10 Days: A Taste of Nepal

Duration: 10 Days | 9 Nights
Dates: September to mid June
Countries to be visited: Nepal
Departure & Return Locations: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu

This deluxe tour represents Nepal in the form of a teaser that gives you a taste of what Nepal has to offer. This itinerary for ten days is a comprehensive program that will let you experience some aspects of NEPAL. With 147,181 square kilometres (56,827 sq mi) and a population of approximately 30 million, Nepal is the world’s 93rd largest country by landmass and the 41st most populous country. Kathmandu is the nation’s capital and the country’s largest metropolis. Nepal has a rich geography. The mountainous north has eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains, including the highest point on Earth, Mount Everest (8848 M). It contains more than 240 peaks over 20,000 ft (6,096 m) above sea level. The fertile and humid south is heavily urbanized.

This program features:
Cultural Heritage of Nepal
Experiencing Buddhist and Hindu lifestyles
Wildlife in Chitwan with unique experiences
300 Kilometres of Himalayan panorama from off the beaten path village in Nepal
Unravelling History of Nepal
Meet a Nepalese personality (mystery)
Paraglide in an exclusive non-touristic area

Difficulty: Easy
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Luxury Lodges
Transportation: Flight, Private Vehicle
Best season: September through June
Altitude (max): 2000 m
Min. group: 4
Max. group: 20

Day 1 - Welcome to Kathmandu
Arrive at Kathmandu airport. Our representative will meet and bring you to your hotel. Your tour leader will brief you about the tour.

Day 2 - Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu
Patan City: In Patan, the old Newar city, you will see the historic Durbar Square, the Golden Gate, the sky-piercing temple of Taleju, and the statue of Yogendra Malla, Krishna Mandir, Sati Temple, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, Mahabouddha, and (the golden temple) with views of old carved wooden windows through the streets, curio shops, and Bazaars. Patan durbar square is part of the ancient Royal Palace. This durbar square is the smallest among the three durbar squares, often referred to as the most beautiful. There are many temples around this place, and it is perhaps the most stunning display of Newari architecture to be witnessed in the country. There are three central courtyards or chowks, they are Mul Chowk in the centre, Sundari Chowk, and Keshav Chowk are in the Square. There is a masterpiece of stone architecture at Sundari Chowk. On the way, you can visit the Golden Temple, the statue of Yogendra Malla, Krishna Mandir, etc.

PM: Proceed to Swoyambhunath & Kathmandu Durbar Square for sightseeing. Swoyambhunath means ‘Self-Observation.’ It is believed that Swoyambhunath was established more than 2,000 years ago. An inscription dating 460 A.D. states that King Manadeva carried out the construction. Swayambhunath developed into an important Buddhist learning site by the thirteenth Century. It is popularly known as the Monkey Temple amongst the tourist. Swayambhunath occupies a central position; it is one of the most sacred monuments amongst Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

Kathmandu Durbar Square is in the middle of the old city of Kathmandu in Basantapur. The complex was a residence for Nepal’s family before the construction of the Narayanhiti Palace. The establishment of the Palace dates back to Licchavi times. There are about fifty temples in the vicinity, including the titular deity temple, Taleju Bhawani. The Durbar is divided into two courtyards: the Kasthamandap, Kumari Ghar, and Shiva-Parvati Temple. The inner courtyard consists of the Hanuman Dhoka and the main Palace. It also houses two museums. Important ceremonies, like the coronation of the Nepali monarch, are held in the Kathmandu Durbar Square. Most of the palace premises are open for tourists throughout the week during office hours.

Drive back to the Hotel. Overnight at Baber Mahal Vilas – a boutique hotel in Kathmandu with Breakfast.

Day 3 - Drive to Chitwan (Approx. 160KM / 5-6 hours' drive)
Upon arrival, check-in at the resort and have free time till lunch. Lunch at Resort

Royal Chitwan National Park - Royal Chitwan National Park is a testimony of successful nature conservation in South Asia. This first national park of Nepal was established in 1973 to preserve a unique ecosystem that is invaluable. The national park covers 932 sq. km and is situated in the subtropical inner Terai lowlands of Nepal’s southern central part. This park is home to more than 43 species of mammals. The park is especially renowned for protecting the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, tiger, gharial crocodile, and many other common species of wild animals. The estimated population of endangered species of gaur, wild elephant, the four-horned antelope, pangolin, Gangetic dolphin, striped Hyena, monitor lizard, python, chital, hog deer, barking deer, sloth, palm civet, wild dog, langur, and rhesus monkeys.

In the afternoon: Tharu village tour, this cultural tour lasts for 1.5-2 hours.

Evening: Slide show, one of the resident naturalists, will talk about the Royal Chitwan National Park’s history and facts as we topics relating to wildlife. Your questions are most welcome. Dinner and Overnight at Resort in Chitwan. Full board plan.

Day 4 - Chitwan with complete activities
Breakfast is at Hotel. In the morning, experience the most exciting activity in Chitwan – Jeep Safari in the jungle. Enjoy Jeep safari, an unusual program, with an experienced driver at the wheel and an expert naturalist leading you deep inside the forests on the jeep tracks, exploring the magical mystery of the forest from the comfort of your seat. This exciting activity in search of wildlife such as several types of deer (spotted dear, barking dear, hog deer), monkeys, wild boar, sloth bear, Hyena, leopard, and, if you are lucky, the Royal Bengal tiger. We will visit deep inside the national park, where the Naturalist will brief you about the forest with its variety of trees, species, birds, etc.

Lunch at Resort.

Bird Watching: You will get a wake-up call followed by tea or coffee and proceed for bird watching. This National Park is home to more than 530 species of birds. The Naturalist will help you to identify them. Some of the birds’ species are Cormorants, Herons, Cranes, Ducks, Egrets, Storks, Cuckoos, Kingfishers, Swallows, Orioles, Drongos, Babblers, Hawks, Osprey, Falcons, Kestrel, Parakeets, Ibis, Kites, Woodpeckers, and many others. Bird watching is always best done in the early mornings on foot.

Evening: Tharu Cultural dance: Farmers of the nearby villages will show some of their traditional skills and dances. Dinner and Overnight at Resort in Chitwan. Full board plan.

Day 5 - Chitwan to Rajko Danda drive. 5 hours
Your driver will drive you towards Rajko Danda. Approximately 5 hours. You will stay at a village homestay. The accommodation will be basic with neat and clean rooms. The highlights will be to experience authentic Rural life, taste organic food, and the rapidly fading culture. We will have lunch and go on a walking tour of the village, visit the primary school. This district has significance in Nepal’s history of the last ruling Royal Family. Moreover, this district is one of the many recruitment areas of the world-renowned Gurkha soldiers. Evening Cultural show by the Women’s organisation. You can enjoy the cultural show and drink locally distilled “Hooch” as part of the cultural integration.

Day 06 - Drive to Pokhara. 4 hours
Early morning walk up to Shiva temple (Approximately half an hour) for the sunrise over the Himalayas (Weather permitting). This is one of the main highlights of the whole tour. You will get a Himalayan panorama of more than 300 kilometres. After Breakfast, we drive to Pokhara (approximately 4 hours) and visit the city’s highlights, including the Gurkha museum, which explains Nepal and Bindabasini temple’s famous warrior history’s important Hindu temple Pokhara and visit Devi’s fall.

Half-day tour of Pokhara. Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of 900m from sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu valley, the city is a centre of adventure. The enchanting town has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the Himalayas’ magnificence rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic.

Upon arrival at Pokhara, check-in at the Hotel. Half-day sightseeing tour of Pokhara

Devi’s fall is also known as Devin’s and David’s fall. It is a lovely waterfall about 2-Km southwest of the Pokhara airport. Legend has it that a trekker (David or Devin) got washed away by the Pardi Khola and disappears into an underground canal beneath the waterfall. Gupteswore Cave is of the largest caves in Pokhara dedicated to Lord Shiva is another nature’s wonder in Pokhara. Overnight at a Deluxe Resort.

Day 7 - Pokhara - full day sightseeing
Bindabashini Temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Durga (manifestation of Bhagwati, a blood-thirsty version of the goddess). This temple is located near the Old Bazaar of Pokhara. The white pagoda-styled building is of great religious significance to Hindus of Pokhara. Devotees throng to this temple daily and also offer animal sacrifices. One might even get to witness a Hindu wedding ceremony taking place on the temple premises.

Back to Hotel for Breakfast.

Half-day sightseeing tour of World Peace Pagoda. The Peace Pagoda is a Buddhist stupa constructed focusing on World peace for people of all races and creeds. Most of this structure was erected under Nichidatsu Fujii’s guidance (1885–1985), a Buddhist monk from Japan and the Nipponzan-Myōhōji Buddhist Order’s Founder. Meeting Mahatma Gandhi in 1931 hugely influenced him. As a result, Fuji decided to dedicate his life to promoting non-violence. Thus, he began building Peace Pagodas as shrines to World peace in 1947.

It is balanced on a narrow ridge high above Phewa Lake. The bright-white Pagoda of Pokhara offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range and the Lake. Pilgrims climb the hill using trails from the various parts of the city or take a boat across the Lake to climb from the shore.

Hike down to Lakeside (04 K.M. / 1.5 hrs. walk). Cross the Lake by boat, including a visit to the Barahi Temple.

Phewa Lake: The centre of attraction in Pokhara is the Fewa or Phewa Lake. It is the largest and most attractive of the three lakes that add to the magnificence of Pokhara. One can row or sail a hired boat across the water or visit the island temple in the middle. After the boat ride, you are free to shop on the lakeside market. Enjoy 1-hour boat ride at Phewa.

PM: Free for personal activities and return to the Hotel after dinner. Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara. (B.B. Plan)

Day 8 - Pokhara to Kathmandu by Flight
Breakfast at the Hotel. After Breakfast, drive to Pokhara airport for a flight back to Kathmandu on a 30-minute flight. Arrival at Kathmandu & transfer to Hotel.

PM: Free for rest. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. (Bed and Breakfast Plan)

Day 09 - Kathmandu
Optional: The Ultimate Experience “Mountain Everest Flight”. **weather permitting**. Optional Enhancements at extra cost:

MOUNTAIN FLIGHT from Kathmandu on day 09 - On a chartered helicopter towards Everest, the ultimate mountain flight stops at a resort for Champagne breakfast before returning to Kathmandu. Total time for the experience 45 minutes flight to Lukla, 12-15 minutes of flying towards Everest, 30 minutes for champagne breakfast at a resort while looking at Everest and surrounding Himalayan peaks. U$5500 per chartered helicopter – maximum five passengers.

Or a less expensive alternative is the Chartered helicopter flight in the Annapurna Himalayas US$1500 – seats up to 4 passengers. Total flight time of 35-40 minutes flights to a viewpoint with 30-minute stop for admiring the view. This can be done on the morning of day seven or day eight.

PM: Today, you’ll visit Pashupatinath, Boudhanath. Pashupatinath (UNESCO World Heritage Site), situated on River Bagmati banks around 8 km from the city, is one of the holiest Hindu shrines. The Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. It is not known for sure when Pashupatinath Temple was founded. But according to Nepal Mahatmaya and Himvatkhanda, the deity here gained great fame there as Pashupati, the Lord of the Animals. Pashupatinath Temple’s existence dates back to 400 A.D. The richly ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga or holy symbol of Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to pay homage to this temple known as ‘The Temple of Living Beings presiding deity here is Shiva, who is worshipped in the form of the lingam. However, only Hindus are allowed inside.

The Monasteries surrounding the most important and beautiful Stupa belong to four famous Tibetan Buddhism orders: Nyingma-pa, Kagyu-pa, Sakya-pa, and Gelug-pa. While circumambulating, you will contemplate the prayer flags, prayer wheels, and Buddhist and non-Buddhist people, amazed by the magic of the Stupa. Mindful circumambulation around one of the biggest and beautiful stupas in the world. Boudhanath, which was built in the 14th Century, is possibly the world’s largest Buddhist Stupa. The Stupa has become one of the most important centres of Tibetan Buddhism. The construction of the Stupa serves as a three-dimension that shows the Buddha’s path towards enlightenment. The Stupa’s base is surrounded by 108 small images of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabha and prayer wheels. Several monasteries have sprung up many different sects of Tibetan Buddhism around the Stupa, including one (on the west side of the Stupa) that houses an enormous seated statue of Maitreya Buddha splendidly adorned.

Free time till dinner. Transfer to Restaurant for dinner (Nepalese menu). In the evening, enjoy an evening of traditional Nepalese culture as you taste various delicious local dishes and experience classical folk music and dances from all over Nepal. You can listen to traditional folk music performed live, watch elegant dances performed in beautiful, glittering costumes, and experience and learn about Nepal’s rich and diverse culture. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu. (Bed and Breakfast Plan)

Day 10 - International Departure
You will leave hotel three hours before your international flight time for your onward journey.

Tour Price
• Price shown is for a person based on twin share accommodation, for the travel period indicated.
• All prices displayed are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.
• Prices are guaranteed once booking is confirmed by us and paid in full by the due date.
• Depending on your needs and group size (individual, couple, family, group, etc.) we will provide the final pricing for your tour.
• Flexible booking terms and conditions are available for tours in 2022. Contact us for enquiries

Inclusions:
• Four nights in a Boutique Heritage Hotel in a deluxe room with Breakfast in Kathmandu
• Two nights in Deluxe Eco lodge in Chitwan, all meals and safari activities
• One night at Homestay with cultural show, organic meals, village walk, and one of the world’s most expansive mountain panoramas
• Two nights in Deluxe Eco lodge in Pokhara with Breakfast
• All mentioned sightseeing + entrance fees
• All airport transfers
• All transportation in private vehicle
• Pokhara to Kathmandu domestic flight

Exclusions:
• International airfare to and from Nepal
• Travel Insurance (compulsory to have insurance that covers helicopter evacuation)
• Airport taxes and charges
• All optional additional tours or activities during free time
• Any Private Expenses
• Meals not mentioned
• Personal Incidentals such as Telephone calls, Room Service, Laundry
• Tip to Guide/Driver, Porterage Fee and others which are personal in nature
• Anything else not specifically mentioned in the inclusions above

Booking Terms:
Please refer to our standard booking conditions. For this particular booking the following terms apply relating to cancellations and rebooking.

Free Cancellation With the Responsible Promise 100% Money-Back Guarantee

For new bookings made in 2023, you may cancel your complete package (activities, hotels, tours, excl. flight) free of charge up to 30 days before your departure and get 100% of your money back. However, to stay flexible, we recommend that you choose a flexible fare when booking your flight.

Full flexibility on your booking

Stay flexible with our new rebooking service until shortly before your departure. For new bookings made in 2023, you may rebook your package (activities, hotels, tours) free of charge up to 30 days before your departure (subject to availability). Rebooking is only allowed once, and you must inform us 30 days before your planned departure. Any additional costs incurred due to changes in your schedule or upgrades, such as additional fees in high season or upgrades to your accommodation, will still apply. To remain flexible, we recommend that you choose a flexible fare when booking your flight.

Please refer to our Standard Booking Conditions for booking terms and conditions.