enchant you with the daily life style.

Later, visit Swayambhunath, perched on top of a conical hill is a white dome with glittering golden spire is visible from all sides of the valley for many miles. This most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhunath Stupa, is also known as the Monkey Temple. According to the historical records, the stupa is over 2,500 years old. The name of Swoyambhunath has been derived from Sanskrit word, Swayam (self), making Swoyambhunath the ‘Self-Created One’. The surrounding of the stupa consists a variety of shrines and temples, some dating back to the Licchavi period. The stupa has Buddha’s eyes and eyebrows painted on each side and nose is made out as the number one in Devanagari script.

Afternoon, visit Patan Durbar square. Just 5 km south of Kathmandu, Patan is one of the three Royal cities in the Valley. Connoisseurs of fine arts and architecture will be delighted with the city’s offering of various Buddhist and Hindu temples and over 1000 monuments boasting of the finest wood and stone carvings. The city is known for its rich tradition of arts and handicrafts such as metal statues and ornate architecture. The square is mélange of old Royal palace, artistic courtyards, and pagoda temples. The former Royal palace complex has been turned into a museum.
The square is dotted with some enchanting work of artistry in the form of temples, though the earthquake destroyed some of the centuries-old temples, of all three cities of the valley, Patan was first to rise above the rubble and open for the tourists.

Accommodation : Kathmandu Aloft Thamel 4* or upgrade to Marriott International 5* or similar

Optional Excursions :

1. EXPERIENCE THE MOUNTAIN FLIGHT – add $405 per person (minimum 2 people)
   Early morning, proceed on a one hour Mountain Flight along the Himalayan Mountain range to get a panoramic encounter with the highest peaks on earth. This is an exhilarating experience as the aircraft flies alongside the Himalaya to give you eye-level views of the snow peaks like Langtang Lirung (7234M), Shisha Pangma (8013M), Dorje- Lakpa (6966M), Gauri Shankar (7134M), Melungtse (7181M), Pumoki (7161M), Nuptse (7855M), Makalu 8463M, Lhotse ( 8516M) and finally, Sagarmatha (Everest 8848M). Cruising close to the awesome massifs of rock and ice, the flight presents a mind-boggling sight.
2. HANDS ON EXPERIENCE ON MOMO MAKING – add $70 per person (minimum 2 people)
   Drive to a home stay which is located in the lap of the nature, known as Aphalu’s Nest to try your hands on delicious Momo making under the supervision of your hosts family. Dinner will be arranged with the Family at Thimi, Bhaktapur.

Day 3: KATHMANDU – POKHARA (210 kms / approx. 6 hrs drive) (B)
This morning, drive to Pokhara through the beautiful country side of Nepal and enjoying the breathtaking views of Annapurna range, reaching in the afternoon.
On arrival, check in for your stay.
This enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan and Annapurna peaks. The place is a paradise for nature lovers and starting point for many of Nepal’s most popular trekking and rafting destinations.
In the afternoon, take a walk along the Phewa Lake and row a boat on its tranquil waters to visit Barahi Temple, a two-story pagoda that sits on a small island.
Later stroll around the local market which is located on the lake-side offering a variety range of local artefacts.After breakfast, drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

Accommodation : Atithi Resort 4* or upgrade to Temple Tree resort or similar

Day 4: POKHARA (B)
Start early today for a snow-capped sunrise from Sarangkot, the gateway to the Annapurna mountain range, which is home to some of the most popular treks in Nepal. On a clear day, as the early morning sunlight hits the mammoth white peaks, witness some of the tallest mountains in the Annapurna range.
Return to your hotel for breakfast.
Later start on a half day hike to Damsadi Village. From starting point, walk for 15 minutes towards a bridge, cross the bridge and walk through the small Damsadi village for 20 minutes. Enjoy the sceneries of Pardi River, Annapurna, Manaslu Himalayan range and entire Pokhara valley (subject to weather). Continue walking to Ambot Village (950M) (Gentle ascending walk – approx. 30 minutes) to reach view point of Mt Annapurna and Mt. Dhaulagiri (Subject to weather).
On your return, visit International Mountain Museum which is a tribute to the mountaineers displaying original gear from many of the first Himalayan ascents. The museum also showcases history, culture, geology, flora and fauna of the Himalaya.

Accommodation : Atithi Resort 4* or upgrade to Temple Tree resort or similar

Day 5: POKHARA – CHITWAN (170 km / approx. 05 hrs drive) (B/L/D)
Breakfast at hotel and depart for your drive to Chitwan
Chitwan National Park.
It is the first national park in Nepal. Formerly called Royal Chitwan National Park, it was established in 1973 covering 932 sq km area and granted the status of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984. It is located in the subtropical Inner Terai lowland of south-central Nepal. In altitude it ranges from about 100 m in the river valleys to 850 m in Churia hill. This park is 165 km from Kathmandu. This National Park is home to over 50 species of mammals, 55 species of amphibians and reptiles and 525 species of birds. Wildlife that thrive here include; the great one-horned Asian Rhinoceros, Gaur, wild Bison, sloth Bear, four different species of Deer, the Rhesus Monkey and the black-faced Languor, the spotted Leopard, Royal Bengal Tiger, the fish-eating Gharial, the flesh-eating marsh Crocodile and the Gangetic Dolphin among many others. The birdlife too is very rich and varied and a delight for Ornithologists. Arrive & refreshment drink and briefing about the accommodation and the facilities.

Accommodation : Kasara Resort 5*or upgrade to Barahi Jungle Lodge 5* or similar

Day 6: CHITWAN (B/L)
Early morning proceed for Canoeing ride and visit at the crocodile breeding centre.
Return to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast head to the jungle for jungle walk or birding with a naturalist to know more about the flora of the Chitwan National Park.
Back to resort for lunch.
In the afternoon proceed for a jungle safari through dense grasslands to view wildlife in their natural habitat. This grass commonly known as elephant grass is dense and grows to a height of 18-20 ft. It is the favorite habitat for rhinoceros and other mammals.
Evening Tharu Culture Program that represents Festivals and Ceremonies of Chitwan through dances before dinner.
Dinner to resort.
(Note: Jungle activities are subject to change due to weather condition.)

Accommodation : Kasara Resort 5*or upgrade to Barahi Jungle Lodge 5* or similar

Day 7: CHITWAN-KATHMANDU (B)
Late morning, drive back to Kathmandu. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation : Kathmandu Aloft Thamel 4* or upgrade to Marriott International 5* or similar

Day 8: KATHMANDU – DEPARTURE (B)
Check out and transfer to airport to take your flight back home.

 

Nepal offers visa on arrival facility. You need to have a valid passport and one passport -size photo with a light background is required (Immigration Department has not specified the size of the passport-size photo). Visa can be obtained only through payment of cash and the cost for a 15 days visa is $25 USD per person.