Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu airport

   • Welcome to the land of the Himalayas! On arrival at Kathmandu Airport, our representative will meet you, who will be waiting with the company. 
   • Upon meeting our company’s representative at the arrival terminal at the airport, you will be transferred to your respective hotel in our private, comfortable vehicle. 
   • Accommodation: Kathmandu Hotel. Included Meal: B

2. Day 2: Experience Mountain flight followed by sightseeing around Kathmandu valley

   • We will go for a scenic Mount Everest flight in the early morning. This unique experience will take you over Sagarmatha National Park, over some of the highest peaks in the world, climaxing with getting up close to Mount Everest. 
   • Late in the morning, we start a guided tour to four of the historical and spiritual sites in Kathmandu, which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, to provide insight into the history, religious significance, architecture, and culture of prosperous Kathmandu. The major sites we visit are Pashupatinath, Swoyambhunath, Bouddhanath, and Durbar Square. Pashupatinath, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, dates back hundreds of years and makes it one of the essential Shiva locations across the Indian subcontinent. Besides being a place of worship, it is also the most essential cremation site for the Hindus in Nepal. Here you will see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing, and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats.
   • Durbar Square is a complex of historic palaces, courtyards, and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece here is the 17th century stone inscription set into the palace wall with writings in 15 languages. 
   • Next, we will visit Swoyambhunath Stupa, popularly known as Monkey temple. The abundance of monkeys found in the shrine area is a 2000 years old stupa situated on a hillock. It is the world’s most glorious Buddhist shrine, and its main temple is capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt and is painted on the four sides with all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. 
   • Next, come Bouddhanath, a Buddhist shrine and one of the large Stupas in the world. 
   • You will visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the most significant Buddhist shrines in the world, where you can observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. The shrine has a unique octagonal Mandala design with hundreds of prayer wheels, and the 108 images of the Buddha are set into the niches around the vast structure. The area of Bouddhanath is also famous for over 50 Tibetan monasteries; thus, the area is also known as ‘Little Tibet.’ 
   • As you wander around the shops surrounding the stupa, you will find yourself interacting with monks in their maroon and saffron robes and traditionally dressed Tibetan refugees who live here at the religious center for Himalayan Buddhists. 
   • You can join the locals to circumambulate the stupa, bargain for handicrafts in the shops, or sit on a rooftop restaurant and absorb the atmosphere. Accommodation: Kathmandu Hotel. Included Meal: B

3. Day 3: Drive to Bandipur, on the way 2 hours rafting (142 km / 5 hrs)

   • After breakfast, we start driving to Bandipur. Driving today is adventurous and pleasant as it snakes down hugging the mountain side through terraced fields. Following the side of Mahesh River we come to the Trishuli River. 
   • Drive today provides plenty of opportunity to view cultivated terraced fields, rivers, streams, green valleys, rocky gorges, farmlands and typical rural life of Nepal. 
   • Once we reach Charaundi after about 3 hours drive, we start our rafting on the Trishuli River. We float with the clear white water of Trishuli River. The rafting in Trishuli River is suitable for novice rafters too as the rapid is normal (less than 2). 
   • Once we get to Kuringhat after about 2 hours rafting, we lunch there and continue again on the drive to Bandipur. 
   • We reach Bandipur late afternoon. Bandipur, a medieval Newari village dramatically perched on a ridge offers amazing views of the central Himalayan Mountains. Bandipur was once on the trading route between Tibet and India. 
   • We explore the surroundings, visit the bazaar, and gain an insight into the traditional way of life in a Newari village and spend night in Bandipur Village. Accommodation: Resort in Bandipur. Included Meal: B

4. Day 4: Bandipur to Pokhara

   • We wake up early morning to view the sunrise over the mountains from Bandipur. 
   • After breakfast, we continue the drive to Pokhara. Suppose you are on the right pane of your vehicle. 
   • In that case, the journey today provides plenty of opportunities to view cultivated terraced fields, rivers, streams, green valleys, rocky gorges, farmlands, and the typical rural life of Nepal. 
   • We take a lunch break in a restaurant along the way. 
   • Upon arrival in Pokhara, the naturally beautiful city with many crystal clear lakes, you may take time to spend leisurely at Phewa lakeside or hang around the market. 
   • Pokhara is a naturally beautiful city with lakes; and snow-capped mountain views. Pokhara is also a starting point to many adventure treks and climb, so we can say Pokhara is a natural and adventure hub. Accommodation: Resort in Bandipur. Included Meal: B

5. Day 5: Pokhara City Tour

   • We wake up early in the morning to drive up to Sarankot, a hilltop near Pokhara, to view Himalayan sunrise. 
   • After spending some time at Sarankot, we return to our hotel in Pokhara. 
   • After breakfast, we spend the whole day sightseeing, relaxing, and hanging around the beautiful Pokhara city and lakeside areas. 
   • We will take a boat ride across the lake (Phewa Tal), the second-largest in Nepal. We can also visit the Peace Pagoda. 
   • We will enjoy excellent views of the mountains, including the Annapurnas and the famous fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare, along with views back across to Pokhara. 
   • We visit the fascinating International Mountain Museum, where you will learn fantastic tales and hear about the exploits of the various climbing expeditions in the past – some ending in triumph and some in tragedy.
   • Further exploration will be around Davi’s fall, Mahendra cave, temple, and monastery. The lakeside area has excellent shopping opportunities and Internet cafés. Accommodation: Hotel. Included Meal: B

6. Day 6: Pokhara to Chitwan drive and Jungle activities

   • After breakfast, we will start our journey to Chitwan National Park. Our drive is through villages, the riverside, forests so that you will enjoy the sceneries while on the drive too. 
   • After arriving and settling in, you will be introduced to the camp staff and resident naturalists who will discuss the program. 
   • In Chitwan, there is some flexibility, and activities may vary depending on the time of the year and known wildlife movements and locations. 
   • You will visit the elephant camp to see how their handlers, known as phanits, care for these beautiful creatures. A late afternoon safari will take you through forests and across grasslands to observe the varied and exciting wildlife in the park. The local Tharu dance troupe may perform a cultural program in the early evening. 
   • You will then enjoy dinner, and afterward, you will be free to relax in the bar and discuss the day’s sights or listen to the exotic sounds of the jungle at night. Accommodation: Hotel. Included Meal: B, L, D

7. Day 7: Full day jungle activities at Chitwan National Park

   • An early morning excursion will include either another safari to different parts of the park searching for the great Indian rhino, deer, and exotic birdlife, or joining one of several other activities such as a visit to the elephant breeding center. Tiger sightings are rare these days, but these magnificent animals inhabit the park, so you may see them if you are lucky. 
   • After breakfast, you will leave the lodge for a trip by dugout canoe on the Rapti River. This is an exciting trip with chances to view marsh mugger crocodiles and various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. 
   • A program will be organized for the rest of the day, including further excursions by jeep or a visit to one of the nearby villages. Accommodation: Hotel. Included Meal: B, L, D

8. Day 8: Drive to Palpa from Chitwan

   • If you are an avid bird and wildlife lover, there is an optional early morning bird watching safari today, a worthwhile activity for your trip. After breakfast, we start our journey to Palpa, about 3 hours drive through fascinating green mountains, lush valleys, villages, farmlands, riversides, etc. 
   • Upon reaching Palpa, we visit the interesting touristic sites in Palpa. We savor the natural grandeur Palpa is god gifted. Palpa is known as the queen of hills and renowned for its mild climate. 
   • Rich in natural beauty and diverse cultural traditions, district headquarters Tansen, Shreenagar, Ranimahal, Bharavsthan, and other famous temples are the major places to visit in Palpa. The town of Tansen is a blend of Hindu temple, monasteries, churches, and mosques are the district headquarters of Palpa. Palpali Dhaka textile, Karuwa (Metal water pitcher with spout) Hukkah, idols sukunda (Old Lamp) spires and varous other items of handicraft have become the symbol of Palpa. 
   • We will stay at Shreenagar from where we can enjoy the natural grandeur of Palpa and the majestic snow capped Himalayas views offered. Kanjirowa, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Machhapachhre ranges can be viewed from the hilltop as well as a bird’s eye view of entire Tansen Township on the other side. Accommodation: Hotel. Included Meal:

9. Day 9: Palpa to Lumbini

   • Early in the morning, we proceed to Lumbini, the birth place of the light of Asia, the peace angel, Lord Buddha. Located in the Terai plains of Nepal, Lumbini is one of the greatest pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. More than 400,000 Buddhists and non Buddhists visit Lumbini every year. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Culture) and holds immense archeological and religious importance. Its only about three hours drive to Lumbini from Palpa, so we visit the major places of Lumbini today. We observe Asoka Pillar, Maya Devi Temple, sacred garden where Lord Buddha was born in 623 BC. 
   • We can see the nativity site marked by a commemorative pillar erected by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka of India during his pilgrimage to the holy site in 249 BC. The inscription on the Ashoka Pillar indentifies the Sacred Garden spread over 9 sq. km as the spot where the enlightened one was born. A large number of Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world visit Lumbini to pray at Mayadevi Temple where excavations have revealed the “marker stone” showing the exact spot where Siddhartha Gautam Buddha was born. The sacred Puskarni Pond where Queen Mayadevi had taken a bath before the birth of Buddha lies to the south of the pillar. It was also in this pond that the infant Buddha was given his first bath. To the north of the Sacred Garden are monastic zones where different countries have built temples and monasteries depicting different sects of Buddhism. The Myanmar Temple (Lokamani Cula Pagoda) is a shiny gold and white structure that resembles the Shwe-dagon Pagoda of Yangon while the International Gautami Nuns Temple is a replica of the Swayambhu Stupa of Kathmandu. The China Temple, built by the Buddhist Association of China, is a complex of pagodas, prayer rooms and meditation cells. Across the road is the Dae Sung Suk Ga Sa Korean Temple. The Japan Peace Stupa, built by Nippon Jon Kyohoji of Japan, is a 41-m tall structure with four different Buddha statues set into the stupa’s dome facing the four cardinal directions. Accommodation: Hotel. Included Meal: B

10. Day 10: Drive Lumbini to Kathmandu (flight option is there with extra costs)

    • One of the most popular ways of traveling to Lumbini from Kathmandu is by road. Enjoy a scenic bus ride. 
    • On this trip, you will see a noticeable change in landscape as you will be traveling from hilly region to the plains of Terai. 
    • You will see large farmland filled with crops in the plains of Terai. It takes roughly 9 to 10 hours to reach Lumbini. The main factor in your travel time is traffic on the day of your travel. 
    • Since your bus journey is long, download some movies or shows to keep you entertained. You can also keep some of your favorite snacks for the road trip. Tourist buses or public vehicles going to Lumbini do not stop at Lumbini Bazar but Buddha Chowk. 
    • Further, you need to get a local bus or walk down to Lumbini Bazaar. If you are having difficulty in finding your way then ask any local they will help you.

11. Day 11: Bhaktapur and Patan Sightseeing

    • After breakfast you will drive on to Bhaktapur, which was once the capital of Nepal and the Great Malla Kingdom during the 15th century. Its rich heritage, inspiring temples and artisanal history played a big part in Bhaktapur being named a UNESCO World Heritage site. 
    • Spend the day exploring Bhaktapur’s famous temples, starting at Durbar Square, which is reputed to be the most beautiful piece of art in Nepal. Durbar Square is home to the majestic Lion Gate and Golden Gate. 
    • You will also visit Patan Durbar square at the center of Latitpur city which is a marvel of Newari ancient architecture. Temple of Krishna, Golden Temple, Bhimsen Temple, Vishwanath Temple, etc. Patan is famous for arts and craftsmanship, so you might buy some beautiful souvenir from this city of artist. 
    • We drive back to Kathmandu and in the evening your will be free to explore on your own, soak up the incredible atmosphere in one of the local cafes, or just relax in your hotel. Accommodation: Hotel. Included Meal: B

12. Day 12: Final Departure

    • Today your Best of Nepal Tour ends. If you have late flight you may explore around Kathmandu yourself or spend time shopping and strolling around the Thamel area. 
    • Finally, you will be transferred to International airport 3 hours prior to your flight time. Included Meal: B