Nepal: A Himalayan Adventure
Duration: 15 days
Highlights: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Mustang, Chitwan National Park
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Itinerary
Day 1 – Kathamandu
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you are met by your Guardian Angel and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in Kathmandu, where you are assisted with check-in.
This afternoon, enjoy a walking tour from Thamel to Durbar square and proceed on a tour of the capital. Visit Durbar Square with its old temples and beautifully carved exteriors. Later, visit Kumari Temple, home to the world’s only living Goddess.
Meals: D
Overnight: Kathmandu
Day 2 – Kathmandu
Set out on an early morning mountain flight to view Mt. Everest (NOTE: The flight operation is subject to weather conditions). The one-hour flight will take you within camera range of some of the highest peaks in the world.
Then, head to Swaymbhunath, a 2000-year old Buddhist shrine. Marvel at the sheer size of the stupa and take in the many facets of the history and architecture.
Attend a Nepalese cooking class in the home of a local.
From here, continue to Boudhanath Stupa, built in 5th century A.D. It is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and its base is decorated with four pairs of eyes that signifies Lord Buddha keeping an eye out in each of the four directions.
Later, visit Pashupatinath temple, perhaps the largest temple in the world that is dedicated to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva.
Meals: B
Overnight: Kathmandu
Day 3 – Kathmandu
After breakfast, you will visit Bungamati and Khokna villages.
Bungamati, a traditional Newari village, still retains vestiges of the bygone eras. Wood-carving, sculptures and other handicrafts of the region are popular. Although the beautiful village saw collapse of many historical sites during the 2015 earthquake, some monuments still stand and some are being rebuilt.
Later visit Khokana, another Newari village situated just north of Bungamati, known for its mustard oil and historical buildings. Some of these too were destroyed by the earthquake and some are being reconstructed.
Proceed to the famous city of Patan which is known for its fine craftsmanship. Often referred to as Lalitpur, Patan was built in the shape of the Buddhist Dharma Chakra, or Wheel of Righteousness. Patan Durbar Square is filled with Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments.
Meals: B
Overnight: Kathmandu
Day 4 – Kathmandu
This morning after breakfast you are driven to Bhaktapur.
Here, enjoy an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bhaktapur. This ancient city exhibits Newari art and architecture from the Malla period (13th - 18th century). Its main attraction, even after the 2015 Earthquake, remains Durbar Square – the palace complex. Nyatapala, a five-storey pagoda-style temple, is located in the square and is a must-visit. Later explore Potter’s Square.
Meals: B
Overnight: Kathmandu
Day 5 – Kathmandu – Pokhara
This morning you are driven to Kathmandu after breakfast to take your flight to Pokhara.
After arriving in Pokhara, the day is at your leisure. Perhaps visit Pokhara Bazar, take in the stunning scenery, or take a relaxed walk around the charming Phewa Lake.
Meals: B
Overnight: Pokhara
Day 6 – Pokhara
After breakfast, set out on a full day tour of Pokhara.
Take a short hike to the World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) that overlooks the awe-inspiring Annapurna range. Later, continue to Devi's Fall, Gupteswor Mahadev Cave and International Mountain Museum.
Visit some of the Tibetan villages in the region.
Meals: B
Overnight: Pokhara
Day 7 – Pokhara – Jomsom – Muktinath – Kagbeni – Jomsom
After breakfast, transfer to Pokhara airport for your quick early-morning flight to Jomsom.
The headquarter of the Mustang district - Jomson - is known for its ancient salt trade route along the bank of the Kali Gandaki River. It is also the starting point for many of the Upper Mustang and Muktinath treks, the trails of which are used by Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.
After arrival at Jomsom airport, enjoy an hour’s drive to Muktinath which sits at 3,710 meters (12,172 feet) above sea level.
En route to Muktinath, tour Jharkot and Kagbeni.
In Jharkot, explore the chörten, gumpha and animist totems. You can see the ruins of Dzong, Purang and Changur across the valley.
The medieval village of Kagbeni sits at 2,810 meters (9,219 feet) and is often likened to the cultural, lingual and religious aspects of Tibet. Kagbeni is the gateway to Upper Mustang. Found on the bank of Kali Gandaki River, the beautiful village has flagstone-covered alleys that travellers can explore.
Next, continue on to Muktinath.
Muktinath is a noteworthy and revered pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. It has a pagoda-style temple, 108 water spouts behind the temple and images of various Hindu gods and goddesses.
Later return to Jomsom on a jeep.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Jomsom
Day 8 – Jomsom – Thini Village – Dhumba Lake – Jomsom
After breakfast, set out on a hike to Thini village & Dhumba Lake.
Hikers and trekkers can reach the pretty village of Thini after just half an hour’s walk from Jomsom. The historic village was once part of the Kingdom ruled by King Thing Mig Chen and you can see the ruins of Gharab Dzong- a hilltop fortress - and the Buddhist temple, Thini Bonpo Gumpha. From the fortress, you can also bask in breathtaking panorama comprising Mt. Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, Yak Kawa, Mesokanto La, Mt. Dhaulagiri as well as a bird's eye view of Dhumba Lake, Samle, Thini, Jomsom, Puthang and Syang villages.
Next it is on to Dhuama Lake. Located at the base of Mount Nilgiri, this Lake is considered sacred by Buddhists. The lake possesses an enthralling beauty that is enhanced by its striking turquoise-emerald colour and can be reached from Jomsom via Thini Village.
Later in the afternoon return to Jomsom. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Jomsom
Day 9 – Jomsom – Marpha – Tukuche – Thasang
After breakfast, enjoy an hour’s drive to visit the villages of Marpha and Tukuche.
Marpha (2,665 meters/8,744 feet) is fondly termed “the apple capital of Nepal”. This pretty village is inhabited by the Thakali clan and, needless to say, is famous for its delicious apples. Thak Khola architecture of flat roofs and narrow paved alleys and passageways is found here. Chhairo Gompa, located near this village, is also architecturally and culturally significant and is a must-visit.
Tukuche (2,280 meters/8,465 feet) village was an important stopover of the salt trade route. You have the chance to see the historical building, an old distillery and a very long mani wall with prayer wheels.
Later, enjoy an hour’s drive to Thasang Village for your overnight stay.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Thasang
Day 10 – Thasang
After breakfast, enjoy a two-three-hour hike (depending on your speed) to the famous Sekong Lake. En route, bask in the stupendous views of the surrounding lofty Himalayan peaks and then stopped to enjoy a packed lunch.
Return to your lodge later in the afternoon.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Thasang
Day 11 – Thasang – Jomsom – Pokhara
After an early breakfast, drive to Jomsom Airport for your flight back to Pokhara.
On arrival at Pokhara, the rest of the day is at your leisure.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Pokhara
Day 12 – Pokhara – Chitwan
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a five-hour drive to Chitwan.
On arrival, check in at your hotel.
After lunch, set out on a safari of the National Park. During the 2-hours long safari, guests will explore the wildlife of the region, like the one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, different types of deers, monkeys, bison, sloth bear, leopard and, if lucky, the Royal Bengal tiger.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Chitwan National Park
Day 13 – Chitwan National Park
Today is filled with a variety of wildlife activities.
A safari along the park trails enables you to gain a unique viewpoint of the jungle.
Visit the Gharial Hatchery Farm where you learn about crocodile's eggs, how they are collected, the hatching process and how the juvenile crocs are sent back to the river. You may like to embark on a full-day game drive on board a jeep to explore the wildlife.
Otherwise, head out on a river safari in a traditional dugout canoe along the Rapti River. From here you are likely to spot crocodiles and other reptiles sunning themselves on the riverbanks, as well as some of the 500+ species of avifauna found in the region. The best time for such activities is from October to mid-March, when the water level in the Rapti is neither too low nor too high.
Conclude the day with a stroll through the lush, sub-tropical jungles of Chitwan. Here you can discover deer, rhinos, sloth bears, royal Bengal tigers and more with trained naturalists as they give you interesting tit-bits about the jungle and its inhabitants.
Late evening, enjoy a Tharu Stick Dance by the local villagers.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Chitwan National Park
Day 14 – Chitwan – Kathmandu
Early morning, visit the village on board a Bullock Cart. Your guide will brief you about the social and cultural aspect of the villagers and their lifestyle.
On return to the hotel, enjoy your breakfast.
Later you are transferred back to Kathmandu (approximately five-hour drive).
On arrival, check in at your hotel.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Kathmandu
Day 15 – Kathmandu
Transfer to the International Airport for your onward journey.
Meals: B
