Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu

Meet your guide upon arrival at Kathmandu airport. Today, we take easy to cope with travel fatigue. If you arrive Kathmandu early in the day, we can arrange you a half day tour to Kathmandu Durbar Square-the former Royal Palace complex. We browse through the narrow streets of Assan and Indrachowk-the traditional business hub of Kathmandu and enter the Durbar Square of Kathmandu that comprise of former Royal Palace and a number of ancient and medieval temples. The palace and temples are adorned with beautiful wood and stone works in the windows and balconies. Of all the temples in the square, the temple of Living Goddess-Kumari and Kasthamandap Temple-believed to have been built of a single tree trunk draw the greatest fascination. In the evening, our local manager hosts you a welcome dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant amidst a cultural program. Overnight hotel. (D)

Day 02 Explore Kathmandu.

After breakfast, we set out to explore the palaces, temples and monasteries of Kathmandu valley. We begin from Pashupatinath Temple-one of the holiest Hindu Temples in entire 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 we can have 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 in the bank of the river.
The next stop would be the giant Boudnath Stupa-Asia’s one of the largest Buddhist shrine. The stupa with 100m (328 ft) diameter and 40 m (130 ft) height can be spotted from many views points in Kathmandu. There are a number of Buddhist monasteries around and the area is dominantly Tibetan in character and reminds very much of Barkhor area of Lhasa.
After lunch break in Boudhanath, we head to Patan City-famed as the City of Arts and craft where we visit its Dubar Square with former palaces and medieval temples with intricate carvings. We browse through the narrow streets with handicraft stores, jewelers, crafters, thangka painters, lined up in both side and visit some of the olden temples and monasteries of Patan. We take chance to take a peek inside the workshops of wood carvers and metal crafters. From here, we take short drive in the outskirts of Patan to visit the traditional village of Bungamati where majority of the population are farmers and crafters. The village, despite being in close proximity with the capital, remains decades behind in time. We walk through the stone paved streets and visit Machhendranath Temple in the center of the village. We will also sneak a peek into a private house and have more insight into their life. We return to the hotel late afternoon. (B)

Day 03 Explore Bhaktapur and drive to Nagarkot (32 km/20 miles)

About half the way to Nagarkot, we stop in Bhaktapur-one of the three medieval principalities of Kathmandu valley and best the preserved one. Bhaktapur, with its Durbar Square and beautiful temples, intricate wood carving in the balconies and windows and fabulous stone sculptures and clean, brick paved streets gives impression of being an open air museum. The major attractions of Bhaktapur are the palace of 55 windows, the giant Taleju Bell in front of the palace, the gold 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 earth quake of 1934, Duttratraya Temple, and Pujarimath complex with Peacock window-the masterpiece woodcarving in Nepal. We walk through the narrow alleys with private houses in both sides, and visit potter’s square where we learn the traditional methods of pottery making and sneak a peek into the wood carvers’ workshop near Duttratraya. After spending good amount of time in Bhaktapur, we continue ahead; the road zigzags and climbs through the terraced farmlands, juniper and pine trees, and beautiful villages to the ridge top of Nagarkot. On a clear weather day, we are greeted by superb views of the snowcapped mountains. We check in hotel and after some refreshment, we take light stroll in the neighboring areas. Overnight the Fort Resort or Club Himalaya.(B)

Day 04 Drive from Nagarkot to Daman (125km/79 miles, 5 hrs)

We wake up early morning for sunrise view. On a clear weather day morning, we will see a clean sweep of mountains from Mount Everest in the east to Manaslu in the west. The golden color and the scenery produced by the first rays of sunlight kissing the mountain chicks are overwhelmingly beautiful. After breakfast, we check out hotel and head towards Daman, another hill resort southwest of Kathmandu. We retrace drive to Kathmandu and the road follows Kathmandu-Pokhara highway but the road divides at Naubise (1.5 hr from Kathmandu) and we take the left. The road zigzags and climbs through rhododendron forests and terraced farmlands. Daman, a hill resort, 80 km (50 miles) away from Kathmandu is situated at an altitude of 2400m (7872 ft), claims to have better views of Mount Everest, than from any other view points near Kathmandu. After some rest, we take some light walking and hiking in the surroundings. Overnight in Everest Panorama Resort (B)

Day 05 Daman to Chitwan (140km/88 miles, 5 hrs)

We get up early morning for sunrise and mountain views. After breakfast, we pack and check out hotel for Chitwan National Park that lies in the southern lowland of Nepal. Chitwan National Park, recognized by UNESCO as the world heritage, is Asia’s one of the most famous game park and provides habitat to Great one horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger , leopard, sloth bear, 4 species of deer, 2 species of monkeys, 2 species of crocodile, more than 600 different species of birds and several other endangered species of mammals and reptiles. Today, after lunch, we visit Tharu Village. Tharus are the tribal people of Chitwan and have been living in Chitwan since time immemorial. Accommodation in Rhino Residency Resort (B)

Day 06 Jungle safari rides in Chitwan National Park

After breakfast, we go for traditional dugout canoe trip in Rapti River. We will have two boatmen to paddle the boat while we look for crocodiles. Often Gharial crocodiles, which are in the list of endangered species are seen taking sun bask in sandy banks. We will also see various aquatic birds that include kingfishers, darters, egrets etc. The boat trip lasts for 30 minutes to 45 minutes depending on water level. After that, we can take 3-4 hours jungle trek through thick bushes and grasslands back to our resort or we can get off other side of the river and take oxcart or jeep ride back. If we choose the second option, we will have opportunity to visit elephant breeding farm where we will see baby elephants and learn how elephants are trained and tamed to work for human beings.
After lunch at our resort, we will have some time to take rest, read novels or write journals or just take a nap and then we will be escorted to elephant embarkation point. Mounted high on the elephant back, again we will explore the jungle for another 1 to 2 hours; we will be on the lookout of wildlife all the time. The most commonly spotted animals are one horned rhinoceros, spotted deer, two species of monkeys, wild boar etc. Tigers are nocturnal in behavior and we have seldom luck to see them during day light.
Overnight in Rhino Residency B/L/D

Day 07 Drive from Chitwan to Lumbini (158km, 4 hrs)

In the morning, we will take one hour long bird watching tour. Chitwan National Park provides habitat to more than 600 different species of birds. Within the span of one hour time, we will be able to identify more than 30 different species of birds. After breakfast, we check out hotel and proceed to Lumbini-the birth place of prince Siddhartha Gautama later to be known as Lord Buddha. At Lumbini, we will witness the Ashokan pillar that marks the birth spot, Queen Mayadevi Temple dedicated to Buddha’s mother, Pushakarini Pond-where Queen Maya Devi took bath before giving birth to Lord Buddha and ruins of some ancient monasteries. Now, there are a number of temples and monasteries established by different Buddhist countries. Overnight in Nirvana Hotel.B/L/D

Day 08 Drive from Lumbini to Tansen (65km, 3 hrs)

We leave the plains of Lumbini and head towards north; the road zigzags and climbs the hills of Mahabharata range towards Tansen, a beautiful hill resort situated in the lap of Shrinagar Hill. Tansen is the capital of former medieval Kingdom of Palpa which had prominent position in Nepalese history. Tansen is compared with Darjeeling of India for natural beauty. The town spreads out on the slopes of Srinagar Hill. We walk on the cobbled streets with pretty Newar houses lining up in both sides and visit Srinagar Hill that serves as popular vantage point for Himalayas. Overnight in Srinagar Hill Resort. (B)

Day 09 Drive from Tansen to Pokhara (118km, 4 hrs)

After breakfast, we check out hotel and drive back to the main road and continue driving towards Pokhara. It’s a mountainous road, with a number of bends and switchbacks and it’s quite a scenic journey. We arrive at Pokhara late afternoon. Today, we take rest to cope the travel fatigue. Later in the afternoon, we will take leisurely stroll in the touristy lakeside or you may want to opt visiting old market areas of Pokhara. Overnight Fishtail Lodge.

Day 10 Explore Pokhara

Pokhara valley, situated in the lap of mighty Annapurnas and Fishtail is a picturesque town. Pokhara presents lakes, gorges, waterfalls and mysterious cave temples to the visitors and serves as the gateway city for most of trekking routes to Annapurnas.

Early morning, we will drive to Sarangkot (1,592m/5,222 ft.) for sunrise view and Himalayan Panorama. On the return, we may take 2 hours trek through the terraced fields and villages back to Pokhara. If you choose to return by car, on the way, we will stop to visit Bindhebasini Temple-the center of religious activities in Pokhara.
In the afternoon, we will take boating trip in Fewa Lake and visit its island temple of Barahi. Later we will visit the Davis Fall, the cave temple of Gupteshwara Mahadev and Tibetan village in the neighborhood. Later, we drive to Dr. K. I. Singh Bridge to see the deep gorge of Seti River. Overnight Fish Tail Lodge. (B)

Day 11 Drive from Pokhara to Bandipur vilage (38 miles, 2 hrs)

We bid farewell to the capital of nature and head to Bandipur Village. We explore Bandipur, an ancient Newari town, situated on a hill-crest that offers a magnificent view of the central Himalayas and the Marshyangdi Valley. 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 of Bandipur: 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. After lunch we may want to 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. A quick descent to the bazaar will bring you to a unique and typical Newari town. The compact houses are built with bricks having tin or slate roofs. This is an impressive town with beautiful temples and palaces. Stroll the narrow lanes beneath traditional Newari wooden houses or sit in one of the many pati- pauwas (platform) and become part of an authentic Nepali experience. Overnight in Bandipur Mountain Resort.

Day 12 Drive from Bandipur to Gorkha to Kathmandu (160km/100 miles, 5-6 hrs)

We drive back to the main Pokhara-Kathmandu highway and from Abu Khaireni turn off, its 23km (15 miles ) drive to Gorkha-the ancestral hometown of the former Shah Kings of Nepal and the brave Gurkha soldiers. Although monarchy no logner exists in Nepal, this historic town and its palace still stand with all glory and heroic story and so draw great fascination of domestic as well as foreign travelers. We climb about 45 minutes on the stone stairs to the the palace seated on the ridge top looming over the town. We will visit the Royal Throne of King Prithvi Narayan Shah who united Nepal in the 18th century and the Gorakhkali temple near the palace. The palace is situated in a commanding position and offers great views of the valley in the south. We descend and return to the main highway and continue drive to Kathmandu.

At Kurintar, we have an opportunity to take cable car trip to the temple of goddess Manakamana (US$ 15). The temple is visited by thousands of devotees daily who come here with offerings to get their wishes fulfilled. Cable car trip also offers views of the river valleys and the snowcapped Manaslu and Hiuchuli mountains. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, we take rest for the day. Overnight Shanker Hotel.

Day 13 A Reserve Day in Kathmandu

An additional day in Kathmandu to pursue our own interest or some optional tours are available on request. (B)

Day 14 A Depart Kathmandu

Transfer to the airport for your international flight back home or the next destination.