Highlights of Nepal
8 days, Kathmandu to Kathmandu
Itinerary
Day 1Kathmandu
Arrive at any time. Welcome meeting will be in the evening with an included entrance and self-guided walk in Patan Durbar Square.
Our hotel is located in Patan, as such we have included the entrance ticket to nearby Patan Durbar Square where you can explore on your own.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Patan Durbar Square Entrance
Enjoy a self-guided tour of this spectacular square built primarily in the 16th and 17th centuries. Located within it are the Royal Palace and many temples built in the traditional Newari pagoda style. We also visit the Golden Temple and Patan museum. South of the square lies the Kumari Chowk, home to Nepal's living goddess, the Kumari, a prepubescent girl chosen as the incarnation of the Hindu goddess Talejn. The Kumari lives a cloistered life, rarely leaving the confines of the chowk. When she does, it is for important religious festivals, but her feet are not allowed to touch the ground. Once the Kumari reaches puberty, another 3-5-year-old girl will take her place. If she is receiving visitors, we may be able to stop by for a blessing.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hotel Traditional Stay (or similar)
Day 2Kathmandu
Take a guided tour of the royal city of Bhaktapur and visit the most ancient shrine in Kathmandu, Swayambhunath Temple. Enjoy a cooking demonstration and learn how to make Nepalese momos (dumplings). Afterwards, taste the delicious dishes made during an authentic local lunch. The evening is free to do as you please.
Take a tour of the world heritage site of Bhaktapur and visit Swayambhunath Temple, also known as the monkey temple, the oldest shrine in Kathmandu. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible for many miles!
Later, opt to visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River.
Bhaktapur Excursion
Visit this unique old town known as the City of Devotees. Explore Hindu temples, pagodas, palaces, and monuments, including the beautiful wood-carved palace in Durbar Square. You can pick up clay pots and other souvenirs in the colourful open markets and taste home made yogurt, known as khopa dhau, which Bhaktapur is famous for.
Your G for Good Moment: Nepalese Dumplings Cooking Demonstration
Enjoy a cooking demonstration at a local establishment and learn how to make momos (traditional dumplings). Afterwards, taste the delicious dishes made during a Nepali lunch.
Swayambhunath Temple Visit
Visit Swayambhunath Buddhist temple and Unesco World Heritage Site, the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu. Explore the structure and be sure to check out the Buddha's eyes painted on each side of the Stupa. The site is also known as the monkey temple, for the vast amount of creatures who call the complex home.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Everest Flight
Get a close look at awesome Mt Everest, the highest mountain in the world, without having to do any climbing; this one-hour plane tour will give you an unforgettable experience. At times, the weather may cover Everest, but the surrounding view is still worth the ride!
Boudhanath Stupa Visit
Enjoy a visit to the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. Built in the 5th century, it still attracts many pilgrims, particularly Tibetan Buddhists and local Nepalis, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. See the compassionate eyes of Buddha gazing from the facade and take in the peaceful atmosphere and observe Buddhist monks at prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. Follow the pilgrims walking clockwise around the stupa, rotating the prayer wheels and chanting "OM MANI PADME HUM" meaning "diamond on a lotus." Continue through the thriving market surrounding the area which is alive with chants, singing bowls, monasteries, shops selling Tibetan wares and cafes serving authentic Tibetan cuisine.
Pashupatinath Ghats and Temple Visit
1000NPR per personVisit Pashupatinath, one of the most sacred Hindu temple complexes in Nepal. Located on the banks of the Bagmati River, this is the final stop for many Hindus, who's families bring them here to set funeral pyres on the ghats to cremate their loved ones. Respectful viewing from across the river is culturally acceptable, you also will see sadhus (Hindu holy men) and pilgrims perform bathing rituals.
Please note the inclusion of a taxi costs extra.
Accommodation
Hotel Traditional Stay (or similar)
Meals included:
LunchDay 3Kathmandu/Pokhara
Drive across the mountains to beautiful Pokhara. Immerse yourself in the views of the spectacular Annapurna Range. Upon arrival set out on an orientation walk along Phewa Lake.
A lively ride along stunning scenery brings us from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Pokhara Orientation Walk
Breathe in the fresh air and take in the views of the Himalayas and Phewa Lake while getting your bearings around this scenic city.
Accommodation
Hotel Queens Park (or similar)
Day 4Pokhara
Spend the day as you please, indulging in a variety of optional activities in Pokhara. Find a cute cafe to sip some tea in or maybe go for a short hike in the Annapurna ranges. You could also walk up to Sarangkot for incredible views or spend time boating in Phewa lake and walk through the gardens.
Free Time
Enjoy Pokhara today. Hike in the foothills of the Annapurna Range or take a stroll through the lakeside market of Pokhara.
Accommodation
Hotel Queens Park (or similar)
Day 5Pokhara to Chitwan National Park
Leave Pokhara behind and transfer by private vehicle to Chitwan. Upon arrival enjoy a welcome by the Chitwan Community Guesthouse.
Travel to this UNESCO World Heritage Site and enjoy an overnight cultural experience with the indigenous Tharu community. Experience their culture through dance and song, along with a traditional meal in the familial dining area. In the evening, retreat back to your private thatched cottage to watch the buffalo and goats roaming about.
Continue on to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Royal Chitwan National Park. Known as the Terai Tarai ("moist land"), the landscape you travel through today is a belt of marshy grassland, savannah, and forests at the base of the Himalayas.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your G for Good Moment: Barauli Community Immersion
Experience traditional Chitwan life by opting to participate in a cultural dinner and dance held by our Barauli hosts.
Cycling
Explore the village and its surroundings with a guided bike ride. Enjoy sunset on the banks of the Narayani river over a cup of tea.
Your Local Living Moment: Barauli Community Guesthouse Stay
Enjoy the hospitality of the Tharu, an indigenous community from the Teral belt of Nepal who live in eco-friendly homes. Experience their unique culture through dances, songs, and a delicious traditional meal. Stay on the property in private guesthouses that resemble traditional village architecture of the local Tharu people. Enjoy modern conveniences like running water, comfortable beds, and mosquito nets. The 14 cottages are each named after the local woman that manages the property. There are also tended gardens and small patches of farmland in the village compound with animals tethered inside the pastures.
Any meals will be eaten in the communal dining hall and the local women will serve you food that has been sourced completely from the surrounding land and community.
Accommodation
Barauli Community Homestay (or similar)
Meals included:
DinnerDay 6Chitwan National Park
Take a 4x4 jeep safari through the national park and search for the elusive tiger.
Explore the national park by 4x4 safari before a guided half-day walk inside the park. Enjoy free time to enjoy some bird watching.
The Terai-Duar region is home to the endangered Indian rhinoceros, as well as elephants, Bengal tigers, bears, leopards, and other wild animals. The Royal Chitwan National Park and Royal Bardia National Park preserve significant sections of habitat for these animals, making them home to some of the greatest concentrations of rhinoceros and tigers left in South Asia.
Free Time
Make the most of your free time here in this beautiful place.
Your Local Living Moment: Barauli Community Guesthouse Stay
Enjoy the hospitality of the Tharu, an indigenous community from the Teral belt of Nepal who live in eco-friendly homes. Experience their unique culture through dances, songs, and a delicious traditional meal. Stay on the property in private guesthouses that resemble traditional village architecture of the local Tharu people. Enjoy modern conveniences like running water, comfortable beds, and mosquito nets. The 14 cottages are each named after the local woman that manages the property. There are also tended gardens and small patches of farmland in the village compound with animals tethered inside the pastures.
Any meals will be eaten in the communal dining hall and the local women will serve you food that has been sourced completely from the surrounding land and community.
Chitwan 4x4 Safari
Explore the diverse ecosystems of Royal Chitwan National Park from the comfort of a 4x4 vehicle. Keep your eyes peeled for the many animals that live there, including birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and rhinos. If you're lucky, you might get to see an elusive tiger.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Birdwatching
Keep your eyes peeled and binoculars ready to spot some amazing birds.
Accommodation
Barauli Community Homestay (or similar)
Day 7Chitwan National Park to Kathmandu
Travel back to the capital city and enjoy a free evening for last minute shopping and exploring.
Return to Kathmandu and enjoy a free afternoon to continue exploring. Opt to visit the burning ghats at Pashupatinath or Boudhanath Stupa.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Finish up your sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Boudhanath Stupa Visit
Enjoy a visit to the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. Built in the 5th century, it still attracts many pilgrims, particularly Tibetan Buddhists and local Nepalis, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. See the compassionate eyes of Buddha gazing from the facade and take in the peaceful atmosphere and observe Buddhist monks at prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. Follow the pilgrims walking clockwise around the stupa, rotating the prayer wheels and chanting "OM MANI PADME HUM" meaning "diamond on a lotus." Continue through the thriving market surrounding the area which is alive with chants, singing bowls, monasteries, shops selling Tibetan wares and cafes serving authentic Tibetan cuisine.
Pashupatinath Ghats and Temple Visit
1000NPR per personVisit Pashupatinath, one of the most sacred Hindu temple complexes in Nepal. Located on the banks of the Bagmati River, this is the final stop for many Hindus, who's families bring them here to set funeral pyres on the ghats to cremate their loved ones. Respectful viewing from across the river is culturally acceptable, you also will see sadhus (Hindu holy men) and pilgrims perform bathing rituals.
Please note the inclusion of a taxi costs extra.
Accommodation
Hotel Traditional Stay (or similar)
Day 8Kathmandu
Depart at any time.
There are no activities planned for today and you are free to depart at any time.