Kathmandu - Swoyambhu

AM: After breakfast proceed for sightseeing of Kathmandu City and Swoyambhunath Stupa

Kathmandu city

The seat of royalty till the last century, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a wondrous cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets. Kumari, the living Goddess, the stone carved statue of ferocious KalBhairav, erotic carvings glorifying the art works in the temples, the giant temple of the Goddess Taleju and image of Shiva and Parvati peering outside through the window are just a few of the most noteworthy attractions in the area. One can't help but admire the exceptionally attractive woodcarvings, statues and buildings that is cluster in the area.

Swoyambhunath Stupa

A golden spire crowning a conical wooded hill, Swayambhunath Stupa is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Katmandu valley. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spires are visible from many miles and from all sides of the valley. Historical records found on a stone inscription give evidence that the stupa was already an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination by the 5th century AD. It is believed that during ancient times when the Kathmandu valley was a lake the point of the Swoyambhunathwas the only object visible and here a Lotus flower grew

PM: Sight seeing tour to Pashupatinath temple - Boudhnath stupa

Pashupatinath temple

One of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, Pashupatinath lies in the bank of river Bagmati. The two-storied pagoda houses a sacred lingum, or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Although the temple dates back to the 4th century, it was brought into its present shape in the early 18th century. The temple is most noted for its gold-plated roofs and silver-coated doors. Sadhus and sages, who follow the lifestyle of Lord Shiva, are seen covered with ashes and loincloths. The banks of the river Bagmati, is also considered one of the most holiest places in which to get cremated and cremations can be witnessed here. All tourists are requested that respect is shown for the grieving.

Boudhanath Stupa

Also known as Khasti Chaitya, Boudhanath Stupa is one of the world's largest stupas. The unique aspect of this great Buddhist monument is that it is set in the octagonal Mandala design. Hundreds of prayer wheels and the 108 Images of the Buddha set into the niches around this huge structure make it even more mesmerizing. It is believed to have been constructed in the fifth century and is said to entomb the remains of Kasyap Rishi, a sage respected by both Buddhists and Hindus. Another notable aspect of the area is the presence of about four dozen monasteries around it. It lies some eight km to the east of the city center. 

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Accommodation at 3 Star Hotel

Changu-Telkot-Nagarkot

After having leisurely breakfast, drive to ChanguNarayen Temple for sightseeing tour.

Changu Narayan temple

The ancient temple of ChanguNarayana is located on a high hilltop that is also known as Changu or Dolagiri. The temple is surrounded by forest with champak tree and a small village, known as Changu Village. The temple is located in Changu VDC of Bhaktapur District. This hill is about 8 miles east of Kathmandu and a few miles north of Bhaktapur. The Manahara River flows beside the hill. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Visnu and held in especial reverence by the Hindu people. This temple is considered as the oldest temple in Nepal. It exhibits the development of Newari religious architecture Later, walk towards Telkot, the trek end point, through the forest surrounded by Champak trees and enjoying the scenic beauty. Pick-up from Telkot and drive further to Nagarkot.

Mountain View from Nagarkot

Nagarkot is a village located about 32 kms east of Kathmandu. It is located on the northeastern rim of the Kathmandu valley at an elevation close to 6800 feet above sea level. It is one of the most scenic spots in the region, renowned for it's sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas. On a clear day, one can see Mt. Everest with it's snow-capped peaks from the obsevation tower at the top of the village's hill.

Nagarkot historically used to serve as the summer retreat for many aristocrats from Kathmandu. While the town offers great views of the mountains. Check-in at the hotel in Nagarkot and late evening browse around the area. Enjoy the splendid sunset view from the hotel premises.

Overnight at the hotel in Nagarkot.

Accommodation at 3 Star Hotel

After having Breakfast, transfer to the domestic airport to connect the flight to Pokhara.

Pokhara

Pokhara is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal and is a city of about 450,000 inhabitants. It is also known as the Tourist capital of Nepal, noted for its tranquil atmosphere and the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Two out of the ten highest mountains in the world namely Dhaulagiri and Annapurna and can be viewed very closely from Pokhara. It is also a base for trekkers undertaking the Annapurna Circuit. Pokhara is considered the only place in the world where from a height of 853 meters above sea level and within a distance of 40 kms as the crow flies reach heights of 6000 meters.

Due to this sharp rise in altitude the area of Pokhara has one of the highest precipitation rates of the country (over 4,000 mm/year). Even within the city there is a noticeable difference in the amount of rain between the south of the city by the lake and the north at the foot of the mountains. The climate is sub-tropical but due to the elevation the temperatures are moderate: the summer temperatures average between 25-35 °C, in winter around -2-15 °C.

Upon reaching Pokhara, transfer to the hotel and check-in. After getting refreshed, proceed on sightseeing tour in Pokhara visiting Bindebashini temple, Davis' Fall, boating at Fewa lake, K I Singh bridge etc.

Jomsom - Muktinath - Jomsom

After having an early breakfast, start driving towards Muktinath temple through the gravel road and enjoying the scenic beauty of the mountains, beautiful landscapes and the country side.

Muktinath is a scared place both for Hindus and Buddhists located in Muktinath Valley at an altitude of 3,710 meters at the foot of the Thorong La mountain pass ( part of the Himalayas ), Mustang district, Nepal. The site is close to the village of Ranipauwa. The Hindus call the sacred place MuktiKshetra, which literally means the "place of salvation". Mainly the temple is with a predominant Sri Vaishnava origin and worshipped by Buddhists. This temple is considered to be the 105th among the available 108 DivyaDesam. The ancient name of this place, before Buddhist origin is known as ThiruSaligramam. This house the Saligrama sila considered to be the naturally available form of Sriman Narayanathe Hindu God HEAD. It is also one of the 51 Sakthi pith. The Buddhists call it ChumigGyatsa, which in Tibetan means 'Hundred Waters'. For Tibetan Buddhist, Muktinath-ChumigGyatsa is a very important place of Dakinis, goddesses known as Sky Dancers and one of the 24 Tantric places. They understand the murti to be a manisfestation of Avalokitesvara.

Muktinath Temple

You will be given time to savour the scenic beauty from the Temple premises. Later drive back to Jomsom. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in between the drive. Dinner will be served at the Hotel in Jomsom. 

Overnight at Hotel in Jomsom.

Accommodation at 3 Star Hotel

Pokhara - Chitwan

After having breakfast, drive towards Chitwan. Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the first national park in Nepal. Formerly called Royal Chitwan National Park it was established in 1973 and granted the status of a World Heritage Site in 1984. It covers an area of 932 km2 and is located in the subtropical Inner Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal in the Chitwan district. In altitude it ranges from about 100 metres (330 ft) in the river valleys to 815 metres (2,674 ft) in the Churia Hills.

In the north and west of the protected area the Narayani-Rapti river system forms a natural boundary to human settlements. Adjacent to the east of Chitwan National Park is Parsa Wildlife Reserve, contiguous in the south is the Indian Tiger Reserve Valmiki National Park. The coherent protected area of 2,075 km2 represents the Tiger Conservation Unit (TCU) Chitwan-Parsa-Valmiki, which covers a 3,549 km2 huge block of alluvial grasslands and subtropical moist deciduous forests.

About 5 hours leisurely drive on the Highway past small villages and terraced rice fields along the Pokhara - Narayanghat highway, takes us through the Tharu Villages of Chitwan with their ochre colored mud houses with thatched roofs. The ethnic tribe of, the Tharu's are the local Inhabitants of Chitwan and are agriculturists by profession.

The drive finally brings us to the resort where the guests will be met by the Lodge Manager and then briefed by the Guest Relation officer on Chitwan National Park and the programs available at the Resort. It is advisable to carry sunglasses, shorts, Hat, comfortable shoes and full sleeve clothing and mosquito repellant. It is always advisable to wear light colored clothing during your stay in the Jungle. After the late lunch, guests will be taken on a bullock cart to visit to nearby village. Evening will be followed by slide show presentation on Chitwan National Park. Dinner will be served at the dining hall.

Overnight at the Resort in Chitwan.

Accommodation at 3 Star Hotel

Chitwan - Kathmandu

After having an early breakfast, drive back to kathmandu and further to Pharping. After reaching Kathmandu, check-in at hotel and remaining time will be at leisure.

Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Accommodation at 3 Star Hotel