The Exotic Himalayan Kingdom (with one day trek)

^{9 Days / 8 Nights}

Itinerary (Kathmandu - Godavari - Dhulikhel - Namobuddha - Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu)

TOUR DURATION : 9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS TOUR :
 

DAY 1 : ARRIVE KATHMANDU
Arrival in Kathmandu. On arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu you will be met by our representatives. You will then board a waiting vehicle to be transferred to your Hotel. City Maps and detailed itinerary will be handed over to you. On the way to your hotel, our representative will brief you on Nepal, general do's and don'ts and also explain your program in brief. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be offered a welcome drink, and shown to your room. Our representative will brief your program.

14.00 Hrs : Sightseeing tour of the KATHMANDU CITY - The Hanumandhoka - Kathmandu's Durbar Square is the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar Square with its old temples and palaces, epitomises the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Also visit the Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 AD, the temple of Kal Bhairav - the God of destruction and the temple of Kumari (Vestal Virgin) or the Living Goddess - represents a very ancient Hindu deity of Nepal locally known as Taleju is Buddhist by birth. The Kumari acknowledges greeting from her balcony window. Once a year during Indra Jatra festival, the King of Nepal seeks the Kumari's blessing. Kasthamandap - Located near the Kumari Temple is said to be built from the wood of a single tree from the city. The city of Kathmandu dervies its name from this temple. The Kathmandu Durbar Square was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.

Next to SWOYHUMBHUNATH STUPA - the oldest Buddhist shrine. It is said to be 2,000 years old. Painted on the four sides of the spire's base are the all - seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is 3 km west of Kathmandu City and is situated on a hillock about 77 m above the level of Kathmandu Valley and commands an excellent view of the Valley. This Stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal. It was also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

DAY 2 : KATHMANDU / GODAVARI
07.00 Hrs : Breakfast in the hotel.
08.00 Hrs : Sightseeing tour of PATAN CITY - This city of architecture and fine arts was founded in 250 AD, previously known as Lalitpur. It is also known as the "Town with a Thousand Golden Roofs." This ancient city lies about 5 kms southeast of Kathmandu. The city is full of Hindu and Buddhist monuments. The interesting places to visit here are the Durbar Square, Mahaboudha, Krishna Mandir and Hirayana Mahabihar Temple (The Golden Temple.) Your visit will be followed by a visit to Tibetan Handicraft Centre at Jawalakhel. Lunch at Patan Museum Cafe.

Thereafter drive to Godavari for an overnight stay. GODAVARI lies 12 kms south of Patan. It offers outstanding views north across the. valley to the Himalyaan beyounbd and has fine boatanical gardens. Upon arrival in Godavari check in at hotel. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

DAY 3 : GODAVARI / DHULIKHEL
07.00 Hrs : Breakfast in hotel.
09.00 Hrs : Drive to DHULIKHEL (32 kms from Kathmandu). DHULIKHEL which is an ancient town situated 30 km from Kathmandu on the side of the Arniko Rajmarga (Kathmandu - Kodari Highway). The Newar town of Dhulikhel offers a traditional atmosphere along with spectacular mountain views. Once an improtant stop on the ancient trade route to Tibet, Dhulikhel has a glorious past which can be seen in the lovely buildings and intricate wood carvings in the shop - lined streets and temple. The pleasant climate is a big attraction at Dhulikhel. Upon arrival here, check in at hotel. Lunch in the resort. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel in Dhulikhel.

DAY 4 : A DAY TREK TO NAMOBUDDHA
07.30 Hrs : Breakfast in hotel.
08.30 Hrs : Commence a day hike to Namobuddha. The walk is a fine in itself and also a good leg - stretcher for longer treks. It about three hours each way, so it markes a good day walk. The walk can be made either as a return trip or as a loop to avoid backtracking. A day trek to Namobuddha is a relatively made either as a return trip or as a loop to avoid backtracking. A day trek to Namobuddha is a relatively easy trek, which can be made during the monsoon. From Dhulikhel the trail first climbs up to the Kali Temple lookout then drops down through the village of Kavre and past a number of teahouses. It then climbs again through pine woods past Phulbari and up and down a couple of more hills before reaching the Namobuddh Hill. Namobuddha is a important destination for Buddhists pilgrims.

A legend relates that Buddha came across a tigress close to death from starvation and unable to feed her cubs. The sorrowful Buddha allowed the hungry tigress to consume him. If you climb to the top of the hill form the stupa you will reach the site where this event is supposed to have taken place - a stone tablet on the hill here depicts it. His remains are said to be enshrined in the main stupa, which is circled by pilgrims and gaily decorated with prayer flags. An important festival is held at this site in November.

After exploring the area walk continues downhill through Sankhu and past a couple of water mills. The trail then climbs for about one hour to Batase. Next is passing through another pine wood and drops down to cross a stream before climbing up again to Dhulikhel. Packed lunch be provided. Overnight at Hotel in Dhulikhel.

DAY 5 : DHULIKHEL / KATHMANDU
08.00 Hrs : Breakfast in hotel.
09.00 Hrs : Return to Kathmandu. Enroute visit BHAKTAPUR CITY - Valley's most medieval city also know as Bhadaon. It is situated about 14 kilometers east of Kathmandu and was one of the three kingdoms of the Mallas. Situated at an altitude of 1,401 m, Bhaktapur covers an area of four square miles. The City of Devotees as it is known still retains its medieval charm and visitors to this ancient town are treated to a feast of cultural and artistic achievements. The past glory of the Malla rulers continues to be reflected in the Durbar Square. Pottery and Woodcaving are its traditional craft industries. Places to see here include the Lion Gate, the Picture Gallery, the Golden Gate and the Palace of 55 Windows. Here the ancient temples and palaces show the Newari craftsmanship of carved wooden windows and latticework.
Lunch in local restaurant in Bhaktapur.

14.00 Hrs : Sightseeing tour of PASUPATINATH TEMPLE :This temple is situated 5 kms east of Kathmandu, and the temple of Lord Shiva, The temple with a two tiered golden roof and silver door is considered one of the holiest shrines for Hindus. Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, visitors can witness the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River. The temple was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.

After proceed to BOUDHANATH STUPA : The stupa of Bouddhanath lies 8 kms east of Kathmandu. This ancient colossal Stupa is one of the biggest in the world, and is the centre of Tibetan Buddism in Nepal. Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979. Overnight at Temple Tiger Jungle Lodge in Chitwan.

DAY 6 : KATMANDU / POKHARA
After breakfast, you will be transferred to domestic airport to fly to POKHARA - 30 MINUTES. Upon arrival in Pokhara meet and transfer to the hotel.

Welcome drinks will be served at Hotel and you are shown to your room.

POKHARA is one of most picturesque valley in Nepal. Pokhara lies 200 kms west of Kathmandu. under the shadows of the Annapurna Range. A rare combination of snow - clad mountains, clear lakes, streams, villages inhabited by friendly ethnic tribes. Lying at 900 m above sea level, Pokhara is also the starting point for many of Nepal's most popular trekking and rafting destinations.

13.30 Hrs : Lunch in the garden Hotel.

14.00 Hrs : Sightseeing tour of Pokhara valley, which is also known as the magic city of Nepal. You will discover the beauty of the valley, which is enhanced by two lovey lakes. Fewa Lake and Begnas Lake. The tour also includes the visit of David Fall, Lake Side and Bahari Temple, Seti Gorge, Mahendra Cave, Davis Falls, and Bindyabasini Temple. Later transfer to Lakeside for 1 hour long scenic boat ride in the famous Fewa Lake. Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.

DAY 7 : POKHARA / SARANGKOT DAY HIKE (1592 m)
06.30 Hrs : Breakfast in hotel.
07.30 Hrs : Drive to Binde Bashini Temple and walk directly west and follow the vehicle track which runs most of the way up. You can short cut many of the sharp corners. from where the vehicle track ends there is virtually a stairway to the top. On the way up, you pass several places where women work at handlooms. It takes two hour to walk to Sarangkot from the temple. Sarangkot once had a fort or kot and its remains can be seen on the very of the Annapurnas to the north is superb. The view back down inside the old fort walls and the view of the Annapurnas to the north is superb. The view back down over Phewa Tal is equally fine.

Coming down from Sarangkot is straightforward : you make a steep descent, stone staired all the way down the hillside and through the forest - two hrs of walk. On reaching the Fewa Lake, there are often boatmen waiting to paddle you back to the lake side area. You will then board the waiting vehicle to be taken back to your hotel. Overnight at Hotel in Tansen.

DAY 8 : POKHARA / KATHMANDU
06.30 Hrs : Breakfast.
07.30 Hrs : Drive back to Kathmandu (200 kms east - 5 hours) along the Prithivi Highway overlooking Trishuli River.

On the way lunch at Riverside Spring Resort at Kurintar. Upon arrival in Kathmandu check in at Hotel in Kathmandu. Afternoon is free for relaxation or on own arrangements.

19.00 Hrs : Vehicle transfer to an excellent Nepalese Restaurant Bhanchaghar for a Traditional Nepali Welcome reception and dinner. Here you will have the opportunity to enjoy a live Nepalese Cultural programme performed by beautiful young girls dressed in ethnic traditional Nepalese costumes and jewelry representing various parts of Nepal. Dinner will follow this programme.

BHANCHHA GHAR - which means Nepali Kitchen is situated within two minutes walk of Durbar Marg. It is established in a restored aristocratic house. The walls are built from mud bricks, and most of the floors are earthen. The decor, music, and corckery used are all typical of Nepal. The food is most distinctive with an exotic selection of spiced meat, robust vegetarian dishes prepared with local Newari sauces and accompanied by house blends of Rakshi (Local Nepali Schinapps). Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.

DAY 9 : KATHMANDU / FURTHER DESTINATION
Breakfast in Hotel : Transfer to Tribhuwan International Airport for your departure flight. On leaving you will be presented with a "Khatak" (Tibetan Prayer Scarf) a s a mark of respect, goodwill and farewell. Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.