| Duration: | 10 Days | Trip Code: | |
| Trip Grade | soft | Max-Altitude: | |
| Meals: | Breakfast | Accommodation: | Hotels |
| Group size: | Any | Transportation: | Private for Kathmandu sightseeing and tourist bus to and from Chitwan |
| Trip Start: | Kathmandu | Trip End: | Kathmandu |
| Primary Activity: | Sightseeing | Best Season | Spring and Autumn |
This tour package provides the opportunity to explore the capital city Kathmandu along with Pokhara the city of lakes, Chitwan the paradise for the nature lovers and Lumbini the birth place of Lord Buddha. You will get to learn more about the cultural heritages of the Kathmandu valley as well as visit the temples and religious shrines in Kathmandu valley that will help you understand more about the people and culture of the country. The tour is then followed by visit to Pokhara, the city with spectacular scenery, adventure activities, and accommodation and food choices. It is also a getaway for the trekkers willing to visit Annapurna ranges. Pokhara offers various sites having natural as well as cultural beauty. Furthermore, the trip leads you to Chitwan which lies 170 km away from the capital. Chitwan is considered as a home for many rare species of plants and animals. The area is popular for its Natural Beauty, One Horned Rhino and other safari activities such as: Elephant Ride, Canoe Ride, Bird Watching, Jungle walk etc. Besides this the Tharu Cultural dance as well as a visit to the Tharu village is also a popular activity.
The tour continues to Lumbini the birth place of Siddhartha Gautam. Buddhism has the power and strength to transform the lives of people of all walks of life forever. The essence of Buddhism is embodied in the concept of the 4 noble truths and the 3 jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha) via the 8-fold path to salvation and peace. Anticipating his death in his 80th year, Buddha urged his followers, especially his chosen disciples, to continue his work after his imminent Mahaparnirvana; the attaining of nirvana (enlightenment).
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu
Day 02: Full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu (Swoyambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Patan Durbar Square)
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara and boating in the evening
Day 04: Half day sightseeing tour of Pokhara
Day 05: Drive to Chitwan and continue with the safari activities
Day 06: Safari Activities in Chitwan
Day 07: Drive to Lumbini.
Day 08: Full day sightseeing tour of Lumbini
Day 09: Drive back to Kathmandu
Day 10: Depart Kathmandu
Price Includes:
Price Excludes:
Our airport representative will be there to welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu upon your arrival. He/she will escort you to the respective hotel in a private vehicle comfortably. Your prior trip meeting will be scheduled on the very day at the hotel before dinner. However, our airport representative will give you a brief idea about the second day’s schedule on your way to the hotel. During the meeting we will introduce you to your leader/guide. Please do not hesitate to ask questions about your trek or anything that is related to your trip. To make you feel comfortable, we schedule a welcome dinner for you in a popular restaurant in the city where you can enjoy authentic Nepali meal along with cultural programs including ethnic dance and songs. Tonight, you will spend your night at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Check in to Hotel which shall be provided with welcome amenities.
Lunch - Own arrangement
Dinner – Welcome Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 02: Sightseeing of Kathmandu (Swoyambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Patan Durbar Square) [B/-/-]
Breakfast at the Hotel
AM: Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu City
SWOYAMBHUNATH:
The Buddhist temple of Swoyambhunath situated on the top of a hill, west of Kathmandu is one of the most popular, holy and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. The Swoyambhunath Stupa is one of the oldest religious complexes in Nepal; dating back to the 5th century A.D. Swoyambhunath Stupa has a shape of a dome standing on a base which represents the entire world. A pair of big eyes on each side of the dome symbolizes Wisdom and Compassion. They are, in fact, Buddha’s eyes — they give the impression as if he is looking right into you no matter where you stand.
The Swoyambhunath complex consists of a stupa, a variety of shrines and temples, some dating back to the Lichchhavi period. A Tibetan monastery, museum and library are more recent additions. The site has two access points: a long stairway, claimed to have 365 steps, leading directly to the main platform of the temple, which lies in the east direction; and the other way to reach the temple is via a road trip around the hill leading to the southwest entrance.
BOUDDHANATH:
Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest Stupas in Nepal and the holiest Buddhist site in Kathmandu. The eyes on the Stupa are a symbol commonly associated with Nepal and can be seen throughout the region. The squiggle between the eyes is the Sanskrit numeral one, symbolizing the unity of all things. Prayer wheels at the base of the temple are inscribed with the Tibetan mantra Om Mani Padme Hom! At ground level there is a brick wall with 108 images of meditational Buddha inset behind copper prayer wheels.
Sometimes referred to as “Little Tibet”, Boudhanath is still the best place in the Kathmandu Valley to observe traditional Tibetan lifestyle. There are various Tibetan monasteries surrounding Boudhanath Stupa as it is the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Boudhanath is a UNESCO world heritage site, and a destination not to be missed while traveling in Nepal.
PASHUPATINATH
Pashupatinath Temple is the holiest Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated 6km from Kathmandu City, on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River. The main temple is a multi-storied temple with gilded roof and richly carved silver door. The sanctum deity is a five faced Shiva in the form of a lingam. He is also considered as the god of destruction who holds a special position in the Hindu Trinity. Pashupatinath is the center of annual pilgrimage on the day of Shivaratri, which falls in the month of February/March. It falls on the moonless night where thousands of devotees and Sadhu’s from various parts of Nepal as well as India come to worship Lord Shiva. The festival is observed for one day and one night. Behind the temples are the cremation grounds for the Hindus. One can observe the traditional cremation of the Hindu community at the bank of Bagmati River.
Lunch - Own arrangement
Patan City:
Patan Durbar Square complex, also known as Lalitpur is one of the oldest Buddhist cities. Patan Durbar Square and its surroundings is a good specimen of ancient Newari architecture. There are three main courtyards in the palace: MulChowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk. Mul Chowk, the oldest one is at the centre of Patan Durbar Square. Several multi-sized and multi-styled temples occupy the western part of the complex. The main among these are Krishna Temple, Bhimsen Temple and the Golden Temple of Hiranya Varna.
The city of Patan offers visitors the chance to see an abundance of exquisite works of religious art and architecture. Patan Durbar Square is filled with ancient palaces, pagoda temples, stone baths, Hindu and Buddhist statues, engravings, and bronze carvings. Patan Durbar Square is one of seven monument zones in the Kathmandu Valley that together have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also located in the square is the Patan Museum, which houses bronze statues and religious objects, some dating back to the 11th century.
A trip to the Tibetan Refugee Camp and the Handicraft Centre will also be done while, visiting Patan where you will witness the hand weaving of Tibetan carpets and moldings of metal statues.
Dinner - Own arrangement
Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara and boating in the evening [B/-/-]
Breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu
AM: Departure transfer by road to Pokhara via Prithvi Highway approximately 200km from Kathmandu. It might take around 06/07 hrs under normal road condition. On your way, you will pass by the banks of Trishuli River, villages, cultivated fields, picturesque landscape and snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Lunch en-route- Own arrangement
PM: Boating at Phewa Lake: (1 hour)
PHEWA LAKE:
Phewa Lake is the most popular destination for travelers wanting to indulge in recreational boating. It is the second largest lake in Nepal and measures roughly 1.5 by 4 kms. Renting a boat for a couple of hours and heading out to the middle or the other side of the lake bordering the forested hill can be of interest for travelers. Boats can be rented for the whole day, or on hourly basis. You can either row around yourself or hire a boatman. There is a small island in the lake with a temple dedicated to Barahi where devotees boat down to offer prayers.
Dinner - Own arrangement
Overnight at hotel in Pokhara
Day 04: Half day sightseeing tour of Pokhara [B/-/-]
Breakfast at the hotel in Pokhara
Half day sightseeing tour of Pokhara City
POKHARA:
Pokhara also known as the city of lakes lies at the foothills of the majestic Annapurna range, Crystal clear Lakes, mysterious caves, deep gorges. It offers a perfect getaway from the busy and chaotic life of the city. Pokhara is the center of adventure as it offers activities such as paragliding, trekking, ultra-light flight, zip line adventure, bungee jumping, rafting, kayaking and much more. It is the only place in the world from where one can enjoy the magnificent views of mountains having elevation above 8000 meters sitting below 1000 meter above sea level. Other sightseeing places of Pokhara are Davis Falls, Mahendra Cave (lime stone cave), Bindabasini Temple, Chamero (Bat) Cave, Gupteshwor Cave, World Peace Stupa and Seti Gorge. Pokhara is also a home for the only mountain museum by the name if “International Mountain Museum”. After reaching Pokhara one can take a fantastic boat ride in the Phewa Lake.
Seti Gorge:
The roaring Seti River passes right through Pokhara but you will not see it unless you go looking. Viewpoints are not easy to find. The river has carved a deep, narrow chasm through the middle of the city. The best place to catch a glimpse of the Seti River is the park north of Old Pokhara near the Gurkha Memorial Museum. In the middle of the city, the gorge widens to a canyon looking like a crater. These canyons extend through the whole Pokhara Valley.
Davis fall:
Davis fall is a waterfall located close to Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave and World Peace Stupa in Pokhara. The water forms an underground tunnel after reaching the bottom. This tunnel is approximately 500 feet (150 m) and runs 100 feet below ground level. After exiting the tunnel, the water passes through a cave called Gupteshwor Mahadev.
Mahendra Cave:
Mahendra Cave is a famous cave attracting thousands of tourists every year. It lies close to the River Seti. It is an example of cave system in Nepal containing stalagmites and stalactites. A statue of Hindu lord Shiva can be found inside the cave.
Bindabasini Mandir:
Bindabasini Mandir is a temple of great religious value to the Hindus of Pokhara. The temple itself is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga, who is regarded as Pokhara's chosen deity.
PM: Rest of the day at leisure for individual activities
Overnight at the hotel in Pokhara
Day 05: Drive to Chitwan and continue with the safari activities [B/L/D]
Breakfast at the hotel
AM: Drive to Chitwan approximately 5 hours via Prithvi Highway.
CHITWAN:
Chitwan houses rich wildlife, lush grasslands and rare species of birds and animals. Chitwan National Park gives you a unique and exceptional wildlife experience. It houses several rare species, in particular, the one-horned rhinoceros and the Royal Bengal Tiger, other animals include leopard, bear, wild boar, deer, bison, crocodiles, etc. Unlike African animals, those in Chitwan tend to be rather solitary and shy, but the chances of seeing them are very high owing to the expertise and experiences of guides. The ethnic tribe of the Tharu’s is the local inhabitants Chitwan and is agriculturists by profession. The drive finally brings to the Unique Wild Resort.
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16:00 to 17:00 |
|
Elephant Safari/Sight Seeing |
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18:30 to 21:00 |
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Dinner |
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19:45 |
|
Tharu Cultural Program |
Day 6: Safari activities at Chitwan National Park [B/L/D]
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06:00 |
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Wake up call |
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07:00 |
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Breakfast |
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07:30 |
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Canoe ride/ Short Nature Walk/ Elephant Breeding Center |
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10:00 |
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Elephant Bathing( if possible ) |
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12:00 to 15:00 |
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Lunchtime |
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13:00 or 03:00 |
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Elephant Safari |
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18:00 to 21:00 |
|
Dinner |
|
19:45 |
|
Tharu Cultural Program |
|
06:00 |
|
Wake up call |
|
07:00 |
|
Bird Watching |
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08:00 to 08:30 |
|
Breakfast |
Note: The above given detailed program is just a guideline. There might be changes in terms of time and feasibility of the guest. Naturally, it may not always be possible to follow this schedule to the minute and the circumstances may force us to alter the program at short notice. During safari tours in the jungle you will be accompanied by our expert naturalists who will advise on safety procedures and we request you to respect their judgment at all times.
9.30 AM: Departure transfer by road to Lumbini. It will take us approximately 5 hours to reach Lumbini under normal road conditions. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure for individual activities.
Overnight at the hotel in Lumbini
Day 08: Full day sightseeing tour of Lumbini [B/-/-]
Breakfast at the hotel
Lumbini
Lumbini is the birth place of Shakyamuni Gautam Buddha which lies in Rupandehi district of wid-western Nepal. According to Buddhist literature, Lumbini is the place where the newly born Prince Siddhartha took his first seven steps immediately after birth. Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautam on the way to her maternal home Devadaha, in the day of Baisakh Poornima (the full moon‐day of May 623 BC). Lumbini is a popular site for Buddhist all over the world and is enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lumbini Master plan was developed by a Japanese Professor namely Kenzo Tange who have divided the area into three areas. They are:
Sacred Garden: The major attractions of sacred garden are as follows:
MAYADEVI TEMPLE:
It is the heart of all monuments at this holy site. The temple complex bears the testimony of several layers of constructions over the centuries. Inside the temple one can see the foundation remains of the early Mayadevi Temple that dates back to the 3rd century B.C. One can also see the marker stone that marks the exact spot where Buddha was born that was excavated in 1996 AD.
In the periphery of the Maya Devi temple, one can see the long Ashokan Pillar which mentions that on the auspicious occasion of 20 years of his coronation, he has erected this pillar inscription where Shakya Muni Gautam Buddha was born. The very place was identified by Dr. Furher and Kaiser Shumsher in 1895. One can also see the archaeological remains of the monasteries, stupas etc. near the complex of Maya Devi.
MONASTIC ZONE:
The Eastern Lane of the monastic zone belongs to the Theravada’s. There are many monasteries in the eastern side such as: The Thai Monastery, Mahamaya Bishwa-Shanti Buddha Bihar constructed by the Maha Bodhi Society of India, Buddha Dharmakar Sabha, built by the Buddhist Society of West Bengal, India, Burmese Temple and the Monastery build by the Government of Myanmar, Lankan Monastery constructed by the Government of Ceylon, Bhikshuni Sangha, built by the International Gautami Nun Society, Nepal Vipassana Centre etc.
The Western Lane of the Monastic Zone comprises of various monasteries related to the Mahayan’s. Fifteen plots have been allocated for the construction of the various monasteries of the world. The various monasteries in the area are Chinese Monastery, Vietnamese Monastery, and Korean monastery, Lotus Stupa built by German Tara Foundation Monastery, Sokayo Temple Japan, Dharmodaya Sabha and Cambodian Monastery.
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu Lumbini
Day 09: Drive back to Kathmandu [B/-/D]
You will drive to Kathmandu via east west highway which will take approximately 8-9 hours’ drive under normal road condition.
Rest of the day at Leisure for individual activities
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 10: Depart Kathmandu
Breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu
Leisure till departure
Our representative will escort you to the International Airport for onward destination.