Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu & City Tour
Welcome to Kathmandu today! Our guide and driver will wait for you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. After a short break, we will start our private Nepal tour with a visit to the Swayambhunath Stupa, which is also renowned as the Monkey Temple because of the quantities of wild monkeys there. Built 2,500 years ago, it is the oldest temple complex of the country where Buddhism and Hinduism coexist. And it is situated at the hilltop, so we can appreciate the wonderful scenery of Kathmandu valley there. Thereafter, we come to the Kathmandu Durbar Square, the most famous attraction in Kathmandu. It has covered the classical architecture between the 16th and 19th century in Nepal. More than 50 temples and palaces there have maintained their primitive architectural styles and charms since the Middle Ages. You will be guided to visit the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Kumari Ghar, Taleju Bhawani, Maju Deval, Kasthamandap,and Kal Bhairav statue etc. in the Durbar Square.
|
Day 2: Day Tour to Patan, Pashupatinath Temple & Boudhanath Stupa
After breakfast, we will take the car to Patan. Kathmandu Valley has three Durbar Squares and Patan Durbar Square is one of them. The royal palace covers the whole east part of the square, while various temples are dotted in the west. More than 50 delicate temples and palaces are in the square, so it is also reputed as an Open-Air Museum. Then follow the guide to Golden Temple. The main halls were built with gilded pure copper and the roofs, cornices, all the other halls, statues of God and decorations are of gilded brass. Next, we will go to a Hindu temple - Pashupatinath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The last stop today is the Boudhanath Stupa, which is one of the largest pagodas in the world with a height of 38 meters (125 feet) and a perimeter of 100 meters (109 yards). The giant Buddha Eye just overlooks the Kathmandu Valley.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Patan Durbar Square Golden Temple
|
Day 3: A scenic drive from Kathmandu to Bandipur (143km, 5 hours)
We will drive for 5 hours to Bandipur which is in the middle of Kathmandu and Pokhara. It is an elegant and pristine Newari village on a mountain ridge. Along the way, we will pass by the Trishuli River, terraced farms, and also have a distant view of the Himalayas. After checking into the hotel on arrival, our guide will accompany you to tour the Bandipur village - a charming heritage town, where you may also enjoy stunning sunset views over the Annapurna and Manaslu peaks. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
|
Day 4: Drive from Bandipur to Pokhara (75km, 2 hours)
After having breakfast, we will drive to Pokhara. We will stop over midway in a very interesting place in Bimal Nagar - Siddha Gupha Cave which is the largest limestone cave in Nepal. Upon arrival at Pokhara, we will finish the check-in and enjoy a short rest. Then our guide will lead you to go sightseeing the Phewa Lake by boat. Phewa Lake is the second largest lake in the country and is famous for the snow mountain reflected on the water. We will also visit the Barahi Temple which is located in the center of the Phewa Lake. Afterwards, we can take a walk along the lake and appreciate the wonderful scenery around. Meals: Breakfast
Phewa Lake Sarangkot Hill, Pokhara
|
Day 5: Pokhara Tour with Sarangkot Excursion
In the early morning, we will drive to a mountain village Sarangkot. It is the best place to see the Himalaya Mountains in Pokhara. If you are interested, we can also arrange a 2-hour mountain hiking tour to Sarangkot with an altitude of 1,592 meters (5,223 feet). Dhaulagiri range is to its far west. If it is clear, Annapurna Range can also be seen. Looking to the south, we can see Pokhara City and the lake. After a short break on the mountain, we will drive back to Pokhara. In the afternoon, head to visit World Peace Stupa, Gupteswor Mahadev Cave, Davis Falls, International Mountain Museum and Seti Gorge. Meals: Breakfast
World Peace Stupa Davis Falls
|
Day 6: Transfer from Pokhara to Lumbini (195km, 6 hours), with a stop at Tansen (Palpa)
After breakfast, we will set out to Lumbini. It is the birthplace of Sakyamuni and one of the main holy lands of Buddhism. Please aware that the road to Lumbini is quite tortuous. En route, stop at a small hill town - Tansen, also called Palpa. On both sides of the narrow winding alley in the town center are lined with plenty of Newari houses and temples. From the nearby Srinagar Danda, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Himalaya Mountains. After lunch, let’s move to Lumbini, about 2 hours. Upon arrival, we will take you to explore the Maya Devi Temple or enjoy sunset view of the Monastic Zone, if time permits. Stay overnight in Lumbini. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
|
Day 7: Lumbini Sightseeing
In the morning, we will pay a visit to the Lumbini Garden, where there are a large number of temples including Queen Mayadevi Temple, Ashokan Pillar and the temples constructed by several countries in modern times. Later, we will proceed to the Monastic Zone to explore the Myanmar Golden Temple, the China Temple, as well as the Great Drigung Kagyud Lotus Stupa. In addition, to help you learn more about Buddhism, we will also make stops at the Lumbini Museum and International Research Center. In the afternoon, pay a visit to the World Peace Pagoda. Today’s tour will be finished by a boat ride on Lumbini’s Peace Pond. Finally, you will be escorted back to your hotel. Meals: Breakfast
|
Day 8: Drive from Lumbini to Chitwan (166km - 4 to 5 hours)
In the morning, we will leave for Chitwan National Park with an area of 932 sq. km (360 sq. mi). It is one of the few unspoiled natural areas in the foothills of Himalayas between India and Nepal. Also, it is the habitat of Asian one-horned rhinoceros and Bengal Tiger. After checking into the jungle resort and having lunch, you will set off for a jeep safari or canoe ride to spot rhinos, crocodiles, and different bird species. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
|
Day 9: Safari tour in Chitwan
In the morning, we will take a jungle walk or an elephant-riding safari in the Chitwan National Park. You can also visit the Elephant Breeding Center where there are plenty of cute little elephants. The best time to visit the center is before 10:30 or after 15:30.
Afterwards, we will visit Tharu Museum whose exhibitions include colorful mural paintings, various art crafts, and characteristic costumes, all displaying the daily lifestyle of the Tharus. Then, head to the Rapti River to admire the amazing sunset view. In the evening, we will enjoy a Tharu Cultural Dance Show.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
|
Day 10: Drive from Chitwan to Kathmandu, then to Dhulikhel (197km, 7 hours)
Today, we will take a long drive to Dhulikhel and stop in Kathmandu for lunch and a short rest. Dhulikhel is a lively small town with a history of more than 500 years. It has been an important trading center on the ancient commercial route linking Nepal to Tibet. There, you can see a spectacular view of the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains, which is considered one of the finest panoramic views in the world. Besides, it is the real town of the Newari which has red brick houses, delicate wood carving decorations and numerous temples. All these are well worth a visit. Tonight, you will stay in Dhulikhel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
|
Day 11: Drive from Dhulikhel to Bhaktapur, then to Kathmandu
We will get up early this morning to view the breathtaking sunrise and the whole Himalaya Mountains in the golden sunlight. After breakfast, take a visit to Dhuliknel to experience the Newari lifestyles and explore the Narayan Temple and local bazaar. Then we continue driving to Bhaktapur Durbar Square (about 20 km). It is also called Palace Square because the imperial palace of Malla Dynasty was built here. Most ancient buildings gather around the square, so it is also reputed as the open museum and is one of the world's cultural heritage sites. Accompanied by the guide, you won’t miss any important sites, like the 55-Window Palace, famous 5 storied temple ‘Nyatapola’. Finally, we will transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu and get relaxed at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast
|
Day 12: Departure from Kathmandu
Our guide and driver will escort you to the airport for the return flight in accordance with the flight schedule. Hope you enjoyed a pleasant vacation with us.
Meals: Breakfast
|
