Highlights of Nepal

Upon our arrival in the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Glacier who will drop us off at our hotel. After checking in, we take a rest or visit Himalayan Glacier’s office. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Himalayan Glacier. For dinner, you will be served excellent authentic Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the Nepalese food culture.

Today, after breakfast, we start a guided tour to four of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu.  Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the palaces of the ancient kings who ruled over the then Kathmandu Kingdom. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus all over the world. We also visit popular Buddhist stupas in Kathmandu. Swayambhunath, is located in the heart of the city and is also called Monkey Temple by the tourists owing to the large number of monkeys in the temple area. Bouddhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world, and one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage and tourist destinations in Kathmandu. The area of Boudhnath is also famous for over 50 Tibetan gompas or monasteries.  Overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast we drive to Chitwan located 175 kilometers from Kathmandu. We descend down along the winding road on the banks of the Trishuli River. After checking in to the hotel, there will be a briefing on the activities we will be engaged in during our stay in Chitwan. We then walk on the banks of the Rapti River to enjoy the sunset in the sub-tropical jungles of Chitwan. In the evening, we enjoy dinner along with a brief cultural program showcasing the tribal dances unique to the Chitwan region of Nepal.

Early in the morning, we will be mounted on elephant backs for a jungle safari through dense grasslands to witness wildlife in their natural habitat. After breakfast, we visit the elephant stables and even enjoy bathing the elephants. During the afternoon we can either drive through the jungles followed by a canoe ride down the Rapti River. While canoeing, we may get a close look at the Gharial and Mugger crocodiles along with fresh water dolphins, otters and varieties of water birds. Or, we may even go for birding or nature walks and come closer to a variety of wild flora and fauna found in the park. Overnight in Chitwan.

After breakfast, we leave Chitwan for Pokhara, also known as The Lake City owing to the large number of lakes in the city. The road first passes through the subtropical jungles and fertile vegetation in Chitwan. As we leave Chitwan, the landscape changes. We see hills, small settlements and terraced farms. Upon our arrival in Pokhara, the beautiful lake city, we are rewarded with magnificent views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Manaslu (8,156m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), the five peaks of Annapurna and others. We check-in to our hotel and take a rest. We may also stroll in the streets of Pokhara and just enjoy being in one of the most beautiful cities of Nepal. Overnight in Pokhara.

Early in the morning we leave for Sarangkot, a hill in the north-west region of Pokhara that overlooks the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges in the north and the main city in the south. We start our hike from Naudanda and get to Sarangkot. We stop at a tea-house in Sarangkot and enjoy amazing views of the sun as it sets in the mighty Himalayas. From here, we also get a view of the Pokhara city below and the abundant Fewa Lake. Overnight in Sarangkot.

We soak in the early morning sunrise from Sarangkot before heading back to Pokhara and touring the city’s many landmarks. Davis Falls is a unique waterfall that flows directly into a narrow and deep canal which has no end. The Shiva Cave is located near Davis Fall and houses a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, a primary Hindu God. We also do some boating in Phewa Lake, the largest lake in Pokhara and visit Bindyabasini Temple located at the center of the Lake. We visit the famous International Mountain Museum (IMM) that records, documents and chronicles the past and present development of mountaineering activities in the world and the Himalayas in particular. We also tour the Tibetan refugee camp and witness how the refugees keep themselves busy by producing and trading woolen carpets and other handicraft items. Overnight in Pokhara.

After breakfast, we say goodbye to the beautiful northern skyline of Pokhara and drive towards Kathmandu. This will be a journey along river banks with wonderful views of hills and rural Nepalese lifestyle. From the city, we continue our drive to Nagarkot, a village within the Kathmandu Valley renowned for its sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas. After reaching Nagarkot, we enjoy the viewpoint’s cool breeze and watch sun set amidst the Himalayas. Overnight in Nagarkot.

Early in the morning, we enjoy amazing views of the sunrise amidst the Himalayas. After breakfast we drive downhill to Bhaktapur and finally to Patan. Bhakatpur is an irresistible city with an authentic local lifestyle preserved over centuries of isolation from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu. While in the city square, we get to admire the Nyata-Pola Temple, the Golden Gate, water spouts and the 55 Window Palace which merge together to provide an ambiance of a magical outdoor theater to its visitors. We also immerse ourselves in the authentic delicacy of the locals in Bhaktapur. Later, drive to Patan. Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Patan Durbar Square is rich in ancient arts and architecture. In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner hosted by Himalayan Glacier to celebrate the successful completion of your Highlights of Nepal tour. Overnight in Kathmandu.