Essential Nepal 11 Days

Welcome to Kathmandu! Arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. 

Upon arrival you will be required to clear immigration and custom. After you clear customs you will be welcomed by our representative holding a paging board with your name(s) on it. You will be then escorted to your hotel. 

Welcome and check-in on arrival at the hotel.

Overnight at hotel in KATHMANDU

This morning you will be required to wake up early. 

Optional: Today, you have an option to experience a mountain flight for an hour to witness the majestic Himalayas from a close distance. You will be met by your guide in the lobby of the hotel. After a brief introduction you will be transferred to the airport to board the mountain flight- a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and a chance to witness some of the highest peaks in the world including Mount Everest from a plane. This is an exhilarating experience as the aircraft flies alongside the Himalaya to give you eye-level views of the snow peaks like Langtang Lirung (7234M), Shisha Pangma (8013M), Dorje- Lakpa (6966M), Gauri Shankar (7134M), Melungtse (7181M), Pumoki (7161M), Nuptse (7855M), Makalu 8463M, Lhotse (8516M) and finally, Sagarmatha (Everest 8848M). Cruising close to the awesome massifs of rock and ice, the flight presents a mind-boggling sight. 

Breakfast will be served at the hotel. 

Later in the afternoon you will proceed for the visit of the Kathmandu Durbar Square. KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE: 

Durbar, which means palace, is where the kings were once crowned and where they ruled from. Kathmandu has its Durbar Square at its heart; here charm of old town blends well with traditional architecture in a rich cultural backdrop. The entire square was designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The massive complex consists of three main squares, which is home to palaces, temples, and courtyard. 

Later you will embark on a thrilling rickshaw ride of around 30 minutes from Hanuman Dhoka till Thamel through narrow alleys and observe the local life in Kathmandu from close range. Thamel becomes colorful & vibrant at this time of day with decorated shops with handicrafts, curio, silver jewelleries, adventure gears and the list goes on. You will have some free time here to stroll around.

SWAYAMBHUNATH: Perched on top of a conical hill is a white dome with glittering golden spire is visible from all sides of the valley for many miles. This most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhunath Stupa, is also known as the Monkey Temple. 

PATAN DURBAR SQUARE: Just 5 km south of Kathmandu is Patan, the city of artistry, which is one of the three Royal cities in the Valley. Connoisseurs of fine arts and architecture will be delighted with the city’s offering of various Buddhist and Hindu temples and over 1000 monuments boasting of the finest wood and stone carvings.

Later return to the hotel for dinner. 

Overnight at hotel in KATHMANDU

In the morning, you will set off on a journey to Bandipur (Drive time: 04 hours). 

Bandipur Situated on a mountain saddle halfway between Kathmandu and Pokhara, lies Bandipur Nepal’s best kept secret. The beautifully preserved Newari village is a living museum with charming roadside cafes and traditional Newari houses. You can catch spectacular views of the Annapurna mountain range from here. It was an important stop on the trade route to Tibet but was later bypassed by the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway built in 1972. 

Welcome and check-in at the hotel on arrival. 

In the afternoon, you will proceed to visit the Silkworm Farm that gives you the chance to understand the fascinating process of silk production. Post this you can trek downhill from Bandipur to reach the farm that has beautiful mulberry orchards. These are plants for the silk worms. See the worms that are reared with great care inside the farm. The best time to see live silkworm rearing is the period from August to December or March to May. During the remainder of the year, preserved samples are used to show the process. 

Overnight at hotel in BANDIPUR

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. The morning will be at leisure. 

In the afternoon, you will check-out and drive to Pokhara (Drive time: 2.5 hours).

Pokhara is the third largest city in Nepal. It is the starting point for most of the treks in the Annapurna area. Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty, situated at an altitude of 827m from the sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu valley. It is considered by many to be the most beautiful place. This enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. 

The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic. Pokhara spans 8 km from north to south and 6 km from east to west but, unlike Kathmandu, it is quite loosely built up and still has much green space. 

Welcome and check-in at the hotel on arrival. 

Evening will be at leisure. 

Overnight at hotel in POKHARA

You will have an early start as you drive to Sarangkot (1500m) for a sunrise view this morning. You can enjoy the views of the landscapes and mountains; observe local people, villages and farms. On a clear day, a panoramic view of the Himalaya could be seen from here.

After sunrise, you will drive back to hotel for breakfast. 

After breakfast you will drive to Phewa Power House for Damsadi Village Hike (07KM/15 minute drive). From the parking area you will walk to a nearby bridge (Duration– 15 minutes).

Cross the bridge and walk through the small Damsadi village (Duration- 20 minutes). 

At the first view point, enjoy the sceneries of Pardi River, Annapurna, Manaslu Himalayan range and entire Pokhara valley (subject to weather conditions). Proceed onwards to Ambot Village (950M) (a gentle ascending walk – approx. 30 minutes) Reach the second view point, a fascinating view of Mt Annapurna and Mt. Dhaulagiri (subject to weather conditions). 

Later start downhill to Damsadi Bridge which is a suspension bridge measuring 224 m in length (approx. 20-minute descending). 

During the day visit the International Mountain Museum. 

INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN MUSEUM: This expansive museum is devoted to the mountains of Nepal, the mountaineers who climbed them and the people who call them home. Inside, you can see original gear from many of the first Himalayan ascents, as well as displays on the history, culture, geology, and flora and fauna of the Himalaya. Once you’ve been inspired by the climbers of the past, head outside where there’s a 21m climbing wall and a 9.5m-high climbable model of Mt Manaslu. 

Overnight at hotel in POKHARA

After breakfast you will have the remaining day at leisure. 

In the evening, you can enjoy an exciting boat ride at the Phewa Lake. 

PHEWA LAKE: The center of attraction in Pokhara is the Phewa Lake - the second largest lake in the Kingdom. It is the largest and most enchanting of the three lakes that add to the resplendence of Pokhara. Here, one can sail or row a hired boat across to the water or visit the island temple in the middle. The favorite home base for travelers is the eastern shore. 

Overnight at hotel in POKHARA

After breakfast you will check-out and depart for Chitwan (Drive time: 06 hours). 

THE CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK lies in the Inner Terai lowlands and consists of Sal forests, tall elephant grasslands, hills, ox-box lakes and flood plains of the Narayani, Rapti and Reu rivers. Enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Natural) in 1984, the park spreads over an area of 932 sq.km. The park is home to 56 species of mammals, 49 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 525 species of birds. Wildlife found here include endangered species like the one-horned rhinoceros and the Royal Bengal tiger, gaur, wild elephant, four-horned antelope, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, rhesus monkey, grey langur monkey, wild dog, small wild cats, and many other smaller animals. Also found here are cobras, kraits and pythons. 

In the afternoon you will proceed for a boat safari down the Rapti river, towards the western boundary of the park. At the point of confluence of the Rapti and Narayani rivers, you will de-board in order to experience a perfect sundowner. 

Dinner at the Banyan Café or by the pool. 

Overnight at hotel in CHITWAN

Morning Jeep Safari with breakfast in the jungle (Duration: approx. 4-5 Hours). 

Proceed for the Jeep Safari crossing the Rapti River by Patela Boat to start from the Bhimle army check-post. There are two choices of routes available at the park. The accompanying naturalists pick the best route depending on their experience of most recent sightings and animal movements.

Breakfast will be served in between the safari in a scenic and safe spot chosen by the Naturalist. (Note: Jeep Safari is prohibited during monsoon season by the park authorities from June-September and in some season it can prolong till October) 

After safari you can have time at leisure to relax by the pool or use of spa facilities until it is time for lunch. During the second half of the day you will be able to take a walk into the jungle.

WALKING SAFARI: A walk inside the National park accompanied by an experienced naturalist and nature guide to explore the wildlife, flora & fauna and birding. 

In the evening, you will be treated to an outstanding native dance form- the Tharu dance, performed by the local Tharu community. Enjoy a local authentic dinner while you watch this beautiful dance form. 

THARU CULTURAL DANCE: In the Terai region bordering both India and Nepal, the Tharus form an indigenous group of settlers involved in farming and traditional crafts. The Tharu dance forms an important event in the life of this ethnic community and is performed on special occasions, usually around festivals related to harvests. It is a time for feasting, drinking and merry-making. 

Overnight at the resort in CHITWAN

You will rise early to take your flight to Kathmandu and later drive to Dhulikhel while you visit Bharatpur Durbar Square en-route. 

BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE: Name of Bhaktapur literally translates to ‘City of devotees’. The best preserved of the three main medieval cities of the valley, Bhaktapur comprise some of the most breathtaking religious architecture in the entire country. It has three major squares, Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, and Dattatreya Square; studded with pagoda and shikhara-style temples. Devoid of traffic and pollution, Bhaktapur by far is definitely the cleanest city in the Valley. Narrow stone paved streets snake through red brick houses, leading you to hidden temples, water sprouts, and courtyards. The city proudly displays its cultural life through daily lifestyle; artisans have been continuing traditional works like weaving, pottery, and wooden work for generation and you can catch skillful people busy with their work on the roadsides. Locals gather in the communal courtyard to bathe, collect water, do their laundry, and some to just socialise. Bhaktapur is known for its cultural handicrafts such as pottery, puppets, and masks, it is the perfect place to shop if you want light and easy-to-carry souvenirs. Main attractions of this city are 55 Window Palace, Golden Gate, Lion’s Gate, Mini Pashupati Temple, Nyatapola Temple, and BhairavNath Temple, among others. When you get tired of the walk around this mesmerising city, enjoy the delicious Juju Dhau ‘King’s curd’ for some needed refreshment. 

Later drive to Dhulikhel.

Dhulikhel Popular among the traders, Dhulikhel was one of the most well-known markets along the Nepal and Tibet trade route. The old city still has the medieval charm. The old city is believed to be inhibited for last five centuries. Similar to many other small towns around the Valley, Dhulikhel too is a Newari settlement. The place is known for the mesmerizing view of the Himalayan range, green and beautiful picnic spots, and temples of various deities. One can find both Hindu temples and Buddhist stupas in and around the old city. The place also has various small guest houses and exclusive resorts for yoga and other wellness and lifestyle services 

Overnight at resort in DHULIKHEL

After breakfast, you will start your day with an interesting visit to the Namobuddha monastery. 

NAMOBUDDHA is one of the three major pilgrimage sites for Buddhists in Nepal along with Boudhanath and Swayambhunath. The place is surrounded with legends and it is believed to be built on top of the tomb of Prince Mahasatwo. When Buddha visited this site, he announced that he was a reincarnation of Prince Mahasatwo and the stupa was built here as a homage to Buddha. There is a monastery, a temple, and a viewpoint that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding regions that you can visit during your tour. The landscape is located on an elevated land and resembles the shape of a lotus blossom with eight petals that is the symbol of Buddha. The peaceful viewpoint offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains in the distance and is a great place to practice meditation and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Visit the Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery and marvel at the surreal and colourful Buddhist murals painted on the walls. 

Overnight at resort in DHULIKHEL

In the morning, after a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, you will complete your checkout formalities and drive to the Tribhuvan International Airport. 

On arrival check-in at the airport for your international flight back home.