Around Nepal Tour - 14 Days

The team from International Adventures Treks & Expeditions will receive you at the airport and after greetings, we will drive to our hotel, after check in to the hotel, we gather for short briefing regarding our tour.

After breakfast we meet up at the lobby and once again have a short briefing regarding the sightseeing tour of the day. It is very important to stay with in the group along with your tour guide, until you are not informed by the tour guide regarding leisure time to explore on your own. The itinerary for the sightseeing is combined in such way that we get to visit different sites of the Kathmandu valley.

Patan: Patan is located just across the Bagmati River from Kathmandu, It is also known as Lalitpur, derived from the Sanskrit “Lalitpattan”. Patan also boasts a Palace square like its larger neighbor, A very unique experience for visitors as we witness a distinct place for arts and architecture that is reflected on each temple, monument and palace building that were mostly built during the Malla period between the 16th to 18th centuries.

“Lalitpattan” the word refers to the place famous for Art and architecture, which exactly matches with Patan. In every corner & alley of Patan you can see Thangka painters, filling color to ancient Gods and Goddess on canvases, fine metal shops that offer Buddha’s exotic, handmade brass sculptures at very reasonable prices. You can taste local cuisine as well in Patan’s alleys.

Swayambhu Maha Chaitya (Swayambhunath) – Known to tourist as a Monkey Temple but it is the Buddhist Chaitya which believed to rise from ground on itself. We can see the magnificent views of Kathmandu Valley. The stupa, consists of a dome at the base representing the entire world. The Painted eyes of Buddha represent wisdom and compassion. A curly symbol, symbolizing the nose represents the unity of all things existing in the world. Prayer wheels surround the whole dome. The evening views of Kathmandu valley and sunset from hilltop will be a memorable experience.

Boudha Chaitya (Boudhnath) : Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage sites and is one of the most impressing landmarks in city. The largest stupa in Asia measures 36-meter-high. The stupa of Buddha is massive and tend to dominates the skyline I the area. With countless monasteries around it, Boudha is the center point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The Boudh stupa has unique characteristics in terms of architecture, if we look into it from above, it is in the perfect shape of giant Mandala giant mandala, or diagram of the Buddhist cosmos and as in all Tibetan mandalas, four of the Dhyani Buddhas mark the cardinal points, with the fifth, Vairocana, enshrined in the center (in the white hemisphere of the stupa).

Pashupatinath: A sacred pilgrimage site dedicated to lord Shiva, “Pashupati” the lord of all living and non living existence in the universe. Located on the banks of Bagmati River. Pashupatinath dates back to 5th century and relates with the Nath sects. There are areas of limitation in the premises of this temple to non-Hindus, there is a lot to experience in the surrounding area. Pashupatinath is a considerable complex of temples, ashrams, with images and inscriptions dating back centuries.

Every evening there is closure ceremony which is known as Aarati (celebration with lights) at the Bank of Bagmati River. The ‘Aarati’ at the eastern banks of Bagmati river is so mesmerizing that people gather to witness with their own eyes and feel the emotional attachment with their god, along the “Aarati” we can also witness chanting of Vedic mantras, ringing of bells, burning of incense, and lighting of oil lamps, a band singing hymns in praise of god, playing of classical instruments, keep the people spellbound throughout the process.

After breakfast, we drive about four hours to Nuwakot, we arrive at the Nuwakot Farm house, a heritage type hotel beautifully decorated with lots of ancient art and artifacts. It use to be a Newari Manor which has been restored to its former glory. Our guide will eventually brief us regarding the visit to the historical Palace, King Prithivi Naryan Shaha announced Nuwakot at his time as the second capital and made his preparation to attack into Kathmandu valley. Evening be on your ease.

Situated at an elevation of 900 m, the ancient citadel stands proud as if untouched by changing times, amid the quaint Nuwakot Bazaar. While the interior of the Durbar (palace) suffered some damage during the recent earthquake of 25th April 2015, the buildings are still intact and a tour of the premises is still possible. Reconstruction efforts are underway to conserve the heritage site that played a pivotal role in shaping the history of modern Nepal.

After breakfast in Nuwakot, we set our journey to Gorkha, the name by which Nepalese got popular in the world is Gorkha (Since the British recruited Nepali soldiers, the battalions are named Gurkhas). Gorkha is the name of the kingdom from where the Shah dynasty hailed. The Nepal of today was once divided into dozens of small kingdoms until King Prithvi Narayan Shah began his conquest of neighboring states. He then captured the valley kingdoms and moved his capital to Kantipur (Kathmandu’s former name) in 1769. The Shah rulers continued the drive to bring all the smaller kingdoms under their rule until Nepal became one unified country.

The main attraction is the historic old Durbar, the original palace of the Shah dynasty which has been maintained well and is the major tourist destination. Perched on a hilltop, the palace also commands a sweeping view of the surroundings. Many trekkers start the great Manaslu circuit from Gorkha town while also enjoying the sights of the historic remains of an old dynasty and culture of the locals.

The two major ethnic inhabitants of Gorkha regions are Gurungs and Magars, since the time of unification of Nepal and during the Second World War they have earned a reputation for bravery, winning Victoria Crosses from the British government. It’s only in the battlefield they displayed their fierce attribute beside it they are friendly people in normal circumstances with a reputation for excellent hospitality. Another interesting fact for many if you are eager to know it, “The Honey Hunters of Nepal”, a popular documentary made by Eric Valli and Diane Summers was shot in Gorkha where the local people still continue the practice of collecting wild honey.
We check in to the Gorkha Gaun Resort, after where you can relax and get refreshed. Your guide will then escort you to the Gorkha palace and museum. (Closed on public holidays, so we will duly inform you if it is public holiday or not during our visit to Gorkha ).

Overnight at Gorkha Gaun Resort, ideally located in the lush green western hills of Nepal faces Mt. Manaslu in the north, offers sheer cottage comfort and relaxation away from the hustle & bustle of city life.

After breakfast we drive to Bandipur a hilltop town that is midway on the day-long drive between Kathmandu and Pokhara, an age-old Newari town holds a pristine history and offer rich hill culture, mountain views, and hiking.

History states that after the conquest of the Kathmandu valley in 1768 by King Prithivi Narayan Shah, many of the local inhabitants (Newars) spread out of the valley and began establishing trading posts in the hills. Some of those made their way to Bandipur and soon started providing the needs of increasing mercantile of British India and Himalayan vicinity.
A murky mountain village was transformed into a busy commercial center, extending its importance from central Nepal (and Tibet to the north) converged to head southward, crossing the great Narayani River and the Chitwan jungle to reach the Indian rail head of Narkatia Ganj.

In the years of 1800s, Bandipur gained its popularity in terms of wealth and importance. It became the selling point of Tibet and British India’s products, traders came from Tibet with musk pods, mountain herbs, animal skins, and horses & Calico, tobacco, glassware, and kerosene came in from British India.
However, when Nepal opened her doorways to the world the world in the 1950s, Pokhara with its airfield began to gain popularity then in 1972 the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway by-passed Bandipur. It is said that where there is a will there is a way, likewise the road’s alignment was an opportunity in disguise, those merchant who built their buildings in a traditional way has now been turned into restaurants & cafes, shops & lodges.

After some refreshment we will have a guided tour around village, visiting different temples and water spouts, admiring the vistas and witnessing the lifestyle. one can also make a short hike to Tundikhel. Overnight in Bandipur.

We begin our journey to Pokhara after breakfast in the beautiful town of Bandipur. It takes around 3 hours of drive to reach Pokhara. Pokhara is equally popular touristic destination among many in Nepal, trekking & expeditions starting hub to Annapurna region. It is also a relaxing station before and after trekking and expeditions.

Numerous activities can be done within the Pokhara, boating, hiking with the serenity of nature, sightseeing and cycling. For adventure lover, Ultra flight, paragliding, zip flyer & Bungy jump is also available. Beside, one can enjoy good food and drinks.

If you have less time in Kathmandu and would want to do some souvenir shopping, you can find them while walking around the lake side.

In the afternoon we will walk to the lakeside and set a time for you to buy some souvenir to carry for your friends and family.

Earlier is the better for the views, right after breakfast, we head towards the lakeside and go for a boating to reach on the other side to commence our hiking, we stop by a temple, built in pagoda architecture right at the middle of the lake on an island in the southeast section known as Tal Barahi or Lake Temple. After being in the temple for some time we continue our boating to the other side to be able to start our hike.

The world peace pagoda or the Shanti stupa is around 45 minutes of uphill walk from the shore of lake. With the good motive and contribution of many people from different countries, the peace stupa was built which is 115 feet tall and 334 feet in diameter, if we notice then we can find two tiers for tourist and religious visitors to make clockwise pilgrimage. If the weather permits then we can have beautiful view of the mountains, Sarangkot and the city.

We walk down to another side of the Pokhara which is nearby Devis fall and Gupteswor cave, our vehicle will pick us up and drop us to Gupteswor cave and Devis fall, after these two venues we will visit the Tibetan refugee camp.

After sightseeing is over we drive back to our respective hotel where you can relax by the pool side or take some nice message with Ayurvedic treatment. Spa center, Sauna & Jacuzzi.

The Birthplace of Lord Buddha, the enlightened one, it is said that many Buddha were there before Shakya Muni Buddha but the enlightened one is known to the world is the Shakya Muni Buddha, Depending upon the road situation and extra activities that we will take part during our drive to Lumbini, we may reach Lumbini before sunset, which will allow sometime for us to stroll around the local market to get a glimpse into the local lifestyle. Visit the Mayadevi temple which is built on the exact location where Buddha was born. We can wander around the gardens and also spend some time meditating under Bodhi Tree – a huge impressive tree covered in prayer flags, a pond just beside the tree, where the mother of Shakyamuni Buddha believed to have took a bath before giving birth to Shakyamuni Buddha. Overnight in a hotel in Lumbiini.

Lumbini itself is a huge area but where the birth of Shakya Muni known as Siddartha Gautam took place, the palace and monasteries which followers of Buddhism built is expanded to 4.8 km (3 mi) in length and 1.6 km (1.0 mi) in width. , consisting of ancient as well as recently built temples, monasteries and museums by Buddhist organizations from various countries including – Tibetan, Chinese, Japanese and Burmese, Korean, Nepal, Malaysian, Germany – Lumbini is one of the most sacred sites for pilgrimage pivotal to the life of Buddha.

While we move around sacred pilgrimage place of Buddhist, we see that there is variant in the culture as well as the religion that people follow in this region, yet everyone lives in peace and harmony.

After breakfast drive to Chitwan for around 4-5 hours. After checking in to the hotel and getting refreshed you will be briefed about full nature programs by our naturalist guide. Then we head on for activities,
• Guided tour to Tharu village (around an hour or depends on your interest)
• Walk on the bank of Rapti river
• Sundowner
• Tharu cultural dance performance by villagers (one hour)

Our morning starts with a wakeup call. Join for breakfast then we start our activities for the day
• Bird watching with nature guide (around an hour or depends on your interest)
• Canoe ride (half an hour), an opportunity to see 2 rare species of crocodiles; the Marsh Mugger and the only fish eating Gharial
• Jeep safari at National Park/Community forest (3-4 hours), you will have an opportunity to see four different kinds of deer, rhinoceros, monkeys, leopard, sloth bear, and the Royal Bengal Tiger
• Nature walk to see different floras and faunas in National Park (around an hour or depends on your interest)
• Slide show presentation by expert

Today we prepare ourselves to return to Kathmandu, after breakfast we drive for around 5-6 hours (depending on traffic). We drive through ring road of Kathmandu to Bhaktapur, a primitive town or city of the devotee for an hour. Check in to our hotel and rest of the day is on your own, enjoy scrolling around living museum Bhaktapur.

After breakfast we gather for sightseeing of the town. Bhaktapur (1,401 m.) covers an area of foru sq. miles, the city of devotees still retains a medieval charm. a

living museum of art and architecture which dates back to the era of the Malla rulers continues to be reflected at the Durbar Square. Pottery and weaving use to be

it’s traditional industries. However Bhaktapur is still famous for its wood carving and traditional Bhadgaule topi or the traditional Bhaktapurian’s cap.

Pottery: We enjoy a guided walk at the Pottery square, where handicrafts are still made in a primitive method. Clay pots and other items are twirled and baked in the fire, this tradition of pottery is helping to preserve Bhaktapur’s thriving trade-craft. One can indulge and shape a clay pot and learn about this age old profession.
After the end of the sightseeing we prepare ourselves to drive to Dwarika’s hotel in Kathmandu – one of the exquisite boutique hotel in Nepal. There are many hidden story behind the establishment of this hotel. One can enjoy dwelling through collection’s of the books into the library of Dwarika’s Hotel or spend a quality time in the pool like a king a redolent of 12th century Malla Dynasty.

Evening will be followed by a dinner serving finest cuisines at Krishnarpan, enjoy the taste which comes from the typical local cooking method, normally served in the feast of “Newars”.

Depending on flight time, team of International Adventures Treks & Expeditions will transfer you to International airport for your journey to next destination 3 hours before your flight.