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Wellness and Spiritual tour in Nepal

  • 13 nights/ 14 days
  • All around the year
Immerse yourself in the ancient traditions of yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda on a wellness and spiritual tour to Nepal. With its ancient temples and sacred pilgrimage sites nestled in lush valleys and rugged mountains, this enigmatic and profoundly spiritual country invites you to immerse yourself in history and religion, to learn, explore, and discover. Furthermore, Nepal's rich heritage of traditional medicine and therapies provides a unique opportunity to enhance your wellbeing profoundly.

Highlights

  • Moderate
  • 13 nights/ 14 days
  • All around the year
  • sightseeing, Pokhara city tour, boating, short hiking, yoga & meditation, Bird watching
  • Hotel
  • Private Vehicle
  • Tour


Outline Itinerary

  • Day 1 Kathmandu Arrival - 1400 m altitude, approx. 30 minutes' drive
  • Day 2 Kathmandu UNESCO Sightseeing Patan & surrounding places and Swayambhunath (B)
  • Day 3 UNESCO heritage sites of Kathmandu: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath & Pashupatinath (B)
  • Day 4 Namobuddha & Surrounding exploration: 1750m altitude approx. 2 hours drive, 42 km (B)
  • Day 5 Sightseeing at Changunarayan, 1700 m altitude & Bhaktapur sightseeing, 1401 m altitude, approx. 1 hour drive, 27 km (B)
  • Day 6 Shaman Healing Day Trip (B)
  • Day 7 Drive to Pokhara: Visit Manakamana Temple en route- 900 m altitude, 6 to 7 hours' drive- 211 km (B)
  • Day 8 Drive to World Peace Pagoda: Explore & short hike to Kalabang (1344 m altitude): Lunch with family: 90 minutes' drive & 4 hours walk (B, L)
  • Day 9 Sightseeing at Pokhara city & Boating: Visit Tibetan Refugee Camp & Participate in chanting program at Monastery: 5-7 hours & 1 hour boating (B)
  • Day 10 Transfer to Begnas Lake: Evening introduction & meditation session: approx. 30 minute drive, 15 km (B)
  • Day 11 Full day wellness program (B)
  • Day 12 Yoga session: Recreation tour around villages, bird watching, and nature walk (B)
  • Day 13 Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu- 1400 m altitude, 6 to 7 hours' drive, 211 km (B)
  • Day 14 Departure (B)

Includes

Cost Includes of the above program:
1. Transport in Private vehicle with A/C
• Airport transfers
• One full day sightseeing in Kathmandu
• Transfer to and from Namobuddha in private vehicle
• Bhaktapur and Changunarayan sightseeing
• Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu in private vehicle
• Cable car (Manakamana temple)
• Pokhara city tour
• Boating in Phewa lake & Begnas Lake
• Visit world Peace Pagoda & short hike to Kalabang
• Transfer to Tibetan refugee camp (Hemja)

2. Accommodations:
• Kathmandu (5Ns):
• Namobuddha (1N):
• Bhaktapur (1N)
• Pokhara (6Ns):
3. 3 night’s Ayurvedic wellness program at Begnas Lake Resort :
• Three-morning yoga& relaxation sessions
• Three evening meditation sessions for that clear and calm mind
• Ayurveda holistic health advice
• Ayurveda full body treatment
• One partial body Ayurveda treatment of the client’s choice (Reflexology, fruit facial, etc.)
• Swimming pool
• Bird watching, nature walk & village tour

4. Meals:
• All breakfasts
• Lunch: 1 lunch with hosted family

5. Guide:
• A representative from Aarya Village Travel for arrival & departure assistance,
• An experienced English Speaking guide throughout the trip

6. Taxes and Service Charges:
• All the applicable services charges, government taxes

Excludes

Cost Excludes of the above program:
1. International Airfare, Nepal VISA Fees ($30 per person), Excess baggage charge in Domestic flight, Travel Insurance
2. Sightseeing not listed in the itinerary
3. All entrance fees during sightseeing
4. Meals not listed in the itinerary
5. Gratuities, tips to guides, drivers, bellboys, etc
6. Personal expenses such as laundry, drink, fax, telephone call, optional activities, etc
7. Payment Transfer Charge
8. Hotels check out as per the hotel rules.
9. Any extra expenses incurred from flight cancellation or delay, sudden price escalations in hotels, transport, flight or any other items, any form of rescue

Detail Itinerary

1Day 1 - Kathmandu Arrival - 1400 m altitude, approx. 30 minutes' drive

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, one of our representatives from Aarya Village Travel shall meet, assist and transfer you to your hotel. You will enjoy welcome drinks while you will be briefed about your Nepal Travel Itinerary. The rest of the day will be at your leisure.

 Kathmandu Arrival - 1400 m altitude, approx. 30 minutes' drive
 Kathmandu Arrival - 1400 m altitude, approx. 30 minutes' drive
2Day 2 - Kathmandu UNESCO Sightseeing Patan & surrounding places and Swayambhunath (B)

Today after breakfast, visit some of the best Hindu Pilgrimage sites in Kathmandu valley:
After Breakfast starts full day sightseeing at UNESCO Heritage sites; Sightseeing at Patan Durbar Square can be a very unique experience for visitors as they witness 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 the 16th to 18th centuries.

We will explore its unique Durbar Squares. In every corner & alley of Patan, you can see Thangka painters, filling color to ancient Gods and Goddess on canvases, fine metal shops that offer Buddha's exotic, handmade brass sculpture at very reasonable prices. You can taste local cuisine as well in Patan's alleys.

Then onward, the tour is headed towards Swayambhunath- A Monkey Temple from where you can see the magnificent views of Kathmandu Valley. The stupa, a tribute to Buddhism, consists of a dome at the base representing the entire world. Painted eyes of Buddha represent wisdom and compassion. A curly symbol, symbolizing the nose represents the unity of all things existing in the world. Prayer wheels surround the whole dome. The evening views of Kathmandu valley and sunset from hilltop will be a memorable experience for you.

Kathmandu UNESCO Sightseeing Patan & surrounding places and Swayambhunath (B)
Kathmandu UNESCO Sightseeing Patan & surrounding places and Swayambhunath (B)
3Day 3 - UNESCO heritage sites of Kathmandu: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath & Pashupatinath (B)

After breakfast starts full day sightseeing in Kathmandu at:
Kathmandu Durbar Square: An ancient spiritual site located in the Heart of Kathmandu. Explore the durbar square and visit Hanuman Dhoka, the old historic palace named after the monkey God Hanuman. Sitting on a stone pillar is a stone statue of King Pratap Malla in front of the Jagannath Temple. Close by is the Taleju Temple built in 1549 AD. You will also see a large stone statue of Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction, the big bell and the big drum and the Hindu God Shiva and his consort peeing through a window. A famous place to visit is the temple of the Kumari (living goddess) which also serves as her residence. It is considered auspicious to get her blessings. The Kumari temple is made from intricately carved wooden balconies and windows. The temple of Kasthamandap where the name Kathmandu is derived from which also means wooden mandap (temple), believed to have been constructed out of a single tree trunk. (Currently, reconstruction work is taking place due to the destruction during the 2015 earthquake)


Pashupatinath: Pashupatinath Temple, a famous, sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Dating back to the 5th century. While the main temple interior is off-limits to non-Hindus there is a lot to experience in the surrounding area. Legend says that whoever comes here to worship Shiva will be reborn as an animal. Pashupatinath is a considerable complex of temples, ashrams, with images and inscriptions dating back centuries.

From there, the tour is directed towards Boudhanath. This is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites and is one of the most imposing landmarks in Kathmandu. It is the largest stupa in Kathmandu Valley. The 36-meter-high stupa of Boudhanath is massive and dominates the skyline in the area, it is one of the largest unique structures in the world. With countless monasteries around it, Boudha is the center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. From above, Boudhanath Stupa looks like a giant mandala or diagram of the Buddhist cosmos and as in all Tibetan mandalas, four of the Dhyani Buddhas mark the cardinal points, with the fifth, Vairocana, enshrined in the center (in the white hemisphere of the stupa).

UNESCO heritage sites of Kathmandu: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath & Pashupatinath (B)
UNESCO heritage sites of Kathmandu: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath & Pashupatinath (B)
4Day 4 - Namobuddha & Surrounding exploration: 1750m altitude approx. 2 hours drive, 42 km (B)

Today after breakfast, we will drive to Namobuddha. It is around a 2 hours drive from Kathmandu. The main attractions are passing through tiny villages, Buddhist stupas on the hill-tops and you will catch fantastic panoramic views of the mountains. On your way, you will see beautiful landscapes, dotted with terraced rice, mustard and millet fields.
At the monastery, you can meet the monks and participate in the daily Buddhist chanting program. We can also facilitate you to stay in Monastery on your request.

Namobuddha & Surrounding exploration: 1750m altitude approx. 2 hours drive, 42 km (B)
Namobuddha & Surrounding exploration: 1750m altitude approx. 2 hours drive, 42 km (B)
5Day 5 - Sightseeing at Changunarayan, 1700 m altitude & Bhaktapur sightseeing, 1401 m altitude, approx. 1 hour drive, 27 km (B)

After breakfast drive back to Kathmandu. It is around 2 hours' drive depending on traffic. After breakfast head towards Changunarayan temple. The oldest temple in Kathmandu, dating back to the 4th century. The temple is adorned with some of the most beautiful architecture and sculptures of stone, wood, and metal. It is located on a scenic hilltop known as Changu or Dhaulagiri. In the municipality of Bhaktapur. 7 miles or 12 km east of Kathmandu and a few miles north of Bhaktapur city. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and held in special reverence by Hindus. We then visit the medieval town of Bhaktapur, Bhaktapur, a living museum of medieval art and architecture, is a unique old town famously known as the "city of devotees," as this landmark has a great influence over religion, culture, and tantrism. It is a collection of pagoda and shikhara-style temples assembled around a fifty-five window palace of brick and wood. The Durbar square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces.

Pottery: Enjoy a leisurely guided walk at Pottery Square, where handicrafts are still made in a traditional way. Clay pots are spun and fired in ancient ways preserving Bhaktapur's thriving trade-craft. You can indulge and fashion a clay pot and learn about this fascinating process

Sightseeing at Changunarayan, 1700 m altitude & Bhaktapur sightseeing,   1401 m altitude, approx. 1 hour drive, 27 km (B)
Sightseeing at Changunarayan, 1700 m altitude & Bhaktapur sightseeing,   1401 m altitude, approx. 1 hour drive, 27 km (B)
6Day 6 - Shaman Healing Day Trip (B)

This trip includes a visit to a local shaman (healer) who heals your problems with native knowledge and skills based on tradition. He will tell your fortune and advise you about the cautions you must take to avoid illness and bad omens. This will be a day tour.

Shaman Healing Day Trip (B)
Shaman Healing Day Trip (B)
7Day 7 - Drive to Pokhara: Visit Manakamana Temple en route- 900 m altitude, 6 to 7 hours' drive- 211 km (B)

After Breakfast drive to Pokhara for around 6-7 hours. Enroute we will visit Manakamana Temple in the cable car, Manakamana is a highly venerated sacred place of the Hindu Goddess Bhagwati, an incarnation of Parvati. It is believed that the goddess will fulfill the wishes of the people who visit the Temple.

We then continue our drive to Pokhara- the "City of Lakes". Also known as the gateway to the Himalayas, Pokhara offers stunning views of the Himalayas and has several beautiful lakes, the most popular is the Fewa Taal where you can see the clear reflection of Fishtail Mountain on calm days. Here you can also indulge in some adventurous day activities check in hotel

Drive to Pokhara: Visit Manakamana Temple en route- 900 m altitude, 6 to 7 hours' drive- 211 km (B)
Drive to Pokhara: Visit Manakamana Temple en route- 900 m altitude, 6 to 7 hours' drive- 211 km (B)
8Day 8 - Drive to World Peace Pagoda: Explore & short hike to Kalabang (1344 m altitude): Lunch with family: 90 minutes' drive & 4 hours walk (B, L)

After Breakfast drive to World Peace Pagoda which takes 25 minutes. Enjoy beautiful views of Pokhara city, Sarangkot hills and the Himalayas from Stupa. Shanti Stupa, as it is also known, was built as a symbol of peace. It is the first World Peace Pagoda in Nepal. The pagoda is 115 feet tall and 344 feet in diameter. The white pagoda has two tiers for tourists and religious visitors to circumambulate.

After a short excursion at the Peace Pagoda, we start hiking to Kalabang. The quaint location offers an alternative to the crowded viewpoint at Sarangkot, with spectacular panoramic views of the Annapurna Range. Fewa Taal's waters stretch out disappearing into the surrounding hills. On certain seasons the horizon is blurred between the sky and the lake.
Here we will have lunch hosted by a local family and later, escorted by a local, we will visit Pumdi village. Drive to the lakeside. Rest of the day free on your own.

Drive to World Peace Pagoda: Explore & short hike to Kalabang (1344 m altitude): Lunch with family: 90 minutes' drive & 4 hours walk (B, L)
Drive to World Peace Pagoda: Explore & short hike to Kalabang (1344 m altitude): Lunch with family: 90 minutes' drive & 4 hours walk (B, L)
9Day 9 - Sightseeing at Pokhara city & Boating: Visit Tibetan Refugee Camp & Participate in chanting program at Monastery: 5-7 hours & 1 hour boating (B)

Today try out some boating at Phewa Lake for about an hour, visit Tal Barahi temple while boating. Tal Barahi Temple, situated in the middle of the lake on an island on the southeast section, also known as Lake Temple, is a two-story pagoda temple located in the Kaski District of the Gandaki Zone in western Nepal. It is a Hindu temple of the Goddess Durga, the protector of gods.

Later visit Bindhyabasini Temple, Gupteshwor Cave- popular for different natural forms made from limestone deposits and Devi's fall -which comes to its gushing best just before disappearing underground.
After a short visit to Pokhara city we drive to Hemja and visit Jangchub Choeling Tibetan Monastery. This 3- hour guided Tibetan tour is a unique opportunity to spend a day with a local Tibetan community inside Pokhara valley. Here you get first-hand knowledge about their rich Tibetan culture and traditions, you will also learn about Buddhism, medicine, arts and crafts, history, and their struggles as refugees in Nepal. Enjoy numerous cups of Tibetan tea/ snacks and participate in chanting at 3:30 pm (whilst drinking Tibetan Tea and you have drunk enough, it is respectful to leave the last cup full i.e. do not drink it or it is customary to refill an empty cup.)

Sightseeing at Pokhara city & Boating: Visit Tibetan Refugee Camp & Participate in chanting program at Monastery: 5-7 hours & 1 hour boating (B)
Sightseeing at Pokhara city & Boating: Visit Tibetan Refugee Camp & Participate in chanting program at Monastery: 5-7 hours & 1 hour boating (B)
10Day 10 - Transfer to Begnas Lake: Evening introduction & meditation session: approx. 30 minute drive, 15 km (B)

After breakfast at the hotel today you will transfer at Begnas lake resort:
Surrounded by the natural beauty of Pokhara. With its natural springs forming boundaries on either side the Resort spans a whole hillside of unspoiled forestland. You can see the stunning Himalayan snow-capped peaks to the North and North-east and below terraced paddy fields stretch out. The Begnas lake lies tranquil and serene, a perfect picture framed from the window of your room.


Enjoy the hotel grounds with its beautiful gardens, restaurants and swimming pool facilities. In the evening enjoy a program presentation & personalized detox holistic therapy advice will be provided by the expert. Later, you will have a meditation session for a clear and calm mind.

Transfer to Begnas Lake: Evening introduction & meditation session: approx. 30 minute drive, 15 km (B)
Transfer to Begnas Lake: Evening introduction & meditation session: approx. 30 minute drive, 15 km (B)
11Day 11 - Full day wellness program (B)

Wakeup call and detox herbal tea will be served in your room. Go for a walk, jog or participate in kriya yogas and regular yoga with a relaxation class for an hour in the gardens of the resort. After a healthy and hearty breakfast, indulge in a full-body Ayurveda treatment. Enjoy the Spa partial body treatments (head and foot massages, facials, etc.) in the afternoon. An expert will conduct a meditation session for a clear and calm mind in the evening.

Full day wellness program (B)
Full day wellness program (B)
12Day 12 - Yoga session: Recreation tour around villages, bird watching, and nature walk (B)

Regular yoga and relaxation class will be offered early in the morning. After breakfast head out for a trail walk in the surrounding village near Begnas Lake where you can witness the ethnic village life of the locals. This trail is good for bird watching too as many species have been sighted in this area, and the lake is a paradise for birds and bird lovers alike.

In the evening you can get refreshed at the fresh spring-water pool at the resort.

Yoga session: Recreation tour around villages, bird watching, and nature walk (B)
Yoga session: Recreation tour around villages, bird watching, and nature walk (B)
13Day 13 - Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu- 1400 m altitude, 6 to 7 hours' drive, 211 km (B)

Regular yoga and relaxation class will be held early in the morning. After breakfast drive back to Kathmandu. It is a 6 to a 7-hour drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (depending on traffic). After you check in to your hotel you can relax and get refreshed.

Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu- 1400 m altitude, 6 to 7 hours' drive, 211 km (B)
Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu- 1400 m altitude, 6 to 7 hours' drive, 211 km (B)
14Day 14 - Departure (B)

Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Aarya Village Travel will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey.