Classic Nepal



Here is the perfect combination of the classic sights and highlights of Nepal. Traveling independently, under the care of a local representative, you will experience many contrasts while enjoying the very essence of this exciting part of the world. From magnificent scenery to mysterious temples to trekking back into time, this travel idea has it all.

We make it easy by including locally escorted arrangements throughout.

Day 1. Arrive Kathmandu. Welcome to the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal. You will be met by a representative and transferred to your chosen hotel. The remainder of the day is free. This evening you may wish to visit the lively Thamel area.

Day 2. Mt Everest/Touring Kathmandu. It is up early this morning for an exciting flight seeing excursion (subject to weather conditions) along the peaks of the Himalayas to Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world.

After returning to Kathmandu you commence a sightseeing tour of the capital. You will visit the temple of the Living Goddess, who acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence. Kasthamandap- the source of the name Kathmandu and supposed to be made from the timber of a single tree and the Durbar Square are with it's array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the ancient place of the Nepalese Royalty.

Afterwards you travel approximately 4 km/2.5 miles, to Swayambhunath and the famous Buddhist stupa which is said to be 2000 years old. The stupa which forms the main structure is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples.

After lunch you visit Patan City - 5 km/3 miles away from Kathmandu city. Patan also known as Lalitpur, is the city of fine arts, enclosed within 4 stupas said to be built in 3rd century AD, by Emperor Ashoka. You will see the Durbar Square, the Patan Durbar which houses a bronze collection, the Krishna Temple built by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla. A trip to The Tibetan Refugee Camp and the Handicraft Center will also be done while visiting Patan, where you will witness the hand weaving of Tibetan carpets and molding of metal statues. 

Day 3. Kathmandu to Pokhara. This morning you take a short half-hour flight to Pokhara where you will be met and transferred to the Fishtail Lodge.

In the afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of Pokhara Valley including the Davis Falls and temples.

Day 4. Pokhara. Time to do last minute shopping for your coming trek and enjoy the scenery. This evening enjoy a boat ride on Phewa Lake.

Day 5. Ghandrung Trek to Dhampus (5800 ft 2-3 hours walk). Your trek guide will meet you at the hotel. Drive from Pokhara to Suikhet Phedi (trek starting point) for approximately 30 minutes. From here, the trail ascends steeply through forest and later through paddy field to the village of Dhampus for overnight stay in a teahouse. From here, one can have distance views of entire Annapurna Range if weather permits.

Day 6. Dhampus/Landrung (5400 ft 5-6 hours walk). Today the trail goes along the ridge to Deurali. Descend through forest again for sometime and the small village of Tolka and Beri Kharka is reached. From here, the trail descends through scattered forests and villages to reach Landrung for overnight stay in a teahouse. Lunch will be served en-route. Excellent views of Mount Hiunchuli and Mount Fishtail also called in Nepali Machhapuchare can be seen if weather is clear.

Day 7. Landrung/Ghandrung (6400 ft 3-4 hours walk).After breakfast, the trail goes steeply down towards the river for about one hour. From here, steep ascent to about two to three hours through the scattered villages with a beautiful view of the Himalayas to reach Chandrung, one of the biggest Gurung settlement in western Nepal. One can have a good view of Gangapurna, Machapuchhre (Fishtail), Mt. Annapurna south and other snowy mountains. If time permits, visit ACAP (Annapurna Conversation Area Project) head office, two local traditional museums and the village. Overnight say in a teahouse at Ghandurng.

Day 8. Ghandrung/Birethanti (3600 ft 3-4 hours walk). After breakfast, the trail descends steeply down to Seuli Bazar, passing first through the lower part of the Ghandrung village with some paved trail and then through the terrace, paddy fields, thin forest for about two hours and again an easy walk for about 1 hour to reach Birethanti for overnight stay in teahouse.

Day 9. Birethanti to Pokhara to Chitwan. After breakfast, an easy walk for about 45 minutes to Nayapul. From here, drive about 1 hour to Pokhara and then continue onward (approximately 3 hours) to Royal Chitwan Park. You will be met by a naturalist and transferred by elephant or land rover to the Temple Tiger Jungle Lodge. At Amaltarighat (River Crossing Point) a welcome drink, cold towels and welcome tika will be arranged. Upon arrival at the lodge the guests will be met and briefed by the Guest Relation Officer regarding the park and the programs available.

Lunch will be followed by a choice of activities.

Temple Tiger Jungle Lodge is situated 189 km southwest of Kathmandu at an elevation of about 150 metres above sea level. It is in the heart of the Royal Chitwan National Park, 932 square kilometre (360 square miles) area of tall grassland and magnificent forest - one of the Asia's richest and most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries. Royal Chitwan National Park is the home of the great one horned rhinoceros, sloth bear, wild boar, guar (bison), 4 species of deer, 2 species of monkeys, 2 species of crocodiles, the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, over 450 species of birds and various other reptiles.

All twin bedded rooms at Temple Tiger Jungle Lodge are attractively furnished and each room has attached modern toilet amenities and solar-heated showers. Nepalese and Western cuisine is served in the centrally located two Dinning halls i.e., the round house and Square house. Well-stocked bar will cater to the needs of the thirsty. The bar is open till the last guest retires.

In the late afternoon, guests are taken deep into the jungle for viewing and photographing wildlife or a jungle walk is organized for the guests to experience the abundant Bird life and the flora and fauna of the Park. If you are lucky, you may see the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger both on the nature walk as well as on the elephant safari.

A hearty meal of continental cuisine will be served in the evening around the campfire.

Day 10. Elephant world. In the early morning you will be mounted on elephant back and taken for a jungle safari for 2-3 hours penetrating through dense grasslands to view wildlife. This grass commonly known as elephant grass is dense and grows to a height of 18- 20 ft. It is the favorite habitat of the rhinoceros and other mammals.

After breakfast, you will be taken to elephant stables where the senior naturalists will give a talk about the habits of the elephants. Here you may witness the rare scene of the elephants at bath.

Lunch is at the camp. In the afternoon, you may relax around the lodge or go on a nature walk or birding with one of the naturalists to learn about the flora of the Royal Chitwan National Park.

Tonight a hearty and tasty dinner will be served around the campfire.

Day 11. Chitwan to Kathmandu. After breakfast, you will be transferred by elephant to waiting vehicles and then proceed to Bharatpur airport for a 30 minute flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport you will be met by our representative and then transfer to your hotel.

This afternoon there is an option sightseeing tour of Bhadgaon plus Pashupatinath plus Bodhnath (see below). Alternatively you may choose to relax at your hotel or go shopping.

Bhadgaon - also known as Bhaktapur meaning the city of devotees, this place is the home of medieval art and architecture. Lying 14 km/9 miles east Kathmandu city, this place was founded in the 9th century and is shaped like a conch shell. The city is 4600 ft. above sea level. In Bhadgaon, you will visit the Durbar Square with it's array of temples overlooked by the Palace of 55 windows built by King Bhupatindra Malla. The Nyatapola Temple also built by King Bhupatindra Malla, is the best example of Pagoda style and stands of five terraces on each of which stands a pair of figures two famous strong men, two elephants, two lion, two griffins and two goddesses.

Pashupatinath - situated 5 kilometers east of Kathmandu city, Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river, the temple built in pagoda style has gilded roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors will be permitted to view the temple from the east bank of River Bagmati, entrance in the temple being strictly forbidden to all non Hindus. Pashupatinath is the center of annual pilgrimage on the day of Shivaratri which falls in the month the temples are the cremation grounds.

Boudhanath - this stupa, eight kilometers east of Kathmandu city is one of the biggest in the world of its kind. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping watch for righteous behavior and human prosperity. This Buddhist stupa was built by King Man Deva at the advice of Goddess Mani Jogini. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. The shrine is ringed by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priests.

Day 12. Depart Kathmandu. The day is at leisure until you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

*****All itineraries are subject to change without notice.

Nepal Country Facts

Location: East Asia

Area: 140,800 square kilometres

Population: 28,902,000

Capital: Kathmandu (535,000)

Time: 10.75 hours ahead of New York/Toronto and 13.75 hours ahead of Los Angeles/Vancouver

Language: Nepali (official), Newari, Bhutia, Maithali

Religion: Hindu, Buddhist

Currency: Nepalese Rupee (Rupee = 100 Paise)

Electricity: 220V, 50 Hz

City Code: 977, Kathmandu 1

Business Hours:
Banks: 1000-1430 Mon - Fri
Office: 0900-1700 Mon-Fri, 0900-1300 Sat
Shops: 0930-1900 Sun-Fri

National Holidays:

National Unity Day, Martyrs' Memorial Day, National Democracy Day, International Women's Day, Phagu Purnima/Holi, Solar New Year, Constitution Day, HM the King's Birthday.

Tipping: If service charge is not included, 10% is normal.

Licence: International driving licence is required.

Immunization: Cholera, Malaria, Typhoid, Polio.

Passport/Visa: Passport and visa required.

Airport: Kathmandu airport is 8 km from the city.

Airport tax: NPR 1100.

Credit Cards: All major credit cards are accepted.

Distances:

Flying from Kathmandu to:

Delhi 1 hr 45 mins
Calcutta 1 hr 30 mins

Want to find out more??