Itinerary
OUTLINE ITINERARY
DAY 01: Arrival Kathmandu.
DAY 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu.
DAY 03: Drive to Kurintar, Rafting in Trishuli, Transfer to Chitwan.
DAY 04: Safari Activities.
DAY 05: Drive to Pokhara. In the evening - boating.
DAY 06: Sightseeing in Pokhara
DAY 07: AM: Excursion to Sarangkot. Fly back to Kathmandu. PM: Free day.
DAY 08: Depart Kathmandu
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu
It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel, you will be briefed about your daily activities.
The Kathmandu Valley:
It is surrounded by a tier of green mountain wall above which tower mighty snow-Capped peaks. It consists of three main towns of great historic, artistic and culture interest. (Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur). The Kathmandu valley covers an area of 218 sq. miles. It is actuated 4223 ft. above sea-level. The ancient Swasthani scriptures tell of Lord Shiva, supreme among Hindu gods, who came down to the Kathmandu valley to escape boredom. He came as a tourist, if that is the appropriate word, but he was neither among the first nor the last of the gods to visit the Valley. Visitors have come to Nepal since time forgotten. And though the country is much different today than it was in ancient times, it has not diminished in charm; the increase in the number of visitors over the years is a living proof. Those who came to the Valley today will appreciate a lot more then Lord Shiva did in his tour. The architecture started here by the Lichhavi and Malla Kings is one such example. Much of the greenery that Lord Shiva is gone, but the forest surrounding Pashupati, where he stayed, is still intact. The seven World heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and cultural Organization (UNESCO) are the highlights of the Valley.
Day 02: Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley
Swoyambhunath
The history of the Valley, according to the legends, begins with Swoyambhu, or the “the self-existent”. In times uncharted by history, Bodhisattva Manjusri came across a beautiful lake during his travel. He saw a lotus that emitted brilliant light at the lake’s center, so he cut a gorge in a southern hill and drained the waters to worship the lotus. Men called it the Kathmandu Valley. From then on, the hilltop of the Self-existent Lord has been a holy place.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
It is easy to be overwhelmed by the seemingly uncountable monuments in the Kathmandu Durbar Square. The house of the Living goddess, the ferocious Kal Bhairab, the red monkey god, and hundreds of erotic carvings are a few examples of the sights at the square! The building here is the greatest achievements of the Malla dynasty, and they resulted from the great rivalry between the three palaces of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. The valley was divided among the children of Yaksya Malla. For visitors today, and for the Nepalese, it was serendipitous that they, and later their off springs, began artistic warfare trying to outdo each other in splendid constructions. Kings copied everything their neighbors built in an even grander style. A visitor who wanders around the Square will see a round temple in the Pagoda architectural style, the temple of goddess Taleju (who played dice with King Jaya Prakash Malla), and an image of Shiva and Parbati sitting together among the many monuments.
Boudhanath
Boudhanath is among the largest stupa in south Asia, and it has become the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The white mound looms thirty-six meters overhead. The stupa is located on the ancient trade route to Tibet, and Tibetan merchants rested and offered prayers here for many centuries. When refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many of them decided to live around Boudhanath. They established many gompas, and the “Lit the Tibet” of Nepal was born. This “Little Tibet” is still the best place in the valley to observe Tibetan lifestyle. Monks walk about in maroon robes. Tibetans walk with prayer wheels in their hands and the rituals of prostration are presented to the Buddha as worshippers circumambulate the stupa on their hands and knees, bowing down to their lord.
Pashupatinath
One-day lord Shiva got tired of this magnificent palace on Mt. Kailas, his armies of ghosts and spirits, and even Parbati – his beautiful wife. Through his cosmic powers, he searched for a perfect place where he could holiday. Without telling anyone, he ran away from his palace and came to live in Slesmantak forest in the Kathmandu valley. He gained great fame here as Pashupati – Lord of the Animals – before other gods discovered his hiding place and came to fetch him. The Pashupati where he stayed has received the attention of worshippers for at least fifteen hundred years; it is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination in Nepal
Day 03: Drive to Kurintar, Rafting in Trishuli and Transfer to Chitwan
You will be driven to Kurintar early in the morning. After 4-hours drive, you arrive in Kurintar. Under the guidance of a river guide, you venture into a river trip up to Kurintar. Rafting along the exciting rapids of Trisuli River like Twin Rock, Ladies Delight and Scout Upset can be a mind-blowing experience. During this meticulously organized river trip, you journey through breath-taking alpine scenery and amazing rapids cutting through some of the most varied geology. After the day's activity you will be driven to Chitwan.
Day 04: In Chitwan – Jungle Safari in Royal Chitwan National Park
Chitwan prides itself in its rich wildlife and lush vegetation. Rare species of birds and animals, including the one-horned rhino and the Royal Bengal Tiger, inhabit the deep jungle of Chitwan National Park is one of the most interesting tourist destination. You will be taken on a jungle safari to explore its wildlife. Your safari excursion includes elephant safari, jeep safari, canoeing and bird watching. In the evening you get to enjoy the local Tharu stick dance, a slide show demonstrating the culture of Nepal and a special meal.
Day 05: Drive to Pokhara
You drive through Prithvi Highway approx 200km to Pokhara. On your way, you will pass by the banks of Trishuli River, villages, cultivated fields, picturesque landscape and snow-capped Himalayan peaks. You also get excellent views of Himalchuli, Dhaulagiri, the five peaks of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre. After reaching Pokhara, you can either go for boating on Phewa Tal or spend your time as you wish.
Day 06: Sightseeing in Pokhara
Pokhara, a charming city and one of the most famous tourist destinations in Nepal, offers fabulous scenic views. You will definitely enjoy the sightseeing tour. Set amidst the spectacular backdrop of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchere, the must visit sites of Pokhara includes the Phewa Lake, Davis fall, Mahendra cave, the famous Seti Gorge, the beautiful temple of Bindabasini and Pokhara Mountain Museum.
Day 07: Fly to Kathmandu
In the morning you will be taken for an excursion to Sarangkot. On a 3 hour walk (up the mountain) from Pokhara, lies Sarangkot. Located at an altitude of 1592 m, it is the highest point on the Pokhara valley rim .From here you can see the whole Pokhara Valley and the Annapurna ranges (Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Machhapuchure, Annapurna III, Annapurna II, Annapurna IV and Lamjung Himal).
Afterwards you will take a 30 minutes flight back to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, you can spend the remaining hours as you wish.
Day 08: Depart Kathmandu
Our driver and airport representative will drive you to the airport for your final departure.
