Travel Kinships’ Luxury Trip to Nepal
A Taste of Nepal Tour
This itinerary for ten days is a comprehensive program that will let you experience all aspects of Nepal from the unique and stunning mountains that are some of the highest in the world to the deep jungles of the south and the beautiful local culture and traditions.
With 147,181 square kilometres (56,827 sq mi) and a population of approximately 30 million, Nepal is the world’s 93rd largest country by landmass and the 41st most populous country. Kathmandu is the nation’s capital and the country’s largest metropolis.
Nepal has a rich geography. The mountainous north has eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains, including the highest point on Earth, Mount Everest (8848 M). It contains more than 240 peaks over 20,000 ft (6,096 m) above sea level. The fertile and humid south is heavily urbanised.
This program features:
-
Cultural Heritage of Nepal
-
Experiencing Buddhist and Hindu lifestyles
-
Wildlife in Chitwan with unique experiences
-
Himalayan view from beautiful city of Bandipur and Pokhara
-
300 Kilometres of Himalayan panorama from off the beaten path village in Nepal
-
Unravelling History of Nepal
-
Meet a Nepalese personality (mystery)
-
Paraglide in an exclusive non-touristic area
Please view our detailed itinerary below
Day 1: Arrive in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu.
You will be met by our representative at the airport and brought to your Hotel. You will be briefed for the trek.
Arrive in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. You will be met by our representative at the airport and brought to your Hotel. Your tour leader will brief you about the tour.
Hotels we like in Kathmandu include:
-
Darwika Hotel Kathmandu
-
Dalai-La Boutique Hotel
-
Baber Mahal Vilas
DAY 2: Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu
Patan City:
In Patan, the old Newar city, you will see the historic Durbar Square, the Golden Gate, the sky-piercing temple of Taleju, and the statue of Yogendra Malla, Krishna Mandir, Sati Temple, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, Mahabouddha, and (the golden temple) with views of old carved wooden windows through the streets, curio shops, and Bazaars. Patan durbar square is part of the ancient Royal Palace. This durbar square is the smallest among the three durbar squares, often referred to as the most beautiful. There are many temples around this place, and it is perhaps the most stunning display of Newari architecture to be witnessed in the country. There are three central courtyards or chowks, they are Mul Chowk in the centre, Sundari Chowk, and Keshav Chowk are in the Square. There is a masterpiece of stone architecture at Sundari Chowk. On the way, you can visit the Golden Temple, the statue of Yogendra Malla, Krishna Mandir, etc.
Proceed to Swayambhunath & Kathmandu Durbar Square for sightseeing.
Swoyambhunath means ‘Self-Observation.’ It is believed that Swayambhunath was established more than 2,000 years ago. An inscription dating 460 A.D. states that King Manadeva carried out the construction. Swayambhunath developed into an important Buddhist learning site by the thirteenth Century. It is popularly known as the Monkey Temple amongst tourists. Swayambhunath occupies a central position; it is one of the most sacred monuments amongst Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
Kathmandu Durbar Square is in the middle of the old city of Kathmandu in Basantapur. The complex was a residence for Nepal’s family before the construction of the Narayanhiti Palace. The establishment of the Palace dates back to Licchavi times.
There are about fifty temples in the vicinity, including the titular deity temple, Taleju Bhawani. The Durbar is divided into two courtyards: the Kasthamandap, Kumari Ghar, and Shiva-Parvati Temple. The inner courtyard consists of the Hanuman Dhoka and the main Palace. It also houses two museums. Important ceremonies, like the coronation of the Nepali monarch, are held in the Kathmandu Durbar Square. Most of the palace premises are open for tourists throughout the week during office hours.
DAY 3: Drive to Chitwan (Approx. 160KM / 5-6 hours' drive)
Upon arrival, check-in at the resort and free time till lunch. Lunch at Resort.
Royal Chitwan National Park is a testimony of successful nature conservation in South Asia. This first national park of Nepal was established in 1973 to preserve a unique ecosystem that is invaluable. The national park covers 932 sq. km and is situated in the subtropical inner Terai lowlands of Nepal’s southern central part. This park is home to more than 43 species of mammals. The park is especially renowned for protecting the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, tiger, gharial crocodile, and many other common species of wild animals. The estimated population of endangered species of gaur, wild elephant, the four-horned antelope, pangolin, Gangetic dolphin, striped Hyena, monitor lizard, python, chital, hog deer, barking deer, sloth, palm civet, wild dog, langur, and rhesus monkeys.
In the afternoon: Tharu village tour, this cultural tour lasts for 1.5-2 hours.
Evening: Slide show, one of the resident naturalists, will talk about the Royal Chitwan National Park’s history and facts as we topics relating to wildlife. Your questions are most welcome.
Dinner and Overnight at a Resort in Chitwan. Full board plan.
Lodges we like in the Chitwan National Park area include:
-
Barahi Jungle Lodge
-
Tharu Lodge (Tiger Tops Collection)
DAY 4: Chitwan with complete Nature and Wildlife activities.
Morning Jungle Safari by Jeep. In the morning, experience the most exciting activity in Chitwan – Jeep Safari in the jungle.
Enjoy Jeep safari, an unusual program, with an experienced driver at the wheel and an expert naturalist leading you deep inside the forests on the jeep tracks, exploring the magical mystery of the forest from the comfort of your seat. This exciting activity in search of wildlife such as several types of deer (spotted dear, barking dear, hog deer), monkeys, wild boar, sloth bear, Hyena, leopard, and, if you are lucky, the Royal Bengal tiger. We will visit deep inside the national park, where the Naturalist will brief you about the forest with its variety of trees, species, birds, etc.
Bird Watching: You will get a wake-up call followed by tea or coffee and proceed for bird watching. This National Park is home to more than 530 species of birds. The Naturalist will help you to identify them. Some of the birds’ species are Cormorants, Herons, Cranes, Ducks, Egrets, Storks, Cuckoos, Kingfishers, Swallows, Orioles, Drongos, Babblers, Hawks, Osprey, Falcons, Kestrel, Parakeets, Ibis, Kites, Woodpeckers, and many others. Bird watching is always best done in the early mornings on foot.
Evening: Tharu Cultural dance: Farmers of the nearby villages will show some of their traditional skills and dances. Dinner and Overnight at a Resort in Chitwan. Full board plan.
Day 5: Chitwan to Rajko Danda drive. 5 hours
Your driver will drive you towards Rajko Danda. Approximately 5 hours. You will stay at a village homestay. The accommodation will be basic with neat and clean rooms.
The highlights will be to experience authentic Rural life, taste organic food, and the rapidly fading culture. We will have lunch and go on a walking tour of the village, visit the primary school. This district has significance in Nepal’s history of the last ruling Royal Family. Moreover, this district is one of the many recruitment areas of the world-renowned Gurkha soldiers.
Evening Cultural show by the Women’s organisation. You can enjoy the cultural show and drink locally distilled “Hooch” as part of the cultural integration.
Day 6: Drive to Pokhara. 4 hours.
Early morning walk up to Shiva temple (Approximately half an hour) for the sunrise over the Himalayas (Weather permitting). This is one of the main highlights of the whole tour. You will get a Himalayan panorama of more than 300 kilometres.
After Breakfast, we drive to Pokhara (approximately 4 hours) and visit the city’s highlights, including the Gurkha museum, which explains Nepal and Bindabasini temple’s famous warrior history’s important Hindu temple Pokhara and visit Devi’s fall.
Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of 900m from sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu valley, the city is a centre of adventure. The enchanting town has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the Himalayas’ magnificence rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic.
Devi’s fall: Devi’s fall is also known as Devin’s and David’s fall. It is a lovely waterfall about 2-Km southwest of the Pokhara airport. Legend has it that a trekker (David or Devin) got washed away by the Pardi Khola and disappeared into an underground canal beneath the waterfall.
Gupteshwor Cave is one of the largest caves in Pokhara dedicated to Lord Shiva is another nature’s wonder in Pokhara.
Overnight at a Deluxe Resort.
Luxury Hotels we like in the Pokhara Area
-
Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge
-
Pavilions – The Farm
-
Pavilions - Lakeview
-
Sarangkot Mountain Lodge
DAY 7: Pokhara - full day sightseeing.
Bindabasini Temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Durga (manifestation of Bhagwati, a blood-thirsty version of the goddess). This temple is located near the Old Bazaar of Pokhara. The white pagoda-styled building is of great religious significance to Hindus of Pokhara. Devotees throng to this temple daily and also offer animal sacrifices. One might even get to witness a Hindu wedding ceremony taking place on the temple premises.
Half-day sightseeing tour of World Peace Pagoda
The Peace Pagoda is a Buddhist stupa constructed focusing on World peace for people of all races and creeds. Most of this structure was erected under Nichidatsu Fujii’s guidance (1885–1985), a Buddhist monk from Japan and the Nipponzan-Myōhōji Buddhist Order’s Founder. Meeting Mahatma Gandhi in 1931 hugely influenced him. As a result, Fuji decided to dedicate his life to promoting non-violence. Thus, he began building Peace Pagodas as shrines to World peace in 1947.
It is balanced on a narrow ridge high above Phewa Lake. The bright-white Pagoda of Pokhara offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range and the Lake. Pilgrims climb the hill using trails from the various parts of the city or take a boat across the Lake to climb from the shore.
Hike down to Lakeside (04 K.M. / 1.5 hrs. walk)
Cross the Lake by boat, including a visit to the Barahi Temple.
Phewa Lake:
The centre of attraction in Pokhara is the Fewa or Phewa Lake. It is the largest and most attractive of the three lakes that add to the magnificence of Pokhara. One can row or sail a hired boat across the water or visit the island temple in the middle. After the boat ride, you are free to shop at the lakeside market. Enjoy a 1-hour boat ride at Phewa.
PM: Free for personal activities and return to the Hotel after dinner.
DAY 08: Pokhara to Kathmandu by Flight
Breakfast at the Hotel. After Breakfast, drive to Pokhara airport for a flight back to Kathmandu on a 30-minute flight.
Arrival at Kathmandu & transfer to Hotel. PM: Free for rest
Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. (B.B. Plan)
DAY 9: Day in Kathmandu or add additional experiences.
Optional additions:
1. The Ultimate Experience “Mountain Everest Flight”. **weather permitting**
On a chartered helicopter towards Everest, the ultimate mountain flight stops at a resort for Champagne breakfast before returning to Kathmandu. Total time for the experience 45 minutes flight to Lukla, 12-15 minutes of flying towards Everest, 30 minutes for champagne breakfast at a resort while looking at Everest and surrounding Himalayan peaks/
U$5500 per chartered helicopter – maximum five passengers.
2. Chartered helicopter flight in the Annapurna Himalayas
A chartered helicopter flight in the Annapurna Himalayas is US$1500 per chartered helicopter – seats up to 4 passengers. Total flight time of 35-40 minutes flights to a viewpoint with 30 minute stop for admiring the view. This can be done on the morning of day seven or day eight.
PM: Today, you’ll visit Pashupatinath, Boudhanath
Pashupatinath (UNESCO World Heritage Site), situated on River Bagmati banks around 8 km from the city, is one of the holiest Hindu shrines. The Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. It is not known for sure when Pashupatinath Temple was founded. But according to Nepal Mahatmya and Himvatkhanda, the deity here gained great fame there as Pashupati, the Lord of the Animals. Pashupatinath Temple’s existence dates back to 400 A.D. The richly ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga or holy symbol of Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to pay homage to this temple known as ‘The Temple of Living Beings presiding deity here is Shiva, who is worshipped in the form of the lingam. However, only Hindus are allowed inside.
The Monasteries surrounding the most important and beautiful Stupa belong to four famous Tibetan Buddhism orders: Nyingma-pa, Kagyu-pa, Sakya-pa, and Gelug-pa. While circumambulating, you will contemplate the prayer flags, prayer wheels, and Buddhist and non-Buddhist people, amazed by the magic of the Stupa. Mindful circumambulation around one of the biggest and most beautiful stupas in the world. Boudhanath, which was built in the 14th Century, is possibly the world’s largest Buddhist Stupa. The Stupa has become one of the most important centres of Tibetan Buddhism. The construction of the Stupa serves as a three-dimension that shows the Buddha’s path towards enlightenment. The Stupa’s base is surrounded by 108 small images of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabha and prayer wheels. Several monasteries have sprung up many different sects of Tibetan Buddhism around the Stupa, including one (on the west side of the Stupa) that houses an enormous seated statue of Maitreya Buddha splendidly adorned.
Transfer to Restaurant for dinner (Nepalese menu)
Farewell dinner: In the evening, enjoy an evening of traditional Nepalese culture as you taste various delicious local dishes and experience classical folk music and dances from all over Nepal. You can listen to traditional folk music performed live, watch elegant dances performed in beautiful, glittering costumes, and experience and learn about Nepal’s rich and diverse culture.
Hotels we like in Kathmandu include:
-
Darwika Hotel Kathmandu
-
Dalai-La Boutique Hotel
-
Baber Mahal Vilas