One foot on the most spectacular trails on the planet, the other in sublime temples. This is the experience of those who decide to cross the planet to visit Nepal, a kingdom nestled in the hillside of the Himalayan mountain range and surrounded by India and China, in south-central Asia. The area is not large, but at the time, the country is a world record holder: it houses eight of the 14 largest mountains in the world, including the almighty Everest. Hinduism is the predominant religion, although it gives way, here and there, to Buddhist beliefs. For tourists, the menu of attractions is vast: the artistic wealth of the capital (Kathmandu), the birthplace of Buda (Lumbini), a picturesque village with its lake that reflects the snowy peaks (Pokhara), the trekkings. Nepal is one of those trips that does not end simply when you return home with your bags, he insists on appearing in your dreams, for years on end. And in making you remember that there are different ways of seeing and dealing with things, for the rest of your life.
Venture through Pokhara, a place of remarkable natural beauty, where the serenity of the lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas that rise behind them create an atmosphere of peace and magic. The valleys that surround the city are home to thick forests, gushing rivers, emerald lakes and, of course, views of the world famous Himalayas. The city is also known as an adventure center!
Any European Airport
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Upon arrival at Tribhuwan International airport Kathmandu, meet and assist by our representative and transfer to hotel.
Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and the largest urban agglomerate of Nepal. The agglomerate consists of Kathmandu Metropolitan City at its core, and its sister cities Patan, Kirtipur, Thimi, and Bhaktapur. It also includes the recently recognized urban areas of Shankhapur, Karyabinayak, Champapur, Banepa, Dhulikhel and Panauti. According to a census conducted in 2011, Kathmandu metropolis alone has 975,453 inhabitants, and the agglomerate has a population of more than 2.5 million inhabitants. The city stands at an elevation of approximately 1,400 meters (4,600 ft) in the bowl- shaped Kathmandu Valley of central Nepal. It is surrounded by four major mountains: Shivapuri, Phulchoki, Nagarjun and Chandragiri.
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu
Breakfast: In hotel
AM: Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath
Kathmandu Durbar Square: Kathmandu’s number one tourist attraction swarms with life. Though a few of the square’s 50-plus monuments date from the 12th century, most are from the time of the Malla Kings. Probably the most famous building here is the Kumari Bahal, a building richly decorated with beautiful woodcarvings, which is home to the Royal Kumari, the Living Goddess, and a manifestation of the great goddess Durga. Nearby the former Royal Palace is a Mall Dynasty dwelling, once considerably more extensive than today. Within, the courtyard Nassal Chowk, originally hosted dramatic dance performances, now it is the coronation site of the Shah kings and contains some of the finest wood carvings you will see anywhere in the kingdom. The 14th century Jagannath Mandir is the oldest temple in the area, its steps carved with inscriptions in many languages, nearby Taleju Mandir is one of the largest and finest temples in the Valley.
Visit Kumari Temple – Living Goddess: Kumari, A ‘living goddess’ made a rare public appearance to take center stage at a religious festival in Nepal.A Kumari, meaning virgin in Nepalese, is a young prepubescent girl, considered by devotees to be incarnations of the Hindu goddess of power, Kali.
Swayambhunath: The most ancient and enigmatic of the Valley’s holy shrines the golden-spired stupa of Swayambhunath tops a wooded hillock. Records of its history date as far as the 5th century, but its origins are believed to be older. It is the Kathmandu Valley’s most sacred Buddhist shrine and whilst its worshippers include the Vajrayana Buddhists of northern Nepal and Tibet, Newari Buddhists are the most fervent devotees.
PM: Half day tour of Patan city + Heritage Walk
Patan: Patan, the ancient city, once a kingdom in itself, is situated across the Bagmati River to the south of Kathmandu. Patan Durbar Square offers the finest display of Newari urban architecture in Nepal. There are temples devoted to Shiva, Krishna, Ganesh and Vishnu all actively visited by residents and visitors. At the northern end of the square the ancient sunken water tap has been restored and is still in use with young girls filling huge jugs from the carved stone waterspouts. The courtyards of the Royal Palace with their ornamented windows, columned arcades, shrines and sunken royal bath are amongst the loveliest in all Kathmandu.
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu
Breakfast: Hotel in Kathmandu
AM: Sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath and Boudhnath
Pashupatinath: situated approx. 4 km east of Kathmandu city, Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated, amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple built in pagoda style has gilted roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors will be permitted to view the temple from the east bank of river Bagmati, entrance in the temple being strictly forbidden to all non Hindus. Pashupatinath is the centre of annual pilgrimage on the day of Shivratri which falls in the month of February/March. Behind the temple are the cremation grounds.
Boudhanath: This stupa, approx. 7 km east of Kathmandu city is one of the biggest in the world of its kind. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping watch for righteous behavior and human prosperity. This Buddhist stupa was built by King Man Deva at the advice of Goddess Mani Jogini. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. The shrine is ringed by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priests.
PM: Sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square along with a heritage walk through its medieval alleys.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Bhaktapur lies only at the distance of 13 km to the east from the capital city, Kathmandu, one can have an opportunity to experience a different world, the world full of vibrant cultures, colorful festivals, generations old craftsmanship, and on top of that it is very worthwhile experiencing its indigenous lifestyle – still preserved old houses, still practiced traditional ways of welcoming guests, still practiced culinary & cutlery and many more experiences.
As you walk in, you cannot but be overcome by a feeling of inner harmony. Such is the art and architecture and the special layout here. The Palace of 55 Windows built during the period of King Bhupatindra Malla in 1754 situated to the left as you enter through the city gate, inspires admiration. The National Art Gallery is also housed inside. The palace entrance, the Golden Gate known as SunkoDhoka in Nepali is a masterpiece in repousse art. In front of the palace building is a medley of temples of various designs. Amongst the three Durbar Squares in the Valley, the Durbar Square in Bhaktapur is the best preserved one.
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
After breakfast drive to Pokhara which is approximately 210 km and 5 – 6 hours drive.
Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of the lakes and the magnificence of the Himalaya rising behind them create the ambience that has made Pokhara such a popular place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Tourism focuses on the districts of Dam-side and Lakeside (or Pardi and Baidam, in Nepali, respectively). These two areas, packed with hotels and restaurants, are a few kilometers southwest of the main Pokhara bazaar.
Overnight at hotel in Pokhara
Early morning excursion trip to Sarangkot to view sunrise over Himalaya (Subject to weather condition)
From Pokhara, Sarangkot is the most popular tourist destination from where the tourist can enjoy the great view of the Pokhara valley and the magnificent view of the mountains. Sarangkot is only 5 km from Lake Side. Sarangkot is the highest view point for a sunrise and it is just 1592m high. Sarangkot is 5 degrees cooler than Pokhara.
PM: Half day sightseeing tour of Pokhara city + 01 hour Boating at Phewa Lake
Devi’s fall: Locally known as Patale Chango (Hell’s fall) also known as Devin’s and David’s is a lovely Waterfall is about 2 km south West of Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway. Legend has it that a trekker by the name of Davy was washed away by the Padi Khola and mysteriously disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the fall.
Gupteshwor Cave: Gupteshwor Gupha, a sacred cave, lies 2 km from Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway leading southwest from the city. 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. An entrance fee of Rs. 5 is charged and taking pictures inside the cave is prohibited.
The Old Bazaar + Bindyabasini Temple: Pokhara’s traditional bazaar is colorful and so are its ethnically diverse traders. In its temples and monuments can be seen ties to the old Newar Architecture of the Kathmandu valley, Located about 4 km from Lakeside, the market S original charm is still evident. This area is strewn with shops selling commodities ranging from edibles to and cloth to cosmetics and gold is a pleasant and shady spot to stroll around.
Overnight at hotel in Pokhara
After breakfast drive back to Kathmandu which is approximately 210 km and 6 – 7 hours drive.
After arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transfer to the hotel. And rest of the day at Leisure
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu
Breakfast at hotel and on time transfer to International airport to connect onwards flight.
