Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
You will be greeted by our representative at the arrival area and provided hotel transfer. Free time until dinner. In the evening, we will visit a traditional Nepalese restaurant for a fine meal accompanied by folk music and a cultural program.
Day 02: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour
Guided tour of Kathmandu valley’s main attractions including UNESCO World Heritage Sites of historical and religious importance. The tour includes Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambunath (The Monkey Temple) and Boudddhanath, one of the largest Buddhist shrines in the world and a major pilgrimage destination.
Day 03: Patan & Bhaktapur Tour, drive to Dhulikhel
After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Patan Durbar Square, a World Heritage Site with an extraordinary array of temples, statues and artwork with exquisite carvings. Lunch at Patan before transferring to the ancient Bhaktapur Durbar Square which shares some similarities to its counterpart at Patan but is of a more expansive architectural feast. Later we drive to the hill station of Dhulikhel in time to savor the spectacular sunset panorama.
Day 04: Morning activities and drive to Janakpur
Enjoy the morning exploring the vicinity followed by breakfast and drive to the ancient mithila kingdom of Janakpur. Later visit Nari Kala Kendra (Mithila Art & Culture Centre).
Day 05: Morning activities and drive to Chitwan
Take and early morning visit to Janaki Temple (Naulakha Mandir), Ram Mandir & Vivaha Mandap, Bhutnath Temple, Ganga Sagar (Pond), Dhanush Sagar (Pond) & Sankat Mochan Temple followed by breakfast and departure drive to Chitwan. Hotel check in and refreshments before an introduction to the park and its wildlife. After the briefing visit an elephant breeding center and take a village walk before an evening dinner with cultural program.
Day 06: Wildlife Safari
Another early morning breakfast before our jungle excursion on the back of an elephant! Later we enjoy the sights from a canoe ride and then complete the experience with a jungle walk.
Day 07: Morning activities and drive to Lumbini
Early morning bird watching tour and then breakfast followed by departure drive to Lumbini. We will visit the sacred location where Princess Maya Devi gave birth to Buddha and various exquisitely built, international monasteries.
Day 08: Lumbini Exploration
Lumbini and its surroundings are dotted with archeological sites related with Lord Buddha. There are over 60 excavation sites among which some of them are popular Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
Ruins of Tilaurakot palace has been discovered 27 km west of Lumbini. Tilaurakot is ancient capital of Sakya kingdom (Kapilavastu) where Siddhartha lived his early 29 years as a prince. Along with other structures, one can still observe the remains of the eastern gate through which Prince Siddhartha took great renunciation.
Ramgram Stupa is the only Stupa which still retains Buddha relic in its intact form. When Buddha attained ‘Mahaparinirvana’, his body was cremated. The mortal relic was divided among the 8 claimants. While other Stupas were later excavated by Emperor Ashoka or distorted in conflict, the relic remained intact until the date in the Ramagram Stupa.
Kudan (Nigrodharma) has the stupa remains, where King Suddhodhana (father of Buddha) met Lord Buddha after he attained enlightenment.
Gotihawa was ancient Khemavati the birth place of Krakucchanda Buddha. Niglihawa is the birthplace of Kanakmuni Buddha. Emperor Ashoka visited both places and erected pillars with inscriptions. The pillars are broken in both places.
Sagarhawa is the place where Sakyas were massacred by King Virudhaka out of vengeance. About 70,000 Sakyas were killed in the massacre. The sakyas didn’t strike back as they believed in non-violence.
Day 09: Drive to Tansen
Experience the early morning alms rounds of the monks and prayer ceremonies before breakfast and depart to Tansen in Palapa district. In the past Tansen was on the trade route between the plains and the hills. The former capital of the Magar Kingdom of Tanahun is a romantic medieval hill town, perched high above the Kali Gandaki River. It’s narrow, winding streets are full of Newari shop-houses and temples and most of the center is too steep for vehicles making it a pleasant places to explore.
Day 10: Drive to Pokhara
After breakfast drive to Pokhara by way of a scenic river valley. Evening explore the surrounding lakeside and shopping areas.
Day 11: Pokhara Tour
Take and early morning drive to enjoy the sunrise views from Sarangkot and after breakfast we hike down to Pokhara for a full day sightseeing ahead including the Seti Gorge and Devi’s Fall, Gupteshwor Cave and Tibetan Refugee Camps. We will boat on Phewa Lake, the second largest lake of Nepal. An hour’s walk up the other side of the Lake is the World Peace Pagoda.
Day 12: Morning drive to Bandipur
After breakfast, drive to Bandipur – a hilltop town situated on Mahabharat range some 85 km east of Pokhara. This picturesque town is renowned for its preserved old time cultural atmosphere, provincial architecture, interesting walks, astounding views, and warm and amazingly friendly people. Bandipur and its hinterland offer a glimpse into village life and a chance to partake in the typical laid-back lifestyle of the middle hills of Nepal.
Day 13: Drive to Nagarkot
Depart for Nagarkot after breakfast and enjoy views of the Marsyangdi and Trisuli rivers and splendid scenery of the countryside and terraced farmland. Enjoy the panorama of the setting sun upon reaching Nagarkot.
Day 14: Morning activities and drive to Kathmandu
Enjoy the breathtaking vista from the magnificent sunrise view over the eastern Himalayas! Post breakfast, we drive to Kathmandu; take care of any optional tours and souvenir shopping and enjoy your evening at the bustling yet colorful ‘Thamel’ bazaar.
Day 15: Final Departure
We hope that you enjoyed your journey! Our representative will transfer you to the airport approximately 3 hours ahead of your flight time. We bid you farewell and hope to see you in Nepal again, soon. Or get ready for the next adventure.
