30th May: Arrival in Kathmandu
Assist and transfer to hotel.
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. Meet, greet, assist and transfer to the hotel.
The ancient capital of Nepal, Kathmandu is a historically diverse ancient city with breathtaking art and architecture, monuments, cultural heritage, centuries-old Hindu and Buddhist religious sites as well as inspiring UNESCO World Heritage sites. The first day of the tour is simply an arrival day with no pre-organized activities. Our Young Tourism Professionals (YTPs) at the Hospitality Desk at TIA will welcome and assist you for the transfer to your hotel.Overnight at hotel.
31st May: Drive from Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park
A hearty breakfast and check out from hotel to start the scenic drive on the National Highway can be slow but once out of the city the views are impressive - the Trishuli River, ancient stone villages backed by steep rice terrace, precarious suspension bridges and the mountains beyond. At Mugling turn south, slowly descend from the central hills to the fertile lowlands of the Western Terai and Chitwan National Park (170 kms, 5 hours).
En route to Chitwan National and along the highway that runs parallel to the Trishuli River, guests may enjoy an optional 3 hours River Rafting inclusive of picnic lunch on the riverside beach. Or, guests may enjoy the cable car ride to the ancient temple of Manakamana – the Goddess of Wish-Come-True situated atop a high hill overlooking the mighty Manaslu and Annapurna Himalayas in the distant background. You may confirm your interest choosing between the two. On arrival at the wildlife lodge, guests are served welcoming drinks, briefed about the facilities and allocated their rooms. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
1st June: Full day in Chitwan participating in various activities.
After breakfast, spend the day participating in various Nature, Culture and Wildlife activities offered by the Lodge including; Nature and Wildlife Jungle Walk, Jeep Safari, Canoe Safari, Village Tour and Cultural Dance program. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight at the Jungle Lodge.
2nd June: Drive to Lumbini, the Birthplace of the “Apostle of World Peace” Lord Buddha”
After a good breakfast, bid farewell to the jungle lodge team and start another scenic drive westwards towards the hills separating the Terai plains and the Siwalik and Mahabharat Range. The winding and curving road descends down to the outer plains to the Gardens of Lumbini. Check in at the hotel for a brief refreshment break and for room check in. Shortly afterwards, proceed for a sightseeing of the Sacred Gardens of Lumbini with many temples and Pagodas dedicated to Lord Buddha including a visit to the Sacred Spot where he was born. In the evening, participate in the evening prayers and meditation. Overnight at hotel, Lumbini
3rd June: Drive via Palpa to Pokhara
Start a scenic drive northward towards the hills and mountains to Pokhara. En route, we take break at Palpa Tansen for lunch and a short walk through its marketplace. Nestled in the laps of the mighty Annapurna Range, Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The city is god gifted with different natural beauty like lakes, panoramic view of Himalayan Peaks, breathtaking sights of sunrise to sunset from Sagarkot, Pokhara. After reaching Pokhara, and comfortably checked into our hotel, we take a walk around the tourist streets of Pokhara – Lakeside. You may wander around the shops, restaurants and walking by the Phewa Lake is already, a mesmerizing moment to remember for a long time. Dinner on own and stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
4th June: Early Morning Excursion to Sarangkot, Boating in Phewa Lake and Hike to World Peace Pagoda
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 Fish Tail Mountain, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III. Boating in Phewa Lake; Phewa Lake is the second largest lake in the country. It is the center attraction on Pokhara
Hike to World Peace Pagoda: The brilliant white pagoda is set on a narrow ridge above the lake. Constructed by monks from the Japan. 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.Dinner on own and stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara. .
5th June: Drive via Bandipur back to Kathmandu
After a morning game drive and breakfast, you are driven to Bandipur. Described at a ‘living museum of Newari culture’ by Lonely Planet, Bandipur lies on a ridge about 700m above the river. An important stop for traders along the India-Tibet route in the eighteenth century, the Newars brought their cultural heritage and architecture which has remained unchanged. In the nineteenth century Bandipur was a prosperous trading centre, with its buildings that have ornate elegant neoclassical façades and wood-carved shuttered windows. Here, we will stop for a hearty lunch and a short tour of the place. After lunch, continue drive back to Kathmandu city arriving in the early evening. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu .
