Nepal

Kathmandu – Chitwan – Pokhara
(7 days / 6 nights)

Itinerary:

DAY 1: ARRIVAL – KATHMANDU
Upon arrival at Tribhuwan International airport Kathmandu, meet and assist by our representative and transfer to hotel.
Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and the largest urban agglomerate of Nepal. The agglomerate consists of Kathmandu Metropolitan City at its core, and its sister cities Patan, Kirtipur, Thimi and Bhaktapur. It also includes the recently recognized urban areas of Shankhapur, Karyabinayak, Champapur, Banepa, Dhulikhel and Panauti. According to a census conducted in 2011, Kathmandu metropolis alone has 975,453 inhabitants, and the agglomerate has a population of more than 2.5 million inhabitants.
The city stands at an elevation of approximately 1,400 meters (4,600 ft.) in the bowl-shaped Kathmandu Valley of central Nepal. It is surrounded by four major mountains: Shivapuri, Phulchoki, Nagarjun and Chandragiri.
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

DAY 2: KATHMANDU
Breakfast at hotel
AM: Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath
Kathmandu Durbar Square: Kathmandu’s number one tourist attraction swarms with life. Though a few of the square’s 50-plus monuments date from the 12th century, most are from the time of the Malla Kings. Probably the most famous building here is the Kumari Bahal, a building richly decorated with beautiful woodcarvings, which is home to the Royal Kumari, the Living Goddess, and a manifestation of the great goddess Durga. Nearby the former Royal Palace is a Mall Dynasty dwelling, once considerably more extensive than today. Within, the courtyard Nassal Chowk, originally hosted dramatic dance performances, now it is the coronation site of the Shah kings and contains some of the finest wood carvings you will see anywhere in the kingdom. The 14th century Jagannath Mandir is the oldest temple in the area, its steps carved with inscriptions in many languages, nearby Taleju Mandir is one of the largest and finest temples in the Valley.
Visit Kumari Temple: Living Goddess: Kumari, a ‘living goddess’ made a rare public appearance to take centre stage at a religious festival in Nepal. A Kumari, meaning virgin in Nepalese, is a young prepubescent girl, considered by devotees to be incarnations of the Hindu goddess of power, Kali.
Swayambhunath: The most ancient and enigmatic of the Valley’s holy shrines the golden-spired stupa of Swayambhunath tops a wooded hillock. Records of its history date as far as the 5th century, but its origins are believed to be older. It is the Kathmandu Valley’s most sacred Buddhist shrine and whilst its worshippers include the Vajrayana Buddhists of northern Nepal and Tibet, Newari Buddhists are the most fervent devotees.
PM: Half-day tour of Patan city
Patan: Patan, the ancient city, once a kingdom in itself, is situated across the Bagmati River to the south of Kathmandu. Patan Durbar Square offers the finest display of Newari urban architecture in Nepal. There are temples devoted to Shiva, Krishna, Ganesh and Vishnu all actively visited by residents and visitors. At the northern end of the square the ancient sunken water tap has been restored and is still in use with young girls filling huge jugs from the carved stone waterspouts. The courtyards of the Royal Palace with their ornamented windows, columned arcades, shrines and sunken royal bath are amongst the loveliest in all Kathmandu.
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

DAY 3: KATHMANDU – CHITWAN (170 KMS/5-6 HRS)
Breakfast at hotel.
After breakfast drive to Chitwan. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the resort.
Chitwan National Park is one of Asia’s riches and the best conserved National Park. It is situated 75 air miles southwest of Kathmandu. Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Asia’s remaining jungles. Here, you will discover a lost world of towering trees and twisting vines, of pre-historic rhinos and lumbering elephants, of crocodiles, pythons and deer, of brilliantly coloured birds and if you are fortunate – the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger.
Lunch at Resort in Chitwan.
PM: Jungle activities as per program.
Dinner & Overnight at the resort in Chitwan.

DAY 4: CHITWAN – POKHARA
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning jungle activities as per program and proceed to Pokhara.
Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of the lakes and the magnificence of the Himalaya rising behind them create the ambience that has made Pokhara such a popular place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Tourism focuses on the districts of Dam-side and Lakeside (or Pardi and Baidam, in Nepali, respectively). These two areas, packed with hotels and restaurants, are a few kilometres southwest of the main Pokhara bazaar.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

DAY 5: POKHARA
Breakfast at hotel.
Early morning excursion trip to Sarangkot to view sunrise over Himalaya (Subject to weather conditions)
From Pokhara, Sarangkot is the most popular tourist destination from where you can enjoy the great view of the Pokhara Valley and the magnificent view of the mountains. Sarangkot is only 5 km from Lake Side. Sarangkot is the highest view point for a sunrise and it is just 1592m high. Sarangkot is 5 degrees cooler than Pokhara.
PM: Half day sightseeing tour of Pokhara city.
Devi’s fall: Locally known as Patale Chango (Hell’s fall) also known as Devin’s and David’s is a lovely Waterfall is about 2 km south West of Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway. Legend has it that a trekker by the name of Davy was washed away by the Padi Khola and mysteriously disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the fall.

Gupteshwor Cave: Gupteshwor Gupha, a sacred cave, lies 2 km from Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway leading southwest from the city. The entrance is right across from Devi’s fall and the cave is almost 3 km long. It has some big hall-size rooms and some passages where you have to crawl on all fours. This cave holds special value for Hindus since a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva is preserved here in the condition it was discovered. An entrance fee of Rs. 5 is charged and taking pictures inside the cave is prohibited.
The Old Bazaar + Bindyabasini Temple: Pokhara’s traditional bazaar is colourful and so are its ethnically diverse traders. In its temples and monuments can be seen ties to the old Newar Architecture of the Kathmandu valley, located about 4 km from Lakeside, the market S original charm is still evident. This area is strewn with shops selling commodities ranging from edibles to and cloth to cosmetics and gold is a pleasant and shady spot to stroll around.
The old Bazaar is also home to one of Pokhara’s most important shrines. Locally called the Bindyabasini Mandir, this white dome- like structure dominates a spacious stone – paved courtyard built atop a shady hillock. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhagawati, yet another manifestation of Shakti. The park – like grounds offers a fine picnic area, and on Saturdays, and Tuesdays when devotees flock there to offer sacrifices, it takes on a festive flavour.
Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

DAY 6: POKHARA – KATHMANDU
Breakfast at hotel
After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu, which is approximately 210 km and 6 – 7 hours’ drive.
After arrival in Kathmandu proceed to the hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

DAY 7: KATHMANDU – DEPARTURE
Breakfast at hotel.
In time, transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.