Classic Nepal

Arrive in Kathmandu. After clearing immigration, meet with our representative and transfer to your hotel for check in, rest & relax.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu

Breakfast is served at the hotel

Sightseeing Kathmandu Tour

Begin from Pashupatinath Temple – one of the holiest Hindu Temples in all of South Asia. The temple is situated on the bank of sacred Bagmati River, which is a tributary of sacred Ganges. Admission to the temple is reserved for Hindus only, yet you can get a close up view of the temple from other side of the river. The temple and the surroundings are vibrant with rites and rituals performed by Hindu devotees. We will also have opportunity to watch the Hindu cremation services on the bank of the river.

The next stop will be the giant Boudnath Stupa – one of Asia’s largest Buddhist shrines. The stupa, 100 m (328 ft) diameter and 40 m (130 ft) height, can be spotted from many view points in Kathmandu. There are a number of Buddhist monasteries around. The area is dominantly Tibetan in character, and is very much reminiscent of the Barkhor area of Lhasa.

Bhaktapur is one of the three medieval principalities of Kathmandu Valley, and the best preserved. Bhaktapur, its Durbar Square with beautiful palaces and temples, intricate woodcarving, fabulous stone sculptures, and brick paved streets, looks like an open air museum! The major attractions in Bhaktapur are the Palace of 55 Windows, the giant Taleju Bell in front of the palace, the golden gilded gate with beautiful metal works in its semi circular pediment, the royal bath tank inside the palace, 5-storied Naytapola Temple that survived the earthquake of 1934, Duttratraya Temple, and Pujarimath Complex with Peacock Window – the masterpiece woodcarving in Nepal.

Walk through the narrow alleys with private houses on both sides, and visit potter’s square where you will learn the traditional methods of pottery making. You will also have the chance to stop by a wood carvers’ workshop near Duttratraya.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu

Breakfast is served at the hotel.

In the morning, visit Kathmandu, Durbar Square, and Kumari Ghar – home to the world’s only living Goddess. A short visit to Kal Bhairab – the God of destruction and Taleju Temple – built in 1549 AD, and Hanuman Dhoka.

Afterwards, proceed to Swoyambhunath Stupa, said to be one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in the world, which is majestically set high on a hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley. It is nicknamed “The Monkey Temple” after the tribe of monkeys that look after the hill and often amuse the visitors.

Afternoon drive to Patan, the City of Fine Arts. Visit Durbar Square, Krishna Temple, and Hiranya Varna Mahavihara – the Golden Temple of Lord Buddha.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Bandipur (approx. 5 hrs).

The road follows the rivers, goes through the terraced farmland and villages, and ultimately brings you to the medieval looking Bandipur Village. Bandipur once was a vibrant town on the Nepal-India trade route, but after construction of modern roads in the 1970s, it lost its attention. But, because of its hilltop location, preserved old-time cultural atmosphere, mild weather, and great mountain vistas, its draws the attention of travelers. This town is still less-frequented by foreign tourists and worth visiting.

Check in to your boutique, heritage-style accommodation. After you have time to wash and change, set out to explore the wonders of the area. On a clear weather day, Bandipur affords magnificent views of the central Himalayas and the Marshyangdi Valley.

Begin with a visit to the Khadga Devi Temple, the most sacred and auspicious temple in Bandipur. Then head up to the Martyrs Memorial Area, which honors seven Bandipur men who were killed during the anti-Rana insurrection of 1951. Next, head down to the shrine of Paarpani Mahadev (Shiva), who receives appeals for rain from Bandipure villagers during dry spells. Return to the bazaar along the main trail.

If you want a bit more active walking, then we recommend visit to the Silk Farm, which is less than half an hour’s walk towards the west. The staff there will give you an interesting tour, and talk about the history and method of silk harvesting in the Nepali hills. A quick descent to the bazaar will bring you to a unique and typical Newari town.

Overnight in at the hotel in Bandipur

After breakfast, drive to Pokhara (approx. 3 hrs). Arrive in Pokhara, check in to the hotel, and take some rest.

Take a short walk along the lakeside and have lunch. After lunch, take a short drive (15 min) to Chhorepatan. From here you will take a 1 hr gentle uphill hike to Peace Stupa to have a splendid view of the lake and Annapurna. Spend 30 minutes at the stupa and hike down to Fewa Lake (35 min), then have another 30 min boat ride to cross the lake and reach the Lakeside Market of Pokhara.

Overnight at the hotel in Pokhara

In the morning, drive to Sarangkot – the northern foothill of Annapurna, to see the sunrise over the Annapurna, one of the best sunrise viewpoints in Nepal. After sunrise, drive another 25 min further west to Deurali Resort, from where we can see 2 peaks of Machhapuchhre (as its name matches).

After breakfast, we will take a very gentle hike (approx. 1 hr) along the Kaskikot Ridge, through a small green area with some rhododendron trees. The view from here is stunning. After the hike, drive an hour down to Pokhara Valley where we visit Gorkha Museum and Seti River Gorge.

After lunch, take a short drive to a Tibetan refugee camp and nearby holy cave.

Overnight at the hotel in Pokhara

After breakfast, drive to Chitwan National Park for 4 hours. It is scenic drive passing through many fascinating villages. Chitwan National Park, 932 sq miles, is Asia’s one of the most famous game parks, renowned for the preservation of Great One Horned Rhinoceros. The park is also home to about 100 Royal Bengal Tigers, leopard, sloth bear, 4 species of deer, 2 species of monkeys and more than 600 different species of birds. In the evening before dinner, the slide presentation about the flora and fauna of Chitwan National Park will be organized by our well-trained senior naturalists after some rest in the lodge we visit Tharu village and you will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the flora and fauna of Chitwan National Park.

Overnight in Chitwan

Breakfast is served at the hotel.

Chitwan National Park

Morning, we take a canoe ride down the Rapti River. The river ride provides the opportunity of viewing the gharial crocodiles as well as the mugger crocodiles and varieties of water birds. Or you may also go for a nature walk or birding with one of our naturalists to know more about the flora of the Chitwan National Park. Back to hotel for lunch and we will have Jeep safari to the Jungle. In the evening, we will be entertained by local Tharu dances. Tharu are the aboriginal inhabitant of the area and still live today with their century-old lifestyle and traditions.

Overnight in Chitwan

After breakfast, drive to Lumbini (4 hrs). Check in to the hotel and relax. After some rest, visit the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the marker stone, and different monasteries.

Overnight at the hotel in Lumbini

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu.

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu

Breakfast is served at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight home.