Description
This tour begins in Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu, exploring its World Heritage sites, medieval temples, palaces, stupas, monasteries, arts and crafts, architecture, and bazaars.
As you drive away from the capital by the banks of the Trishuli River to the beautifully protected Royal Chitwan National Park, renowned for the preservation of the great one-horned rhinoceros, a species almost extinct,.
The park provides habitat for Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, sambars, spotted deer, langurs, rhesus monkeys, marsh muggers, gharial crocodiles, and more than 500 different species of birds.
After the safari tour of Chitwan, you’ll then drive to Pokhara, the beautiful glacial valley nestled in the laps of the Annapurna Ranges. Explore the caves, waterfalls, and gorges.
Travelers will experience the rich cultural and geographic diversity of the nation, which will make one’s trip to Nepal unforgettable.
Trip Highlights
- Symbunath Stupa, Hanuman Dhoka, Patan Square, and Bhaktapur Heritage Sites
- Chitwan National Park Safari
- Fewa Taal, Devi’s Fall
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, sightseeing
Welcome to Nepal! You will be met on arrival in Kathmandu, and we will transfer you to the hotel. Later, take a tour of the capital city of Nepal by visiting the temple of the Living Goddess, Durbar Square with its array of temples, and Hanuman Dhoka Palace. Travel up to the 2000-year-old Swayambhunath Stupa, nicknamed the monkey temple, set high on a hill with commanding views of Kathmandu Valley.
Day 2: Kathmandu
Visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples in South Asia. See devotees taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati river. The cremation ground is near the temple, and the ashes of people cremated are sprinkled into the waters of the Bagmati and eventually carried to the sacred Ganges. Drive 10 minutes to Bouddhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist shrines in Asia. The stupa, with a 100-meter diameter and 40-meter height, can be spotted from many viewpoints in Kathmandu. There are several Buddhist monasteries around, and the area is predominantly Tibetan, which reminds very much of the Barkhor area in Lhasa, Tibet. Late afternoon, drive 14 km east to visit the ancient city of Bhaktapur, the third major town in the valley. Enjoy the cobblestone streets free of traffic and visit Lion Gate, the five-storied Nyatopola temple, and the Palace of 55 windows.
Overnight Hotel
Day 3: Chitwan
Distance: 175km, 5 hours. This morning, drive to Chitwan National Park. It is a scenic drive, passing through many fascinating villages. This wildlife reserve is one of the best managed and preserved in Asia, and it contains many species of rare animals and birds. Afternoon, take a ride on the elephant back or you may take a nature walk with a boat ride in the Rapti River.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 4: Chitwan
Chitwan National Park
Enjoy Chitwan National Park with a Jeep jungle safari drive, nature walks, and elephant orientation. Afternoon: pay a visit to the nearby villages of the ethnic group called Tharu. This provides an excellent and colorful introduction to their culture, farming, and crafts. Also, learn about the flora and fauna of the Chitwan area. In the evening, we will be entertained by amazing local Tharu dances. Tharu are the aboriginal inhabitants of the area and still live today with their century-old lifestyle and traditions.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 5: Pokhara
Distance: 185 km, 5 hours. Depart for Pokhara Valley, which is situated in the lap of the mighty Annapurna Range and Fishtail Peak. Pokhara consists of lakes, gorges, waterfalls, a mysterious cave temple, and gorgeous mountain views that truly and rightfully make it the natural capital of Nepal. Later, explore the lakeside and the wonders of the area. Begin at Davi's Falls, where water cascades down from the lake and disappears into the earth. You may also want to visit the Tibetan village and its monastery. In the evening, stroll around the lakeside and get completely soaked in its serene environment.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 6: Pokhara
Explore Pokhara
Early in the morning, we drive to Sarangkot (1992m) for the beautiful sunrise view and Himalayan panorama. On a clear day, Sarangkot affords spectacular views of the western range of the Himalayas and the valleys. On the way back, we can stop at Bindaebasini Temple, the most revered Hindu temple in Pokhara. We will also stop at the vibrant old bazaar. For keen hikers, you can hike to the Peace stupa at the ridgetop towering over the Fewa Lake. Take a boat trip in the Fewa Lake and visit the island temple of Goddess Barahi, probably the most visited of all temples in Pokhara. Depending on your interest, you can also visit the Mountaineering and National History Museums.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 7: Kathmandu
Flight Back to Kathmandu
Take a morning 30-minute flight back to Kathmandu. Later on, travel south to the typical Newari village of Bungmati. Bungamati is revered as the home of Matsyendranath, the god of rain and compassion, worshiped equally by Hindus and Buddhists. The next stop is to visit Khokana, a small 7th-century Newari village that keeps itself aloof from all modern civilization. Exploring Bungamati and Khokana will give you an intimate picture of the primitive way of life that exists in Nepal today. Since the afternoon is your free time, you can pursue your own interests.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 8: Departure
After an early morning breakfast, depending on the flight schedule, drive to Kathmandu International Airport for departure to the onward destination and bid farewell.