Best of Nepal
A trekkers' paradise, Nepal combines Himalayan views, golden temples, charming hill villages and jungle wildlife watching to offer one of the world's great travel destinations.
Mountain Highs
The Nepal Himalaya is the ultimate goal for mountain lovers. Some of the Himalaya’s most iconic and accessible hiking is on offer here, with rugged trails to Everest, the Annapurnas and beyond. Nowhere else can you trek for days in incredible mountain scenery, secure in the knowledge that a hot meal, cosy lodge and warm slice of apple pie await you at the end of the day. Then there's the adrenaline kick of rafting a roaring Nepali river or bungee jumping into a yawning Himalayan gorge. Canyoning, climbing, kayaking, paragliding and mountain biking all offer a rush against the backdrop of some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.
Medieval Cities & Sacred Sites
Other travellers prefer to see Nepal at a more refined pace, admiring the peaks over a sunset gin and tonic from a Himalayan viewpoint, strolling through the medieval city squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, and joining Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims on a spiritual stroll around centuries-old stupas and monasteries. Even after the 2015 earthquake, Nepal remains the cultural powerhouse of the Himalaya; the Kathmandu Valley in particular offers an unrivalled collection of world-class palaces, hidden backstreet shrines and sublime temple art. Nepal is also a great place to learn about everything from Tibetan Buddhism to how to make the best momos (dumplings).
Travel Nirvana
There are few countries in the world that are as well set up for independent travel as Nepal. Wandering the trekking shops, bakeries and pizzerias of Thamel and Pokhara, it’s easy to feel that you have somehow landed in a kind of backpacker Disneyland. Out in the countryside lies a quite different Nepal, where traditional mountain life continues at a slower pace, and a million potential adventures glimmer on the mountain horizons. The biggest problem you might face in Nepal is just how to fit everything in, which is one reason why many people return here over and over again.
Jungle Adventures
South of Nepal's mountains lies something completely different: a chain of wild and woolly national parks, where nature buffs scan the subtropical treetops for exotic bird species and comb the jungles for rhinos, tigers and crocodiles. Choose from a luxury safari lodge in central Chitwan or go exploring on a wilder trip to remote Bardia or Koshi Tappu, stopping en route to visit the birthplace of Buddha on the steamy plains near Lumbini. Whether you cross the country by mountain bike, motorbike, raft or tourist bus, Nepal offers an astonishingly diverse array of attractions and landscapes.
Tour cost starts at USD 750
Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival Kathmandu
Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, meet & greet by our local representative, Transfer to hotel for check in
Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and the Kathmandu Valley is the political and cultural heart of the Kingdom. The urban sprawl that makes up modern Kathmandu is in fact two cities, Patan and Kathmandu.
Today day free for a stroll around the street markets of Kathmandu
Kathmandu is a true heaven for shoppers, especially for the ones who are ready to explore street markets. In this city, markets are the place where you can buy quality products without wasting all your money - Monk's robes, soft silks, woolen garments, artifacts, etc. The list is truly endless. Some of the popular areas are New Road, Basantapur Square, Freak Street & Indra Chowk
Dinner & Overnight at Kathmandu - Day 2
Kathmandu - Everest Flight & Local sightseeing
Early morning depart for Everest flight ... The best way to see Mt. Everest and the Himalayas in Nepal
For the traveler who is unable to make a trekking trip to the mountains either because of lack of time or physical fitness, or due to sheer want of the adventure streak, there mountain flights to simulate the experience.
The one-hour flight takes you within camera range of some of the highest peaks in the world, and cruising this close to the awe inspiring massifs of rock and ice, is an out-of-this earth experience. The aircraft takes off and heads eastward and almost immediately, the peaks come into view.
The first peak that appears on your horizon is the majestic Gosaithan, standing 8,013m tall. To its right, appears Dorje Lhakpa (6996m), looking like a massive figure of 8, lying prone and covered in snow. To its right is Phurbi Chyachu, which looms over the Kathmandu valley.
Next on your vision is Choba Bhamare, rather small in this company at 5,933m, but singularly stubborn, as it remains unconquered to this day. Then comes MT. Gaurishanker (8,134m), standing out sharp and conspicuous- Hindus believe that Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati protect this mountain.
As the flight moves toward the eastern Himalaya, a succession of majestic mountains follows. Melungtse, with a plateau-like top stands at 7,023m, Chugimago is at 6,297m, and still remains to be scaled. At 6,956m, Mt.Numbur resembles a breast, and is believed to be the maternal source in the sky providing pure mild to the Sherpas of Solukhumbu. Then, Karyolung, a gleaming-white mountain at 6,511m, and Cho-Oyu, the sixth highest in the world at 8,021m.
The last and the most exciting stretch of the journey takes you close to the 7,952-tall Gyachungkang, which is considered extremely tough climb. To its right is Puman at 7,161m and Nuptse at 7,855m. Finally, there is Mt. Everest itself (8,848m), called Sagarmatha by the Nepalis and Chomolungma by the Tibetans. It is an altogether different feeling as one comes face to face with the worlds tallest and most enigmatic of mountains.
Return to the hotel for breakfast
Later, sightseeing tour of Kathmandu
Start with visit of the Hindu culture in Nepal, Pashupatinath. This is the place where holy saddhus pray. The Pashupatinath Temple is a famous, sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Pashupatinath and is located on the banks of the Bagmati River 5 kilometres north-east of Kathmandu Valley in the eastern city of Kathmandu the capital of Nepal. This temple is considered one of the sacred temples of Hindu faith .The temple serves as the seat of the national deity, Lord Pashupatinath. This temple complex is on UNESCO World Heritage Sites's list Since 1979. This "extensive Hindu temple precinct" is a "sprawling collection of temples, ashrams, images and inscriptions raised over the centuries along the banks of the sacred Bagmati river".
Later visit Bouddhanath ... Bouddhanath is the holiest shrine of Buddhist culture in Nepal. The second largest stupa in the world and the largest in Nepal, is also called the Peace Stupa. With its large stupa, this is the place where all devout Buddhists come for a pilgrimage.
Later in the afternoon, visit the twin city of Patan ... Also known as Lalitpur , the city of beauty is separated from Kathmandu only by the Bagmati River and is the second largest town in the valley. Lalitpur is fragmented from other cities due to its substantive architectural ancient masterpieces. Patan's central Durbar Square is absolutely packed with temples: Its an architectural center point with a far greater concentration of temples per sq. meter than in Kathamandu or Bhaktapur. Within the city also lies the Tibetan refugee center, home to most of the valley's Tibetan population. While technically refugees, the Tibetans are some of the wealthiest people in the valley because of the carpet industry they operate. For those looking to bring home a fine Tibetan carpet, this is the place to shop.
Dinner & Overnight at Kathmandu - Day 3
Kathmandu to Chitwan
Morning drive to Chitwan or take a short flight / Transfer to hotel upon arrival
Chitwan National Park is one of the premier drawcards in Nepal. This World Heritage�listed reserve protects more than 932 sq km of forests, marshland and grassland containing sizeable animal populations, making it one of the best national parks for viewing wildlife in Asia.
You'll have an excellent chance of spotting one-horned rhinos, deer, monkeys and some of the more than 500 species of birds. If you�re extremely lucky, you may spot a leopard, wild elephant or sloth bear � though it�s the once-in-a-lifetime chance to spot a majestic royal Bengal tiger that is the premier attraction.
Day at leisure for Jungle activities as arranged by respective hotels
Dinner & Overnight at Chitwan - Day 4
Chitwan - Jungle Activities
Enjoy Jungle experience at Chitwan National park
The highlight being the Elephant Safari in the jungles [Optional : Jeep Safari]. Other activities are Canoeing, Dugout canoe, Nature Walk and Bird Watching. Also experience walking through the forests with naturalists and watch the Native folk dances of the Terai.
Dinner & Overnight at hotel. - Day 5
Chitwan to Pokhara
Drive from Chitwan to Pokhara or take a short flight / Transfer to hotel upon arrival
Pokhara ticks all the right boxes, with spectacular scenery, adventure activities, and accommodation and food choices galore. Whether you�ve returned from a three-week trek or endured a bus trip from hell, Lakeside Pokhara is the perfect place to recharge your batteries. The scene is a chilled-out version of Thamel, stretching along the shore of a tranquil lake with bobbing paddle boats. From the lake, and possibly even from your hotel bed, you can enjoy a clear view of the snow-capped mountains, just twenty or so kilometers away.
Evening free to stroll around the lakeside
Dinner & Overnight at Pokhara - Day 6
Pokhara
This morning you will go for a excursion trip to Sarangkot.
Sarangkot is the most popular tourist destination from where the tourist can enjoy the great view of the Pokhara Valley and the magnificent view of the mountains. Sarangkot is only 13 kms from Lake Side, Pokhara. Sarangkot is the highest view point for a sunrise and it is just 1592m high. Sarangkot is cooler than Pokhara. Sarangkot can be reached easily by 45 to 60 minutes by a car ride to the top from Pokhara. Many tourists come to Sarangkot for sunrise view and go back.
Paragliding can also be done from Sarangkot. From Sarangkot, on the northern direction we can see Dhaulagiri in the far west. Annapurna range is visible when the weather is clear on the same side. On the southern direction the village overlooks the city of Pokhara and its lake on the north-western outskirts of the city.
Later in the afternoon visit Bindebasini Temple. This is one of the oldest temples in Pokhara was a part of Kaski Kingdom, the main deity of the temple, Goddess Durga, was brought from India .
Apart from the peace and tranquility that can be felt in this region, the premises of the temple offers a good view of the Himalaya on a clear day. The temple is in the area of the bazaar, hence a journey of the old bazaar can be combined with a visit to the temple.
Sightseeing to Devi's fall, also known as Patale Chango is an awesome waterfall lying 2 km southwest of Pokhara. During summer and rainy season, the waterfall takes its real form, with gushing water splashing and making its way through the rocks. Just opposite of Devi's fall, on the other side of the road, there is Gupteshwor Cave. This cave is popular for the different natural forms made from limestone deposits. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the cave.
Dinner & Overnight at hotel. - Day 7
Pokhara to Kathmandu / Transfer to Nagarkot
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu or take a short flight
Upon arrival, drive to Nagarkot
Nagarkot is situated 32 kilometers, about 1.5 hrs drive east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2,175 meters. The panoramic view of the major peaks including Mt. Everest can be seen from here. It is one of the most scenic spots in the region, renowned for its sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas. You can pick Mount Everest out with its snow-topped peaks on a clear day as there is an observation tower at the very top of the village�s hills.
Historically, it used to serve as the summer retreat for the royal family and many other aristocrats from Kathmandu. While the town offers great views of the mountains, there are few monasteries or temples too.
Day at leisure to explore the sights at Nagarkot
Dinner & Overnight at Nagarkot - Day 8
Nagarkot - Sunrise Tour / Transfer to Kathmandu Airport
Early morning, your guide will take you to view tower located in highest point to catch the best view of a glorious Sunrise
From here you will see a closer view of Central Himalayan ranges, which include the Langtang and Rolwaling ranges. The 180 Degree view of mountains on skyline stretch from Annapurna in the west to Makalu in the east. You might even see Mount Everest if the weather is clear.Spend your time there until the mountains changes its color from White to orange.
Capture this lifetime experience with photographs. Your guide will take you for short hike around Nagarkot to enjoy landscape, the pristine air and see typical villages along the route.
Back to hotel for breakfast
Later transfer to Kathmandu airport for onward flight
Notes
Round the year Destination ... Extention available to Bhutan & various Destinations across India
Hotels
Tour Inclusions [Best of Nepal]
02 nights’ accommodation at Kathmandu
02 nights’ accommodation at Pokhara
02 nights’ accommodation at Chitwan
01 night accommodation at Nagarkot
Breakfast & dinner at all hotels
Airport transfers, Sightseeings &Inter-city transfers by exclusive AC vehicle
Entrance fee at the monumental sites during the sightseeing
?An English speaking guide during the sightseeing
Domestic flights as per selection
Mount Everest Mountain flight including airport transfer
Notes on itinerary
All our itineraries are "Just for Ideas" ... We will get to know you and customise an itinerary just for you that matches your requirements ... dates of travel, category of hotels, preferred airline, flexibility in choosing sightseeing, mode of travel between cities, etc.
Many of our clients have us design more relaxing, slower paced holidays with more in-depth experiences whereas some simply want to visit various destinations and cover only the highlights.
Together, we will determine the ideal route, pace of travel, accommodations, levels of pampering, style of touring, sightseeing to be included, dining preferences, adventure levels, options to meet locals, dates of travel & much more ! and based on this arrive at a price.
Do feel free to get in touch with us by a quick call on +91 79 29602961 or a short mail on mail@destinations4india.com ... Looking forward