Himalayan Festival Tour
10 Days/9 Nights
ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
Pick up from airport switch on to restaurant for Lunch, after lunch; check in hotel, balance of the day free. Dinner in Local restaurant.
Day 2 Kathmandu and its Vicinity: Swayambhunath Pashupatinath, Boudhanath
Mountain Flight: One hour daily flight is operated by Airlines, to view the mighty Himalayan peaks including Mt. Everest. This is the closest one can go to the peaks without having to trek. Please note that flights do not land any where all you will be offered is an aerial view.
Swayambhunath: Located approximately 4 km/2.5 miles, Buddhist stupa this is said to be 2000 years old. The stupa which forms the main structure is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples.
Pashupatinath: Situated 5 kilometers ease of Kathmandu city, Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple built in pagoda style has gilted roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors will be permitted to view the temple from the east bank of River Bagmati, entrance in the temple being strictly forbidden to all non Hindus. Pasupatinath is the centre of annual pilgrimage on the day of Shivaratri, which falls in the month of February/March. Behind the temples are the cremation grounds.
Boudhanath: This stupa, eight kilometers east of Kathmandu City is one of the biggest in the world of its kind. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping watch for righteous behaviour and human prosperity. This Buddhist stupa was built by King Man Deva at the advice of Goddess Mani Jogini. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. The shrine is ringed by houses of Lamas of Buddhist priests.
Day 3 Kathmandu – Nagarkot in route Bhaktpur Sightseeing
Breakfast at Hotel, Check out hotel. Visit Kathmandu durbar square seeing Indra jatra, after visit Kathmandu Durbar Square where we have lunch. Drive to Bhaktapur after lunch. After bhakapur Drive to Nagarkot- Over night at Nagarkot.
Indra jatra Festival at Kathmandu Durbar square –/ Kathmandu City: Known as Kantipur, the capital of the Kingdom of Nepal. Here you will visit the temple of the Living Goddess, who acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence. Kasthamandap – the source of the name Kathmandu and supposed to be made from the timber of a single tree and the Durbar Square ate with its array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the ancient place of the Nepalese Royalty.
Bhadgaon: Also known as Bhaktapur meaning the city of devotees, this place is the home of medieval art and architecture. Lying 14 km/9 miles east of Kathmandu City, this place was founded in the 9th century and is shaped like a conch shell. The city is at the height of 4600 ft. above see level. In Bhadgaon you will visit the Durbar Square with its array of temples overlooked by the palace of 55 windows built by King Bhupatindra Malla. The Nyatapola Temple also built by King Bhupatindra Mall, is the best of example of Pagoda style and stands of five terraces on each of which stands a pair of figures two famous strong men, two elephants, two lion two griffins and two goddesses. Time permitting, a visit to the museum of Thanka painting can also be considered.
Nagarkot: is situated about 35 km/22 miles east of Kathmandu and from here one can see Mount Everest and other peaks of the Himalayas. Nagarkot is located between Kathmandu valley in the west and Indrawati in the east. The top of Nagarkot commands accelerating views in all directions. The altitude of Nagarkot is 2229 m/7133 ft. above sea level.
Day 4 Kathmandu – Royal Chitwan National Park
Drive to Chitwan Natuional for Jungle safari activities. It is about 165 km. It takes about 4-5 hours. Early morning breakfast at our Hotel Drive to Rafting Point. Upon arrival in Rafting Point, we change our clothes, our luggage will go by car and wait for us at Finishing Point. White Water Rafting ( 2-3hours anout 14km Grade 3 Beginners) until Finishing point. After lunch, continue driving to Chitwan National Park (2-3hours).
Brief tour plan
Rapti Valley (Chitwan): The Royal Chitwan National Park is the lush valley of Chitwan situated in the foothills of Churia ranges, 75 airmiles south west of Kathmandu, houses the first National Park of the Kingdom. The Royal Chitwan National park is famous for its variety of wildlife especially the Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros and the elusive Royal Bangal Tiger. At present there are seven wildlife Lodges/Camps operating safari style lodges within the park area and offers elephant excursion in the heart of the jungle to view game. An excursion to Chitwan National Park is possible only from October til May. And can be reached both by air and surface.
Day 5 Royal Chitwan national park
Whole day explore jungle activities- elephant back safari- jungle walk- Canoeing Trip, culture programme, Bird watching etc. Dugout canoe trip followed by a Nature walk program or visit to the Elephant Breeding Farm. Take an on-cart ride or to back to resort./ PM: Elephant back Safari programs
Day 6 Royal Chitwan national park – Lumbini
Check in Hotel. Brief the tour plan. Visit Lumbini Garden.
Lumbini: 232 km/145 miles away from Kathmandu, Lumbini is the birth place of Lord Buddha. The broken Ashoka Pillar, remnants of old monastery, images of Buddha’s mother Maya Devi are still preserved here. Lumbini can be reached by road from Kathmandu via Pokhara or Royal Chitwan National Park or by air till Bhairawa and then by road.
Day 7 Lumbini
Drive to Pokhara/ over night at Pokhara/ Hotel in Pokhara.
Pokhara Valley: The rare combinations of snow clad peaks and snow fed lakes and rivers has helped to make the valley of Pokhara (210 km/131 miles from Kathmandu) one of the most picturesque natural attractions in the kingdom. A must for all visitors to Pokhara valley is the Phewa Lake. A half day excursion of the Pokhara Valley consists of a visit to the old city, new market, the cap factory and the Seti gorge. For people with more time in hand can visit the Begnas and Rupa Tal or take a 3 hours hike to Sarankot or Hyangia.
Day 8 Pokhara: Pokhara and Vicinity
Hotel in Pokhara. Optional Sunrise tour early morning back to hotel. After breakfast, Local sightseeing. Balance of the day free.
Day 9 Pokhara – Kathmandu
Breakfast. Transfer to airport for flight (30 Minutes) from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Check in Hotel .Overnight hotel in Kathmandu.[B+L+D}
Agenda: Sightseeing Patan the City of beauty and KRITIPUR The City of Brave. We will have Lunch at Patan.
Patan: 5km/3miles away from Kathmandu city. Patan also known as Lalitpur, is the city of fine arts, enclosed within 4 stupas said to be built in 3rd century AD, by Emperor Ashoka. You will see the Durbar Square, the Patan Durbar which houses a bronze collection, the Krishna Temple built by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar and Mahaboudha Temple.
Kirtipur: It is a small town 8 km/5 miles south-west of Kathmandu on the top of a hill near Tribhuvan University. This historical town has many things to offer – old shrines, temples and old houses. One can also witness people in traditional costumes weaving their requirement of cloth on looms.
Day 10 Kathmandu
After breakfast transfer to airport. Free until departure.
Does not include:
Visa fees to Nepal
International Flights in and out of Nepal
Airport taxes
Beverages, Personal expenses, Travel insurance
Photos of Nepal courtesy of the Nepal Tourism Board