Essence of Nepal

14 Days of Adventure, Culture, and Leisure

Overview:

Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of biodiversity and has an incredible variety of ecosystems. Here you will witness the greatest mountain range on Earth, which has eight of the world’s 14 highest mountains, including Mt. Everest (8,848m). See thick tropical jungles teeming with a wealth of wildlife, thundering rivers, serene lakes and forested hills. Within this spectacular geography is a rich cultural landscape, people and tradition.

This tour is designed for those who wish to see the iconic sites and magnificent treasures of Nepal. The tours are on a fully-inclusive basis, so you’ll travel with the assurance that all your arrangements are taken care of. You will be accompanied by our dedicated and professional National Escort/Local Guides, whose unparalleled knowledge will turn your holiday into an unforgettable experience. Get spiritually charged in staying two nights in the Monastery, Buddha where he performed virtuous offering of his body to a hungry tigress in his past life. Get Engaged by staying in a local family house in Changunarayan and observe our social project supporting the Education of underprivileged school in Changunarayan.

The journey begins at the heritage city of Kathmandu before passing through the picturesque city of Pokhara and thickly forested national park of Chitwan., you will have discovered an important facet of Nepal that includes --among others-- culture, lifestyle, art, and tradition; majestic Himalayan peaks and serene lakes; and a number of wild animals and birds coexisting in a savage harmony. You will find yourself immerse in completely in peace and relax, transforming activities and Nepali way of life. You will explore the rich culture tradition, amazing art and architecture, discover the day to day life-style, and relax in quiet natural gateways outside of Kathmandu. This trip is perfect for travelers looking for a cultural immersive leisure holiday where no physical fitness and activities are required as most people associate Nepal with.

Trip Outline:

Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu and traditional welcome dinner

Day 2: Visit to local market (oldest) of Asan (special tour), visit to Patan and Bouddhanth late in the day

Day 3: Visit to Bhaktapur and Changunarayan, stay at Mahankal homestay (Sarju family house). Observe the local village and way of lifestyle

Day 4: Visit to community supported School project of ours at Changunarayan, evening drive to Namobuddha Monastry, (One Night stay in Namobuddha). Eat and Pray with the Buddhist Monk

Day 5: Drive to Pokhara and free evening at Lake side, Pokhara

Day 6: Drive to Tikdhunga and hike to Ullerri

Day 7: Trek to Ulleri to Ghorepani

Day 8:  Trek  Ghorepani to Tadapni 

Day 9: Trek to Ghandruk and Drive to Pokhara

Day 10: visit to Mountain museum, Davis falls and world peace stupa

Day 11: Drive to Chitwan, Tharu Cultural Show

Day 12: Jungle Safari, canoeing and activities in Chitwan

Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu and free evening for shopping

Day 14: Departure

Key Features:

• Visit around UNESCO heritage sites of Kathmandu valley that accommodate a number of ancient and medieval temples, palaces, courtyards, and other petty monuments.

• Learn about Hinduism and Buddhism religion that has been existing in Harmony through ages in Nepal . A short session 2 hrs on basic of Meditation for Mindfullness .

• Hike close to nature enjoying magnificent Himalayas around Annapurna .

• Stay two nights in a Buddhist Monastry at Namobuddha , eat and pray with the monk

• Stay in a clean local family homestay and also engage authentic Nepali village, visit to our community supported school for underprivileged students with our supported NGO, READI  (www.readi.org.np).

• Explore the local markets of Kathmandu Valley and our secret exploration

• Taste the authentic Nepali cuisine with cultural dance from different ethnicities of Nepal.

• Explore the countryside of Nepal during the scenic drive.

• Pokhara-- the beautiful city of lakes on the foothill of Annapurna and Machapuchre peaks.

• Exploration of the national park of Chitwan, jeep safari, Jungle Safari and canoeing.
  

Trip Facts:

Trip duration: 13 Nights, 14 Days
Difficulty level: Easy
Focus: Sightseeing, cultural tour, nature, easy hiking

Accommodation: 4 star and 1 night in a Buddhist Monastery

• In Kathmandu: Nepali Ghar 4 * or similar

• In Pokhara: Dahlia Boutique hotel*

• In Chitwan: Safari Adventure camp

Cost (based on shared twin rooms):

2 pax - $1865 USD pp

4 to 6 pax - $1720 USD pp

8 to 10 pax - $1675 USD pp

10+ pax - $1620 USD pp

*Supplement if you’d like a single room: $565 USD

 DAY 1: Arrival and welcome dinner

You will be picked up at the airport by one of our colleagues whom you will spot holding TWT sign bearing your name. H/She will escort you to our vehicle and then you will be transferred directly to your hotel.  

You will be invited to a traditional Nepali dinner with culture show of various ethnic groups of Nepal in the evening. Kathmandu Meals: Welcome Dinner with cultural show

DAY 2: Sightseeing of Kathmandu Bhakta

You’ll rendezvous with your guide at 9 AM in the hotel lobby from where you will commence the Kathmandu tour. Before departing from the hotel, the guide will provide a short introduction on the activities of the day.

Day starts with a tour of Pashupatinath temple, regarded as one of the holiest temple for Hindus worldwide. It is dedicated to a manifestation of Shiva called Pashupati (Lord of Animals). Pashupatinath temple’s existence dates back to 400 AD. The ornamented pagoda houses the sacred Linga or phallic system of Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to pay homage to this temple that is also called ‘The Temple of Living Beings’. Inside the temple Lord Shiva is available in four faces . All these faces have different names and significance. The face facing east is known as Tatpurusha and the one facing south Aghora. Similarly , the faces looking west and north are known by the name Sadhyojata and Vamadeva respectively. The upper portion of this linga is known as Ishan. These faces are also defined as the symbol of four dhamas and four Vedas ( sacred book of Hindus).                     

You will head to the city of Patan which is the second largest of the 3 major cities of the Kathmandu valley. After a short stroll around the Durbar square that gives you an idea of the past regime and culture of this ancient Kingdom, you will visit a number of Buddhist shrines and monasteries founded in the ancient and medieval period some of which even date back to the BC era, including Mahaboudha temple, Golden temple, Rudra varna mahavihara, Ashoka stupa etc.

After lunch you will drive to Boudhanath Stupa which is claimed to be one of largest Stupas in the world and the most important pilgrimage site for the followers of Tibetan vajrayana Buddhism. This Buddhist  complex which in the form of a mandala when observed aerially is adorned with prayer wheels on the outside and is circumnavigated daily by a horde of visitors, religious or non-religious.  

Your final destination of the day is another buddhist heritage of the valley, Swayambhunath stupa, situated at a vantage point that caters to you a good sunset view of the valley. Believed to have risen spontaneously (thus its name) from a lotus seed planted by an ancient Buddha of past eon, the shrine is commonly known as “monkey temple’’ as you can observe these impish yet harmless beasts running around in group or alone without any concern of the world. 

KATHMANDU:  Kathmandu, the largest city of Nepal, is the political as well as cultural capital of the country. Kathmandu is a city where ancient traditions rub shoulders with the latest technological advances. However, it is the grandeur of the past that enchants the visitor whose gaze may linger on an exquisitely carved wooden window frame, an 18th century bronze sculpture or the spiritually uplifting stupas. Like any big city, Kathmandu has seen rapid expansion in the last decade, but despite the hustle and bustle so typical of metropolitan cities, its people remain as refreshingly friendly as ever. Retaining its ancient traditions, Kathmandu is blessed by a Living Goddess and is enriched by endless ceremonial processions and events that take to the streets every now and then with throngs of devotees seeking blessings. These religious festivals are steeped in legend and are quite a spectacle with chariot processions and masked dancers often possessed by the spirits of deities

Overnight at Kathmandu

Meals: Breakfast only

DAY 3: Bhaktapur and Changunarayan

After breakfast you will be taken taken to ancient part of Kathmandu valley - Bhaktapur Durbar square.

Bhaktapur is an open museum holding exciting palace, courtyards, royal bath, sculptures, pagodas, Shikhara style temples and Buddhist monastery along with exclusive architecture. In other words, this is the most beautiful Durbar you visit in your Nepal tours. Though 1934 earthquake brought bad luck to its structure, still the remaining monuments are the finest examples of the medieval excellence. Just near the square, you will visit the traditional painting School, the dying art of Nepal which is the best souvenir from Nepal.  Besides palace complex, five storied temple with most appreciated architecture, the Pottery Square, Dattatraya Square and Peacock window are some other things to see in Bhaktapur.

And then you will be visiting considering the oldest temple of Nepal, Changunarayan at the little hills of bhaktpur .

In the evening, you will stay at in the family run homestay in Changnarayn.

Overnight: Mahankal Homestay (Sarju family house) 

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 4: Community/social impact visit & overnight in Buddhist Monastery

Early morning visit to our social community support project under our NGO READI: Shree Krishna Primary school. We practice sustainable and responsible travel, so as a part of Community Social Responsibility (CSR) we support the community school at Changunaryan. We empower people by education, raising awareness, sharing knowledge & on-the-job trainings. At local community level, mobilizes local communities to enhance the people’s skill level though responsible and accountable (technical) trainings, communication, and computer education.

Evening drive to the sacred site and Buddhist monastery at the top of the hillock Namobuddha. In Namobuddha you will stay at Namobuddha monstary with the monk and observe the monk pray and eat together. You will find yourself in solitude, peace of mind and relax with the content and simplicity life of Buddhist monks.  

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Overnight: Namobudhha monstary

DAY 5: Journey to Pokhara & meditation instruction

Roughly 7 hours of drive along the winding riparian highway will take you to Pokhara, the second biggest tourist destination in Nepal after Kathmandu. The valley has at its disposal a number of attractions and activities including lakes a couple of which are canoe-able, breathtaking views of snow-white peaks, stupa and temples, viewpoints etc. You have a free day in Pokhara which you may utilize by canoeing at Phewa lake or just strolling around its banks. In the evening, you might want to partake in the nightlife of the town. 

Evening: 2 hrs basic intro into Meditation and mindfulness by a Nepali instructor.

Pokhara: Pokhara is the most beautiful city of Nepal. It is often said the Switzerland of Nepal . Pokhara offers a combination of nature and culture and is mostly known as the gateway to the trekking route "Round Annapurna" . The beautiful city with a population of around 200,000 has several beautiful lakes, mysterious caves and offers panoramic views of mountains. Pokhara represents a last chance to stock up on creative comforts before hitting the mountain trails. Pokhara offers the adventure activities such as trekking, mountain flights, paragliding, boating, fishing, swimming etc.

Overnight at Pokhara

Meals: breakfast only

DAY 6: Drive to Tikhedhunga and trek to Ulleri

Today after breakfast, our trekking guide will take you for an hour drive to Tikhedhunga and commence our trek to Ulleri, a large and prosperous town beside the Modi River, prepare for the long uphill and start with steeply ascends on the long stone steps to Ulleri village with the amazing landscape and the Himalayan scenery

Meals : All meals ( Breakfast Lunch and Dinner )

DAY 7: Trek to Ghorepani

After breakfast we start a pleasant day's trekking through rhododendron and oak forests. The scenery gives you inner power to climb up these steps and immerse you to walk more. After few hours of walking with several breaks in between reaching at Ghorepani, we can enjoy the fantastic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayan range.

Meals: All meals (Breakfast Lunch and Dinner)

DAY 8: Poon Hill hike and trek to Tadapani

An early morning start for 40 minutes hike up to Poon hill (3210m/10530ft), the route offers the glimpse of the pleasant rhododendron forest. This brilliant viewpoint provides us an unobstructed sunrise over the high Himalayas and the wide range of panoramic scenery from the far western Himalaya of Dolpo, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna including Mt. Machhapuchre (Fish Tail) and all the way to Manasalu. After a great time return back to Ghorepani for breakfast and continue trek to Tadapani for overnight.

Meals: All meals (Breakfast Lunch and Dinner)

DAY 9: Trek to Ghandruk and drive to Pokhara

Continuing our trek to Ghandruk, the trail ascends and steepest before we reach at Ghandruk which is a largest Gurung (popular ethnic group from western region of Nepal) settlement in the area with the closest views of Annapurna and Machhapuchre to the north and evening enjoy exploring the local village and people with traditional dressed and then we drive back to Pokhara .

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch only

DAY 10: Visit to Sarangkot and the World Peace Stupa and Mountain Museum

You will set out early in the morning to the hilltop village of Sarangkot in order to relish the magnificent sunrise on the Himalaya. After getting back to the hotel for the breakfast, you will then visit chief attractions of Pokhara including Davies falls, Gupteshwar cave, international mountain museum, before concluding at Phewa lake where you can go for boating if you like.

Overnight at Pokhara: Hotel Barahi

Meals: Breakfast only

DAY 11: Pokhara to Chitwan

The journey towards southern belt starts early and in approximately 4 hours you will reach our jungle resort situated at one of buffer zones of the Chitwan national park. You will embark on few jungle activities like birdwatching tour and/or jungle walk on the discretion of the nature guide. In the evening you will delight in the traditional stick dance performed by native Tharu people who dwelled the forest area even when it was uninhabitable.

Chitwan literally means “heart of the jungle”. In recent years Chitwan tops the list of things to do in Asia. It is a truly wildlife adventure of a different kind – jungle safaris on elephant backs or jeeps, birdwatching, canoe rides and jungle walks.

The Chitwan National Park is Asia’s best preserved conservation area, where wildlife thrives and their habi-tats remain intact. Only half-hour flight from Kathmandu, the park lies in the Inner Terai lowlands and con-sists of Sal forests, tall elephant grasslands, hills, ox-box lakes and flood plains of the Narayani, Rapti and Reu rivers. Enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Natural) in 1984, the park spreads over an area of 932 sq. km

 Overnight at Chitwan

Meals: All Meals (Breakfast Lunch and Dinner)

DAY 12: Activities in Chitwan

You will partake in a number of adventurous jungle activities including canoeing along Rapti river, visit to the elephant breeding center, jeep safari, etc. Apart from one horned rhinoceros, crocodiles and deer which are normal sight of the national park, you might even see tiger, leopard or python if you’re lucky. Besides animals, there are nearly 450 different species of birds in the park that will render the forest safari colorful.

Meals: All Meals (Breakfast Lunch and Dinner)

DAY 13: Drive to Kathmandu

You have local market exploration of oldest part of Kathmandu and then will have free evening to buy souvenir and shopping to take memories of Nepal.

Meals: Breakfast Only

DAY 14 – Departure from Nepal

Unfortunately, today you’ll be leaving Nepal and will be returning home or heading onward to other destinations.

Safe travels!

Meals: Breakfast included

Cost breakdown for this trip:

Cost Includes:

• Accommodation as per hotels , homestay and monastery as mentioned above

• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary ( with Breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara , all meals( full board ) during Trekking and Chitwan

• Welcome authentic Nepali Dinner with Cultural Dance

• Private transport ( Superior Quality throughout the trip ) .

• All Tickets to UNESCO heritage sites , museums , visits as mentioned in itinerary

• All National park and jungle activities fees included in Chitwan

• All activities fees

• 24 hrs. emergency support staff

• Trekking Permit and Annapurna Conservation area permit

• An experienced Tour Guide throughout the trip

• All government taxes.

Cost Excludes:

• Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, phone call, internet.

• Nepal entry visa fee.

• Your Travel insurance.

• Your personal expenses.

• International airfare and airport departure tax.

• Any costs which arise due to unforeseen circumstances, a change of the itinerary, due to natural calamities, political disturbances, and strikes etc.

• Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost included.

• Tips for the guides.