Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan Tour - 9 days

If you arrive in Kathmandu during the day, you will be greeted with wonderful vistas of green hills and snowy peaks rising on the horizon. From the comfort of your plane, get an aerial perspective of Kathmandu valley surrounded by the green hills of Nagarjuna, Shivapuri, Champa Devi, and Pulchowki. The city lies in a bowl-shaped valley ringed by the above-mentioned hills.  At the airport, you will be greeted by our representative, who will drive you to your hotel. After reaching your hotel, check in and take a rest. No activity has been planned for the day. If you want, you can explore Thamel (a tourist hotspot) on your own.

Overnight in Kathmandu. 

Commence your sightseeing tour with a trip to Boudhanath Stupa. The biggest stupa in Nepal, this ancient stupa is a UNESCO Heritage site and an important center of Tibetan Buddhism. According to local legend, the bones of Kasyapa Buddha (a previous incarnation of Lord Buddha) are buried beneath this gigantic stupa. Next, head to another UNESCO Heritage Site and an important Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath Temple. The pagoda-roofed temple, dating back to 400 AD, is located on the banks of the sacred Bagmati river. Non- Hindus are not allowed inside the temple. They are allowed to view the temple from the eastern bank of the river. 

Later, head to Swayambhunath, a hilltop shrine that is closely linked to the formation of Kathmandu Valley. According to a local legend, Kathmandu was actually a lake. A Bodhisattva (divine being) Manjushri saw a lotus at this lake while meditating. He flew from Tibet and drained the lake to meditate at the spot where the lotus was. The story goes that Swayambhunath (meaning self-created) Stupa was created when the divine lotus bloomed. Sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, you can find people of both these faiths praying at this shrine. You have to climb a flight of stairs to reach the shrine. There is a sizable monkey population living on the hillside. Therefore this temple is also known as ‘Monkey Temple.’  From the top, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city. Later, head back to your hotel.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu Valley is made up of three ancient medieval cities- Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur.  Today you get to visit the palace squares of two of these medieval kingdoms. From your hotel, you drive towards the southern end of the city. Patan (also known as Lalitpur, ‘the City of Artisans’) is one of the three medieval kingdoms in Kathmandu valley. The beautiful Durbar square at Patan is a quadrangle filled with pagoda-roofed palaces and temples built by the Malla Kings. The palace has been converted into a museum that houses several ancient relics and historical items. Though some of the monuments at the square have been damaged by the 2015 earthquake, there are still enough pagoda-roofed shrines standing that will grab your attention. You will be interested to know that parts of the Hollywood hit ‘Doctor Strange’ (a Marvel production) were shot in Patan Durbar and Pashupatinath Temple.

After exploring Patan, head towards the eastern end of the city, to Bhaktapur. The Durbar Square at Bhaktapur (the City of Devotees) is one of the best-preserved heritage sites in the valley. No large vehicles are allowed inside the medieval square. The 2015 earthquake did damage some of the ancient structures but some of the cultural gems still standing will take your breath away. The artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating these temples and palaces will keep you enthralled. Don’t forget to check out the Golden Gate, Palace of 55 Windows, Nyatapole Temple (once it was the tallest building in Kathmandu valley), and its massive staircase guarded by stone statues of mustachioed wrestlers. The old city is divided into Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square, and Pottery Square. After you have walked through the ancient palaces and shrines, rest for a while at the busy Pottery Square observing the local potters at work and the pedestrians.  Before you leave Bhaktapur don’t forget to taste this medieval city’s famous delicacy Juju Dhau (King’s Curd).

Overnight in Kathmandu. 

Wake up early and drive to Pokhara after breakfast. After leaving Kathmandu, the road dips down a serpentine bend known as Naubise. Outstanding views of mountains open up. If you are traveling in winter you will get to see the horizon filled with snow-covered peaks. Picturesque views of mountain-top villages and busy roadside settlements will keep you enthralled. Stop at Kurintar head to the glacial river of Trishuli for an exciting rafting experience. Wear your life jacket and helmet, grab a paddle and climb aboard the rubber raft. Before that, listen to your river guide’s safety instructions carefully. Ride the white rapids and float down the river. Enjoy the mountain scenery as the raft glides down past the sandy beaches. Get off at the put-off point and get back to your vehicle. Continue your journey towards Pokhara. The highway winds up above the fast-flowing Trishuli River. At Mugling, you cross a bridge and leave the Tribhuvan Highway and approach the Prithvi Highway. Enjoy the scenery as the road winds along with scenic vistas. After driving for a few hours you arrive in Pokhara. Head to your hotel and check in. Take rest as you have a busy day tomorrow.

Overnight in Pokhara.

Visit the island shrine of goddess Barahi. Take a boat ride across Phewa Lake to visit the temple. The temple is dedicated to the mother goddess Durga ’protector of the gods’. The temple is surrounded on all sides by Phewa Lake. Observe people enjoying a ride on the colorful boats and take pictures of the lake. Later, head to Davis Falls, a waterfall that flows into an underground tunnel. Next, visit the Gupteshwar Gupha (cave), an underground cave with Lord Shiva's shrine. You climb down a spiral staircase to reach the entrance of the cave. Be careful where you step, as it is a bit wet and slippery inside the cave. At the bottom of the cave’s wall is a crack from where you can see the waters from the Davis Fall falling down. Also, visit the International Mountain Museum, where equipment and gear from most of the first Himalayan expeditions are showcased. You can also get plenty of information about the Himalayan range and the culture and lifestyle of people living in the Himalayas.

Overnight in Pokhara. 

Get up early and drive to Sarangkot Hill to catch the famous ‘Sarangkot’s Himalayan sunrise’. Through your journey to the bottom of the vehicle, you have to hike up to the top of the hill. Once you reach the top you get a 360-degree view of Pokhara valley and the Himalayan peaks. Witness a beautiful sunrise as dawn breaks over the mountains splashing the mountains in colorful hues of red, orange, and golden-yellow. This moment is nothing short of magical and chances are you will cherish it forever. Afterward, head back to your hotel, have breakfast, and head onwards to Chitwan.

The road to Chitwan is filled with delightful sights of babbling brooks, hillsides covered with greenery, and inspiring mountain views. Once you reach Chitwan, check into your hotel and get refreshed.  Late afternoon take a stroll and explore a Tharu village. Tharus are an ethnic group that has been living in the jungles of Chitwan for ages.

Overnight in Chitwan.

Your day is filled with exciting activities (Jungle Safari). The Chitwan National Park is Nepal’s first National Park. It is a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, and a host of endangered flora and fauna. Explore more of the park’s interior by taking a jeep safari. Observe adult rhinos minding their little ones. Watch the spotted deer frolicking under the trees. You will see peacocks and marsh muggers basking in the warm sun near the river. You also get to visit the Elephant Breeding Centre, where you will meet mother elephants with their calves. In the evening you can enjoy a Tharu cultural program. A cultural troupe will entertain you and other guests with Tharu songs and dances. Have dinner and retire for the night.

Overnight in Chitwan. 

You take an overland journey back to Kathmandu. Drive along the Tribhuvan Highway and pass through rustic villages and fields, hills covered with verdant forests and glacial rivers with sandy beaches. The vehicle climbs up a steep mountainside, as you approach Kathmandu valley. Enjoy views of the mountains. Once you reach Kathmandu, check into your hotel and take rest. If you feel like it, you can shop for souvenirs in Thamel or explore the local market Ason Bazaar on your own. Come evening, celebrate the completion of your memorable tour with a farewell dinner(complimentary). One of our representatives will accompany you to an authentic Nepalese restaurant for a traditional Nepalese feast. Enjoy traditional songs and dances as you try out Nepalese cuisine.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

You will be driven to the airport well on time to catch your homeward bound flight. If you want to explore more of Nepal or Bhutan or Tibet, do let us know. We run tours in all these destinations.