Highlights of Nepal: Kathmandu, Chitwan & Pokhara

It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to your designated hotel.

After breakfast, we will visit following spots in Kathmandu:

The durbar square with its arrays of temples, courtyards, monuments and the ancient palaces of the former Nepali Royals is located in Basantapur in the heart of Kathmandu city, the country's capital. Chief attractions here include Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace, the magnificent Taleju Temple towering more than 40 meters; Kumari Ghar, the residence of the Living Goddess, Kumari; the temple of Ashok Vinayak dedicated to lord Ganesh (elephant headed deity), and Kal Bhairav, the God of Wrath.

Swayambhunath is said to be around 2000 years old, this Buddhist Stupa sits atop a hillock 02 kilometres west of Kathmandu overlooking the valley. The oldest written reference to the stupa dates from the 5th century, but it could have existed much earlier. Moreover, a legend has it that the stupa evolved spontaneously at the time of the Kathmandu valley's creation. Swayambhunath is famously known as the 'Monkey Temple' owing to the presence of a large number of monkeys around the area.

Patan Durbar Square Located 5 km southeast of Kathmandu, the Patan city popularly known as 'the city of artisans' accommodates a magnificent square housing the palace buildings of the then royals, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples - a display of Newari architecture that had reached its pinnacle during the reign of the Malla kings. It is filled with wood and stone carvings, metal statues, and ornate architecture, including dozens of Buddhist and Hindu temples, and over 1200 monuments.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your short flight to Bharatpur. After arriving drive approx one hour to the resort.

Chitwan National Park: For a country known for its beautiful mountains, the gigantic flat lands of Terai that stretches throughout the southern part of Nepal provide a wholly different experience. A visit to Nepal remains incomplete without seeing the beauty of the Terai.

The Royal Chitwan National Park, established in 1973, provides a great wildlife experience with its rich flora and fauna. The wildlife and the landscape are not as breathtaking as those found in Africa but still, the experience will stand out.

Chitwan is only 150m above the sea level. The place gets steamy from March-June, with peak temperatures reaching 43°C in the shade. Short grass makes Feb-May the best game-viewing season, but the autumn months are gorgeous, with Himalayan views, and in winter (December-January). Chitwan is pleasantly warmer compared to Kathmandu. The monsoon season (July-August) is intense, with pounding rain, swollen rivers, and luxuriant vegetation. While the rain isn't constant, the humidity is all pervasive.

Arrive at Sanctuary Resort via Danda bazar, which is approx. 6 kms from the main highway. Upon arrival, there will be a short briefing on the program and our facilities and the rooms will be assigned.

Village Visit: Proceed for a walk to visit the nearby village for a guided tour to immerse you in local Tharu culture. Our naturalist will brief you about the social and cultural aspect of the villagers and their lifestyle. Walk back to the resort.

One of our jungle experts will introduce background data and history of the Royal Chitwan National Park as well as some other topics relating to wildlife. Your questions are most welcome. Farmers of the nearby villages will show some of their traditional skills and dances.

After breakfast at the resort, engage yourself in below activities:

Strap on your walking boots, take a sturdy bamboo walking stick and prepare for a pure exploration and excitement with our naturalist for a guided tour of the jungle.

Commence for a jungle drive. After the drive come down to the banks of the Narayani River at boating put in point. Start boating in a traditional patela boat for about 45 minutes which takes you on a silent trip down the Narayani River to view aquatic birds, crocodiles, Gharials and the animals of the river banks. After boating enjoy and relax for a sundowner.

After Lunch at the dining hall you are free to relax or take a swim in our large swimming pool which beckons temptingly on a sunny afternoon

Today, transfer to the airport for your short flight to Pokhara.

Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty. At an elevation lower than that of Kathmandu, it has much more tropical feel to it; a fact well appreciated by the beautiful diverse flowers that prosper in this environment. The enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panaromic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of the lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast proceed for the below sightseeing spots.

Spend a quiet time boating in the ultimate lake where the reflections of Mount Annapurna and Machhapuchhre range falls. You will also see a variety of fishes while boating. An island temple is located at the middle of the lake. Thick forest lies on the adjoining southern slopes of the lake. It's hard to escape the draw of Phewa Lake and any visitor with even a few spare minutes should endeavour to take a boat out on the water to fully experience the wonderful views of the reflected mountains.

The International Mountain Museum is dedicated to the mountains of Nepal and the mountaineers who have climbed them. The museum displays the history, culture, geology, flora and fauna of the Himalayas.

Bindebashini Temple: This is one of the oldest temples in Pokhara. Legend says that when Pokhara was a part of Kaski Kingdom, the main deity of the temple, Goddess Durga, was brought from India. Apart from the peace and tranquility that can be felt in this region, the premises of the temple offers a good view of the Himalaya on a clear day. The temple is in the area of the Bazaar; hence, a journey of the old bazaar can be combined with a visit to the temple.

Devi's fall: Locally known as Patale Chhango (Hell's fall), Devi's fall is an amazing waterfall lying about 2 km south-west of Pokhara airport on the highway to Tansen. It was named after Devi, a Swiss lady who was swept away when the floodgates were accidently opened, never to be seen again.

Gupteshwor Mahadve Cave: Across the road from Devi's Falls, this venerated cave contains a huge stalagmite worshipped as a Shiva lingam. The ticket allows you to clamber through a tunnel behind the shrine, emerging in a damp cavern adjacent to the thundering waters of Devi's Falls.

After breakfast, transfer to airport to take flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival transfer to hotel and rest of the day will be at leisure.

Today, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.