
Magnificence of Nepal 14 Days / 13 Nights
HAT43
Trip Type:
Nepal Classic CircuitsMaximum Altitude:
2400mDurations:
14 DaysTrip Starts:
KathmanduTrip Ends:
KathmanduAccomodation:
Hotel and resortsBest Time For Travel:
February to April, September to November. Trip Over View
This trip is crafted for travelers who wish to have an in-depth experience of Nepal to see and experience the rural life, local cultures, traditions, mountains and panoramic views of Nepal.
The trip begins with an exploration of medieval Malla palaces, temples and stupas, and the beautiful arts and crafts and architecture of Kathmandu valley. You’ll have spectacular views of the Himalayas from Nagarkot, a village in the altitude of 2,000m, 32km northwest of Kathmandu. From here we’ll retrace our drive to Kathmandu and continue to Chauradi the raft put in point. We will enjoy with 2 days rafting in Trisuli river with a overnight at tented camp.
The road gradually drops as we continue towards Chitwan National Park in the southern lowlands of Nepal. Chitwan National park is one of the most famous natural game parks of Asia, renowned for the preservation of the one horned rhinoceros. The 932 sq km area of the park provides habitat to about 100 Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, sambars, spotted deer, langurs, rhesus monkeys, marsh muggers, gharial crocodiles, and more than 500 different species of birds. We will embark on various jungle safari tours and explore the rich wildlife and flora of the park. The commonly sighted animals include: great one-horned rhinoceros, four species of deer, wild boars, sloth bears, etc.
Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha, is a short 3 ½ hour drive from Chitwan. At Lumbini, we’ll visit the Queen Maya Devi Temple, and Ashokan Pillar — the birthplace of Buddha and home to a variety of monasteries built by different Buddhist countries. From here, the road gradually climbs as we approach Tansen, a beautiful town nestled in the hills of Sree Nagar. At Tansen we’ll experience Newari culture and enjoy hiking to the Sree Nagar Hill.
Our journey continues to Pokhara, the second largest city of Nepal and better known as the capital of nature. Pokhara is located in a beautiful glacial valley nestled in the lap of the Annapurnas and Mt. Fishtail, where we will explore caves, waterfalls and gorges. We’ll take a boating trip in Fewa Lake, and explore Kumbheswar Cave and Seti Gorge.
Gorkha, the ancestral home of Shah Dynasty Kings of Nepal and the world famous Gurkha soldiers, is our next destination. We’ll visit the former palace that continues to exist with its glorious history and numerous legends. The return journey to Kathmandu is along the banks of the Marshyangdi and Trishuli Rivers. At Kurintar, we will take a cable car ride to visit the famous Manakamana Temple before returning to Kathmandu.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu. (D)
Day 02: Kathmandu. (B)
Day 03: Kathmandu to Nagarkot (32 km/20 miles). (B)
Day 04: Nagarkot to Rafting. (B/L/D)
Day 05: To Chitwan. (B/L/D)
Day 06: At Chitwan. (B/L/D)
Day 07: At Chitwan. (B/L/D)
Day 08: Chitwan to Lumbini (158km, 4 hrs). (B/L/D)
Day 09: Lumbini to Tansen (65km, 3 hrs). (B)
Day 10: Tansen to Pokhara (118km, 4 hrs).
Day 11: At Pokhara. (B)
Day 12: Pokhara to Ghorkha ( 110km, 4 hrs). (B)
Day 13: Gorkha to Kathmandu (136km, 5 hrs).
Day 14: Departure. (B)
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (D)
Upon arrival, you are met by a High Asia Tours representative and transferred to hotel. In the evening, you are invited by our Tour Manager for a welcome dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant where you will have an opportunity to enjoy authentic Nepali dishes along with folk dances of Nepal.
Day 02: Kathmandu (B)
After breakfast, we visit Patan - the city of arts and architectures. The main attractions of Patan are Durbar Square, the Golden Temple, Kumbheshwar Temple, Machhendranath Temple and Mahaboudha Temple. As we walk through the streets of Patan, we will see Newari craftsmen at work. We then drive about half an hour out of Patan to Bungamati - a traditional Newari Village which despite being so close from Kathmandu, is still untouched by modernization.
In the afternoon, we visit Swayambhunath Stupa, the 2,000 year old legendary stupa also known as the Monkey Temple. This stupa is situated atop a hill on the western fringe of the city and is a perfect vantage point for a panoramic view of the valley.
We conclude the trip in Kathamnduat Durbar Square - the old Royal Palace complex surrounded by a cluster of ancient and medieval temples. A must visit place is the Kumari House, the temple of the Living Goddess of Nepal.
Day 03: Kathmandu-Nagarkot (32 km/20 miles) (B)
Today, we drive to the beautiful hill resort of Nagarkot for an overnight stay. After breakfast, we check out of the hotel. On the way, we visit Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest Hindu Temple of Nepal, situated on the bank of sacred Bagmati River. After that, we stop at Bouddhanath Stupa - the biggest Buddhist Stupa in the world, followed by Bhaktapur, the original capital of Malla Kings in Nepal. The town is the best testimony of ancient and medieval arts and architecture. From Bhaktapur, the road climbs through terraced farmlands and pine forests to Nagarkot, Check in to the hotel and after some rest, take a light walk around.
Day 04: Nagarkot Rafting (B/L/D)
We enjoy the spectacular sunrise view over the Himalayan Panorama. If it’s a clear morning, we will see a wide range of Himalayas from Mount Everest in the east to the Manaslu in the west. After breakfast, retrace our drive back to Kathmandu and continue to Chanraudi (4hrs)- the raft put in point. There will be a small breifing session and we will learn the basic rafting techniques. No experience is needed, only the sprit of adventure. We will raft about 3 hrs and camp by the riverside. Accommodation in the tent.
Day 05: To Chitwan (B/L/D)
After brekafast, we will raft for a couple of hours then we will be transferred to the safari resort in Chitwan which is about 3 hrs drive. After refreshments, we will go for a short excursion to Tharu village. In the evening there will be slide show or briefing on flora and founa of the park. Overnight in Chitwan.
Day 06: At Chitwan (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we will set out in a dugout canoe on the Rapti River to see the aquatic life of Chitwan. If luck favors us, we may see one of the endangered species of crocodiles - Gharial. The boat ride lasts for 30-40 minutes. We will also visit the Elephant breeding camp, where we will see the young elephants and learn how the elephants are captured in the wild, how they are tamed and how they are trained to work for human beings.
Option: After the canoe trip, interested people with prior arrangement can take jungle walk tour that lasts for 3 hours. It is a complete jungle walk trek on foot, guided by experienced jungle guides and shikaris (hunters). Return to hotel in the afternoon.
After lunch, we will enjoy an Elephant Back Safari and explore the flora and fauna of the park. Its a great experience! The Great One Horned Rhinoceros is an unforgettable sight. Other animals commonly seen are Sambar, spotted deer and wild boars. Overnight in Chitwan.
Day 07: At Chitwan (B/L/D)
Early morning, we will take a bird watching trip guided by our experienced and qualified birdwatcher guides. Chitwan National Park, habitat to more than 500 different species of resident and migratory birds, is a haven for bird watchers. Return to hotel for breakfast and enjoy free time until the afternoon.
After lunch, we will go for a jeep safari. We will drive through a different variety of landscapes such as wetlands, grasslands, Sal forest etc. Sometimes the park authority do not allow jeep safaris in the park and as an option, we will offer a trip to the land of "20 Thousands Lakes" in the buffer zone forest of the park where chances of animal sightings are equally good. Overnight in Chitwan.
Day 08: Chitwan to Lumbini (158km, 4 hrs) (B/L/D)
Drive to Lumbini - the birth place of Lord Buddha. After refreshment in the hotel, we visit the Lumbini Garden. We will visit the temple of Queen Mayadevi and the Ashokan pillar that marks the birthplace of Buddha. Overnight hotel.
Day 09: Lumbini-Tansen (65km, 3 hrs) (B)
After breakfast, we drive to Tansen - a beautiful hill resort in Western Nepal. Tansen is renowned as the Queen of Hills of Nepal. The town sprawls over a ridge with pretty Newar houses lining its cobbled streets. Srinagar, the popular vantage point over Tansen offers splendid views of the Himalayas. Check in hotel and after some rest, hike to Srinagar Hill and stroll in the town.
Day 10: Tansen-Pokhara (118km, 4 hrs)
After breakfast, we drive to Pokhara - the beautiful glacial valley nestled in the lap of the Annapurnas and Mt. Fishtail, where we can explore caves, waterfalls and gorges. Check in to the hotel and later stroll along the lakeside and enjoy boating on Fewa Lake and visit the Island Temple of Barahi.
Day 11: At Pokhara (B)
After breakfast take a hike or drive to Sarangkot (1,592m, 2 and half hours hiking) which on a clear day offers excellent views of Annapurnas, Machhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri. After some rest atop, we drive back to Pokhara, visitng the famous Bindhebasini temple, en route. In the afternoon, we visit the Davis Fall, Gupteswar Mahadev Cave, Tibetan Village and Gorges of Seti River.
Day 12: Pokhara-Ghorkha( 110km, 4 hrs) (B)
After breakfast in the resort, we drive to Gorkha - the ancestral seat of the Shah Dynasty Kings and home of the original Gurkha soldiers. After refreshments in the resort, we visit the 17th century built Gorkha Palace complex which comprise a temple, palace and fort. The view of Manaslu range from here is just superb.
Day 13: Gorkha-Kathmandu (136km, 5 hrs)
Retrace our drive 23 km to rejoin the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway. The drive offers excellent views of the Himalayas and passes through several roadside bazaars and villages. We follow the course of Marshyangdi River upto Mugling and then follow the Trishuli River upstream towards Kathmandu. At Kurintar, we can take an optional cable car trip to Goddess Manakamana Temple - famous as the wish fulfilling goddess.
Day 14: Departure (B)
Transfer to airport for departure.
Includes
- Accommodation on twin sharing.
- Daily breakfast except in Chitwan National Park which is in full board.
- All transfers and sightseeing by a private vehicle.
- English-speaking Tour Guide.
- Sightseeing admission fees.
Excludes
- Meals other than indicated in the itinerary.
- International Airfare and airport taxes.
- Drinks, tipping and expenses of personal nature such as laundry, phone etc.
- Extra expenses of loss due to nature and unforeseen events.
- Travel insurance.