Classic Nepal Circle Tour – 13 Days
  • Duration13 Days
  • Trip DifficultyEasy
  • Best Season Spring / Autumn / Winter
  • Arrival CityKathmandu
  • Departure CityKathmandu
  • Altitude maximum2195m (Nagarkot)
  • TransportVehicle
  • AccomodationHotel / Home stay
  • HighlightsCulture / History / religion / Safari

Overview

Your Classic Nepal Circle tour will start the visit of the Swoyambhunath, one of the oldest stupas in the Kathmandu Valley, which is situated on the top of a hill. This holy place considerably expands to include various secondary shrines, monastery, garden, and cafeteria. It is a grand and gracious structure as a whole. Next, your visit to Patan, the second largest town in the valley, will be an extraordinary experience, for it is a wonderful town with aesthetic and artistic antiquated monuments. It has several ancient temples and stupas. Every piece is a work of art and craft. More than anything, the Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a pure marvel. The Square displays numerous temples and historical structures. Patan’s other attractions are Patan Museum, Uku Bahal, Sundari Chowk, and Krishna Temple. Further, upon your arrival in Bhaktapur, one of the three cities in the valley, you will find it as equally fantastic to Patan. In fact, it is more but unique. It is known as the City of Devotees and City of Culture. Moreover, it is a Living Heritage. The Bhaktapur Durbar Square, like the Patan Durbar Square, is praised for ancient historical, religious, and cultural monuments and structures. Besides, you would not want to miss the 55-Window Palace, Nyatapola Temple, Taumadhi Square, and Changunarayan Temple.

The Classic Nepal Circle Tour also takes you beyond the Valley , you will visit Nagarkot, a popular hill station that allows magnificent views of different mountain peaks. Thereafter, you will travel to Namo Buddha, a sacred place to Buddhists. The beautiful stupa is located in a quiet peaceful environment. Thereupon, you will be driven to Kathmandu where you will visit Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath. What’s more, later on, you will take a scenic drive to Pokhara, a tourist city also called tourism capital. The tour will be fantastically concluded with a visit to the Chitwan National Park. You will do jungle safari and watch exotic wild animals.

Detailed Itinerary

You will be transferred to the Hotel by one of our representatives. Welcome dinner at one of the traditional Nepali restaurants in Kathmandu with folk music and dances.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m

Start our tour visiting a magnificent Buddhist stupa, Swoyambunath which is 10 minutes drive from Thamel followed by a visit of Patan to witness its incredible architecture from medieval period.

Swoyambunath is one of the oldest stupa of the Kathmandu Valley. It is situated on one of the highest hills in the valley. It watches over the Valley from the top of a hillock on its western side just three kilometers west of the city center. The stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Swayambhu is also known as Samhengu and is recognized as a World Heritage Site. It is also one of the oldest and most glorious Buddhist shrines in the world which is said to be two thousand years. The four sides of the stupa are painted with the eyes of Lord Buddha.

Patan- the second largest town in the valley is situated to the south of Kathmandu. Patan’s great building boom took place under the Mallas in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Numerous temples of widely diverse styles, as well as many Buddhist monasteries, are scattered around the fascinating town. Patan is famous for its crafts and metal works which are wonderful souvenirs. We visit Patan Museum as well.
Overnight: Hotel

Today we drive to the oldest part of the Kathmandu valley. We stop at old Thimi on our way and observe some traditional farming and old alleys of Thimi village. Then finally we go to visit an ancient city called Bhaktapur. This fascinating city reminds you the true culture and living style of medieval period.

Bhaktapur- Located about 20 km east of Kathmandu in the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur is known as the ‘City of Devotees’, the ‘City of Culture’, the ‘Living Heritage’, and ‘Nepal’s Cultural Gem’. It is one of the 3 royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley. We will visit four different squares in this city: Durbar Square (palace square), Tamaudi Square (public square), Pottery Square and Dattatrey Square.
Overnight: Hotel

Today we drive to one of the oldest temples of the valley, Changunarayan before we go to Nagarkot. It is a fascinating place where you can see oldest Manu script found in Nepali history and some magnificent temples. Then, an exciting drive to Nagarkot for an hour on winding road. It is a great place to escape from Kathmandu’s hustle bustle.

Nagarkot – One of the most popular hill station / viewpoints close to Kathmandu valley. Several different mountain peaks of different regions including Mt. Shisapangma of Tibet can be seen. We can explore the surrounding villages and observe some local lifestyles.
Overnight: Hotel

An exciting drive to Namo Buddha for about 2 hours. We stay overnight in a secluded resort called Namo Buddha Resort which gives you enough opportunity to refresh your body and mind in a peaceful environment. The resort is designed with Nepali traditional mountain houses so it gives you great opportunity to understand the traditional architecture and provides you secluded moments to enjoy with your family. The resort has its’ own garden / farm that grows all the vegetables they serve on the table so most of the things you eat at the resort are fresh and organic. You can visit the garden and see how they grow those vegetables.

In the afternoon, we go to visit Namobuddha stupa; a Buddhist stupa, which is about an hour hike from the resort.

Namo Buddha or Takmo Lujin is a very sacred place for the Buddhists. The Stupa situated just off to the downtown Kathmandu is visited by scores of pilgrims every year. There is a legend behind the reverence of this place. According to the Buddhist legend, the King Mahasattva gave his body to a hungry tigress at this place. His reliquary Stupa remained underground for centuries. One day a hermit called Bhagavan (Sakyamuni) came to this site and got attracted to the bulge. It is said that he clapped his hands, and miraculously the Stupa appeared.
Overnight: Resort

On our way back from Namo Buddha, we visit Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath. In the evening, we participate on Buddhist puja ceremony and blessing by a Buddhist monk at Sheichan Bairoling monastery, Tinchuli. We spend our night in a small guesthouse that runs by a Buddhist monastery nearby Boudhanath stupa. You can walk down to Boudhanath stupa in the evening to witness the Buddhist pilgrims’ Cora; a ritual where hundreds of people walk around the stupa praying with their mala.

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations for all the Hindus of the world. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the trinity and the guardian (patron) deity of Nepal. This is one of the oldest temples, situated on the banks of the Holy Bagmati River. It is a double–roofed golden temple with four triple silver doorways. Pashupatinath covers an area of 281 hectares, which is one of the biggest temple complexes in Nepal.

Bouddhanath Stupa lies about 6 km east of downtown Kathmandu and it is the largest stupa in the Valley and one of the largest in the world. It presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design with hundreds of prayer wheels and 108 small images of Buddha all around. Just like Swoyambhunath, this stupa has four sides with the watchful eyes of Lord Buddha. All the Buddhists throng to this stupa to take part in the sacred rituals during the Buddhist festivals.
Overnight: Guest House in Boudha

A scenic drive for about 6 hours to Pokhara where we will change our vehicle to a 4 x 4 Jeep for the rough road driving to Astham. It is about an hour drive from Pokhara to Astham followed by a short hike to Annapurna Eco Lodge, Astham. Annapurna Eco Village is family running farm house which offers traditional home stay and farming / gardening. We can participate in farming / gardening with the family members or explore the Astham village. It also offers great view of Annapurna mountain range.
Overnight: Annapurna Eco-Village

We will drive back to Pokhara; check into our hotel then will go for the Cooking class where we learn to prepare Nepali meals:

It is basically a Nepali cuisine class that teach you to prepare Nepali meals such as Daal Bhat, momo etc. Daal Bhat is traditional meal that is eaten as a main course and almost twice a day by most Nepali; it is a set of meal that consist Plain rice, lentil, vegetables, pickles and sometime meats and we will also learn to cook momo which is a type of dumpling that consist meat or vegetables.

In the afternoon, we will go for easy biking (city biking) for about an hour.
Overnight: Hotel

Early morning drive to Kahun Danda also known as Kahu located on North-East of Pokhara valley, It’s about an hour drive on recently built winding road. The view from Kahun is majestic; with the magnificent view of the Pokhara city in the South-west and panoramic view of the Himalayas in North-east including the peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Then we drive back to our hotel, and after our breakfast, we continue our tour visiting Devi’s fall, a water fall that goes into a narrow canal, Gupteswori Cave; a natural cave then we drive for about 20 minutes and hike to World peace stupa which offers you the great view of the Pokhara city and Fewa Lake then we hike down to Fewa Lake and cross over by a boat.
We can go for additional boating trip for about couple of hours (if interested).
Overnight: Hotel

Five hour scenic drive to Chitwan. Arrival at Wild Life Camp and a welcome drink
14:00: Lunch, then two hours free time.
16:00: Tour to the Tharu village and museum.
19:00: Dinner
Overnight: Jungle Resort

07:00: Breakfast, then head out for our canoe rides on the Rapti River, followed by a short jungle walk.
12:00: Lunch
13:00: Jeep Safari for about 3 hour: an opportunity to see: four different kind of deer; rhinoceros; wild boars; monkeys; sloth bear etc. You may also encounter many other smaller mammals that have made Chitwan their home.
19:00: Dinner
20:00: Tharu culture program
Overnight: Jungle Resort

7:00: Breakfast
7:30: Elephant breeding centre
9:00: Drive back to Kathmandu: a scenic drive for about 6 hours to Kathmandu by a private vehicle.
Overnight: Hotel

Transfer to the airport for departure.

Tour Price Includes

  • Transfers airport / hotel / airport
  • Accommodations in Kathmandu / Bhaktapur / Nagarkot / Namo Buddha / Astham / Pokhara / Chitwan on twin sharing Basis
  • Welcome dinner at one of the traditional Nepali restaurants
  • Transport, guided visits and entry of the monuments in Kathmandu / Pokhara / Chitwan
  • Private vehicles Kathmandu – Pokhara – Chitwan – Kathmandu
  • A professional English speaking Culture Guide for whole tour
  • Private vehicle during sightseeing
  • Cooking Class in Pokhara
  • Biking in Pokhara
  • Boating in Pokhara
  • Full board for whole tour
  • Drinks (Tea / Coffee only)
  • All activities during Chitwan Safari
  • All necessary documents and government tax.
  • Insurance for staff

Tour Price Does Not Include:

  • International Flights to / from Kathmandu
  • Nepal entry visa fee ($ 30 for 15 Days, obtained upon arrival)
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory and we strongly advise you to take out to cover accident / repatriation helicopter / medical care)
  • Alternative / additional transportation (flights / vehicles), Food and Accommodation in case of bad weather, flood, landslide, heavy rain, strike, road blockade, flight cancellation etc.
  • Personal expenses such as snacks, cold drinks, mineral water, alcoholic drinks, telephone etc.
  • Tips for tour staff .

NOTE: The price of the tour will be adjusted according to the group size.

Climate

Climate:
From the eternal snow of the high peaks to the extensive tropical lowlands, Nepal has a wide variety of climates.

Spring: March to late May: In this season, Kathmandu is in full bloom, lots of different types of flowers can be seen at this time of the year.  Temperature is mild, end of the cold winter and approaching warm and hot summer.  Temperatures vary between 10 ° C to 28 ° C but can rise up to 30 ° C.  Between 2000 and 3000m, temperature rarely drop below 0 ° C. However, few frosts or snowfalls are possible in March above 4000 m.

The summer/monsoon period – It interrupts the majority of trekking from late June to late August. Some of the trekking regions “trans-Himalayan”, Dolpo and Mustang, however, remain protected from monsoon prevailing rest of the country. They are the only channels available in Nepal in the summer.

Autumn: mid September – mid December – Perfect temperature and weather for trekking. Brings cooler days, but clear skies. Above 3000 m altitude, temperatures can drop to -10 ° C at night.

In winter: mid-December – mid-February – Nights are generally cold, dry climate, Above 3000m, temperature drop down to 0 ° C to – 15 ° C at night, the days are often sunny.

Equipments

Luggage

  •         Travel Pack / Suit case
  •         Day pack

 Clothing

  •         Lightweight, low maintenance and versatile clothing
  •         Shirt/t-shirt(s)
  •         Convertible travel trousers
  •         Lightweight fleece
  •         Lightweight waterproof jacket
  •         Comfortable shoes/boots
  •         Sandals
  •         Hat (sun/warm hat)
  •         Warm clothes / Jackets / trousers (If travelling in early Spring / Autumn / Winter)

Accessories

  •         wallet
  •         Luggage locks
  •         Head light (torch)
  •         Wash bag
  •         Travel towel
  •         All purpose travel soap
  •         Small repair kit (needle and thread)
  •         First aid kit
  •         Accessory bags
  •         Guide book
  •         Electrical adaptor
  •         Insect repellent
  •         Sun cream

Document

  •         Valid passport
  •         Print out of Airline tickets
  •         Contact detail of Embassy / Tour agency
  •         Travel insurance