Overview
The cultural heritage of the Kathmandu valley is illustrated by seven groups of monuments and buildings which display the full range of historic and artistic achievements for which the Kathmandu Valley is world famous.
The cultural heritage of the Kathmandu valley is illustrated by seven groups of monuments and buildings which display the full range of historic and artistic achievements for which the Kathmandu Valley is world famous.
Day 1: ARRIVE KATHMANDU
Arrive Kathmandu, meet with traditional garland welcome and transfer to hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Situated 5 km east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord Shiva is considered one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world. The two-tiered pagoda with golden roofs and silver doors houses the sacred linga, or phallic symbol, of Lord Shiva. Chronicles indicate the temple existed before 400 A.D. Near the Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River lies Guheswari, where, according to mythology, a portion of Sati Devi, Lord Shiva’s consort, fell when a grief-stricken Shiva wandered aimlessly across the earth carrying her dead body on his shoulders following her self-immolation.
Later continue on the BOUDDHANATH STUPA (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Situated 8 km to the east of downtown Kathmandu, Bauddhanath is one of the most imposing landmarks in Kathmandu, visible as soon as you land at the Tribhuvan International Airport. It is the largest stupa in the Kathmandu Valley and is the center of Tibetan Buddhism. - Overnight at hotel.
Welcome Nepali dinner at Nepalese Restaurant
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2 : KATHMANDU - POKHARA
In the morning Drive to Pokhara ( 6-7 hrs), the finishing point for the famous Annapurna Circuit trek and the starting point for various other treks through the Annapurna Range. Pokhara became a popular tourist destination in the 1970s, popular then for its laid back setting and idyllic scenery. It has rapidly developed since then into a modern mountain resort and offers a last chance stop for trekking supplies. Yet it retains much charm, with its calm lakes and surrounding snowy peaks offering serenity to those who visit.
Upon arrival Sightseeing tour of Seti George: An amazing aspect of Pokhara is the vanishing river, Seti, which goes underground and disappears in many places along its route through the city. At various points Seti is barely 2 m wide but its depth reaches an astonishing 20 m! A good spot for watching the river is Mahendra Pul at Bhimsen Chowk, a bridge near the old Mission Hospital. Here the river can be seen in all its ferocity gushing down the deep gorge that it has carved over millennia. Continue Devi’s Fall: Locally known as the Patale Chhango (Nether Fall), Devi’s Fall is a fascinating waterfall located about 2 km south-west of Pokhara Airport on the Siddhartha Highway. Later on Continue, Mahendra Cave: This is a large limestone cave at a two-hour walk to the north of Pokhara. Locally known as the House of Bats, it is famous for its stalactites and stalagmites.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 3: POKHARA
Early Morning: Hiking World Peace Pagoda, The World Peace Pagoda can be seen on top of a hill on the southern fringe of Phewa Lake. It has four images of the Buddha facing the four directions. The dome-shaped pagoda is an impressive sight, and its hilltop location commands a great view. It is a great vantage point which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna and Boating at Fewa Lake.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 4 : POKHARA - CHITWAN
Breakfast, drive to Chitwan (Chitwan literally means “heart of the jungle”. In recent years Chitwan tops the list of things to do in Asia. It is a truly wildlife adventure of a different kind – jungle safaris on elephant backs or jeeps, bird watching, canoe rides and jungle walks.
The Chitwan National Park is Asia’s best preserved conservation area, where wildlife thrives and their habitats remain intact. Only half-hour flight from Kathmandu, the park lies in the Inner Terai lowlands and consists of Sal forests, tall elephant grasslands, hills, ox-box lakes and flood plains of the Narayani, Rapti and Reu rivers. Enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Natural) in 1984, the park spreads over an area of 932 sq. km.) After a briefing from a naturalist guide, we begin the lodges comprehensive program of activities which includes elephant safaris, jungle walks, canoe rides, elephant bathing and bird watching.
The jungle safari begins today with a short but scenic drive to the Terai, or plain regions. Unlike the vast plains of Africa, the Terai Jungle is compact and dense, providing excellent cover for the animals. Most people come to see the One Horned Rhino and the Royal Bengal Tiger; but please remember that these animals are rare and elusive - sightings are valued experiences. The secret of good animal sightings is teamwork. The group will be together for all activities, so the quieter you are and the more subdued your clothes, the greater the chances are of seeing animals. Dawn and dusk are the most likely times, when the animals are active; they tend to rest in deep cover in the heat of the day.
Overnight in Chitwan.
DAY 5 : CHITWAN
Morning and afternoon jungle activities in Chitwan National Park.
Overnight in Chitwan.
DAY 6 : CHITWAN – KATHMANDU
Early morning Drive back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival we transfer to our hotel. Evening: Sightseeing tour of KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Situated in the heart of old Kath-mandu city at Basantapur, Kathmandu Durbar Square never fails to impress first time visitors with its en-semble of palaces, courtyards and temples built during the Malla period. The Durbar Square includes the Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace, the historic seat of the royalty; the magnificent Taleju Temple towering more than 40 meters; Kumari Ghar, the residence of the Living Goddess, Kumari; Ashok Vinayak, also called Kathmandu Ganesh, a temple without a filial ; and Kal Bhairav, the God of Wrath. The capital takes its name from the giant pagoda of Kasthamandap, which is said to have been built out of a single tree. Since the time of the Malla kings, the Durbar Square has been the city’s social, religious and political focal point.
Continue on the SWAYAMBHUNATH STUPA (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Resting on a hillock 3 km west of Kathmandu, it is one of the holiest Buddhist Chaityas in Nepal. It is said to have evolved sponta-neously when the valley was created out of a primordial lake more than 2,000 years ago. This stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal and has numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises.. Free for shopping.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
DAY 7 : KATHMANDU
Early morning transfer to board the flight to experience the spectacular view Mt. Everest.**(Subject to Availability and weather conditions)**
AM: Tour of Bhaktapur. Afternoon is free
After breakfast, visit an old Bhaktapur town. Entering the Durbar Square through the Royal Gate, the sparseness of the temple is immediately apparent, compared to the profusion in the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu and Patan. Visit the Durbar Square which contains innumerable temples and other architectural show pieces: the Lion Gate, the Art gallery (visit from outside), the statue of Bhupatendra Malla, the Palace of 55 windows, the Bell of the barking dogs, the Batsala temple, the Nyatapola temple and the replica of Pashupatinath.
After the visit, drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Rest of the day is free for last minute shopping.
Overnight in Kathmandu
DAY 8 : DEPART KATHMANDU
In time transfer to Kathmandu airport to board flight for next destination.
• PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• BOUDDHANATH STUPA (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Sightseeing tour of Seti George
• Views of the Annapurna and Boating at Fewa Lake.
• Chitwan National Park- Jungle Safari
• SWAYAMBHUNATH STUPA (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Visit an old Bhaktapur town
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