Magnificent Nepal
8 days - Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara
8 days - Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara
Experience the many sides of Nepal on this 8-day program. Kathmandu is bounded by the Great Himalayan Range in the north, and the fertile lowland plains in the south. A mecca for travelers since the 1960's, the city is a fascinating blend of pagodas, narrow cobbled lanes, old carved windows, shops, and charming cafes and restaurants. Located in the Inner Terai, Chitwan is known for its rich flower and fauna, and abundant wildlife in the Chitwan National Park. There are two nights to enjoy here, and safaris into the park provide the opportunity to spot the Bengal Tiger and other exotic wildlife. The rare combination of snow-clad peaks and snow fed lakes and rivers has helped to make the valley of Pokhara one of the most picturesque attractions in Nepal. Truly one of the world's most beautiful areas, three out of the ten highest mountains in the world can be viewed closely from here.
Private tour itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu. Arrive at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel. An afternoon tour takes you to Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva; and Boudhanath, an immense Buddhist stupa. One of the world's largest of its kind, it stands with four pairs of watchful eyes in the four cardinal directions.
Day 2: Kathmandu. Spend this morning seeing the sights around Kathmandu city. Durbar Square remains the center of ancient Kathmandu, and clustered around the square are the old royal palace, Hanuman Dhoka, numerous old temples like the Mahadev and Parvati Temple, and Kumari Bahal and the House of the Living Goddess. The young goddess, who greets devotees from the balcony of her temple residence, will revert to a normal mortal upon puberty and another will be selected. Afterwards visit Swayambhunath, the iconic Buddhist stupa said to be 2,000 years old. In the afternoon depart for Bhaktapur (or Bhadgaon), home of medieval art and architecture, and important sights such as the Palace of 55 Windows, Durbar Square, and Nyatapola Temple. (breakfast).
Day 3: Chitwan. Depart by road for Chitwan, located in northwest Nepal, it is home to the Chitwan National Park. The park is famous for its variety of wildlife, especially the Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros, and the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. Upon arrival be greeted by your naturalist and briefed on the resorts programs and facilities. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 4: Chitwan. Enjoy a day of jungle activities, with safaris in the early morning, and again in the evening. Besides searching for the Bengal Tiger, there are opportunities so see deer, leopard, rhinoceros, gaur, monkeys, as well as excellent bird-watching. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 5: Pokhara. Proceed by road to Pokhara. One of the kingdom's most picturesque destinations, there may be no other place in the world from where the Great Himalayan peaks can be admired from such a close distance. Upon arrival the balance of the day is free to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. (breakfast).
Day 6: Pokhara. Start early this morning for a sunrise visit of Sarangkot. Later in the morning explore the sights of Pokhara and its environs. In the afternoon enjoy a boat trip on lovely Phewa Lake, taking in the beauty of the crystal clear water and surrounding forest and majestic white peaks. (breakfast).
Day 7: Pokhara. Return to Kathmandu by flight. This afternoon visit Patan, also known as Lalitpur or the "City of Fine Arts," it is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and fine arts and crafts. Rounding out the afternoon is a visit to the Tibetan Handicraft Center. (breakfast).
Day 8: Depart Kathmandu. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (breakfast).
Meals: Seven breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $2,050.
Day 1: Kathmandu. Arrive at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel. An afternoon tour takes you to Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva; and Boudhanath, an immense Buddhist stupa. One of the world's largest of its kind, it stands with four pairs of watchful eyes in the four cardinal directions.
Day 2: Kathmandu. Spend this morning seeing the sights around Kathmandu city. Durbar Square remains the center of ancient Kathmandu, and clustered around the square are the old royal palace, Hanuman Dhoka, numerous old temples like the Mahadev and Parvati Temple, and Kumari Bahal and the House of the Living Goddess. The young goddess, who greets devotees from the balcony of her temple residence, will revert to a normal mortal upon puberty and another will be selected. Afterwards visit Swayambhunath, the iconic Buddhist stupa said to be 2,000 years old. In the afternoon depart for Bhaktapur (or Bhadgaon), home of medieval art and architecture, and important sights such as the Palace of 55 Windows, Durbar Square, and Nyatapola Temple. (breakfast).
Day 3: Chitwan. Depart by road for Chitwan, located in northwest Nepal, it is home to the Chitwan National Park. The park is famous for its variety of wildlife, especially the Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros, and the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. Upon arrival be greeted by your naturalist and briefed on the resorts programs and facilities. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 4: Chitwan. Enjoy a day of jungle activities, with safaris in the early morning, and again in the evening. Besides searching for the Bengal Tiger, there are opportunities so see deer, leopard, rhinoceros, gaur, monkeys, as well as excellent bird-watching. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 5: Pokhara. Proceed by road to Pokhara. One of the kingdom's most picturesque destinations, there may be no other place in the world from where the Great Himalayan peaks can be admired from such a close distance. Upon arrival the balance of the day is free to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. (breakfast).
Day 6: Pokhara. Start early this morning for a sunrise visit of Sarangkot. Later in the morning explore the sights of Pokhara and its environs. In the afternoon enjoy a boat trip on lovely Phewa Lake, taking in the beauty of the crystal clear water and surrounding forest and majestic white peaks. (breakfast).
Day 7: Pokhara. Return to Kathmandu by flight. This afternoon visit Patan, also known as Lalitpur or the "City of Fine Arts," it is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and fine arts and crafts. Rounding out the afternoon is a visit to the Tibetan Handicraft Center. (breakfast).
Day 8: Depart Kathmandu. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (breakfast).
Meals: Seven breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $2,050.
Our deluxe Nepal tours are carefully designed to provide a unique experience in the destination, promote cultural understanding and exchange, flow smoothly from place to place, allow time for relaxation and exploration on your own, provide maximum value, and very importantly to be enjoyable. The itinerary can be modified to suit your tastes, time frame, budget, and special interests.
