The best tourist places in Nepal with full of natural and cultural heritage sites are Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara. The most viewed and visited places in Kathmandu valley are monasteries, temples, and heritage sites. There is three Durbar square in and near to Kathmandu valley including the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square respectively. These are the most famous visiting areas of Kathmandu valley. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the architecture during sightseeing in durbar square. The other attraction sites of Kathmandu are Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath stupa, and Swyambhunath stupa.
The next famous destination to explore Nepal is Chitwan, located in the southwestern part of Nepal. Chitwan covers an area of 2,238km2, is famous for National Park. The national park was established in 1973 which covers an area of 932km2 making it as the first national park of Nepal. The activities you can carried out in National Park are elephant riding, jungle walking, elephant bathing, canoeing, and jeep safari. The national park is home to rare species of one horned rhino, gharial, leopards, Bengal tiger, and several other species. The park is rich in natural beauty, home to different type of species of flora and fauna. It was also listed in UNESCO world heritage site in 1984.
Pokhara is the second largest city of Nepal located in the western part of Nepal. Pokhara is a touristic city and home of great Himalaya’s i.e Annapurna and Machhapuchre. You can visit the Phewa lake, the second largest and fresh water lake in Nepal. The other attraction sites of Pokhara are Devis fall, Begnas lake, international mountain museum, mahendra cave, and some other incredible views and scenery places. People who dare to face adventure activites then Pokhara can be a best place offering mountain biking, bungee jumping, paragliding, ultralight flight, and sky diving. Most of the tourist comes to Pokhara for enjoying the natural beauty.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Day 03: Sightseeing tour of Patan and Bhaktapur
Day 04: Drive to Pokhara (800m) – 7 hrs
Day 05: Sightseeing in Pokhara
Day 06: Sunrise from Sarangkot and drive to Chitwan. – 5 hrs
Day 07: Jungle activities at Chitwan National Park
Day 08: Drive back to Kathmandu.
Day 09: Depart Kathmandu.
You will be greeted with wonderful vistas of green hills and snowy peaks rising on the horizon, if you arrive Kathmandu during the day. Kathmandu valley is surrounded by the green hills of Nagarjuna, Shivapuri, Champa Devi, and Pulchowki making a bowl shaped valley. At the airport, you will be greeted by our company representative. He / She will escort you until you reach to your booked hotel in a private vehicle. After you check in you can take rest. No activity has been planned for the day but you can explore Thamel, if you want. Overnight in Kathamandu.
Today you will explore different places of Kathmandu, begin your day with a trip to Boudhanath stupa. Boudhanath stupa is a UNESCO listed world heritage site, an important center of Tibetan Buddhism. Local people believe that the bone of Kasyap Buddha (a preveious incarnation of Lord Buddha) are buried beneath the gigantic stupa.
Next you will visit the important Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath temple. The architecture of temple is pagoda-roofed, dating back to 400 AD, is located on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. Non – Hindus are not allowed inside the temple.
Lastly, we will visit the Swyambhunath, a hilltop shrine that is closely linked to the formation of Kathmandu valley. Local peoples believe that Kathmandu was actually a lake, a Bodhisattva named Manjushree saw a lotus at this lake while meditating. He flew from Tibet and drained the lake to meditate at the spot where the lotus was. The story goes that Swyambhunath stupa was created when the divine lotus bloomed.
This stupa is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, and have faiths praying at this shrine. You have to climb a flight of stairs to reach the shrine. A monkey is found living on the hillside. Therefore, this temple is also known as “Monkey temple”. A beautiful view of city can be observe from the top of it. Later, head back to your hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Early morning you drive towards the southern end of the city, from your hotel. Patan is one of the medieval kingdoms in Kathmandu valley. The beautiful durbar square at Patan is in shape of quadrangle filled with pagoda-roofed palaces. It was built by the Malla Kings. The palace is now as a museum where several ancient relics and historical items can be found. Due to the earthquake of 2015 AD, some of the monuments at the square were damaged, but there are still enough pagoda-roofed shrines standing that will grab your attention. The Hollywood movie “Doctor Strange” (a Marvel production) were shot in Patan Durbar Square and Pashupatinath temple.
The next site you will visit today is Bhaktapur Durbar Square, is one of the best preserved heritage sites in the valley. No large vehicles are allowed inside the medieval square. Some of the architecture were damage due to the earthquake of 2015 AD but some of the cultural gems still standing which will take your breath away. The artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating these temples and palaces will keep you enthralled.
Also, you will visit the Golden Gate, Palace of 55 windows, Nyatapole temple (the then the tallest building in Kathmandu valley), and its massive staircase guarded by stone statues of mustachioed wrestlers. The old city is divided into Durbar Squre, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square, and Pottery Square. You can stop at the busy Pottery Square observing the local potters at work and the pedestrians. Just a remainder, don’t forget to taste the medieval city’s famous delicacy Juju Dhau (King’s Curd). Overnight in Kathmandu.
After breakfast you will leave Kathmandu to Pokhara. Outstanding views of mountains open up once you reach at Naubise. In winter season, you can see the horizon is filled with snow-capped mountains. Wonderful views of mountain-top villages and busy roadside settlements will keep you enthralled. You will stop at Kurintar and head to the glacial river of Trishuli for an exciting rafting experience.
Before rafting, listen to your guide’s safety instructions carefully. During rafting you can enjoy the mountain scenery as the raft glides down past the sandy beaches. You will stop rafting at the put-off point and get back to your vehicle. You then continue your journey towards Pokhara. The highway winds up above the fast flowing Trishuli River. Enjoy the scenery as the road winds along with scenic vistas. After few hours driving you will reach Pokhara. You can take rest as you have a busy day tomorrow. Overnight in Pokhara.
You will visit the island shrine of goddess Barahi. The temple is dedicated to the mother goddess Durga ‘protector of the gods’ which is surrounded on all sides by Phewa Lake. You should take a boat ride across Phewa Lake to visit the temple. You can enjoy a ride on the colorful boats. Next, you will visit a Davis falls, a waterfall that flows into an underground tunnel. Continuously you will visit the Gupteshwar Gupha (cave), an underground cave with Lord Shiva’s shrine.
You will follow a spiral staircase to reach the entrance of the cave. You can see the waters that has been flowing from a Davis falls from the bottom of the cave’s wall where there is a crack. Also, visit the International Museum, where equipment and gear from most of the first Himalayan expeditions are showcased. You will also get information about the Himalayan range and culture and lifestyle of people living in the Himalayas. Overnight in Pokhara.
Early morning, we will drive to Sarangkot hill to catch the famous ‘Sarangkot’s Himalayan sunrise’. You have to hike up to reach the top of the hill. From the top of the hill you get a 360 degree view of Pokhara valley and the Himalayan peaks. Witness a wonderful sunrise as daybreak breaks over the mountains showering the mountains in colorful hues of red, orange, and golden-yellow. This moment is nothing short of magical and chances are you will cherish it forever. Afterward, return back to your hotel, have breakfast, and head onwards to Chitwan.
On the way to Chitwan you will be amazed by a murmuring streams, hillsides covered with greenery, and wonderful mountain views. After you reach Chitwan, you can take rest and get refreshed. Late afternoon you will explore a Tharu village, Tharus are an ethnic group that has been living in the jungles of Chitwan for ages. Overnight in Chitwan.
Your day is filled with exciting activities (Jungle Safari). You will explore the park’s interior by taking a jeep safari. Watch the spotted deer frolicking under the trees. Observe adult rhinos minding their little ones. You can visit the Elephant Breeding Centre, where you will meet mother elephants with their calves. You will also see a peacocks and crocodile relaxing in the warm sun near the river. In the evening you can take participate in Tharu cultural program. A cultural group will entertain you and other guests with their local songs and dances. Overnight in Chitwan.
You take an overland journey back to Kathmandu. Along the way you will pass through rustic villages and fields, hills covered with green forests and glacial rivers with sandy beaches. As you approach Kathmandu valley, the vehicle climbs up a steep mountainside. You can enjoy with the mountain views. After you arrive at Kathmandu, you can take rest.
Also you can shop for souvenirs in Thamel or explore the local market Ason Bazaar on your own. In the evening we will provide you a farewell dinner and we will celebrate the completion of your memorable tour. The guide will accompany you to an authentic Nepalese restaurant for a traditional Nepalese treat. Enjoy traditional songs and dances as you try out Nepalese cuisine. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Our representative will help you to reach airport before 3 hours of your schedule to catch your homeward bound flight. We hope you enjoyed the tour at your fullest. Time to say good bye. Thanks for visiting Nepal.
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