Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu

On arrival at Kathmandu, Nepal we are met and transferred to our hotel. Rest of the day free.

Overnight: Soaltee Crowne Plaza (3 Nights)

Day 02: Kathmandu

Today we start exploring the Kathmandu Valley*, starting at the Durbar Square, located in the heart of the old city of Kathmandu, which is home to some 50 temples. We will visit 17th Century Durbar complex, Hanuman Dhoka, the Paravati Temple, the Great Bell and Drum, Bhairav, the Taleju Temple and the array of temples grouped around it, as well as the temple/home of the Living Goddess, the Kumari. We then head to the stupa of Swayambhunath*, located on a green hillock west of Kathmandu. The site marks the point where the legendary patriarch Manjushree discovered the lotus of the ancient Valley Lake and is over 2,500 years old. The huge stupa is one of the holiest Buddhists sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu. We conclude our exploration in Patan*, the oldest city in the Kathmandu Valley. It is said to have been founded by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. Patan is also the cradle of arts and architecture of the valley, a great center of the Newari traditional arts and crafts featuring 136 elaborate courtyards and 55 major temples. (B)

Optional: Enjoy early morning flight over Evereset

Day 03: Kathmandu

Today we visit Bhaktapur*, also known as Bhadgaon and home to exquisite of medieval art and architecture. A city of farmers, Bhaktapur is also known for its pottery and weaving. It is the best preserved of the Kathmandu Valley’s three cities. We then head to Pashupatinath*, considered one of the holiest shrines of all the Hindu temples in Nepal. The temple of Lord Shiva in Pashupatinath, features a tiered golden roof and silver doors and is famous for its superb architecture. We will only be able to view it from the eastern bank of Bagmati River overlooking the cremation grounds, as it is open to believers of the Hindu faith only. We then explore Boudhanath*, also known as `Little Tibet’ because of its unique atmosphere resembling old Barkhor marketplace in Lhasa, Tibet. It features the biggest stupa in Nepal and is located on flat land and encircled by houses and monasteries. (B)

Day 04: Kathmandu/Pokhara (Drive)

After breakfast, we are driven to Pokhara on a scenic mountain highway. Situated 200 km west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is Nepal’s adventure and trekking centre, featuring several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna Range. Three out of the ten highest mountains in the world, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Manaslu are within approximately 30 to 50 km of the city. Due to its proximity to the Annapurna mountain range, the city is also a base for trekkers undertaking the Annapurna Circuit through the Annapurna Conservation Area in the Himalayas.

Overnight: Fishtail Lodge, Pokhara (3 Nights) (B)

Day 05: Pokhara

Today after breakfast we proceed to Sarangkot Hill to enjoy stunning panoramic views. Afterwards we enjoy a boat ride on Phewa Lake. The lake is also famous for the reflection of Mount Machhapuchhre and other mountain peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges on its surface. The Taal Barahi Temple is situated on an island in the lake. In the afternoon we visit Bindhyabasini temple, beautiful Davis Falls and a Tibetan refugee camp. (B)

Day 06: Pokhara/Pumdi Bhumdi trek/Pokhara (Drive)

After an early breakfast, we take a short drive of 9 km southwest of Pokhara to Khare Khola and start our hike to Kalabang village.  We then follow the trail westwards to Pumdi Bhumdi village. After a 90 minute-hike, we reach the top of Pumdi Bhumdi (1,530m) and enjoy beautiful views of Mount Machhapuchare (6,993m) and the Annapurna range. We continue to walk along the valley rim until we reach the World Peace Stupa (1400m), a massive Buddhist stupa, situated on the top of a hill on the southern shore of Phewa Lake. The shrine is a great viewpoint, offering spectacular views of the mountains, Phewa Lake and the town of Pokhara. We descend through the Raniban forest for about an hour and then take a 30-minute boat ride Phewa Lake back to Pokhara. We are then transferred back to our hotel. Trekking through the villages and hills of Nepal is the best way to experience village life and observe the cultural diversity of the country. The walk itself is easy, involving approximately 5 to 6 hours of walking. (B, L)

Day 07: Pokhara/Chitwan (Drive)

Today we drive to Chitwan National Park*. At the foot of the Himalayas, Chitwan is one of the few remaining undisturbed vestiges of the 'Terai' region, which formerly extended over the foothills of India and Nepal. It has a particularly rich flora and fauna. On arrival we check in to our jungle lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon we enjoy safari on board the back of an Asian elephant to see wildlife in the jungle. These huge animals make little noise when they move and from their backs we can see great distances and spot animals that sometimes hide behind the tall grass.

Overnight: Jungle Villa Resort/Tigerland Safari Resort (2 Nights) (B, L, D)

Day 08: Chitwan

We enjoy a full day of jungle activities, such canoe rides, jungle walks, jeep safaris and village tours. Chitwan National Park is home to one of the last populations of single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros. It is also one of the last refuges of the Royal Bengal tiger. The park also features an immense amount of wildlife, such as wild boars, sloth bears, the endangered gharial crocodiles, monkeys, 5 types of deer and over 600 bird species. In the evening we enjoy a Tharu Stick dance show at our lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 09: Chitwan/Nagarkot (Drive)

Today we are driven to Nagarkot, located on the northern fringe of the Kathmandu Valley. Nagarkot is famous for its panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest). Nagarkot is surrounded by thickly forested hills of pine trees. This is a place to relax after recharge our batteries with some leisurely wandering and enjoying the sunset over the Eastern Nepali Himalayas.

Overnight: Club Himalaya Resort (1 Night) (B)

Day 10: Nagarkot/Kathmandu (Drive)

We get to see the Himalayan peaks at sunrise.  After breakfast we are driven to Kathmandu and check in our hotel. The rest of the day is free for further explorations or some last minute shopping.

Overnight: Soaltee Crowne Plaza (1 Night) (B)

Day 11: Depart Kathmandu

Today we are transferred to airport in time for our flight onward destination. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

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Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 15 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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