Captivating Nepal

International arrival and transfer to Hotel

Sightseeing in Kathmandu Durbar Square & Swayambhunath Temple. You will start the day going to the heart of the city with a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square (also known as Basantapur), one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu valley. The others are in Bhaktapur and Patan. Durbar Square means “Kings square”, and is the area in front of the royal palace. All three Durbar Squares are UNESCO Heritage sites that echo the ethnicity and legends of the former kings, displaying exquisite arts of traditional Newari craftsmanship over several centuries in the forms of temples, idols, courtyards, fountains and more. After lunch, you will visit one of the oldest religious sites in Nepal. Swayambhu (also Swayambunath, Shoyambhu and commonly referred to as the ‘monkey temple’), is on top of a hill in the west of the city. Ancient Buddhist architecture is featured around one big stupa surrounded by a number of smaller temples and shrines – Hindu as well as Buddhist. This is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites and is a UNESCO world heritage site. There is a Tibetan monastery, a museum and a number of shops and restaurants. After the steep climb up or easier back route, you can enjoy views of all of Kathmandu stretched out below.

Sightseeing in Patan Durbar Square & Pashupatinath Temple. Patan Durbar square is located in the city of Lalitpur.This square is more compact than the other Durbar squares but possibly the most beautiful. You can also explore the wonderful Patan Museum in one of the former royal palaces adjacent to the main square. The Krishna mandir (temple) is one of the most famous attractions here. Pashupatinath temple for Hindus is what Boudhanath and Swayambhunath are to Buddhists. On any auspicious day for Hindus, Pashupatinath temple comes alive with throngs of people, visiting to pay their homage. Heavy incense, chanting and the mantras of the Hindu priests reverberate in the air, creating quite an extraordinary sight and experience! Although you can’t go inside the temple area unless you are Hindu, there is still plenty to see throughout this UNESCO World Heritage Site including the funeral rituals at the burning ghats.

Sightseeing in Dhakshinkali Temple, Shes Narayan Temple, Chobar Village & Kirtipur Town. Pay homage to Goddess Kali, the most ferocious incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. Dakshinkali temple is about 22 kilometers from Kathmandu. On the way to Dakshinkali, you can visit Shes Narayan temple, the temple of Lord Vishnu. The word ‘shes’ refers to the snakes upon which Lord Vishnu sits and rests. On the way back to the city is the gorgeous village of Chobar, known for its gorge that flows in between the two hills. The gorge was formed when water seeped in through the soft rock of the limestone hills creating a gaping fissure, a magnificent view in itself! A myth enshrouds the gorge that it was struck by the mighty sword of Manjushri to sprout out the water, making the land suitable for habitation. Kirtipur is a historic town just outside Kathmandu’s ring road. King Prithivi Narayan Shah invaded it in 1768, subsequently capturing all three kingdoms of Nepal - Bhaktapur, Lalitpur and Kathmandu, marking him in history as the legendary king of the Shah dynasty who ruled over a unified Kingdom of Nepal! Kirtipur is full of medieval temples and shrines throughout its back streets. Known for its weavers, you will see yarn drying and hear the clicking of hand looms as you explore this ancient town.

Drive to Pokhara & transfer to Hotel. Pokhara is one of the most popular destinations in Nepal. Focused around the picturesque Phewa Tal, a large lake, the clean air and relaxed atmosphere is a welcome break from the crowds, bustle and dust of the capital city. It is a 5-7 hour scenic drive along the Prithivi Highway, hugging the Trisuli river for a large part of the way.

Sightseeing in Pokhara with boat ride on Phewa Lake. The International Mountain Museum was established to maintain records of all those who successfully summit Nepal’s eight thousand meters high peaks! The museum displays the original gears from many of the first Himalayan ascents, as well as beautifully showcases the history, culture, geographic flora and fauna of the Himalayas. The mysterious and deceitful Davis Fall - locally known as ‘Patale Chhango’, which means ‘The Hell’s Fall’! The modern name ‘Davis Fall’ was derived from the tragic incident of a foreigner named Davis who got swept into the underground passage by the strong currents never to be seen again! The World Peace Pagoda appears pristine and powerful across Phewa Lake. From its vantage point one can enjoy scenic views of Pokhara city and the spectacular Annapurna mountain range. A hike straight down to Phewa Tal takes you to the boat that will take you back to Lakeside (the tourist area), as dusk casts its shimmering glow of orange on the mountains and serene waters of the lake. The perfect relaxing end to the day!

Drive to Chitwan. Trip briefing of Jungle Safari and overnight.

Jungle activities in Chitwan National Park. Chitwan means “heart of the jungle” and you will have the full jungle experience on this day with a jungle safari, elephant ride, as well as some peaceful walks so you can experience nature in its plentiful abundance!

Drive to Kathmandu by private vehicle

Sightseeing in Budkhanilkantha Temple, Boudhanath Stupa & Sankhu Village. Budanilkantha is an intriguing temple of Lord Vishnu. The statue of the Lord is carved out of a single block of black, basalt stone of unknown origin, and lies in a reclining position immersed in a recessed tank of water representing the cosmic sea! Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. Adorned with prayer flags, the giant mandala with a huge dome in its center and a square tower of 13 steps pyramid above it is a stunning sight. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites of Buddhists. From Boudhanath you will continue north east out of Kathmandu to the mystical Newari town of Sankhu. Parts of the town were badly damaged in the 2015 earthquake but the striking Vajrayogini temple still stands on the hillside at the top of town.

Free day in Kathmandu. The last day, you can either simply rest or roam around the city; a perfect chance to condense and reflect peacefully, all that you gathered and experienced in the last few days!

Transferto airport for international departure