Best of Nepal Tour covers Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan National Park, Pokhara, Rafting in Trishuli River and a introductory Trek to Dhampus and village life. In reality this is almost everything in Nepal for a short holiday to understand the whole of Nepal. The tour is a good combination of culture, nature, adventure and leisure.
Kathmandu Valley – once used to be the centre of business and trade between India and China is in the crossroads of ancient civilization. There are hundreds of shrines and monuments in this tiny valley ( 636 Sq km ) of Hinduism and Buddhism and 7 of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Historically, the people who lived outside the valley refer this valley as Nepal. Kathmandu valley could have been inhabited as early as 300 BCE. Kathmandu Valley was ruled by various dynasties and Kirant Dynasty is taken the earliest one then Licchavi Dynasty, Malla Dynasty and finally Shah Dynasty till 2008. The King Prithvi Narayan Shah of Gorkha Kingdom conquered Kathmandu valley which was divided into three independent Malla Kingdoms in 1768 and transferred his capital from Gorkha to Kathmandu.
Kathmandu hosts two most holy and popular Buddhist shrines Swoyambhunath Stupa and Boudhanath Stupa, the holy of the holiest Shiva shrine of Hindu and other many shrines dedicated to Hindu and Buddhist gods. The people living in the valley are of Newar ethnic community. It is well said that Kathmandu valley has as many temples as many houses, as many festivals as many days of the year and as many gods and goddesses as many people lives.
Rafting in Trishuli river is another attraction of the tour. Among 6,000 plus rivers in Nepal that flows steeply from mountain to the plain of Terai, Trishuli river flows nearby Kathmandu and is one of the major tributaries of the Narayani River system in the central Nepal. Trishuli now a days in Nepal is one of the most popular river for rafting. It is very accessible river from Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan and easy rapids in a beautiful gorge. The village life around the river basin is beautiful to explore and experience.
Chitwan National Park located in the mid – southern plain of Nepal is the first National Park of Nepal established in 1973 and later in 1984 granted status of World Heritage site by the UNESCO. It is about 172 kms from Kathmandu and well connected with Kathmandu ( by air and road ), Pokhara ( road only ) , Lumbini ( road ) and other parts of the country. The National park covers an area of 932 sq km. and expands from 100 m. to 815 m. from the sea level. Chitwan National Park is a part of Tiger Conservation Unit ( TCU ) Chitwan – Parsa – Valmiki. It comprises of the part of Valmiki National Park ( India ), Parsa Wildlife Reserve ( adjacent to the east of CNP) and Chitwan National Park and covers an area of 3549 sq km.
Chitwan National Park is popular for its rich flora and fauna. Sal tree, Chir pine, Rosewood, Elephant Apple, Axlewood, Rhino Apple Tree, Elephant grass are some of the plants / trees of the park. It is home to more than 700 species of wildlife including at least 43 mammals. Some of the animals are “King of Jungle “ – Bengal Tiger, Leopards, Sloth bears, golden jackals, bengal foxes, wild dogs, Rhinoceros, Gaurs, Deers etc. Bird watching is also a great option in the park.
Pokhara, located some 200 km west of Kathmandu is the most beautiful city of Nepal. Pokhara hosts the most stunning view of the Himalayan peaks including Dhaulagiri range, Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre or fishtail, Manasalu range etc. Pokhara is also known as lake city because of lakes located in the city. Fewa and Begnas lake among them are very popular for the boating and touring around. The most popular activity in Pokhara is to drive hike to Sarangkot for the sunrise view of the Himalayan peaks, boating in these lakes, visit Tibetan refugee centres ( since 1959 some 25000 Tibetan people are residing in Nepal as refugee ), International mountain museum to know about the life in the Himalayas. Pokhara is the gateway to Annapurna region trek as well. Annapurna Base camp trek, Mardi Himal trek, Ghorepani trek, Ghandruk trek with various peak climbing are started from Pokhara.
This Nepal adventure tour begins with a short drive to Charaudi and we raft down to Kuringhat from where we drive again to Chitwan National Park. We enjoy 2 nights stay in the resort and take part in various jungle itinerary. From Chitwan we drive to Pokhara and enjoy a short and introductory trek to Dhampus and then return back to Kathmandu.
Day 01 & 02: Arrive Kathmandu ( 1, 350 m. / 4429 ft ) – Transfer to your Hotel
Depart your home for lifetime adventure in the Himalayas and Nepal.
Arrive to Kathmandu international airport – the only international airport in Nepal. You may proceed for visa if you have not obtained in your home country.
Requirements for Visa: Two passport sized photographs and USD 25 for 15 days visa.
Upon completion of immigration formality, you will proceed to claim your baggage and then to arrival terminal. There is only one arrival terminal at the airport.
Once you reach the meeting and reception area, meet with our representative and then drive to your hotel.
It is about 20 -30 minutes drive to your Hotel. You will be amazed with hustle and bustle of the city management at first !
Based on your arrival time either participate in short tour of the Kathmandu City and Basantapur Durbar Square ( 18th century palace complex square) or stroll around the Hotel, do final shopping and relax before your great trek begins .
Overnight stay in the Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour – Overnight in the Hotel in Kathmandu
After breakfast in the morning we tour around the cultural heritage sites of Kathmandu valley. We visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath stupa, Boudhanath stupa and Pashupatinath temple. Without touring around these places, your stay in Kathmandu and visit of Nepal is meaningless. So, explore this magic, mystic and majestic cultural heritage city of Kathmandu.
Kathmandu Durbar Square is our first destination which used to be a royal palace complex square of Nepal’s Malla and Shah King’s. They rule in Kathmandu from the palace from 14th Century till 18th Century. The palace complex is completely decorated with artistic temples, shrines , statues etc. Whole palace square reflects the opulence of Malla era and little from Shah dynasty. Most popular in the square is 9 storey royal palace complex built by King Prithvi Narayan Shah in mid 18th century. King Prithvi Narayan Shah was the king of Gorkha and triumphed over Kathmandu kingdom after many attempts in 1768 A.D. Living Goddess “ KUMARI “ and beautifully crafted and decorated palace where she lives during her tenure is another attraction. Kumari is young girl ( prepubescent ) worshipped in Kathmandu valley as manifestation of goddess Durga ( a divine female energy) . You can have a glance of Goddess Kumari while she appears in the window of her palace upon request. Huge black Bhairab statue of 6th century, mask of white Bhairava, Shiva temple, Vishnu temple, Taleju temple, various courtyards are others to see and explore in the square.
Pashupatinath Temple is our next destination, which is the most prominent Hindu temple dedicated to lord Shiva ( God of destruction according to Hindu philosophy) . It is taken as one of the holy abode of Shiva among 275 on the continent. The present temple was erected in 17th century, though the history of site goes back to many centuries. Cremation in the bank of river Bagmati amazes you along with various shrines, temples, stories related to Hinduism.
We then visit Boudhanath Stupa, the most famous and the holiest stupa in Nepal and biggest in terms of its expansion and height. Present sky high stupa was erected and renovated in 18th century. It is located in ancient trade route between Nepal and Tibet. With influx of Tibetan refugees in 1959, the area is home to many Gompas ( monasteries ) which follows tibetan Buddhism.
By this time we prepare all vouchers, permits and other documents required for your onward tour. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 04: White Water River Rafting in Trishuli – Chitwan National Park
6.30 am : Depart from your Hotel to the adventurous and thrilling white-water rafting in the Trishuli River.
It is about 3.5 hrs drive from the Hotel to reach put in point of Rafting at Charaudi. The drive is really scenic in the winding mountainous road. If the day is clear, you can see majestic Himalayan peak as soon as you leave the Kathmandu valley which includes Ganesh Himal range, Manasalu range and part of Annapurna range.
11.00 am: You will get all equipments for the safe rafting trip, advices and instructions from our excellent river Guide. The thrilling Rafting starts off at a leisurely pace, giving you time to familiarize yourself on rafting techniques. Six rapids await you along the the river, building up in crescendo from “butterfly” to the big water of “pinball”, guaranteed to send thrills down your spine !
We take a picnic style lunch in the river bank cooked by our own cook. After lunch, raft down to Kuringhat and finish the rafting section.
Around 4.00 pm, we drive to Chitwan which is about two more hours drive.
Upon arrival check in to your Lodge / Resort. You may participate in briefing about the itinerary and programs available in the National Park for the next day or at leisure.
Enjoy delicious dinner mostly buffet style and O/N stay in the Lodge / Resort.
Day 05: Enjoy full day in Chitwan National Park doing various itinerary
Your day start in the park with early wake up call.
You then join various programs such as Elephant Back Safari in the jungle for about 2 hours to see various games including One horn Rhinos, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Monkeys, Leopard, Royal Bengal Tiger ( if you are lucky enough).
You enjoy the Canoe ride along the Rapti river to see two rare species of crocodile ( Marsh Mugger and fish eating Gharial) . Bird Watching is good option during this trip.
You visit the Tharu village and walk around Elephant breeding centre to play with young elephants.
Breakfast in the morning, Tea / Coffee, Lunch and Dinner are provided in a schedule managed by the Hotel. Overnight stay in the resort / lodge.
Day 06 : Drive from Chitwan to Pokhara
6-9 am : Some left itinerary in the park. The activity can be any out of Canoe ride, Bird watching or tharu village exploration that was not covered the previous day.
Breakfast in the Lodge, and the drive to Pokhara.
The drive is about 4 hours and the distance of drive is comparatively shorter and the road is more comfortable. Arrive Pokhara and transfer to your hotel in the later afternoon.
Pokhara, situated 200 Km west of Kathmandu is one of the most popular tourist destination in Nepal. Three mountain peaks ( over 8,000 m) Mt. Dhaulagiri ( 8,168 m. / 26.794 ft.) , Mt. Manasalu ( 8,156 m. / 26,758 ft.) and Mt. Annapurna I ( 8,091 m. / 26,545 ft.) out of the ten highest mountain peaks of the world are situated in this region ( 30 miles linear distance from Pokhara). Pokhara offers a beautiful view of the Himalayan peaks as the elevation rises sharply from 1,000 m to 7,500 m. within 30 Km distance. The city is equipped with many attractions such as Fewa Lake, Begnas Lake, Rupa Lake, Mahendra Cave, Chamere Cave, Devi’s Fall, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, International Mountain Museum, Sarangkot and World Peace Stupa etc.
Overnight stay in the Hotel in Lakeside.
Day 07 : Hike Pokhara – Dhampus ( 1,890 m./ 6,200 ft.)
7.30 am: Breakfast in the Hotel.
9.00 am: Drive half an hour to Phedi ( 1,130 m. ) along a beautiful Valley created by Seti river towards north west of the city of Pokhara to enjoy short but real adventure activity in Nepal ( a short but the most beautiful trekking trip )
You are now prepared with your small day pack, luggage, good walking boots, sticks, water bottle, hat, sunscreen etc ready.
From Phedi we start to climb steep uphill in the forest for about 30 minutes. After this steep uphill, we enter into the base of the village of Dhampus. We then walk through beautiful terraced farming field. We are now already gaining height so, view of hills, jungles, river valley and Pokhara seems beautiful.
We enjoy our lunch in Dhampus ( 1,650 m.) after 3 hrs uphill walk. Dhampus is one of the most beautiful and popular town in the region. Many visitors to Pokhara climb uphill to Dhampus only to enjoy the village life, landscape and close view of the majestic Himalayan peaks.
We stay overnight here in Dhampus.
Day 08 : Enjoy the Sunrise – Walk to Naudanda – Drive back to Pokhara
Breakfast of Sunrise with Toast !!
We can window the real Nepal and nepalese lifestyle in the mountain in this short yet beautiful walk. View of majestic Himalayan peaks that includes Fishtail or called Machhapuchhre ( 6,993 m./ 22,943 ft ), Gangapurna ( 7454 m. / 24,455 ft.) Gandharva Chuli ( 6,248 m./ 20,498 ft.), Annapurna I ( 8,091 m./ 26,545 ft.), Annapurna South ( 7,219 m./ 23, 684 ) and Hiunchuli ( 6434 m./ 21,108 ft.) with other ranges far off.
After enough time spent in Dhampus, we walk down to Naudanda. The trail is significant and beautiful made of downhill and uphill in the forest, village and farming field.
Arrive Naudanda and then drive to Pokhara after two enjoyable days hike.
In the later afternoon, We enjoy the tour of Pokhara city including Devi’s fall, Gupteshwar cave, International Mountain Museum – a must see place in Pokhara, Tibetan refugee camp etc.
Evening enjoy delicious dinner in the lake side and stay.
Day 09: Pokhara – Kathmandu ( Drive or Fly ) – Nagarkot
6.30 am: Drive to Kathmandu in the morning. It is about 6-7 hours drive by a tourist luxury coach or car / van.
OR You may choose to fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu which is scenic half an hour flight. ( the service of flight is included for Platinum Service Package, Gold option pay extra to fly back ).
Arrive Kathmandu in the afternoon and drive to Nagarkot or Dhulikhel.
Nagarkot situated at an elevation of 2,170 m / 7,119 ft is the most scenic place around Kathmandu for the sunrise and Himalayan peaks. Langtang range and other eastern Himalayan peaks are so impressive from Nagarkot. It offers beautiful view of Kathmandu valley as well.
OR Dhulikhel is located in the further eastern rim of Kathmandu valley in the Araniko Highway ( which connects Nepal with Lhasa – Tibet). Dhulikhel also offers the most beautiful panoramic range of the Himalayan peaks and green valley. So, we can drive to any one destination as you like for overnight stay.
Day 10: Drive back to Kathmandu – Shopping
Enjoy the breakfast of Sunrise and Himalayan Peaks with Egg !
After breakfast we drive back to Kathmandu.
In the afternoon, enjoy shopping of Nepalese handicrafts . You find Silk Carpets, Tibetan rugs/ Carpets, Pashmina Shawls, Thanka Paintings, Statues, Handicrafts, Jewellery, Gurkha Knife, Garments and other various items either in a narrow street of Thamel or other shopping areas.
Overnight stay in the Hotel in Kathmandu. In the evening, enjoy farewell Nepali dinner with cultural dance.
Day 11 & 12: Departure to your Home country – Arrive Sweet Home
Sadly, your holiday in Nepal come to an end. We transfer you to the International Airport or other point of departure for onward journey back to your home. You will have now fond memories of the Himalayas, happy and smiling people from Nepal and lifetime holiday experience with you to bring back your home back to share with your families and friends.
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