Itinerary

Day 1 Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital and the largest city of Nepal. The city is situated in Kathmandu Valley. The "old" city is noted for its many Buddhist and Hindu temples and palaces, most dating to the 17th century. Seven different monument zones are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The centers of the three primary cities, Kathmandu Hanuman Dhoka, Patan and Bhaktapur, the two most important Buddhist stupas, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath and two famous Hindu shrines, Pashupatinath temple and Changu Narayan.

Sit back and relax for this airport transfer in a private vehicle with driver.

Kathmandu is the capital of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal the city stands at an elevation of approximately 1,350 meters in the bowl-shaped valley in central Nepal surrounded by four major mountains, namely: Shivapuri, Phulchowki, Nagarjun and Chandragiri.The city rich history is nearly 2000 years old, as inferred from an inscription in the valley its religious affiliations are dominantly Hindu followed by Buddhism. People of other religious beliefs also live in Kathmandu giving it a cosmopolitan culture. Nepali is the common language of the city.  Kathmandu Durbar Square is home to palaces, temples and courtyards. The word “durbar” means “palace” and Nepal’s kings used to live here and rule from the Hanuman Dhoka Palace until the construction of the Nararayanhiti Royal Palace.  Kathmandu Durbar Square is presently known as Hanuman Dhoka, a name derived from the statue of Hanuman, the monkey devotee of Lord Ram, near the entrance of the palace. Many of the palaces and temples in Durbar Square were built during the reign of the Malla Kings (1200 to 1768) and are beautiful examples of Newari Architecture, Nepal’s most distinctive architectural style. Visitors to the Durbar Square of Kathmandu will be amazed by the architectural wonders spanning several centuries. This important historical attraction has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are more than a dozen buildings and statues of note in this small area. They include: Kasthamandap – the wooden building that is said to have given the city of Kathmandu its name , Taleju Temple -one of the oldest temples in the square, this three-roofed temple with its pyramid shaped bases, is an example of the typical Newari architectural style. Kumari Ghar- home of "the Kumari", or living goddess, Shiva-Parvati Temple, Kal Bhairab etc.  Swoyambhunath: Swayam in Sanskrit mean self, hence  Swoyambhunath mean “Self-Created One”. The Tibetan name for Swoyambhunath means 'Sublime Trees’. It was built over 2,500 years ago. It is also known as monkey temple as there are holy monkeys living in part of the temple. The site is about 70 meters above on the west side hill of Kathmandu and 3 kilometers from City centre. An excellent view of Kathmandu valley can be observed from this UNESCO World heritage cultural site. This Buddhist Stupa holds a special position both among the Buddhists & Hindus.

This landmark boutique hotel is made from terra cotta and intricately carved wood and is considered one of the most outstanding hotels in Nepal. The Dwarika Hotel is just a 10-minute drive away from the city of Kathmandu. It is also close to the Royal Golf Course in Kathmandu Valley. Guests can explore the nearby bazaars, as well as the Tibetan Handicraft Center, Swayambhunath Temple, and the temples and pagodas of Patan. The restaurant serves a 22-course Newari feast, and also has Friday night barbecues. With its unique and intricate beauty, the romantic five-star hotel is ideal for anyone who wants to experience Nepal’s rich and artistic atmosphere.

Overnight at Dwarika`s Heritage Hotel.

Day 2 Kathmandu

Bhaktapur is world renowned for its elegant art, fabulous culture and indigenous lifestyle. The ancient city is 14 km from Kathmandu and is also variously known as the "City of Culture", the "Living Heritage" and "Nepal’s Cultural Gem". Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square is the gem not only of Bhaktapur, but also of the entire nation. The most fascinating structure here are the world-renowned 55 Window Palace, Golden Gate, Big Bell, Siddhi Laxmi Temple, Shiva Temple. Pashupatinath literally means ‘the god of all animals’ and is one of the Avatars of Lord Shiva. Pashupatinath is not only the holiest Hindu pilgrimage in Nepal but also one of the holiest destinations in the entire world. Situated 5 km east of Kathmandu on the banks of sacred Bagmati River, lies the temple of Lord Shiva Pashupati Nath, with its two tiered golden roof and silver doors. The stupa of Budhanath lies 8 KM east of Kathmandu. On this colossal and ancient stupa, one of the biggest in the world, are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels.

Overnight at Dwarika`s Heritage Hotel.

Day 3 Chitwan

Chitwan National Park is the oldest national park of Nepal. Established in 1973, it was granted the status of a World Heritage Site in 1984. The RCNP is located at subtropical inner Terai lowlands of South-Central Nepal in Chitwan district (200km away from capital Kathmandu). The park is rich in flora and fauna, which include one of the last populations of single-horned Indian Rhinoceros and the Bengal tiger. The area used to be a place for big game hunting and until 1951 it was a hunting reserve. At the park there is canoeing, elephant rides, and guided jungle walks.

This trip is ideal for easy going and luxurious travelers who want to travel in the lowlands of Nepal, whilst experiencing the excitement of river rafting. The Trishuli River is one the closest waterways near to the city of Kathmandu and passing roadways, and as such has become the most rafted river in Nepal. The rapids along this route are fairly small, with the exception of a few of grade 3 swells. This rafting trip starts at around 9.30 and stops at noon or so for lunch. Your lunch is a dry picnic style meal with drinking water provided and purified by iodine or boiling, all day long.  After lunch, there will be 2 or 3 hours of time allotted to enjoy more rafting.  It has only been recently that the roar of Nepal’s mighty rivers has fallen upon public ears. The immense vertical drop between glaciers high in the Himalaya and the flood plains of the low-land terrain region makes for some of the best and most scenic white-water runs on Earth.

Your private vehicle with driver and English speaking guide, will pick you up for your private transfer to Chitwan.

Chitwan Jungle Lodge lies inside one of Asia's riches and the most spectacular National Park, Chitwan National Park. It is situated 75 miles southwest of Kathmandu, and has been in operation successfully for the past 25 years. Here, at Chitwan Jungle Lodge, you will discover a lost world of towering trees and twisting vines, pre-historic rhinos and lumbering elephants, crocodiles, pythons and deer; brilliantly coloured birds and if you are fortunate - the superb Royal Bengal Tiger. Chitwan Jungle Lodge is close to the banks of the river Rapti. From here you can listen to the sounds of nature, the forest-birdsong, the rustle of deer in the bushes or the tempting call of elephants. From the moment you wake up at dawn to roam through the jungle on elephant back, to the quiet talk around the campfire at day's end, you will have an unforgettable experience.

Overnight at Chitwan Jungle Lodge.

Day 4 Chitwan

At Machan Wildlife Resort, a team of expert naturalists has been formed under the leadership of Dr. Charles Ramble, an anthropologist and naturalist with wide experience of Nepal. They will share their knowledge of the jungle’s flora and fauna as they guide you on elephant back and in Landrovers, on nature walks and bird-watching excursions. Canoeing is done in traditional dugout canoes which will give you a tranquil crocodile’s-eye view of the jungle. Only a few miles drive upstream is the villages of the Danwar tribal community, who will allow you a glimpse into the lives of the jungle dwellers of Nepal. When the spirit of the explorer-adventurers is strongest, we will trek with you into the dense forests of the Churia hills, the last domain in Chitwan where wild elephants still roam. Hidden in this remote region are the remains of ancient settlements that the jungle has reclaimed.

Overnight at Chitwan Jungle Lodge.

Day 5 Pokhara

Pokhara is 198 km west of Kathmandu, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal. In no other place do mountains rise so quickly. In this area, within 30 km, the elevation rises from 1000 m to over 7500 m. The Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, each with peaks over 8000 m, can be seen from Pokhara and there is a lake named Phewa Lake, three caves (Mahendra, Bat and Gupteswor) and an impressive falls (Patale Chhango or Devi's Falls) where the water from the Phewa Lake thunders into a hole and disappears.

At Machan Wildlife Resort, a team of expert naturalists has been formed under the leadership of Dr. Charles Ramble, an anthropologist and naturalist with wide experience of Nepal. They will share their knowledge of the jungle’s flora and fauna as they guide you on elephant back and in Landrovers, on nature walks and bird-watching excursions. Canoeing is done in traditional dugout canoes which will give you a tranquil crocodile’s-eye view of the jungle. Only a few miles drive upstream is the villages of the Danwar tribal community, who will allow you a glimpse into the lives of the jungle dwellers of Nepal. When the spirit of the explorer-adventurers is strongest, we will trek with you into the dense forests of the Churia hills, the last domain in Chitwan where wild elephants still roam. Hidden in this remote region are the remains of ancient settlements that the jungle has reclaimed.

The natural beauty of Pokhara's lakeside location and its proximity to the mountains has made it the natural choice for explorers and adventurers. Pokhara is considered as the top spot for some of the most famous trekking circuits in Nepal, ranging from an easy stroll to a challenging hike. During this tour you will visit the Barahi Temple which is the most important monument in Pokhara. Constructed almost in the center of Phewa Lake, this two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protector deity representing the female force of Shakti.

Situated on a peninsular, with Fewa Tal Lake and a forest covered hill, the Fish Tail Lodge Pokhara is just 5 kilometres away from the Pokhara Airport. The hotel offers 60 comfortable guestrooms that are tastefully decorated and come with an array of modern amenities to make your stay a pleasant one. Guests can relish delicious cuisine in an elegant setting of the on-site restaurant. The cosy bar is an ideal place to unwind with an exotic drink after a busy day. At leisure, you can have a bracing dip in the swimming pool or relax at the garden. Guests can also indulge in outdoor activities that include trekking, boating and golfing that are available in the area.

Overnight at Fishtail Lodge.

Day 6 Pokhara

The party will be met by our trek guide and transferred to our walk start point. This drive will take one hour. We will stop along the way to photograph the breathtaking panoramas of the Annapurnas. Upon arrival at the village of Lumle situated at an altitude of 1610m, we begin our one and a half hour walk to the Gurung village Majgaun. After some 45 minutes, we arrive at the village of Chandrakot situated at an altitude of 1580m. From this village, there are spectacular views of Annapurna South, the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain or Machhapuchhare and the surrounding Modi valley. From Chandrakot, our walk takes us through a forested area along a well worn trail for a further 45 minutes to the Gurung lodge which is situated at an altitude of 1450m. After lunch, you will be escorted to the local village of Majhgaun. There will be an information session at a local house which is owned and lived in by one of our lodge staff. The contents of the house will also illustrate how the local people live, together with the tools and implements of day to day traditional village life. On the way to the village which is only 15 minutes walk from the lodge, we will visit the local school.

The Gurung Lodge consists of 8 double rooms with attached bathrooms, and is situated in Gurung.  The lodge has an extensive grounds, which boasts magnificent views of Annapurna South and Annapurna 1. There is a centrally located dining room and bar which is equipped with a fireplaces, ideal for creating an atmosphere for relaxation.   Meals in the extensive gardens provide different viewpoints from which to photograph the surrounding countryside.

Overnight at Gurung Lodge.

Day 7 Pokhara

After early morning tea and coffee in your room, you will have the opportunity to photograph the stunning scenery from several different locations around the lodge.  After breakfast, we begin this 1 ½ hour trek by returning to the village of Lumle. Along the way, you will have ample opportunity to enjoy and photograph the serene panoramic views of the surroundings valley and mountains.  On route back to Pokhara, the vehicle will stop at a Tibetan Refugee Camp where you will have time to explore the temple complex.

Situated on a peninsular, with Fewa Tal Lake and a forest covered hill, the Fish Tail Lodge Pokhara is just 5 kilometres away from the Pokhara Airport. The hotel offers 60 comfortable guestrooms that are tastefully decorated and come with an array of modern amenities to make your stay a pleasant one. Guests can relish delicious cuisine in an elegant setting of the on-site restaurant. The cosy bar is an ideal place to unwind with an exotic drink after a busy day. At leisure, you can have a bracing dip in the swimming pool or relax at the garden. Guests can also indulge in outdoor activities that include trekking, boating and golfing that are available in the area.

Overnight at Fishtail Lodge.

Day 8 Kathmandu

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver and representative

Enjoy your flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu today. The flight duration is approximately one hour.

Sit back and relax for this airport transfer in a private vehicle with driver.

Enjoy a cultural Nepalese show with deluxe dinner.

The impressive, and stunning traditional facade of the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is set amongst some pleasant gardens, in the old interesting district of Bodhnath. It is within a 10 minutes walk from Kathmandu’s famous Boudhanath Stupa and various souvenir shops and restaurants. The airport is an approximate 10 minutes drive away, while the city centre and Thamel is a 10 km drive away. The hotel provides a free shuttle bus service to the city centre, shopping and tourist areas of Bhatbhateni, Durbar Marg, Thamel and Kantipath. The Hyatt Regency Kathmandu has a good variety of recreational facilities such an outdoor pool, tennis courts, fitness centre and a top class spa. The spacious, wooden floored guestrooms are well appointed with wooden furniture and traditional Tibetan handmade carpets.

Overnight at Hyatt Regency.

Day 9 Kathmandu

Sit back and relax for this airport transfer in a private vehicle with driver.

Overnight at Depart.

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