12N/13D Nepal Heritage & Cultural Package
Package code: B-P-C-2p-13d
Day 1: Arrival, overnight in Kathmandu
Day 2: Full Day sightseeing Kathmandu/Swoyambhunath
Day 3: Full day sightseeing Pashupatinath/Boudhnath/Patan
Day 4: Depart for Pokhara, Small Hike or stroll around lakeside on own.
Day 5: Sarangkot Sunrise View + Full day sightseeing Pokhara
Day 6: Pokhara full day sightseeing and activities.
Day 7: Depart for Chitwan + Jungle activities
Day 8: Jungle Activities
Day 9 :Depart for Kathmandu, Bhaktapur Sightseeing
Day10: Changunarayan Visit and Hiking.
Day 11: Full day sightseeing Namobuddha & Panauti.
Day 12: ½ day village tour of Bungamati/Khokana
Day 13:Departure
Day 1:
Group members will be met at the airport and transferred to our lovely hotel . The day is at your leisure to explore the narrow back streets or rest up for the journey ahead, gathering in the evening for a Welcome Dinner with your local tour operator, Sabin Lal Shrestha.
Overnight Kathmandu
Day 2:
After breakfast your guide will meet with you and drive for the full day sightseeing of Kathmandu Durbar Square – an area that -despite damage from the 2015 earthquake, continues to enthrall. Home to multiple temples, some dating back to the 12th century, we’ll visit the ancient Royal Palace, (Hanuman Dhoka), the magnificent Taleju Temple and the Kumari Bahal –home to Kathmandu’s “Living Goddess.” Second tour will be visiting Swoyambhunath -we’ll head out to the World Heritage site of Swayambhunath, a destination considered to be one of the holiest places in the world for Tibetan Buddhists and revered as well by Hindus A complex, frequently referred to as the ‘monkey temple” because of the large number of monkeys that congregate there,Swayambhunath sustained considerable quake damage. However, the centerpiece and the oldest structure -a golden tower Buddhist monument, known as a Stupa that dates back to the fifth century, remains intact and daily rituals by devotees continue. Perched high on a hill – those who want to make the climb up the steep stone staircase, filled with monkeys, vendors and pilgrims – will find arriving at the Stupa to be almost a mystical experience. For those who prefer a less strenuous ascent there is the option of driving up most of the way.
Overnight Kathmandu
Day 3:
Toady we’ll visit the sacred Hindu Temple of Pashupatinath. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the main compound but we can watch devotees of Shiva pay homage and visit the surrounding ghats where a number of local Sadhus loiter and cremations occur. Thereafter, Boudhnath – the thriving center of the Tibetan Buddhist community. Its town square is home to a towering Stupa, the largest in Asia and a holy Buddhist site. It sustained some damage from the quake but remains standing and is under repair. After that we will be heading for the sightseeing to the third great city state in the Kathmandu valley -Patan. Jammed packed with over 1,200 monuments, Patan is a delightful small city-state that we will explore on foot. You’ll marvel at the ornate architecture and incredible assemblage of Buddhist and Hindu temples in the main square – a true visual enchantment.
Overnight Kathmandu.
Day 4:
This morning we take a short Drive or flight to the town of Pokhara, known for its close proximity to 3 of the 10 highest mountains in the world. Its magnificent mountain views are incomparable. After the chaotic atmosphere of the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara also offers travelers tranquility and relaxation. For those who would like to do some hiking, there are a couple of opportunities. One can do a short 2 hour trek, or a more strenuous one. For those who want a more laid back activity, it is fun to walk through the charming lakeside town.
Overnight Pokhara.
Day 5:
The sunrise is not to be missed and we’ll enjoy it at Sarangkot. This ridge provides sweeping views of the Annapurna Mountain Range and an unforgettable display by Mother Nature as the sun rises over the towering peaks. After a hearty breakfast we’ll visit the World Peace Pagoda and enjoy water activities on Pokhara’s beautiful lake, Phewa Tal. For the adventurous – paragliding is available (but not included in the tour). We will cover some major sightseeing attractions as well.
Overnight Pokhara.
Day 6:
Today we will continue the sightseeing of beautiful Pokhara city and for those who want to enjoy different adventurous activities can participate on this day (any adventure activities are at extra cost).
Overnight Pokhara.
Day 7:
Today is departure day for the Terai Valley today, home to Nepal’s Chitwan National Park – a World Heritage reserve and approximately a 4 hour drive south. In the afternoon we’ll take an Ox cart to a nearby Thuru village and walk leisurely around speaking with the local residents and visiting their homes.
Overnight Chitwan
Day 8:
Chitwan literally means “heart of the Jungle” and today we’ll explore that jungle by jeep looking for rhinos and other jungle inhabitants. In the afternoon, those brave souls who want to dive into cold water and swim with an elephant with the intent of washing it – are invited to do so.
Day 9:
This morning we board our short flight or drive back to the Kathmandu Valley. We will have ½ day sightseeing of Bhaktapur – the medieval city states of the Kathmandu Valley. Long considered the best preserved Newari city in Nepal, it is also a Unesco Heritage site. Although many of the old buildings toppled in the earthquakes, particularly in the narrow back lanes, many of the ancient temples were remarkably unharmed. Most notably, the glorious Five Stove Temple still rises to the skies, its steps guarded by lions and elephants.
Overnight Kathmandu
Day 10:
Today we will do short hiking to Changunarayan Temple. Perched on top of a hill, it is one of Nepal’s most beautiful temples. A leisurely hike back to Bhaktapur takes us through some charming rural villages and lovely countryside. For thos who do not wish to hike can just visit temple and again detail visit of Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Day 11:
We’ll depart this morning to drive to one of the three most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Kathmandu – Namobuddha. Along the way, we’ll stop at the small village of Panauti to experience village life outside of Kathmandu Valley. Steeped in ancient cultural traditions, this Newari town is home to lovely architecture and hospitable villagers. Lunch will be at a lovely hill-top restaurant. We’ll arrive at the ornate and stunning Namobuddha Temple in the early afternoon, timed to experience the monks at prayer.
Overnight Kathmandu
Day 12:
Today we will do a village tour/sightseeing of ancient city Bungamati & Khokana. Rest of the day will be free for you.
Day 13:
Today is departure day and to leave you not just as a guest but as a freinds.
- Spacious Heritage Room (twin sharing) inclusive breakfast for 3 nights at Dwarika’s Hotel.
- Accommodation on BB basis in best Hotel in Pokhara.
- Luxurious Hotel in Chitwan including all meals (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
- Private AC (best available) Car with driver for sight seeing.
- Knowledgeable english speaking Guide for sightseeing.
- Entrance fees to all monuments (except museums)
- Flight from Kathmandu – Pokhara & Chitwan – Kathmandu
- Pick up/drop to all destinations as per itinerary.
- Visa fee to enter Nepal
- Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu/Pokhara/Chitwan due to any change in scheduled itinerary beyond our control.
- Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs.
- Tip for guides and porters is expected but not mandatory
- Personal nature expenses ie. laundry, Telephone, business centre e.t.c.
- Bar bills
- Meals (Lunch/Dinner)
- Any other additional services other than mentioned in itinerary.