Nepal Travel | Join In Tour in International Group with Pyala Travel - Travel Program

Day 1 Arrival Kathmandu

On arrival, after the customs clearance at the arrival lounge, you will be received by our company’s representative. On the way to the Hotel, our representative will brief you about Nepal and general do’s & don’t, and the scheduled meeting regarding the program. As we shall be holding your rooms at the Hotel Traditional Comfort, you may check-in at any time during the afternoon.

Day 2 Kathmandu / sightseeing

Bhaktapur City: An important, and fascinating World Heritage Site,
Bhaktapur City is made up of three large squares filled with shrines, temples, and activities. Bhaktapur is an essential Newari city with some of the finest architecture in Nepal. In its heyday (14th-16th centuries) Bhaktapur was the most powerful kingdom of the Kathmandu Valley and remained capital for 300 years. Despite earthquakes and frequent rebuilding, Bhaktapur is one of the successful towns which has succeeded to retain authentic medieval feel, where neighborhood still practice center old ponds or tanks (built to store water for drinking, washing, and religious ceremonies) and performing it as a social focal point.

Local people in Bhaktapur are predominantly farmers and engaged in the traditional hand-crafts of pottery, metalwork, paintings and wood crafting which have been the major trade of the city and supported the city since its establishment from the 12th century. Results of man-made perfection not only did boost the economy of the city, but it converted the city into a service station; the major trade route between Tibet and India. Certainly, a fascinating place to explore!

Panauti City and lunch with a Local Family: Panauti used to be a commercial hub during the medieval period, but now, it is very much at its ease. Panauti City is renowned for its well-preserved backwater, fascinating and historic temples, and impressive Rana mansions built in Neoclassical Architecture.

There are three holy rivers in Panauti, Brahmayani, Roshi, and Punyabati. The name of the town was derived from the holy river, Punyabati. People of Panauti still operates under traditional beliefs, so if you are watching blacksmiths working then you are - also - witnessing the centuries old ‘living’ traditional values of Nepal. Traditional farmers and their beautiful rice terrace are other major highlights of Panauti.

Friendly city, Panauti celebrate diverse festivals with an enormous gusto. There are as many Buddhist Stupas as Hindu Temples in Panauti, both blended according to local’s artifacts.

Among many beautiful temples, related to either Hinduism or Buddhism, Hindu Temple i.e. Indreshwor Mahadev (12-13 century), which has single plinth base, pagoda type with three stories, three main gates & six tundals. The temple is dedicated to Shiva, the god of destruction in Hindu pantheon. The major, famous, festival that is celebrated only in 12 years is Makara Mela.

Boudhanath Stupa: Boudhanath Temple is the center and most pious land for Tibetan background, living, in Nepal, but it envelopes equal respect from every Nepalese population. It is one of the largest stupas, with the height of 36m, in the South Asia. The Stupa is located around the area of an ancient trade route for Tibetans, where Tibetan merchants took rest and offered prayers since centuries. Apparently, it is also a home for many Tibetan refugees those who entered into Nepal in 1950s, and decided to live around Boudhanath.

Day 3 Kathmandu/Sightseeing - Pharping

Patan Durbar Square: Patan City is surrounded by a fascinating array of
temples, built in various architectural manners. Patan Durbar Square is a home of numerous temples like Krishna Mandir, Bhimsen Mandir, Taleju Bell, Bhai Dega and many more, which also displays that Gods and Humans have always lived with each other since long-long time ago.

All the temples are decorated in masterpiece handicrafts, and according to the Newari architecture. The City is built under Newari cultural perspectives, thus, the city holds the utter pride of Newar history.

Most of the monuments of the city belong to the medieval Malla period, from 15 to 17 century. Golden Gate & Golden Window from the old palaces, traditional metal craft, Krishna Mandir famed in 21 Golden Pinnacles, the Royal Bath of Sundari Chowk, the Royal Taleju Temple, Vishwa Narayan(Bishnu) Temple are the some of the finest examples of unique craftsmanship, and faith of locals to the Gods projected in the wood.

The temple of Bhimsen and its magnificent golden balcony overlooking the backdoor of the temple also includes many other shrines & sculptures scattered in and around the square.

After completing sightseeing tour of Patan Durbar Square, we shall drive to Pharping, south of the Kathmandu Valley.

Just above Pharphing, Neydo Monastery – a Tibetan Style monastery - is a home to 140 monks from India & Nepal, combined. The present Karma Charme is the seventh reincarnation figure of the Lama of the unique Neydo Kagyu tradition, which also follows the Nyingma Lineage Tibetan Buddhism.

The Neydo Rinponche Monastery guest house provides accommodation in comfortable, well-appointed rooms (all with private bath, kettle to make tea/coffee, private balcony). Further, wide balconies provide stunning views across the valley and the monastery has elegant, comfortable sitting area - a lovely place to think, relax and to read - and excellent meals are guaranteed in the dining room.

Day 4 Pharping - Kurintar

After enchanting Morning Prayer and enjoying the sunrise over the valley
from the Monastery roof, we will drive from Pharping to Kurintar via Prithivi highway, one of the busiest highways in Nepal. The construction of the highway started in 1967 with the help of the Chinese government. The construction was completed in 1974. The highway is named after the first king of Nepal, Prithvi Narayan Shah.

Upon reaching Kurintar, cross a suspension bridge over Trishuli River and hike to our remote lodge (45 mins walk, approx) by the banks of Trishuli River passing through local settlements, which is a hamlet for various tribes, like Magar, Chettri & Brahman. The lodge is only accessible by foot. Luggage transfer facility is provided by lodge.

Day 5 Kurintar - Chitwan

Leaving Kurintar early in the morning with the impressive view – the Trishuli
River, ancient stone villages backed by steep rice terrace, suspension bridges & mountains beyond. At Mugling turn south slowly descend from the central hills to the fertile lowlands of the Western Terai & Chitwan National Park.

Chitwan National Park is the homeland of the Tharu who are the original tribe of this region. They have their own language, culture and traditional beliefs. Along the way to village you can see local people, culture, tradition, religion and heritage. Upon arrival you will be welcomed in the authentic Tharu manner. In the evening you will get an opportunity of preparing your dinner together with the local family. At night the Tharu people from the village only will set an arrangement of entertainment by performing their cultural dance.

Village Walking Tours: The Tharu cultural excursion offers you insight to the daily life of the indigenous Tharu people. Tharu tribes, like many other tribes from all around the world, are tilting their interest to the western culture, and abandoning their very own costume. The major aim of this excursion is to make Tharus feel proud of their culture, and moreover, to preserve one of the indegenious cultures of Nepal from existing. We also try to preserve the culture by giving the local community an economical base for preserving it.

Cultural Dance Program: Tharu Dance is an eclectic way of expressing the significance of festivals, fields, and united community. The performers belong to Tharu tribe & from their forefathers. The folklore reveals their story with a pinch of salt that everyone will enjoy.

-Programs in Chitwan are subject to change depending upon local conditions

Day 6 Chitwan

After breakfast in hotel, proceed to jungle for activity in Chitwan like Elephant
ride, canoeing & jungle walk.

Elephant Ride: Visit the jungle on the back of a five-ton elephant. This thrilling elephant ride provides a great vantage point for viewing the abundant wildlife area & a great chance to spot a rhinos or tiger from high above the tall grass.

Elephant Washing: You will get a nice feeling of childhood wonder as you help bathe an elephant. You’ll be rewarded with a refreshing trunk full of cold water. This is also the best way to cool off on hot afternoon.

Jungle Walk: A fantastic way to get close to the wildlife with two local professional guides. In this excitement you can enjoy the green harmony of all tall trees and an impressive range of animals. Keep an eye out for tigers, crocodiles, wild elephants, monkeys & rhinos. If you are lucky it is possible to see them.

-Programs in Chitwan are subject to change depending upon local conditions

Day 7 Chitwan - Bandipur

Bird Watching Tours: Before breakfast, here an exciting amount of highly
vulnerable birds (some of them endangered) can be seen. For example Chestnut-capped, Babbler, Blue-Bearded Bee-eater, River Lapwing, Red Jungle Fowl, Black-Rumped, Himalayan &Greater Flamebacks. A lot more species like the Grey-header Woodpecker can also be found in Chitwan National Park.

- Programs in Chitwan are subject to change depending upon local conditions.

After breakfast we will be leaving Chitwan, ascend from the vast expanse of the Western Terai to Central Hills en route, you will pass through Bharatpur. Situated on a hilltop above the highway town of Dumre, Bandipur captivates the visitor with its cultural appeal and pristine scenery. This Newar town has maintained its age-old flavor, and presents sightseers with a heady mix of history, architecture, incredible views, awesome caves, and unspoiled landscapes.

Day 8 Bandipur

After breakfast, we will hike to Ramkot through the village trails where you can see typical village life, traditional homes and interesting temples.

Purano Kot: formerly an old fort, lays just twenty minute walk west from the bazaar. A small temple nearby contains old statutes. Beside this, a newer temple has been built, where local people come to pray for rain to the god Mahadev during times of drought. A further two hours hike away, is Ramkot village. Passing through Muchuk village and Mukundeswari, Ramkot is a typical Magar village with traditional round houses, little touched by modern development. Another two hours along an easy trail is Chabdi Barahj, a pilgrimage site.

Day 9 Bandipur - Pokhara

From Bandipur, rejoin the Prithvi Highway for the 78km to Pokhara. Heading west across the Madi River; climbing again (with aview of deep rocky gorges crossed by suspension bridges) before descending to the broad Seti Valley.

Pokhara – city of lakes is the third largest city in Nepal after Kathmandu and Biratnagar. Located 200 km from the capital city of Nepal - Kathmandu, Pokhara has the dramatic changes in its geography from North to South. The altitude varies from 780m in the southern part to 1350m on the north. Three out of the world’s 10 highest mountains above eight thousand meters – Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Annapurna I (8091 m) and Manaslu (8163 m) can be seen from the city including the unique Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) with an elevation of 6997 m, which is also the closest to the city. Whereas, due to the proximity to the mountain range, the city is also a base for trekkers undertaking Annapurna circuit.

Day 10 Pokhara

Excursion to Sarangkot: Early morning before sunrise you will be driven to Sarangkot to witness the most magical sunrise. The best Mountain View from Sarangkot has been described as an almost religious experience, especially at dawn. Footpaths and a road lead almost to the top where the mountain panorama includes Machhapulchhare (or Fish Tail Mountain) (6,997m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), Annapurna I (8.091m), Annapurna III (7,555m), Annapurna IV (7,525m) and Annapurna II (7,937m). Boating in Phewa Lake: Phewa Lake is the second largest lake in the country. It is the center attraction on Pokhara. It is the largest and most enchanting lake that adds to the resplendence of Pokhara. Here, one can sail & row the hired boat across the water or visit the island temple.

Hike to World Peace Pagoda: The brilliant white pagoda is set on a narrow ridge above the lake. Constructed by monks from the Japan - Nipponzan Mohoji organization. The shining golden statue depicts the Buddha in the posture he assumed when he was born. Near the base of the stupa is the grave of a Japanese monk murdered by anti-Buddhist extremists during the construction of the monument. Besides being an impressive sight in itself, the shrine is a vantage point which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range and Pokhara city. There are three paths up to the pagoda ranging from a 20 minute to 2-hour hike.

Day 11 Pokhara

Pokhara is a beautiful city which attracts many tourists, hence, there are lots
of activities that you can do while you are at leisure in Pokhara like ultralight flight, mountain biking, Paragliding, Standup paddling on Phewa Lake or just relax by the lakeside.

Day 12 Pokhara - Kathmandu

Yeti Airlines – Jetstrem flight takes only 30 minutes to reach from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

Pashupatinath: The most important Hindu shrine in Nepal, Pashupatinath (Lord of the Animals), is the protecting deity of the country and is a fascinating complex of shrines and arya-ghats (cremation sites) on the banks of the Bagmati River. The most fascinating shrine is the main temple with its pagoda-style roof and the 300-year-old huge bronze Nandi (the bull—Shiva’s carrier) in front. Richly-ornamented, the temple houses the four-faced, six foot tall lingam (phallic symbol of Shiva) that is said to date from the 14th century. Believed to have its origins in AD400 it is a major pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Shiva everywhere. The festivals of Teej (festival of women) and Maha Shivaratri (the night of Shiva) are when the temple is particularly crowded. The Naga sadhus draw the most attention, an awesome sight in their dreadlocks and standing stark naked.

Day 13 Kathmandu

Farewell Dinner at Dwarika’s Hotel

On a free day in Kathmandu, you can stroll around the city, shop around Thamel for souvenirs.

Later evening you will be received at the hotel by our vehicle and transfer to Dwarika’s Hotel for your 6-course Nepali dinner at Krishnarpan Restaurant, which serves the finest Nepali flavors, Krishnarpan is a slow dining experience reminiscent of the ritual feasts enjoyed by the Kathmandu Valley’s Newari community. To spend an evening at Krishnarpan, the Nepali specialty restaurant at Dwarika’s is to take a culinary journey through the fascinating terrain and cuisines of Nepal.

Six course of meals are prepared using the freshest vegetables from the Dwarika’s own farms. The courses are offered on traditional brass and earthenware and served by hostesses representing Nepal’s diverse ethnic communities.

Day 13 Departure

You will be collected at your hotel and taken to the airport to connect onward
flight.

Notes: - Activities in Chitwan are subject to change depending upon local conditions - Reporting time: International - 03 hours prior to flight departure time Domestic - 01 hour prior to flight departure time