Kathmandu Tour provides
an opportunity to explore the historically and culturally rich Kathmandu city
as well as the surrounding cities like Patan and Bhaktapur. The capital city
Kathmandu which is well known as city of temples which is rich in religious
aspect. We will further explore Nepal with Lumbini, the birth place of
the lord Buddha, which is said to be the foundation that represents world
peace. Lumbini stands to represent a significant site of pilgrimage that must
be carried out once in a lifetime for all Buddhists throughout the world. This tour also takes you to the Jungle activities
like Elephant back safari from Chitwan National Park (CNP). Pokhara is
another beautiful city and second largest tourist hub in Nepal after Kathmandu.
Pokhara is paradise on earth and is popular as city of Lakes.
Arrive at Kathmandu Airport with the beautiful views of the valley, Himalaya and the terraced fields below. Meet & be greeted by Donkeys Adventures’ (DA) airport representative in the arrival section who will be holding the name card of the group leader. He / She will guide you through the initial cultural shock of Kathmandu narrow streets, cultures, people around and transfer to hotel. Then DA will organize to meet in a traditional Nepalese restaurant for a welcome dinner where we will have introduction to DA staffs who will be directly involve during your stay in Nepal. For the late night arrivals, we will either meet in the hotel lobby or during lunch the next day. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: D
After breakfast, drive to the golden spire of the 5th-century Swayambhunath Stupa which is adorned with a colorful fluttering of prayer flags; it crowns a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley and offers fantastic views over the city of Kathmandu. The stupa consists of a dome at the base which represent the entire world, above which is a cubical structure painted with eyes of Buddha looking in all four directions and between them, the number one in Nepali is painted in the fashion of a nose which meant to be unity. Swayambhunath is also known commonly as the Monkey Temple as there are holy monkeys living in the north-west parts of the temple. The Swayambhunath Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal.
Then, drive to Patan Durbar Square one of the three royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley which has a rich cultural heritage known for its fine crafts, evident in the elaborate architecture, stone carvings, and metal statues found all over the city. A center of both Buddhist and Hindu culture, Patan is home to more than 1,200 monuments. One of the most stunning is the Krishna Mandir, a stone temple with magnificent friezes built in the 16th century. Patan Durbar Square is also a good place to see beautiful examples of palaces, temples and shrines, and the stunning stone carvings in the Sundari Courtyards. Nearby is the Patan Museum which displays the traditional sacred arts of Nepal in an illustrious architectural setting. Its home is an old residential court of Patan Durbar, one of the royal palaces of former Malla Kings of the Kathmandu Valley. Its gilded door and window face one of the most beautiful squares in the world. The Museum’s exhibits cover along span of Nepal’s cultural history and some rare objects are among its treasures. Their meaning and context within the living traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism are explained. The entire city of Patan was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
After lunch, drive to Pashupatinath which is one of the most significant Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva in the world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu. Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu its existence dates back to 400 B.C. One of the major Festivals of the temple is Maha Shivaratri on which day over 800,000 devotees visit here. Open air cremation is done in the holy Bagmati River at Pashupatinath area. The temple is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. Drive back to hotel. Overnight in the hotel.
Early morning after breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive towards Sauraha, Chitwan – 180 Km from Kathmandu. We will stop on the way at Charaudi after 85 km where a crowd of friendly local people will be eagerly waiting to watch the proceedings. The Crew Prepares the rafts, after which all head towards the brief river safety talk and lessons on how to use paddles. Trishuli River (Grade III) includes the scenery of small gorges and numerous rapids as the name of Snail’s nose, Teendevi, Malekhu rapid, Monkey rapid, Upset, Surprise, Monsoon, Cotton Pony, Ladies Delight, S-Bend, Highway, Monsoon and Pinball Rapid. After the glimpse of the cable car leading to the famous Hindu Temple of Manakamana in Kuringhat, we will end our raft to have lunch and continue our drive to Chitwan. Upon arrival our representative will meet and transfer you to resort. On reaching resort, our guest relations officer will brief the guest to give some information about jungle activities and then Check-in at hotel. We will get ready for Nature Walk through jungle to observation tower. 70% of the vegetation is sal tree where more than 700 species wildlife is accommodated, 19 species of snakes, 113 species of fishes and crocodile, 543 species of birds, 68 species of mammals including Bengal Tiger, clouded leopard, sloth bears, golden jackals, leopard cats, one horn rhinoceros, wild elephant, sambar deer, hog deer, four horned antelopes and langurs can be encountered at any time. We will return passing through the Tharu Village also famous as Tharu Cultural Tour, along the River Side Sunset View and finally enjoy Tharu Stick Dance Show followed by dinner. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: B / L / D
Early morning after breakfast, get ready for single tree dugout Canoe Ride in the Rapti river along the perimeter of CNP. The silence with peace in mind along the mild river flowing, birds chirping and animals sound and their appearance will be a perfect morning. Further we will hike through the jungle and the ranger’s area see different verities of Elephant breed and observe the Elephant Breeding & Training Center. On the way back to our hotel we will pass by the Elephant Bathing river, help them wash their huge body just before we ride them. After lunch we will again get ready to enter CNP again but this time on Elephant Back Safari or 4 hours Jeep Safari. The park is the most suitable area for trained elephant ride in whole Nepal and it is the safest way to enter deep in the jungle while we can see wild animals and birds from close up. We will go deep in the jungle almost for an hour or hour and half which make you feel like you are a part of the park, very excited and novel to move in the quiet forest listening to the jungle sound and return with amazing experience. We will have some free time in the evening. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: B / L / D
We will enjoy our breakfast with beautiful birds
crippling in the surrounding then check out from the hotel, we will still have
some time if we have missed the jungle activities previous day or if we want to
add some more Jungle activities as we will be driving further west for almost 3
hours and reach Lumbini – birth place of Lord Buddha. En route we will pass by Shashwat Dham, a
destination for all to attain spiritual strength, get exposed to the eternal
knowledge passed over generations through saints and sages of Vedic times and
experience the true nature of our inner being which is love and joy. We will
further continue west and reach Ramagrama, the relic stupa of Lord
Buddha which is the only undisturbed original stupa containing relics of Lord
Buddha among the 4 parts. It was built in 6th century and enlarged
by being enveloped with bricks subsequently. The site includes adjacent
monasteries. We will continue our drive
from there and finally reach Lumbini (150m) hotel and
check-in.
Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: B
After breakfast explores Lumbini for a whole day, it is popular among
Buddhist pilgrimage in Nepal. Lumbini (The birthplace of Gautam Buddha) is not
only famous for Buddhist pilgrimage travelers alone but also popular for having
views of the beautiful architecture namely of Maya Devi temple, Ashok stupa,
Sacred Garden, Peace flame, Museum, Thailand Temple, Myanmar Temple, Chinese
Temple, Wall Carvings, Buddha Stupa and Chinese Buddhism culture and
other breathtaking places. Buddha is known as the light of Asia. Lumbini is
listed in the World Heritage Monument List by UNESCO. Lumbini is divided into a ratio of 1:3
which means it is 3 km long for every 1 km wide. In total its
2 km by 6 km. The holy site of Lumbini is bordered by a large
monastic zone in which only monasteries can be built, no shops, hotels or
restaurants. It is separated into an eastern and western monastic zone, the
eastern having the Theravadin monasteries, the western having Mahayana and Vajrayana monasteries. The holy site of Lumbini
has ruins of ancient monasteries, a sacred Bodhi
tree, an ancient bathing pond, the Ashok
pillar and the Maya Devi temple,
where the precise place of birth of Buddha is located. From early morning to
early evening, pilgrims from various countries perform chanting and meditation
at the site. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: B
After breakfast drive to Pokhara. We will enjoy beautiful hilly highway following the lovely rice terrace fields. On the way there will be plenty of time to stop at Siddha Baba Temple, a Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva located at few minute drive after Butwal in Dobhan Palpa. Bhalu Bahad, a huge rocky hill with the shape of large Bear and other local villages and to take a look around. It is always possible to request a stop as a sight which may seem interesting to you. Check-in in hotel. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: B
Wake up early in the morning around 4:00 am and get ready to drive 5 km away and hike for half an hour to Sarangkot Hill (1592m). Within a moment we will have great view of Pokhara Valley. Sarangkot is the small hilltop which is famous for its breath taking view of sunrise and Annapurna range with Fishtail (Virgin Mountain). From here, we can see a panoramic sweep of Himalayan peaks, from Dhaulagiri (8167m) in the west to the perfect pyramid that is Machhapuchare (6997m) and the rounded peak of Annapurna II (7937m) in the east. Most people come here at dawn, when the sun picks out the peaks in brilliant colors. Sarangkot is the highest view point for a sunrise and it is just 1592m high. Drive back to hotel.
After breakfast, we will take a wooden boat and visit island temple Barahi Temple which is island itself in the middle of Fewa Lake. This temple is the most important religious monuments in Pokhara. The Barahi Devi is considered as the protector Goddess representing the female force. The peaceful surrounding or typical structure of the temple does attract everyone towards the temple. The temple is worth visiting for both spiritualist and materialist. One can observe the Nepali culture, art and architecture and spiritualist can satisfy their inner feeling and belief praying to Devi.
From there we will cross the lake and hike for an hour and half to World Peace Pagoda which is also locally know as Shanti Stupa. It was built by Nipponzan-Myōhōji monk Morioka Sonin with local supporters under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fujii, a Buddhist monk and the founder of Nipponzan-Myōhōji. Shanti is a Sanskrit word meaning peace, also widely used in Nepali and Hindi language, and Shanti Stupa means Peace Pagoda. Shanti Stupa is the shrine build as symbol of peace. The spot situated at the height of 1100 meters on the Ananda Hill was chosen by Nichidatsu Fujii and he laid the foundation stone as well with the relics of Buddha on the hilltop on 12 September 1973. Nepal has two of the eighty peace pagodas in the world: Shanti Stupa in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha and Shanti Stupa in Pokhara. Shanti Stupa in Pokhara has also become a tourist attraction. It provides a panoramic view of the Annapurna range, Pokhara city and the Fewa Lake.
After Lunch, we will drive to David’s Fall also known as Patale Chango in Nepali. Patale Chango (Hell's fall), more commonly called "Devi's or David's Falls" for the tourist with some melodramatic story behind it. The water from this falls comes from the Fewa Lake flowing to the Seti. The water plunges into a hole and disappears! In monsoon this sight is most spectacular. The scenic and natural beauty near the falls is extremely impressive.
Nearby, across the street of Davi’s fall is a cave called Gupteshwor Cave. This venerated cave contains a huge stalagmite worshipped as a Shiva lingam. It allows you to clamber through a tunnel behind the shrine, emerging in a damp cavern adjacent to the thundering waters of Devi’s fall. It has some big hall-size rooms and some passages where you have to crawl on all fours. This cave holds special value for Hindus since a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva is preserved here in the condition it was discovered.
Than we will drive to International Mountain Museum which was established to record document and chronicle, past and present development of mountaineering activities in the world in general and to preserve the saga of the momentous feats in the history of mountaineering in the Himalayan peaks in particular. The foundation stone of IMM was laid on 1 Dec, 1995. The soft opening of IMM took place on 29 May, 2002 where it was officially opened on 5 Feb, 2004. Drive back to hotel and overnight in the hotel.
Meals: B
After breakfast check out from the hotel and get ready to drive to Nagarkot via Kathmandu.
Nagarkot is one of the most scenic spots in Bhaktapur district and is renowned
for its spectacular sunrise view of the Himalaya when the weather is clear.
Many visitors prefer to visit Nagarkot in the spring when surrounding valleys
break out in a rich kaleidoscope of different colored flowers. The flowers are
beautiful against the serene backdrop of the snow-covered mountains. Ever
popular among the tourists are the short treks and picnics which Nagarkot
offers. Treks from Nagarkot are unique and delightful. For anyone who wants to
have an adventure without exerting much effort, a hike to Nagarkot's
surrounding areas would be a good option. One can traverse short distances on
trekking trails and come close to nature's wonders such as the outer of verdant
forests, flower-covered meadows and unusual rock formations. Free time in the
evening to walk around the village. Back to Hotel and overnight.
Meals: B
Early in the morning walk for about 20 minutes from the hotel and enjoy
the breathtaking
sunrise. Nagarkot has become famous as one of the best spot to view Mount
Everest as well as other snow-topped peaks of the Himalayan range of
eastern Nepal. It also offers an excellent view of the Indrawati river valley to
the east. With an elevation of 2,195 meters, Nagarkot also offers a panoramic
view of the Valley and is described by visitors as a place whose beauty endures
year round. Walk down towards the hotel.Then we will drive towards Changunarayan
Temple (1600m), this is the oldest temple of Vishnu built in early 5th century AD
situated at the end of long ridge which runs well into the valley. This place
is to the northeast 6 km from Bhaktapur valley through the countryside. It
commands most magnificent views of Katmandu valley and Himalayas ranges on the
back ground. This is also a most important historical, religious place where
one can see largest number of finest stone sculptures dating back to 5th-9th
century AD. This is also known as living monumental garden.
Then we will drive towards Bhaktapur Valley, which is said to be founded
by King Ananda Deva in 889 AD. It is an inhabited museum of medieval charm as
it retains past glories and structures of the Malla rulers. Throughout the city
there are glorious examples of temples and pagodas dedicated to gods and
goddesses plus palaces, monuments, woodcarvings, sculptures and pottery. The
central area and main attraction is Bhaktapur Durbar
Square featuring The Lion Gate (1696 A.D.) guarded by two enormous stone lions.
Then, visit to The Golden Gate, also said to be the most beautiful and richly
crafted specimen of its kind in the entire world; some have said it's the
loveliest work of art in the whole Kingdom. The Palace of Fifty-five Windows built
in 1427 of brick displays a balcony containing fifty-five windows, each a
masterpiece of woodcarving. An amazing five-storied pagoda, Nyatapola
Temple built in 1702, 108 ft., dominates the Square. It is the tallest
temple in Kathmandu Valley and stands on a series of five terraces. Likewise,
visit another two temples in Durbar Square:
the three-storied Bhairab Nath Temple and the Temple
of Dattatraya. Dattatraya temple is believed, originally was carved out of the
trunk of a tree and subsequently renovated in 1458. Many temples, bahals
(monastery courtyards), and residences, the city is still a living proof of the
highest craft standards in this part of the world. As the visitor wanders
through narrow brick paved streets, many alleys will show hidden shrines and
statues. Clay craftsmanship as well as cloth weaving is still practiced here
very much as in the past. Fourteen kilometers east of Kathmandu, this peaceful,
conservative town stands in sharp contrast to the bustle of its two adjacent
cities.
After lunch, Boudhanath Stupa, which is the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. The stupa is located in the town of Boudha, located about 11 km from the center and northeastern outskirts of Boudhanath is a stupa. Boudhanath was probably built in the 14th century after the Mughal invasions; various interesting legends are told regarding the reasons for its construction. After the arrival of thousands of Tibetans following the 1959 Chinese invasion, the temple has become one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism. It was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1979. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of Kassapa Buddha.
From above, Bodnath Stupa looks like a giant mandala, or diagram of the Buddhist cosmos. There are other symbolic numbers here as well: the nine levels of Boudhanath Stupa represent the mythical Mt. Meru, center of the cosmos; and the 13 rings from the base to the pinnacle symbolize the path to enlightenment, or "Bodhi" — hence the stupa's name. At the bottom, the stupa is surrounded by an irregular 16-sided wall, with frescoes in the niches. The mantra of Avalokiteshvara - Om Mani Padme Hum - is carved on the prayer wheels beside the images of Avalokiteshvara around the base of the stupa. The base of the stupa consists of three large platforms, decreasing in size. As at Swayambhunath, Bodnath is topped with a square tower bearing the omnipresent Buddha eyes on all four sides. Instead of a nose is a question-mark-type symbol that is actually the Nepali character for the number 1, symbolizing unity and the one way to reach enlightenment—through the Buddha's teachings. Above this is the third eye, symbolizing the wisdom of the Buddha. The square tower is topped by a pyramid with 13 steps, representing the ladder to enlightenment. Drive to Hotel and overnight in the hotel.
Meals: B
Today will be the last day of our Nepal visit and we will spend today packing and maybe catching up on some last-minute souvenir shopping for your family, relatives and friends back home. Check out from the hotel. Meet DA airport representative for farewell and then drop to Airport for onward journey, with the last minute mountain views from the sky.
Meals: B
Package Types | 1 PAX | 2-3 PAX | 4-6 PAX | 7-12 PAX | 13-20 PAX | 21-35 PAX |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Diamond | $ 5,198.16 | $ 3,058.83 | $ 2,548.29 | $ 2,300.10 | $ 2,128.92 | $ 2,021.77 |
Gold | $ 3,676.54 | $ 2,165.83 | $ 1,678.79 | $ 1,454.10 | $ 1,306.42 | $ 1,222.77 |
Silver | $ 3,093.79 | $ 1,823.83 | $ 1,345.79 | $ 1,130.10 | $ 991.42 | $ 916.77 |
Note:
Above prices are valid to book your holiday package until one year from the date of booking only.
Full board complementary for one Group Leader for 16 and above group.
The prices are net and all the applicable taxes are included in the above price (local taxes in Nepal).
All the above prices are subjected to change with prior notice.
Package Types:
Diamond 5 star hotels in cities like - Kathmandu / Pokhara / Chitwan / Lumbini
Gold 3 star hotels in cities like - Kathmandu / Pokhara / Chitwan / Lumbini
Silver Budget tourist standard hotels in cities like - Kathmandu / Pokhara / Chitwan / Lumbini
Pashupatinath / Swayambhunath / Boudhanath / Bhaktapur Durbar Square / Patan Durbar Square / Nagarkot / Changunarayan / Sarangkot / Fewa Lake / International Mountain Museum / David's Fall / World Peace Pagoda / Chitwan National Park / Lumbini / Kathmandu Durbar Square /