Learn, discover and engage in Nepali culture. The best way to travel to Nepal is exploring its beauty and taking part in the daily life of the people. This package provides you a unique experience of Nepal, it's culture, people and their everyday lifestyle. All age group can travel with this itinerary.
Day 1: Kathmandu - 1300m altitude
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu and meet, assist and transfer to the hotel by our representative. Welcome drinks on arrival. Introduction and tour briefing program in hotel
Day 2: Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square and surrounding area in Rickshaw (B)
Today’s activities at Kathmandu:
Experience and discover Kathmandu and its culture like a local on a Rickshaw ride. Our guide will meet you to begin your rickshaw ride tour through the busy streets of the Thamel area. We will pass through handicrafts shops like pashmina shawls, Nepali carpets etc and merge onto a narrow alley full of local shops called Ason Bazaar, a popular vegetable and spice market and the oldest in Kathmandu, around 1000 years old and finally arrive at Durbar Square, filled with centuries-old temples, palaces and shrines that are sure to enchant you. Walk the square on foot and our guide will take you to the house of Living Goddess, Hanuman Dhoka Palace and you will also explore or hang out in one of the hippie-era shops on Freak Street. After your time here we will ride back to hotel on Rickshaw by the way of Indrachowk where you can drink a cold and fresh Lassi
Day 3: Boudhanath: Hi Tea Ceremony and Pashupatinath: Evening Aarati (B)
Today’s activities at Kathmandu:
Morning our guide will assist you to drive to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage where all devout come for pilgrimage. We will keep Hi Tea Buddhist Ceremony in one of the monastery in Boudha where monks perform their ritual, chanting Buddhist mantras and pray for our good health and prosperity. At the end of the ceremony, monks offer blessed food and Hi Tea for all
Later we will drive to Pashupatinath Temple, a famous, sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Pashupatinath, which is located on the banks of the Bagmati River. This "extensive Hindu temple precinct" is a "sprawling collection of temples, ashrams, images and inscriptions raised over the centuries. Take a tour around the temple until the evening Aarati begins.
Evening ‘Aarati’ at the banks of Bagmati River on the eastern side of the temple draws people in hordes. This evening rituals with a band singing hymns in praise of god, playing of classical instruments, chanting of Vedic mantras, a ringing of bells, burning of incense, and lighting of oil lamps, keep the people spellbound throughout
Day 4: Explore Patan city and sunset view hilltop, Swayambhunath (B)
Today’s activities at Kathmandu:
Morning drive to Patan, a distinct place for arts and architecture that is reflected on each temple, monument and palace building that were mostly built during the Malla period between 16th, 17th and 18th century. We will explore its unique Durbar Squares, temple and alleys. In every corners & alleys of Patan Thanka painters can be seen, filling color to ancient Gods and Goddess, fine metal shops that offer Buddha’s exotic, handmade brass sculpture at a very reasonable price. You can taste a local cuisine as well in Patan’s alley
Later we will visit Tibetan Refugee Camp, the pioneer of Tibetan Carpet Industry in Nepal. In the camp, more than 1000 Tibetans are settled and out of this, 500 Tibetans are engaged in a different process of carpet production like Wool sorting, Hand Brushing & Spinning of yarn, Dyeing, Ball Winding, Weaving, Trimming & Finishing etc
Later drive to Swayambhunath - A Monkey Temple from where you can see the magnificent views of Kathmandu Valley and tribute to Buddhism. Walking around in the evening playing prayer wheeler will keep your mind calm and peace. The evening views of Kathmandu valley and sunset from hilltop will be memorable for you
Day 5: Dhulikhel - Namobuddha, Buddhist Enchanting at Monastery (B)
Today’s activities at Namobuddha:
After Breakfast drive to Dhulikhel for an hour and start a hike to Namobuddha: 3-4 hours walk. The main attractions of this hike are the fantastic panoramic mountain views and the many Buddhist stupas on the hilltops. Namo Buddha is also famous for growing rice, mustard and millet so you can see beautiful hillside terraced farms throughout the walk. You’ll also be surprised by the number of temples, variation in landscapes and diversity of people living in harmony.
Visit the monastery where you can meet the monks and involve in daily Buddhist Enchanting performed by them at 3 or 4 pm. Pray with monks and meditate yourself at the corner of a monastery.
We can accommodate in a monastery at your interest (subject to availability). Otherwise overnight at Namo Buddha Resort, an organic farm resort, an oasis of peace and tranquility, offering spectacular views of the Himalayan mountain range on clear days.
Day 6: Homestay at historic town Panauti (B)
Today’s activities at Panauti:
After organic breakfast at resort hike down to Panauti, a beautiful historic town with an ancient atmosphere. Get close to the authentic lifestyle of the Nepali people, socialize with the villagers of Panauti and breathe the fresh air of the lush Panauti Valley
You can participate in activities like Panauti tour, Walking through the field and collect vegetables, Cooking local dishes, Dressed like Nepali, Seasonal agricultural and so on with a family member
Day 7: Sightseeing at the City of Devotee, Bhaktapur (B)
Today’s activities at Bhaktapur:
Local breakfast with family and drive to Bhaktapur, the medieval town or the city of the Devotees, preserves medieval arts, architecture, culture, and lifestyle to this date. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the best preserved one of the Valley's three Durbar Squares. One is sure to feel like traveling back into the past while walking along the Bhaktapur thoroughfares, squares and streets. Overnight at Hotel Heritage
Easy guided walk at Pottery square, where handicrafts are still made by hand. Traditionally spun and fired clay pots are a fine example of Bhaktapur’s thriving craft trades. It’s a fascinating process to watch and you can make a clay pot for your own. Later we will make a tour around the factory and observe Nepali papermaking process and manufacturing a variety of delightful handcrafted paper products - cards, notebooks, books, prints, and so on. In the late evening participate with a group of local musician and enjoy singing and playing a local instrument with them
Day 8: Bandipur: Newar Cultural Village (B)
Today’s activities at Bandipur:
Today we drive to Bandipur for around 5-6 hours. Bandipur is the Newar Cultural Village, presented with a heavy mix of history, architecture, incredible views, awesome caves and unspoiled landscapes. You can take a view of a beautiful chain of mountains Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Langtang, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal from Tundikhel. Evening walk around admiring the vistas, chat with the friendly local people, and admire their local way of life
Overnight: The Old Inn Bandipur
Day 9: Pokhara: Cycling around Phewa Lake, Pame (B)
Today’s activities at Pokhara:
After a healthy organic breakfast at the resort drive to Pokhara. The enchanting town has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks.
After some rest and refreshment in a hotel at late afternoon, we will hire a cycle in a local market and take a guided tour through the bank of Phewa Lake and stop at Pame, another side of Phewa Lake. We will have local fish at Pame and if you prefer you can have chill beer on your own
Day 10: Hike Astam Village (B)
Today’s activities at Pokhara:
Spend a memorable time away from the city to disappear in the natural beauty of a rural village of the mountain ranges. The trek starts after driving to Hemja for an hour and walk through Himalayan villages along with landscape view on one side and forest on another side. After two hours walk, we reach the top of Astam village from where you can have 360 degree panoramic view of the Annapurna range: Annapurna South (7273m.), Machhapuchhre (7059m.), Annapurna I (8090m.) and Annapurna IV (7525m.)
Overnight at Annapurna Eco Village. Spend a memorable time in a village with local people to know their lifestyle. You will enjoy sunset view over Annapurna Mountain ranges.
Day 11: Pokhara, World Peace Pagoda (B)
Today’s activities at Pokhara:
Enjoy Sunrise view over Annapurna mountain ranges and take a tour to nearby villages. After that, our hike starts descending down, drive you back to the hotel.
Late afternoon, we will hire a boat and visit Barahi Temple in the middle of Phewa Lake and continue till hiking starting point. From here we will walk around an hour to reach World Peace Pagoda. Enjoy the beautiful view of Pokhara city and Himalayan views from Stupa
Day 12: Chitwan (B)
Today’s activities at Chitwan:
After breakfast drive to Chitwan for around 4 hours. After checking in to the hotel and getting refreshed you will be briefed about full nature programs by our naturalist guide. Then we head on for activities. There will be a guided village tour on ox cart, a traditional transport of the Tharu people (local people) where a cart is pulled by a pair of oxen. You will have close and personal observation of the Tharu culture and witness the daily lifestyle and activities of the Tharu community visiting the local village houses. Later you will have a free walk on the banks of the Rapti River to watch the charming sunset views in the sub-tropical jungle. In the evening, dinner with a cultural program by ethnic tribal people with their stick dance and tribal drums. Overnight at Chitwan.
Day 13: Chitwan (B, L, D)
Today’s activities at Chitwan:
Wakeup call with a cup of hot tea/coffee. After breakfast on your choice visit to the elephant breeding center to see baby elephants with bird watching at the river bank, go for Canoe ride along the Rapti River. An excellent opportunity for bird watching and for seeing the 2 rare species of crocodiles; the Marsh Mugger and the only fish eating Gharial. After lunch we will go for a Jeep safari, an excellent opportunity to see four different kinds of deer, rhinoceros, monkeys, leopard, sloth bear, and the Royal Bengal Tiger. You will also encounter many other smaller mammals that have made Chitwan their home. Evening hire a local cycle and take a tour at typical village, farmland and riverbank
Day 14: Kathmandu, Be like a Nepali and attend farewell dinner (B, D)
Today’s activities at Kathmandu:
After Breakfast drive back to Kathmandu for around 5-6 hours. Check in hotel. We will manage Nepali clothes and you will look like Nepali to attend the farewell dinner tonight at Hotel/authentic Nepali restaurant. A typical Nepali dinner/feast will be served with live cultural dance show by local people in different Nepali music
Day 15: Departure (B)
Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight we will transfer you to the airport for final departure to your home country.
