<<< Back

At the Foothills of the Himalayas

^{9 Days / 8 Nights}

Itinerary (Kathmandu - Godavari - Pokhara - Kalikastan - Namobuddha - Shaklung - Chisopani - Begnas Bazaar - 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.

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 constumes 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 Schnapps). Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

DAY 2 : KATHMANDU / GODAVARI
07.00 Hrs : Breakfast in the hotel.
09.00 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. After lunch return to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Evening : Our trekking staff will brief you on your trek. The Royal Trek - which is a reasonably easy four days / three nights trek and offers good mountain views. It gained its name because Prince Charles and entrourage of 13 guests, 32 sherpas, and 120 porters first trekked this route in December 1980. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

DAY 3 : KATHMANDU / POKHARA - KALIKASTAN (1370 M.) : WALKING 4-5 HRS.
After breakfast transfer to Domestic Airport to fly to Pokhara (30 minutes flight on the first flight). Arrival in Pokhara you will be met by our crew members at Pokhara Airport. You will be then drive about to the trek start point near the Bijaypur River. A one hour climb leads to Kandani Hill. Lunch will be served. From this hill. Pokhara Valley, Mt. Annapurna South, Mt. Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Lamjung Himal, Machhapuchhre Himal can all be seen on a clear days. Then after lunch, hiking for 2 hrs. reach Kalikstan Camp.

DAY 4 : KALIKASTAN - SHAKLUNG (1930 M) : WALKING 5-6 HRS.
The sunrise from here is just magnificent as the rising sun paints the majestic Hinmalayan peaks from faint pink to amber then to burning gold. After breakfast, trek through beautiful Gurung village with the views of Machhapuchhre, different peaks of Annapurna, Lamjung, Manasalu etc. The trail follows along the forested ridge top through Thulokot to Mathi Thana, where they are a few shops. There is a short climb, then the trek reaches Naudanda, Continue along the ridge to a school at Lipini village, then make a steep but short climb through forests to the Gurung Village of Shaklung.

DAY 5 : SHAKLUNG - CHISOPANI (1692 M) : WALKING 3-4 HRS.
After  breakfast set off for another day's trek. The Himalyan skyline continues to change as the routed comes abreast of Annapuran II, Lamjung Himal Manaslu and Himalchuli. From Shaklung, the trail drops steeply down the south side of the hill to a large tree, Chautaara, several tea shops and a police check pos. This is a trail junction, trails lead south to Begnas Tal and north to the Marsyangdi Khola. The Royal Trek route climes towards Chisapani, winding around the back of the hill to the village. A short distance above Chisopani is a high knoll where there is a small temple. This is Chisopani Danda (danda means "ridge top"). Tented camp is set up with splendid mountain views. Time in the afternoon to explore this attractive Gurung Village.

DAY 6 : CHISOPANI / BEGNAS BAZAAR (900 M) : WALKING 4 HRS.
After breakfast, descend along the ridge for an hour or so, then descend steeply on stones steps, into a small valley and a stream that feeds Rupa Tal. Continue for a short distance through rice fields. Then make a final ascent to the ridge that separates Begnas Tal and Rupa Tal, on a wide path that you will share with many local people. From the ridge, descend into the Pokhara Valley, joining the road at the crowded, and noisy Begnas Bazaar. Drive to Pokhara (12 km) 30 minute drive. Upon arrival in Pokhara check in at Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.

DAY 7 : POKHARA / KATHMANDU
After breakfast you are free till you are transferred to Pokhara Airport to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu domestic airport you will be met and taken to your hotel.

14.00 Hrs : Sightseeing tour of BUDANILKANTHA : 8 kms north of Kathmandu at the base of Shivapuri hill is a remarkable colossal statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining on a bed of snakes. This is one of the masterpiece stone sculptures of the Lichchhavi Period. The fifth century sleeping Vishnu image which lies in a small sunken pond enclosure, attracts a constant stream of pilgrims, and prayers take place every morning at 09.00 Hrs.

Vishnu is supposed to sleep through the four monsoon months, waking at the end of the monsoon. A great festival takes place at Budanilkantha each November, on the day Vishnu is supposed to awaken from his long annual slumber. Non - Hindus are not permitted to enter the enclosure, but, there are good unobstructed views from outside the fence surrounding it. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

DAY 8 :
09.00 Hrs : Sightseeing tour PASPATINATH 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. Afternoon : Free for individual activities.

19.00 Hrs : Farewell Dinner in Local Restaurant. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

DAY 9 : KATHMANDU / ONWARD DESTINATION
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.