Classic Nepal Tour - 12 Days

Today, you are arriving in Kathmandu, known as the city of temples, which is full of cultural and historical heritage. As you land at Kathmandu International Airport, you will have mesmerizing views of the mountain vista from your plane. On arrival, your tour leader will greet and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Afternoon is your leisure time.

Later in the evening, you have a guided walking tour in Thamel- the bustling tourist paradise. Thamel's vibrant streets offer an array of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions for you to explore. Following the Thamel tour, we'll visit the Ason Market, a traditional local market that encapsulates the essence of Kathmandu's daily life.

To make your first evening in Kathmandu truly memorable, we have planned a warm welcome dinner at one of the charming Nepali restaurants in the city. This delightful meal will introduce you to the flavors of local cuisine, including signature dishes like Dal Bhat, lentil soups and Momos. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Today, you will visit the cultural and historical highlights of Kathmandu. After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, your tour guide will accompany you for an exciting day exploring the city.

The first stop will be Pashupatinath Temple, the largest Hindu temple situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. This temple holds significant religious importance and is a renowned pilgrimage site for Hindus. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to witness an open cremation ritual at the riverbank of the Bagmati River and observe the daily life of Hindu Sadhus.

A short drive from here will take you to Boudhanath Stupa - the largest Buddhist Stupa in the Kathmandu Valley. Boudhanath Stupa holds immense religious significance as one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal. Surrounding the stupa, you'll find a plethora of monasteries and shops offering a wide array of Buddhist artifacts and handicrafts. This provides visitors with an opportunity to deeply immerse themselves in the local culture and observe the daily lives of monks and devotees, creating a truly enriching experience in this spiritual sanctuary.

Our next destination is Kathmandu Durbar Square, a famous UNESCO Heritage site comprising a cluster of temples and palaces dating back to the 15th to 18th centuries. Once a royal palace complex for the Malla and Hindu Kingdom, it now proudly showcases Nepal's rich heritage. The square boasts traditional Nepali and Newari architecture, adding to its cultural allure. During your visit, you'll have the opportunity to explore several sacred Hindu temples, including Taleju Temple, Kal Bhairav Temple, and the Kumari Ghar (the residence of the living goddess). The area exudes a vibrant and lively ambiance, providing a true essence of the city for all visitors to experience.

Later in the day, we will visit the Swyambhunath Stupa. Swyambhunath Stupa, also known as the Swayambhunath Stupa or the Monkey Temple, is one of the most iconic religious and cultural sites in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is an ancient Buddhist stupa located atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, offers 360 degree views of the valley. Evening, stroll on your own. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Morning, have breakfast and enjoy leisure time on your own. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Kathmandu domestic airport for your flight to Pokhara. This flight offers scenic views of valleys, hilly landscapes, and mountain vistas. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will be transferred to a hotel in Lakeside, Pokhara.

In the evening, you will have a guided walking tour of Fewa Lake, Boating in Fewa Lake, visit Lakeside markets, etc. Overnight stay in Pokhara.

This morning, you will be transferred to Sarangkot for sunrise views of majestic mountains and valleys. You will have a great sunrise view of Mt. Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Fishtail (6993m), and many other central Himalayan peaks of Nepal. The view of the Pokhara valley and the surrounding landscapes looks impressive this morning. Upon enjoying the great morning in Sarangkot, you will be back to the hotel for breakfast.

This afternoon, you will visit the main cultural and scenic sites in the valley. You will be visiting a Bindabasini Temple, a Hindu temple which is considered to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga, the Hindu goddess of power and protection. It is one of the biggest Hindu temples in Pokhara.

From here, you will be taken to the Fewa Lake, where the water flows down to the canyon, creating a magnificent waterfall known as Davis Falls. The scenery surrounding this waterfall is truly breathtaking. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to visit Gupteshwor Cave, a natural cave dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the main deities in Hinduism.

Next, we will visit the International Mountain Museum, which is preserved by Nepal Mountaineering Association. The museum showcases the rich culture and mountaineering heritage of the Nepali people. The museum provides insights to the traditional mountain lifestyles, artifacts related to mountains and mountaineering, customs and practices of various ethnic groups living in the Himalayan region of Nepal. Overnight stay in Pokhara.

After breakfast at the hotel, our journey today leads us to the charming town of Bandipur. The drive is through the scenic hills and serene valleys. 

In the afternoon, we will embark on an exploration of the enchanting Bandipur Village. This traditional settlement is predominantly inhabited by the Newari Community, renowned for their cultural heritage. Here, you will have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the daily lives, customs, and traditions of the mountain people. 

Nestled on a hilltop, Bandipur offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and landscapes, making it a truly mesmerizing experience for all. Overnight stay in Bandipur.

In the morning, you have the option of a short excursion to the Durga Temple at the top of the hill, which offers stunning sunrise views of the mountains, valleys, and landscapes.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Chitwan, Sauraha. This drive is beautiful, passing through the scenic surroundings of the Nepalese countryside. Upon reaching Sauraha, you will be taken to a resort, where lunch will be served.

Later in the afternoon, you will have a guided walking tour of Tharu community villages, which will provide you with the opportunity to interact with the indigenous Tharu people and experience their lifestyle. In the evening, we will enjoy the panoramic sunset views of the National Park from the river bank of Rapti River. Afterward, you will be returned to your hotel. During the evening, you can enjoy a delicious dinner accompanied by a traditional Tharu cultural program. Overnight stay in Sauraha.

Morning breakfast at the resort, then you will be transferred to a canoeing trip on the Rapti River. As the Rapti River flows through the National Park, it is an excellent place for canoeing, and you will be able to spot various species of water birds and crocodiles.

After canoeing, you will have a short walk to the Elephant Breeding Center, which is a significant attraction in Chitwan. It is a conservation initiative to protect and breed elephants, and you will also be able to see elephant babies at the breeding center. Return to the resort for lunch. 

With some time to rest at the resort, you will then be transferred to the Jeep Safari Drive in Chitwan National Park, which takes about 4 hours. This Jeep Safari provides an excellent opportunity to spot various wildlife species, including different species of deer (like spotted deer and hog deer), one-horned rhinoceros, sloth bears, leopards, wild boars, langur monkeys, etc. As Chitwan National Park is a habitat for the Royal Bengal tiger, you will have the best chances to encounter the tiger during your jungle drive excursion. In the evening, return to your resort. Dinner and overnight stay at resort in Sauraha, Chitwan

From Chitwan, we will have a nice and pleasant drive to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. After checking into the hotel, we will then visit the Buddhist temple complex and explore more than a dozen temples in the complex, each designed uniquely by different countries and surrounded by beautiful gardens.

We will also visit the palace grounds where Siddhartha Buddha was born and the Maya Devi Temple, built in the 2nd century and dedicated to Buddha’s mother. Here, we will see the Ashoka Pillar, built in 259 BC by King Ashoka.

In the evening, we will enjoy a special session with a local monk to learn more about Buddhism. Overnight stay in Lumbini.

This morning, you will be taken to visit greater Lumbini area, including a Kapilvasthu, then will transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. 

Upon arriving in Kathmandu, you will be greeted and transferred to the captivating Bhaktapur Valley. Here, you'll explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a medieval town with architectural wonders, cultural heritage, and artistic brilliance. Its narrow alleyways lead to an impressive cluster of temples and squares.

Next, we will take a pleasant 30-minute drive through the scenic hills and landscapes to reach the hilltop retreat of Nagarkot. In the evening, you can relax in the serenity of Nagarkot, enjoying breathtaking sunset views of majestic mountains, picturesque valleys, and the surrounding landscapes. Overnight stay  in Nagarkot.

In the morning, you will enjoy the breathtaking sunrise views of majestic mountains and picturesque valleys from Nagarkot. Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the Nagarkot hotel, taking in the beauty of this morning.

Afternoon, you will be transported to Patan, an area renowned for its architectural durbar square adorned with temples, monasteries, and palaces. While there, you'll also have the opportunity to explore the renowned Patan Museum, celebrated for its impressive architecture, artifacts, and intricate wood carvings.

After your time in Patan, the journey continues to Dhulikhel. Located about 40 kilometers east of Kathmandu, Dhulikhel is a charming hill station that can be reached in approximately an hour. Immerse yourself in the surroundings, experience the rich Newari culture, and witness the local way of life. Dhulikhel also offers breathtaking sunset views of mountains, serene hills, and valley landscapes. Overnight stay in Dhulikhel

In the morning, you will enjoy breakfast in Dhulikhel while taking in the breathtaking sunrise views of majestic mountains and valleys. Afterward, you will be transported to Namo Buddha, a journey that takes approximately 40 minutes through hilly terrain and picturesque countryside.

Namo Buddha holds significant reverence as a Buddhist pilgrimage site in Nepal. Here, you will find the renowned Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, renowned for its Buddhist education center, meditation practices, and Tibetan Buddhist religious activities. The environment at Namo Buddha is profoundly peaceful and serene, offering exquisite panoramic views of mountains, hills, and valleys.

From Namo Buddha, your next destination is Panauti, a renowned village celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and architectural beauty. In the afternoon, you will be transferred back to Kathmandu. 

In the evening, we will host a farewell dinner at one of the finest restaurants in Thamel. We would greatly appreciate your feedback and any stories you would like to share about your trip with us. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Your tour comes to an end today. Following breakfast at the hotel, you will have free time before being transported to the international airport for your onward journey. Your memorable trip with us concludes here! End of our services !!!