Best of Nepal Tour – Culture, Wildlife, Mountains

Upon arrival, our representative will meet and greet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu; Meals: None

(We can add sightseeing programs if you have an early arrival and feel fresh enough to start today)

Full day sightseeing of Kathmandu’s most iconic and ancient UNESCO world heritage sites

Kathmandu Durbar Square is spread around the old royal palace of the former Kathmandu Kingdom and surrounded with spectacular architecture that vividly showcases the skills of the Newar artists and craftsmen over several centuries. It held palaces of kings in the past and surrounds quadrangles, revealing courtyards and many famous temples.

Swoyambhunath Stupa, is one of the holiest, oldest Buddhist stupas in Nepal overlooking and giving a panoramic view of the city. It has numerous shrines, temples, deities and monasteries on its premises standing out as a hallmark of faith and harmony among Buddhists and Hindus.  

Patan Durbar Square is full of ancient palaces, temples, and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings, extravagant wooden and stone work. One can rummage for treasures and souvenirs in the various shops around the square. The main attractions here are the ancient Royal Palace, Krishna Temple, Mahaboudha Stupa, The museum etc..

Overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu; Meals: Breakfast

Bandipur is an old Newari town on top of a hill that overlooks the magnificent Marshyangdi Valley and boasts a breathtaking view of the Himalayan range. The town is a well preserved cultural site and lies on the old trading route from Nepal to Tibet which used to be a rest stop for traders

Drive to Bandipur (4.5 hrs) through views of the scenic countryside. On arrival, we check-in to our hotel, rest for a while and start a late afternoon cultural walk around the old Bandipur town. It is an interesting walk to a stone carved water spout called “Tindhara” where locals through ages have come to collect water, bathe and wash. To “Tudikhel”, a former parade ground, now a scenic vista and also a junction point of socialization for the commons and to Thanimai Temple, a revered religious site and do Puja (ritual) like the locals. And finally walk to Martyrs Tower to see the amazing sunset overlooking the hilly landscape as the glistening sun-rays recede from the mighty mountains. We walk back on the stone paved path in between the local houses to Hotel Gaunghar, an old residence renovated into a heritage hotel. Living in the old residence truly makes you experience the local Newari culture at all times during your stay.

Overnight at your hotel in Bandipur; Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we drive towards Pokhara which goes by the side of the Marshyangdi and Trishuli River observing locals engaged in their daily works like farming, preparing local foods, rearing cattle etc.. Upon our arrival in Pokhara, we are rewarded with magnificent up-close views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Machhapuchhre, two of which are over 8000 meters.

Pokhara occupies a broad fertile valley in Nepal’s central hills, south of the Annapurna Massif. Deep gorges created by the rivers, temples and monasteries of varied heritage, boating and photographing scenic reflections of the Annapurna mountains in Phewa lake and enjoying the famous Lakeside night-life market are the major attractions

We check-in to our hotel, relax for a bit and head for sightseeing of the World Peace Pagoda. David's Fall, Gupteshwor Cave and then reach Phewa Lake for boating. We also listen to evening prayer ceremonies and songs in the Barahi temple in the middle of the lake. Finally, we explore the famous Lakeside nightlife market and have dinner.

World Peace Pagoda, a massive Buddhist stupa is situated on top of a hill on the southern shore of Phewa Lake. Besides being an impressive sight in itself, the Buddhist shrine is a great vantage point which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range and Pokhara City.

David's Fall is a charming waterfall located very close to Gupteswar Gupha, a mysteriously sacred cave that holds special value for Hindus since a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva is perfectly preserved here in the condition it was discovered in.

Phewa Lake The view of Machhapuchhre reflected in the lake, the Tal Barahi temple in the island middle of the lake, the white stupa on the top of a hill, the paragliders jumping from Sarangkot, the Ultra-light aircrafts soaring up high, all at once can be seized in the mild breeze over the lake.

Overnight at your hotel in Pokhara; Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we drive 1 hour along the beautiful hilly settlements and terraced farmlands to Dhampus and walk up-to the viewpoint to soak in the spectacular up-close views of the highest mountains. We also explore the village’s unique architecture, culture, traditional living style and skills in local cuisine, drink-making, farming etc..

Dhampus (1650 m) is a famous typical Nepali village which boasts unmatched vista of the entire Annapurna range, Fishtail, Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal and more which are all above 6900m to 8500m. 

We hike further one hour through Rhododendron forest and picturesque villages, an ample chance for photography and bird-watching with sounds of birds chirping. Then, we descend one hour to Kande, a scenic and easy walking trail overall.

Australian Camp (2055 m) is another beautiful village which has some of the best unobstructed views of the Himalayan Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu range and also stunning visuals of beautiful green hills which are different to those from Dhampus. 

From Kande, we drive 40 mins back to Pokhara. We rest for a while and begin final sightseeing in Pokhara with visit to the old part of  Pokhara - the Old Bazaar.

The Old Bazaar is a traditional bazaar and a colorful gathering place for an ethnically diverse group of traders. The temples and monuments bear a close resemblance to the Newari architecture of Kathmandu Valley and retain much of its original charm.

Overnight at your hotel in Pokhara; Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we drive 4 hrs through beautiful landscapes, villages and jungles to Chitwan and enjoy lunch. Late afternoon Jungle Walk where we meet, interact with Elephants and allow oneself some time to simply be around the elephants, observe and understand them.  We end our day by the bank of the Rapti river watching one of Nepal's famous sunsets in the scenic riverside area sipping cool drinks of your choice. Enjoy a Sundowner!

The Royal Chitwan National Park comprises 932 square kilometers of Sal and riverine jungle containing a greater variety of wildlife than any other area of Nepal.  Over 500 species of birds have been recorded here, with many mammals, reptiles and insects. Mammals include the endangered Bengal Tiger, Indian Rhinoceros, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac, Spotted and Hog Deer, Rhesus and Hanuman Monkeys, while reptiles include Marsh Mugger Crocodile and the fish-eating Gharial. Leopards, Sloth Bears, and Gaur (wild bison) are all fairly common and occasionally seen by the lucky ones!

Overnight at your hotel in Chitwan; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we begin our program. Full Day Jungle Activities including Half Day Jeep Safari first, to spot animals and birds (a highlight would be spotting the One - horned Rhinoceros and if you are lucky, you might even see a Tiger!). After lunch, Canoe Ride (best for closeup experience of Crocodiles and water animals, birds in their natural habitat) along with Jungle Walk, Visiting Elephant and Crocodile Breeding Center.

Overnight at your hotel in Chitwan; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we drive 5 hrs back to Kathmandu and enjoy the free evening on your own.

Overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu; Meals: Breakfast

Full day sightseeing of UNESCO Heritage Sites Bouddhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple and Bhaktapur

Bouddhanath, built in the 14th century is the world’s largest stupa and the holiest Buddhist temple outside Tibet. It is the center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu with rich Buddhist symbolism, architecture and a site of great veneration for Buddhists. It remains an important place of pilgrimage and meditation for Tibetan Buddhists and local Nepalis. 

Pashupatinath Temple, the largest temple complex in Nepal is one of the four most important religious sites for devotees of God Shiva. Built in the 5th century and later renovated, its  main pagoda style temple has a gilded roof, four sides covered in silver and exquisite wood carvings.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square, in the medieval city of Bhaktapur with its ancient temples, monuments and palaces are magnificent examples of Newari craftsmanship with their beautiful carved wooden windows and latticework. Their people are still renowned for their pottery and hand woven fabrics, including the traditional local red and black saris.

Evening Farewell dinner program with cultural dance and folk songs at our Heritage Restaurant Bhojan Griha. (www.bhojangriha.com)

Overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast, Special Dinner

Transfer to the airport and fly back home with great memories of Nepal.

Meals: Breakfast

♦♦♦♦♦♦

* Please send us an enquiry with your details for the price and further information.