Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu Airport and transfer to hotel. You stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city. You stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu. Known as Kantipur, Kathmandu is the capital of the Kingdom of Nepal. Here you will visit the temple of the Living Goddess who acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence. Kashtamandap - the source of the name Kathmandu and supposed to be made from the timber of a single tree and the Durbar Square are with its array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the ancient place of the Nepalese Royalty.
This day you will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. Though there are other places worth to be visited such as Machchendranath Temple, Akash Bhairab Temple, Kumari Temple, Ashok Vinayak, Jaishi Dewal, Tundikhel, Marty’r Memorial, Bhadrakali Temple, Singha Darbar, Narayanhiti Darbar, Kaiser Library, Budhanilkantha, Balaju Water Gardens, the National Museum, Guheswari Temple, Chabahil and Chandra Vinayak.
Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the most popular tourist destination is enlisted in World Heritage Sites. Clustered around the central Durbar Square are the old Royal Palace (Hanuman Dhoka), numerous interesting temples, the Kumari Chowk or Kumari Bahal (House of the Living Goddess) and the Kasthamandap (House of Wood) from which Kathmandu derived its present name. An inquisitive exploration in the Durbar Square reveals the ancient art and architecture of Nepal which has proved to be a masterpiece to everyone accepting its genuineness.
Swayambhunath is located approximately 4 kms./2.5 miles and this Buddhist Stupa 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.
Boudhanath Stupa is 8 kilometers east of Kathmandu City and 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 the Goddess Mani Jogini. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. The shrine is ringed by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priest.
Situated 5 kms east of Kathmandu City, Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest temples 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 jilted roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors will be permitted to view the temple from the east bank of Bagmati River, entrance in the temple being strictly forbidden to all non Hindus. Pashupatinath is the centre of annual pilgrimage on the day of shivaratri which falls in the month of February/March. Behind the temple are the cremation grounds.
Day 03: Sightseeing tour of Patan and Bhaktapur and drive back to Kathmandu. You stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu. The ancient city of Patan, lying 5 kilometers southeast of Kathmandu, is known as Lalitpur or the city of fine arts. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. The diversity of medieval culture that allowed both Hinduism and Buddhism to flourish has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing in this city. At Patan you explore Patan Durbar Square, Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor temple, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple and many other places of Patan, you feel as if Patan has been unveiled before you as an open museum showcasing intricately carved windows, intrinsic roof struts, statues of gods and goddesses, temples designed in pagoda style with erotic carvings and repose metalwork facades and many other exquisite facets. You will also get to see handicraft centre in Patan.
Durbar Square, like its counterpart in Kathmandu, is an enchanting mélange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the former royal palace complex is the center of Patan’s religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. One remarkable monument here is a 17th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna, built entirely of stone.
Bhaktapur (1,401m) covers an area of four square miles. Bhaktapur or the city of devotees still retains a medieval charm and visitors to this ancient town are treated to myriad wonders of cultural and artistic achievements. The past glory of the Malla rules continues to be reflected at the Darbar Square. Pottery and waving are its traditional industries. Bhaktapur is famous for woodcarving and the traditional topi or cap. The city lies about 14 km east of Kathmandu. The places of interest include Bhaktapur Darbar Square, the National Are Gallery, Nyatapola Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, Dattatreya Temple and Dattatreya Square.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces such as lion gate, the golden gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, Dattatraya Temple etc.
A magnificent statue of King Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is placed on a column facing the palace. It was listed in the UNESCO world Heritage Monument List in 1979.
Palace of 55 Windows: Being built by King Yaksha Mall in 1427 A.D. and remodeled by King Bhupatindra Malla in 17th Century, the balcony and the windows are intricately carved, is a masterpiece of wood carving.
Nyatapola Temple: This five storied Pagoda Style temple was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1708 A.D. well known for its massive structure and subtle workmanship. It is the tallest pagoda structure in the Kathmandu valley.
Day 04: Early drive to trail head at Hugdi on the Kathmandu – Narayanghat highway. You enjoy breakfast along the way. Start trekking uphill to about 1400 meters at Hattibang. This moderate to strenuous trek is picturesque as you pass small villages and behind you is the awesome scenery of the Trishuli river and the mountains in the horizon. You can enjoy home stay in Magar houses at Hattibang.
Day 05: Early rise to walk uphill for about 2 hours to reach Sirauchuli (the highest point in the Chitwan district) at 1945 meters to enjoy the 180 degree view of the Himalayas from Dhaulagiri to Gauri Shankar. Situated in the mid hills, this spot also offers majestic views of the vast plains in the south. After breakfast on the ridge, you walk down to visit the Chepang village of Jyanjala. After a short rest here, you start the up-down (so called Nepali flat) trail to Upardangadi which will take about 4 hours. You do this moderate trek through and excellent trail meandering through forests and grazing fields, with views varying between the Himalayas and the plains of the terai. By afternoon, after the last long descent, you arrive in the village for a well deserved rest. In the early evening you walk up to the Upardang fortress for a stunning sunset, before walking back to your home stays in this Gurung village which is highlighted by a cultural performance by the people of the village.
Day 06: After breakfast you bid goodbye to your hosts and start trekking the long walk down to the river and then along the river bed to Shaktikhor. This trek will take about 3 hours at maximum. You then transfer to awaiting vehicles to drive to Chitwan. Upon arrival at the lodge, our staffs will brief you on the activities they have planned. After lunch you will start your jungle activities such as elephant safaris for 2 hours deep into the jungle to experience the wildlife, flora and fauna of the park at close quarters or a bird watching tour will be organized. You stay overnight at the lodge
Day 07: This day's activities include either an elephant safari or a nature walk. After breakfast canoe ride or a bird watching tour will be excellent for you. Lunch at the lodge and after lunch an elephant briefing at the Elephant stables where naturalists will give a lecture on the Asian Elephant. Here you will have an opportunity to witness and participate in the bathing of an elephant. You stay overnight at lodge.
Day 08: Early morning you can enjoy elephant safari or natures walk. After delicious breakfast you drive back to Kathmandu.
Day 09: Free day for shopping and recreation in Kathmandu. You stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 10: Fly out from Nepal.
