Arrival in Kathmandu

TIA - Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport, a representative will warmly welcome you and accompany you to your hotel.

Guided Tour of Kathmandu

Pashupatinath Temple - Pashupatinath is a pagoda-style Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, revered as a significant center of Hindu spiritual power. Nestled in a lush green setting on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple is located 6 km from Kathmandu city and a short distance from Tribhuwan International Airport’s runway. Non-Hindus cannot enter the main temple, but can view it from the east bank of the River Bagmati. Pashupatinath is a focal point for annual pilgrimages during Shivaratri, which occurs in February/March. Behind the temple are the cremation grounds.

Boudhanath Stupa - Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this massive stupa attracts thousands of pilgrims daily who perform ritual circumambulations beneath the watchful eyes of the Buddha, gazing from the gilded central tower. It is one of the few places where Tibetan Buddhist culture is openly accessible, with the surrounding lanes filled with monasteries and Buddhist life.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square - Similar to Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Squares, this is the third medieval city-state in the Kathmandu Valley, showcasing medieval art and architecture. Located 14 km east of Kathmandu City, Bhaktapur was founded in the 9th Century. It features three major squares with a stunning array of temples, including the Palace of 55 Windows built by King Bupatindra Malla. The Nyatapola Temple, also constructed by King Bupatindra Malla, exemplifies the Pagoda style, standing on five terraces, each adorned with pairs of figures - two strong men, two elephants, two lions, two griffins, and two goddesses.

From Bhaktapur, we return to Kathmandu.

Journey to Pokhara - 7 hours

Pokhara Lakeside - Today, we embark on a 7-hour drive to Pokhara, where we will stay at a lakeside hotel. The evening is free for personal exploration.

Pokhara Exploration

Sarangkot - Early in the morning, we head to Sarangkot, a hill northwest of Pokhara offering views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges to the north and the city to the south. We leave our vehicle at Naudanda and hike to Sarangkot to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Annapurna range.

Phewa Tal (Fewa Lake) - Enjoy boating on Phewa Lake and visit Taal Barahi on the small island in the lake’s center.

Devi’s Fall - Known locally as Patale Chhango, this impressive waterfall is located about 2 km southwest of Pokhara airport on the road to Tansen. The water feeding Devi’s Fall originates from Phewa Lake, flowing through a rocky stream before cascading down the waterfall and disappearing. The underground passages connect to a hole beneath the waterfall. The best time to view this spectacle is during the monsoon and summer seasons. A modern legend tells of a foreigner named David who was swept into an underground passage beneath the fall, never to be seen again.

Gupteswar Gupha - Gupteswar Cave, a sacred site, is located 2 km from Pokhara airport. The entrance is directly across from Devi’s Fall, and the cave extends nearly 3 km. It features large hall-sized rooms and passages requiring crawling. The cave holds special significance for Hindus, as a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva is preserved here as it was discovered.

Drive to Lumbini - 7 hours

Lumbini Monastic Site - We drive to Lumbini, a 7-hour journey from Pokhara, check into the hotel, and rest.

Lumbini Exploration

Maya Devi Temple - This temple marks the exact location where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama (Lord Buddha) while holding a tree branch. Nearby is a sacred pond where she bathed before giving birth.

Lumbini Monastic Site - We explore the monastic zone, home to many beautiful monasteries built by various Buddhist countries.

Drive to Chitwan - 4 hours

Chitwan Tharu Village - We take a short tour of the village, walking past the Rapti River.

Sauraha Tharu Culture House - Experience the Tharu dance, a harmonious tribal dance where men and women rhythmically strike sticks together in time with drums. You can also join the dance group.

Activities in Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park - After breakfast at the lodge, we enjoy a canoe ride along the Rapti River, offering excellent opportunities for bird watching and spotting rare crocodile species like the Marsh Mugger and the fish-eating Gharial. Following lunch, we embark on a Jeep Safari, providing a chance to see various animals such as deer, rhinoceros, wild boar, monkeys, leopards, sloth bears, and the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Return to Kathmandu

Thamel - We drive back to Kathmandu, a 5-hour journey.

Guided Tour of Kathmandu

Kathmandu Durbar Square - Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of three royal palace squares in the Kathmandu Valley. It served as the royal residence until the 19th century and hosted important ceremonies, including the coronation of Nepalese monarchs.

Swayambhunath Temple - This Buddhist Stupa, believed to be 2000 years old, features a gilded spire and whitewashed dome adorned with thousands of fluttering prayer flags. From the spire, four Buddha faces gaze across the valley in the cardinal directions, with the entire structure being symbolic.

Patan Durbar Square - Situated about 5 km south of Kathmandu in the Kathmandu Valley, on the southern side of the Bagmati River, Patan is one of the three royal cities in the valley. A haven for fine arts, Patan is rich in wood and stone carvings, metal statues, and ornate architecture, including numerous Buddhist and Hindu temples and over 1200 monuments.

We spend our final evening in Kathmandu enjoying a farewell dinner together, sharing photos, reminiscing about the trip’s highlights, and exchanging emails at a traditional Nepalese restaurant.

Departure Flight Home

TIA - After breakfast, enjoy leisure time before being escorted to the airport for your flight home.

• English Speaking Licensed Tour Guide
• All Permits, Fees and all activities in Chitwan National Park
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Ground Transportation in Private Cars/Van/Hiace
• 10 Nights accommodation in Hotels on a Twin Sharing basis

• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Gratuities
• Monuments Entry Fees during sightseeing

In Nepal Highlights Tour of 11 days you will visit four different tourist destinations - Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lumbini and Chitwan, all which have different taste to offer. You get to know historic and religious sites in Kathmandu Valley. In Pokhara get up early and drive to Sarangkot for picturesque view of sunrise over Annapurna range. After breakfast you go for more sightseeing in the city. Next day drive to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. You visit Mayadevi temple that marks the exact spot where Buddha was born and visit the monastic zone with a village of beautiful monasteries built by the Buddhist countries of the world. After Lumbini you drive to Chitwan for 4 hours for watching wildlife in Chitwan National Park.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.