Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu.

You are met by a Highland Asia representative at Kathmandu airport and transferred to the centrally located Shanker Hotel-a former palace. This is a deluxe property with all modern amenities and Nepali hospitality.We take some rest to recover travel fatigue. Depending on availability of time, we will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square with former Royal Palace complex and a cluster of ancient and medieval temples around. The palace and temples demonstrate intricately carved wood works in the balconies and windows. Of all the temples of Durbar Square, the most prominent are the temple of Living Goddess-Kumari and the legendary Kasthamandap Temple-which is believed to have been built of single tree trunk. We take a relaxed stroll in the Durbar Squares and narrow alleys of the areas around. We will walk through the vibrant streets of Assan and Indrachowk-the traditional bazaars of Kathmandu. In the evening, we are joined by local Highland Asia manager for welcome dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant amidst folklore dancing.

Shanker Hotel, Kathmandu (4*)

Meals: Nepali Welcome Dinner

Day 02 Explore Kathmandu.

Following breakfast, we visit Patan City-famed as the City of Arts and craft. The dramatic setting of Durbar Square with palace and beautiful temples and the houses with traditional architecture gives you the feel of traveling in a medieval time. We walk through the narrow cobbled streets with metal, wood and thangka painting workshops and jewelry and handicrafts outlets lined up in both sides. We poke into the workshops and meet the artisans. We visit the religious centers of Patan such as Golden Temple, Kumbheshwar Temples, Mahaboudha Temples, to name few, and watch the rituals and rites there. The temples are testimony of rich architectures of the medieval times.

From Patan, we take a short drive in the outskirts of the city to visit Bungamati-a laidback Newari village where we feel that time has stood still here. We walk on the cobbled street through the village with dry vegetables hanging from the balconies, ducks and roosters wandering, children running around, women washing clothes in the public or drying the paddies and elderly people chatting in the paatis (public pavilion). On the way back, we stop in Tibetan Self Help Center to see Tibetan refugees weaving rugs and making other handicrafts.

In the afternoon, we visit Boudhanath Stupa which is believed to be the largest stupa architecture in the world! With an octagonal base symbolizing the Buddhist cosmos, the stupa is a giant white dome with 13 stepped golden spire and a parasol atop. The stupa dominates Kathmandu skyline and is a foremost attraction of the city. There are numerous Buddhist monasteries associated with different Tibetan Buddhist schools. The area is dominantly Tibetan and reminds of the Barkhor area of Lhasa. The final stop of the day is Pashupatinath Temple-the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination in Nepal. The temple is situated on the bank Bagmati River-a tributary of the sacred, Gangjes. Admission to the temple courtyard is reserved for the Hindus only but we can still view the complete temple premises and the activities in here from the eastern embankment of the river. We will also see the Hindu cremation services on the bank of the river.

If we wait until dusk or little later, we will get opportunity to watch the Aarati ceremony with oil lamps. The priests and devotees swing the oil lamps in air, sing the prayer songs and dance to appease the deities.

Shanker Hotel, Kathmandu (4*)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 03 Bhaktapur, Changu Narayan and Nagarkot.

Following breakfast, we drive to Bhaktapur -the smallest and the best preserved of the three medieval principalities of Kathmandu Valley. We visit the Durbar Square with former palaces and temples with rich wood carving and stone sculptures. The Golden Gate of the palace is considered the masterpiece metal work in the entire Nepal. We walk through the narrow alleys, stopping in the temples and monasteries and poking into the workshops of carvers and painters. We will also visit the pottery square and learn the traditional ceramic pottery making process.

From Bhaktapur, we take a short drive through the paddy fields to Changu Narayan Temple situated north of Bhaktapur. This is a multi-roofed pagoda style temple with rich wood carving in the struts and beautiful stone icons in the premises. The temple also has a 5th century stone inscription which is the first recorded history of Nepal ever found. From Changu Narayan, we hike through the villages and terraced fields and occasionally on the dirt jeep tracks to the hill resort of Nagarkot. Nagarkot, situated at an altitude of 2000m (6, 560 ft.) is well known for stupendous views of the Himalayas. Accommodation in the comfortable cottages of Fort Resort, built in purely local architectural style.

The Fort Resort, Nagarkot

Meals: Breakfast

Day 04: A scenic flight to Pokhara, transfer to Nayapul and trek to Birethanti-Sanctuary Lodge

Following breakfast, we are transferred to the domestic airport for flight to Pokhara-renowned as Nepal's capital for nature. It's a 35 minutes scenic flight that goes parallel to the Himalayas, offering breathtaking views of the western Himalayas at our right and rivers and valleys in the right. Upon arrival at Pokhara airport, we are met by our Guide and porter. Following a short briefing about the accommodation and facilities in the mountains and the trip itself, we transfer by road with our crews to Nayapul-the trail head for the trekking. The trail for some time goes along a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with panoramic views of the Pokhara Valley and then drops to Modi Khola Valley ( Khola means river), where our Sanctuary Lodge is located. The location of the lodge serves as a perfect view point for Mount Machhapuchhre ( which means fishtail). Following a picnic lunch, we explore Birethanti -a small village set at the foot of the Modi Khola Valley at around 1,100 m. (Trek time 3-4 hours).

Sanctuary Lodge, Birenthanti

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 05: Trek to Gurung Lodge, Majgaon (4620ft/1,400m)

Following a leisurely breakfast, we leave the Sanctuary lodge and head out to Gurung Lodge in Majgaun, approximately 2 hrs easy walking. The lodge is built along the lines of a traditional Nepalese village. Every room has spectacular views of the surrounding valley and mountains. After lunch at our lodge, we will visit Tanchok Village and visit a house turned ethnic museum where there will be a small talk program about the daily lifestyle of the villagers. We will also visit a local school and meet the children and teachers and learn about the schooling system. Children love to try their English with the visitors.

Gurung Lodge, Majgaon.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 06: Trek to Basant Lodge, Dhampus (5000 ft / 1525 m).

We will enjoy breakfast with splendid views of the mountains and the surroundings in the morning. After breakfast, we find ourselves back on the trail and we trek through the unspoiled village of Patlekhet. The trail goes through sub-tropical forests that include tree orchids, rhododendrons and magnolias. There will be a variety of birdlife to look out for as well as incredible mountain views. Trekkers in the Spring will be blessed with the colorful flowers. Along the way, we will stop at the village of Pothana where many Tibetan traders live and sell their souvenirs. In about 4 hours or little less, we arrive at the Basanta Lodge in Dhampus. The lodge is centered round am old Gurung village house and offers sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range. After lunch at the lodge, we might go for an optional walk in the village or just relax at the lodge gazing the mountains and terraced landscape.

Basanta Lodge, Dhampus.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 07: Trek to Basant Lodge, Pothana(3300 ft /1000 m)

The last day of the trekking is easy and short ( less than 2 hrs). Following breakfast, we bid farewell to the friendly staff of Basant Lodge and descend through the wooded hillside and terraced farmland to Phedi at the valley floor. We meet our transport here and then transfer to Pokhara(45 minutes). On the way, you may want to stop in Tibetan refugee camp and pay visit to the monastery.

Fishtail Lodge, Lakeside, Pokhara

Meals: Breakfast

Day 08: Another day at Pokhara.

We have another day at Pokhara to rest and explore the local attractions. In the morning, we can take optional tandem paragliding flight or ultra light flights and enjoy the spectacular views of the snow capped mountains and Pokhara Valley.We take boating trip in Fewa Lake and visit the Island Temple of Barahi. Fewa Lake is the second largest lake of Nepal ( Rara Lake in Mugu District is the largest one) and is the foremost attraction of Pokhara.

We visit Bindhebasini Temple-the center of religious activities in Pokhara. This white dome- like structure dominates a spacious stone – paved courtyard built atop a shady hillock. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhgawati, a manifestation of goddess Durga. 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 flavor. We will visit Pokhara's colorful traditional Old Bazaar with ethnically diverse traders. The temples and monuments do show close architectural connection with the Newari styles of Kathmandu valley. The market 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.

We will visit the hair raising gorge of Seti River at Mahendrapool that provides a perfect view of the river’s dreadful rush and deep gorge created by its powerful flow. Amazingly, at certain places the river appears hardly two meters wide. However, its depth is quite beyond imagination, over 20m. We will also visit the mysterious cave temple of Gupteshwara and also visit Davis fall.Nearby lays a Tibetan village. We will walk through the beautiful village with several shops selling Tibetan rugs and handicrafts plus the small Shree Gaden Dargay Ling Gompa Monastery.

Fishtail Lodge, Lakeside Pokhara

Meal: Breakfast

Day 09: Bandipur Village (62km/39 miles, 2.5 hrs)

After breakfast, we bid farewell to the beautiful Pokhara valley and head to Bandipur-a traditional Newari Village. From Dumre (56 km/35 miles from Pokhara), we leave the main highway and take a rough road for 6 km (3 miles) and then we arrive at the village. We check in our accommodation and later explore the village and the surroundings.We begin with a visit to the Khadga Devi Temple, the most sacred and auspicious temple in Bandipur. Then we head up to the Martyrs Memorial Area, which honors seven Bandipur sons who were killed during the anti-Rana insurrection of 1951. Then we head down to the shrine of Paarpani Mahadev (Shiva), who receives appeals for rain from Bandipurays during dry spells. We return to the bazaar along the main trail, and visit the two other important temples -Bindebashini and Mahalaxmi. The rich wooden carving and detailed brass-work that adorn the temple are replicas of those found in the many old pagoda structures of the Kathmandu valley.We will also visit 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 on the history and method of silk-harvesting in the Nepali hills.

The Old Inn, Bandipur

Meal: Breakfast.

Day 10: Seti River Rafting.

We will have a leisurely morning breakfast and then we prepare for the rafting trip. Please, pack separately the clothes and necessities for a night camping as the remainder of the luggage will go by car. We are transferred to the rafting put in point in Damauli which is a bit of backtrack on the highway to Pokhara. There will be a briefing session conducted by the Rafting crews about the river, paddling and safety techniques before we set off. All equipment, such as life vests, helmets, dry bags, spray suits and booties, is included.Depending on the water level, the first day of the trip will last in 2.5 to 3 hours plus we will have an hour break for picnic lunch by the riverside. We arrive at Seri River Camp around 2 to 3 p.m. The camp consists of safari-style tents with beds, a changing room, a verandah and an attached bathroom. Soon we arrive at the camp, we will be served hot tea or coffee. All meals, including drinking water and soft drinks, tea or coffee are included.

Seti River Camp

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11: Rafting-Chitwan National Park.

Following breakfast, we set off on the river again. There are five Class II rapids, which are 50 m long or less. The remainder of the trip is a relaxing float down that allows you to sit and enjoy the surrounding nature and countryside. Depending on the water level, you should spend between two and three hours on the raft and usually, we conclude the river trip in Gaighat where we meet our transport and then we drive about an hour to our lodge in Chitwan National Park.

We have our accommodation in Rhino Residency Resort near the park gate. The resort has three guest blocks, each comprising of 8 air-conditioned and well-furnished rooms with attached baths with 24 hours hot and cold water supply. Each room has a verandah that overlooks its own fishpond filled with fishes native to Chitwan. All meals, park admission fees,local naturalist guides and ground transports are included while our stay in Rhino Residency Resort.

Rhino Residency Resort, Sauraha, Chitwan

Meals:Breakfast

Day 12: Embark on jungle safari rides at Chitwan National Park.

Adventure in Chitwan begins with traditional dugout canoe trip in Rapti River. We leave hotel after breakfast for the ride. The rafting trip offers an opportunity to watch two species of crocodiles Marsh Muggar and Gharial. The second one has been enlisted as the endangered species. We will also see some aquatic birds such as kingfishers, egrets, storks, sand pipers, darter etc. The ride lasts in 30 to 45 minutes and then we are picked up by jeep or a traditional oxcart and then we proceed to the elephant breeding farm where we can see the mother and young baby elephants. We will also learn about the elephant life process, its behavior, diet, training and taming methods etc.

After lunch, we will have some time for rest. Take a nap or write journal or simply chat with the staff of the resort and later we will be escorted to the elephant embarkation platform. The elephant back safari lasts 1 to 2 hr and probably the most adventurous of all the rides in Chitwan. We will spot a good number of Rhinos, spotted deer, monkeys, jungle fowls, hog deer etc. Tiger population in Chitwan National Park is about 100 but it's a rare sight due to thick vegetation and the fact that its nocturnal animal. is nocturnal in behavior and so they are rarely seen, although the park provides habitat to more than 100 tigers.

After the elephant safari, we will visit Tharu Village. Tharus are the aboriginal inhabitants of Chitwan and is believed to have malaria immune. Tharu people still maintain their century old lifestyle, culture and traditions.We will sneak a peek into their house and learn about their lifestyle.

Rhino Residency Resort, Sauraha, Chitwan

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 13: Flight back to Kathmandu

In the morning, we can take one hour long bird watching tour. Chitwan National Park provides habitat to more than 600 different species of resident and migratory birds. Within a span of one hour, we will be able to spot more than 30 different species of birds. We return to our resort, pack up the luggage and come to the breakfast table, as we will be flying back to Kathmandu.
After breakfast, we are transferred to Bharatpur Airport ( 45 minutes). It's a 25 minutes scenic flight that whisks us into Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, we meet our transport and we are transferred to our hotel.

Shanker Hotel, Kathmandu

Meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Departure.

Transfer to the airport for flight back home.