Authentic Nepal: Culture, Nature & Spirituality
Nepal, a country of amazing extremes with the highest point on earth Mount Everest 8848 meter to the forested plains of the Terai. Nepal the land of medieval cities, where time stands still. Fast flowing rivers and rapids where white water rafting becomes a challenge so daring. A country with exotic flora & fauna, a bird watcher's dream and a home to the unique one horned rhino and the royal Bengal tiger. A place where temples and cultural diversity so large. It simply takes your breath away or to watch, explore, trek or just simply watch the sun go down in all its grandeur on the Himalayas…. One visit will surely ask for more and more……
Highlights of Authentic Nepal: Culture, Nature & Spirituality
Activities: cultural sightseeing, visit to old town, meditation, hill station
Max.
Max Altitude: 1600m
Best season: All year round
Accommodation: lodge/homestay
Level of difficulty: Medium
Places to visit: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumibni, Namobuddha, Balthali
Itinerary
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Upon arrival in Kathmandu, receive and transfer to hotel
Rest of the day at leisure
Overnight at the hotel
Morning: Half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu also called the 'City of Glory’. Visit includes, Durbar Square, Kasthamandap - said to be constructed from a single piece wood. Kumari Ghar - Home to the World's only living Goddess. A short visit to Bhairab - the God of destruction, Taleju Temple - built in 1549 AD and Hanuman Dhoka Palace. Thereafter visit Swoyambunath Stupa, said to be one of the oldest Buddhist Stupas in the World, which is majestically set high on a Hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley.
Afternoon: Half-day sightseeing tour of Patan, the "City of Fine Arts". Visit Durbar Square, Krishna Temple, built in 1637 AD, which holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan, it is the only temple in Nepal that has 21 spires and is entirely made of stone, Hiranyavarna Mahavira - the Golden Temple of Lord Buddha and the Tibetan Handcrafts Center.
Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast, set for a fullday tour of Dakshinkali, Pharping and Kirtipur. Our day begins with a drive to Dakshinkali Temple – 23kms from KTM which is a famous shaktipeeth of Hindu people - a shaktipeeth is where worshippers sacrifice animals such as birds or goats to the Hindu goddess Kali. If your tour coincides either Saturday or Tuesday, the worshipping days, you will encounter hundreds of locals gathered there for blessings and animal sacrifice. On the way up the mountain to this temple, you will pass by many colorful small outdoor shops selling trinkets and offerings like flowers and coconuts to be offered to the temple. After the visit of colourful temple premises and after a short hike, we visit Pharping, home to many beautiful Buddhist monasteries and the cave of Guru Padmasambhava. Legend has it that the Guru was enlightened in the cave and near the entrance you can still see his handprint in the stone. As we guide you along the village, you can get a glimpse of the starkly different architecture of Buddhist shrines that you can’t find in downtown Kathmandu. After enjoying the panoramic views of Pharping, we will drive to the neighboring town of Kirtipur. This historical town houses the oldest university of the nation and has a charming beauty. There is a wonderful sense of faded grandeur thanks to the impressive medieval temples along its backstreets. The old Newari city is home to the historical Chilancho Stupa, the century old Baghbhairab temple, and Uma Maheshwor temple.
Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast, we depart Kathmandu in a private vehicle for a scenic drive along the Trisuli River to Pokhara (200km). Pokhara is a picturesque city focused around the beautiful Phewa Tal Lake with the classic Machapuchare (Fish Tail Mountain) in the background.
Rest of the afternoon if time permits, explore Lakeside area
Overnight at the hotel
Transfer to Naudanda – 1hr drive and commence a gentle hike to Sarangkot (approx. 3-4hrs). Naudanda- Sarangkot hiking trip is one of the popular hiking around Pokhara. When you are in Pokhara and want to get some walking experience, this trip is perfect choice. The hike is of about four hours and goes on almost flat dirt road. The hike passes through peaceful and beautiful villages that boast incredible view of Pokhara valley stretch. The ridgeline just above the road has breathtaking views of Annapurna range.
Overnight at the hotel in Sarangkot
Early morning reward yourself with the spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna Himalayan ranges from your hotel (or if you prefer to go to the nearby view tower)
After leisure breakfast in front of Majestic Himalayan view, walk down to your vehicle parking area, and drive back to Pokhara (45minutes) enroute visit Bindyabasini Temple and check-in at hotel.
Afternoon: Explore the beautiful town of Pokhara, visiting the Devi’s Fall and the nearby Gupteshwor Cave popular for the natural artwork forms made of limestone deposits and enjoy an hour boat ride in Phewa Lake, offering splendid views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges. Afterwards, stroll around lakeside area.
Overnight at the hotel
Drive to Lumbini – approx. 215kms (approx. 7-8hrs). Lumbini is a Buddhist pilgrimage site towards west from KTM/Pokhara. It is the place where, according to Buddhist belief, Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama in 563 BCE. Gautama, who achieved enlightenment sometime around 528 BCE, became the Buddha and founded Buddhism. Lumbini is one of many magnets for pilgrimage that sprang up in places pivotal to the life of the Buddha. Lumbini has a number of older temples, including the Mayadevi Temple, and various new temples, funded by Buddhist organizations from various countries, have been completed or are still under construction. Many monuments, monasteries and a museum, and the Lumbini International Research Institute are also within the holy site. Also, there is the Puskarini, or Holy Pond, where the Buddha's mother took the ritual dip prior to his birth and where he had his first bath.
Overnight at Hotel Kasai or similar
Morning: Yoga and meditation at one of the monasteries in Lumbini Garden
After breakfast visit the Lumbini Garden and afternoon free
Overnight at the hotel
Drive to Chitwan National Park – approx. 3hrs drive and check-in at jungle lodge.
Afternoon: Jungle related activities such as elephant back safari.
Chitwan National Park - An UNESCO world heritage property, Chitwan National Park has a history of over 3 decades in park management and a rich experience in resolving conflicts between the park and the people. It is a rich natural area in the Terai, the subtropical southern part of Nepal. A total of 68 species of mammals, 544 species of birds, 56 species of herpeto fauna and 126 species of fish have been recorded in the park. The park is especially renowned for its protection of One Horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger and Gharial Crocodile.
Overnight at the jungle lodge
Early morning canoe ride along Seti River for gharial and bird wacthing tour followed by a small jungle walk.
Return to lodge for breakfast
Afternoon, go to Tharu local village and meet the Tharu community and visit elephant breeding centre.
Evening: Enjoy a live performance by an indigenous cultural dance troupe
Drive back to Kathmandu – approx. 4-5 hrs and check-in at hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure
Overnight at the hotel
After early breakfast drive to Namobuddha, a small village which houses very old Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery which is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal and one of the holiest in the world. It is known as the place where the Buddha, in a previous life as a prince, gave his body to a starving tigress and her cubs.
Afterwards, hike to Balthali village - A typical rural village, Balthali offers you ample opportunity to explore wonderful natural surroundings along with the flavor of Tamang and Newar culture. If you are seeking to spend time in Nepal with local people and be closer to their typical ethnic culture Balthali is ideal for you.
Overnight at Balthali Mountain Resort
After breakfast visit Tamang village and meet the local people and afterwards, drive back to Kathmandu enroute visit Pashupatinath, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This massive temple complex sits alongside the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the courtyard of the temple, whereas tourists can see the temple from the eastern side of the Bagmati River. Afterwards, visit Boudhanath, a Buddhist Stupa said to be one of the largest in the world.
Rest of the day at leisure or free for individual activities.
Overnight at the hotel
Free till departure transfer to international airport for onward flight.
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