Nepal discovery: culture, spirituality, and trekking

Kathmandu
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu, one of our representatives shall meet, assist and transfer you to your hotel. You will enjoy welcome drinks while you will be briefed about your Nepal Travel Itinerary. The rest of the day will be at your leisure.
Overnight in Kathmandu

After Breakfast start full day sightseeing at UNESCO Heritage sites; After breakfast drive to Patan, Sightseeing at Patan Durbar Square can be a very unique experience for visitors as they witness a distinct place for arts and architecture that is reflected on each temple, monument and palace building that were mostly built during the Malla period between the 16th to 18th centuries.
We will explore its unique Durbar Squares. In every corner & alley of Patan you can be see Thanka painters, filling color to ancient Gods and Goddess on canvases, fine metal shops that offer Buddha’s exotic, handmade brass sculpture at very reasonable prices. You can taste local cuisine as well in Patan’s alleys.
Then onward, the tour is headed towards Swayambhunath- A Monkey Temple from where you can see the magnificent views of Kathmandu Valley. The stupa, a tribute to Buddhism, consists of a dome at the base representing the entire world. Painted eyes of Buddha represent wisdom and compassion. A curly symbol, symbolizing the nose represents the unity of all things existing in the world. Prayer wheels surround the whole dome.
From there, the tour is directed towards Boudhanath. This is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites and is one of the most imposing landmarks in Kathmandu. It is the largest stupa in the Kathmandu Valley. The 36-meter-high stupa of Boudha is massive and dominates the skyline in the area, it is one of the largest unique structures in the world. With countless monasteries around it, Boudha is the center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. From above, Boudhanath Stupa looks like a giant mandala, or diagram of the Buddhist cosmos and as in all Tibetan mandalas, four of the Dhyani Buddhas mark the cardinal points, with the fifth, Vairocana, enshrined in the center (in the white hemisphere of the stupa).
In the evening drive to Pashupatinath Temple, a famous, sacred Hindu temple dedicated to lord Shiva is located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Dating back to the 5th century. While the main temple interior is off limits to non-Hindus there is a lot to experience in the surrounding area. Legend says that whoever comes here to worship Shiva will be reborn as an animal. Pashupatinath is a considerable complex of temples, ashrams, with images and inscriptions dating back centuries. A visit to Kumari Ghar is planned (if possible), the enchanting little palace which has been the home of the venerated “child goddess” for centuries. Believed to be the earthly incarnation of goddess Kali, the Kumari leaves her palace on rare occasions, where she is worshiped on the streets of the city. There will be an opportunity, if possible, to meet the Kumari.
Observe an Aarati (celebration with lights) at the Bank of Bagmati River. The “Aarati” at the banks of Bagmati River on the eastern side of the temple draws people in hordes. This evening ritual with chanting of Vedic mantras, ringing of bells, burning of incense, and lighting of oil lamps, a band singing hymns in praise of god, playing of classical instruments, keep the people spellbound throughout.
Overnight in Kathmandu (B)

Kathmandu – Dhulikhel – Namobuddha
After Breakfast drive to Dhulikhel for 1 ½ hour and start our hike to Namobuddha: a 3-4 hour walk. On the hike you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains whilst passing many Buddhist Stupas on the Hilltops. Famous for farming rice, mustard and millet, during this hike you will walk through terraced farms. You will also come across many temples, different types of landscape and a rich diversity of the people living in harmony.
Once we arrive at the monastery we can participate in a chanting program which starts from 3 pm for around an hour. The opportunity to interact with monks & trying out monastic food is a truly a unique experience.
Overnight in the monastery. (B).

Namobuddha – Panauti – Bhaktapur – Katmandhu
After Breakfast hike down to the beautiful historic town of Panauti, that permeates with an ancient ambiance. Here you can witness first-hand, the authentic village life of the Nepali people, you can also socialize with the villagers of Panauti and breathe the fresh air of the lush Panauti Valley.
In Panauti we will have traditional lunch hosted by local community members who are charming and welcoming people. We then drive to Bhaktapur, a living museum of medieval art and architecture, is a unique old town famously known as the “city of devotees” as this landmark has a great influence over religion, culture and tantricism. It is a collection of pagoda and Shikhara-style temples assembled around a fifty-five window palace of brick and wood. The durbar square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces.
Pottery: Enjoy a leisurely guided walk at the Pottery square, where handicrafts are still made in a traditional way. Clay pots are spun and fired in the ancient ways preserving Bhaktapur’s thriving trade-craft. You can indulge and fashion a clay pot and learn about this fascinating process.
Overnight in Katmandhu (B, L)

Katmandhu – Bandipur
Today we drive (for around 5-6 hours ) to a Newar Cultural Village called Bandipur. Bandipur offers a heavy mix of history, architecture, unbelievable views, splendid caves and pristine landscapes. You can view the beautiful chain of mountains Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Langtang, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal from Tundikhel. In the evening take a walk and admire the beautiful vistas, chat with the friendly local people, and witness their simple local way of life
Overnight in Bandipur (B)

Bandipur – Pokhara
In the morning we will take a short exploration of Bandipur then we will drive to Pokhara. Located 210 km west of Kathmandu, this beautiful lakeside city is a prime tourism destination in Nepal offering with spellbinding and hypnotic natural beauty, stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The drive on the way itself is going to be amazingly unique experience as you travel besides the mighty river with some strong current almost throughout your journey with scenic greenery on both sides of the road along with human settlements thick and thin at different places. Afterreach Pokara you check in to your hotel, get yourself refreshed and have some rest. We then head out for some sightseeing to Bindhyabasini temple, the temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. Rituals and pujas are performed on different occasions to please goddess Bhagwati. We then head to Devi’s Fall, a waterfall that flows directly into a narrow and deep canal which has no end. It is known as Patale Chango, which means underworld waterfall.
Gupteshwor cave is recognized as one of the longest caves in Nepal with a length that exceeds 2000 meters and the cave interior consists of deposition of calcium carbonate and surrounding limestone
Today try out some boating at Phewa Lake for about an hour, visit Tal Barahi temple while boating. Tal Barahi Temple, situated in the middle of the lake on an island on the south east section, also known as Lake Temple, is a two-story pagoda temple located in the Kaski District of the Gandaki Zone in western Nepal. It is a Hindu temple of the Goddess Durga.
Overnight in Pokhara (B)

Pokhara – Astam – Annapurna
Today you journey will head toward Astam, it is located on a small ridge, allowing the visitor a 360-degree panorama of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges, as well as Pokhara Valley. To reach Astam you need to drive to Hemja, it is a 40 minutes’ drive from Pokhara. Hemja is the starting point of your hike which you will start by climbing stairs. After the stairs your trail will pass through forests, villages, farmland, where you will meet local people doing their work on their fields. After 3-4 hours of walking you will reach Astam village.
Overnight in Annapurna eco village (B, L, D)

Kalabang – Astam – Annapurna
Today you journey will head toward Astam, it is located on a small ridge, allowing the visitor a 360-degree panorama of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges, as well as Pokhara Valley. To reach Astam you need to drive to Hemja, it is a 40 minutes’ drive from Pokhara. Hemja is the starting point of your hike which you will start by climbing stairs. After the stairs your trail will pass through forests, villages, farmland, where you will meet local people doing their work on their fields. After 3-4 hours of walking you will reach Astam village.
Overnight in Pokhara (B, L)

Pokhara – Chitawan
After breakfast drive to Chitwan for around 4-5 hours. After checking in to your hotel and getting refreshed, you will be briefed about full nature programs by our experienced naturalist guide. Then we head on for activities:

• Guided tour to Tharu village (around an hour or depends on your interest)
• Walk on the bank of Rapti river
• Sundowner
• Tharu cultural dance performance by villagers (one hour)

Overnight in Chitawan (B, L, D)

Chitawan
Wakeup call with a cup of hot tea or coffee. After a leisurely breakfast start a full day of jungle activities of your choice:

• Bird watching with naturalist guide (around an hour or depends on your interest)
• Canoe ride (half an hour), an opportunity to see 2 rare species of crocodiles; the Marsh Mugger and the only fish eating Gharial
• Jeep safari at National Park/Community forest (3-4 hours), you will have an opportunity to see four different kinds of deer, rhinoceros, monkeys, leopard, sloth bear, and the Royal Bengal Tiger
• Nature walk to see different floras and faunas in National Park (around an hour or depends on your interest)
• Slide show presentation by expert naturalist on the history of the park and wild-life conservation.

Overnight in Chitawan (B, L, D)

Chitawan – Khatmandu
After Breakfast drive back to Kathmandu for around 5-6 hours (depending on traffic).
Check in hotel. You can rest and relax for an exciting evening out.

In the evening we will enjoy in a Typical Nepali Dinner with a live cultural show performed by different ethnic groups. It lasts for around 3 hours.
Slide show presentation by expert naturalist on the history of the park and wild-life conservation.
Overnight in Kathmandu (B, D)

Khatmandu – Airport
Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight our representative will transfer you to the airport for your international flight.