Nepal Discovery Tour – 16 Days
  • Duration16 Days
  • Trip DifficultyEasy
  • Best Season Spring / Autumn / Winter
  • Arrival CityKathmandu
  • Departure CityKathmandu
  • Altitude maximum2195m (Nagarkot)
  • TransportVehicle / Flight
  • AccomodationHotel / Home stay
  • HighlightsCulture / History / landscape

Overview

A trip to Nepal would not only let you experience Himalayas but also give you true opportunity to experience ancient Hindu and Buddhist culture. Your tour around Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur Durbar squares will provide you true experience of medieval period. The country is full of art, architectures, temples and monasteries which symbolize the importance of art, culture and religion in Nepali society.

An extended trip down to Pokhara would provide you real experience of remarkable natural beauty of Nepal including the view of some of the highest mountains and beautiful lakes. Taking your trip a step further to Sedi Bagar allows you to experience authentic traditions and living style of Nepali people.

A short overnight detours to Gorkha and Bandipur will allow you to visit some of the historical monuments; including a palace of Shah dynasty and some traditional trading towns of medieval period.

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.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m

Start our tour with the magnificent Swoyambhunath which is 10 minutes drive from Thamel. Then a short drive to one of the oldest cities of Kathmandu valley which is called Patan, to witness its incredible architecture from medieval period, we also visit Newari villages Bungamati and Khokana.

Swoyambhunath is one of the oldest stupas 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.

Bungamati and Khokana – Situated beyond the southern belt of Ring Road, inside the valley, Bungamati is a small Newari village still abiding its tradition as their significant part of life. Very less influenced by the modern city just a few kilometers far from the village, Bungamati exemplifies true beauty of the still living age old culture and civilization, your journey to Bungamti, starts with a vantage point where one can behold the entire village of Bungamati and Khokana. Walking down the lanes of Bungamati, you will pass through local Newari people busy working intricate designs in wood or stone on their way to creating many more beautiful artifacts keeping their talents running for the future generations to enjoy Though, small in size, at least 100 people from the village earn their living through wood carving. The village was earlier, the origin of the precession of the chariot of Machindranath, one of the most important festivals of the Newari community. Not far from the village of Bungamati, is another interesting Newari village called Khokana, where an important temple of Durga is situated.
Overnight: Hotel

Drive to the oldest part of the Kathmandu valley, a quick stop at old Thimi on the 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 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. Another exciting drive for an hour on winding road takes us to Nagarkot. 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. The reward for Nagarkot trip is the panoramic view of 33 different mountain peaks of different regions including Mt. Shisapangma of Tibet.
Overnight: Hotel

Driving back from Nagarkot, we drive through Arniko highway visiting Panauti and Dhulikhel on our way to Namobuddha.

Dhulikhel has for many centuries been an important trading centre on the ancient commercial route linking Nepal to Tibet. Since time immemorial, people of Nepal travel to Tibet to bring home salt and gold. Likewise, the Tibetans every year with their flocks of sheep enter into Nepal during Dashain, the greatest Hindu festival. They purchased chilies and other daily necessities in Nepal and return to their homeland.

Panauti is one of the oldest towns in Nepal, consisting of many temples that are still present till this day dating back to the 15th Century or earlier. It has been debated that Panauti was founded by Ananda Malla (1274-1310BC), others believe that there is a golden scripture dated 1385, which is located within the Indreswor temple stating that King Harisingh Dev founded the town.

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

A short drive back to Kathmandu and visit Pashupatinath and Boudhanath before we head to Monastery.

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: Monastery

A scenic flight to Pokhara for about 30 minutes and 20 minutes drive to Sedibagar followed by a short walk to Thapa family home. Being in Sedibagar, we can observe and experience real culture and living style of traditional Nepali family of country side.
Visit Devi’s fall, Gupteswori cave and Fewa Lake in the afternoon.
Overnight: Home stay (Hidden Paradise)
Flight Time: 30 minutes

A short drive back to Pokhara and check into your hotel. Then, an exciting drive for about an hour to visit Begnas Taal in the afternoon.

Begnas Lake is a freshwater lake in Kaski district of Nepal located in the south-east of the Pokhara valley. The lake is the second largest in Pokhara valley. Water level in the lake fluctuates seasonally due to rain, and utilization for irrigation. The water level is regulated through a dam constructed in 1988 on the western outlet stream, Khudi Khola.
Overnight: Hotel

Early morning drive to Sarangkot. It’s about an hour drive on winding uphill road. The view from Sarangkot is superb. Several different peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, including the two highest peaks in the world,-Annapurna I (8091m) and Dhaulagiri (8167m) can be seen.
In the afternoon, visit World Peace stupa and do some boating on Fewa Lake.
Overnight: Hotel

We will have a short and scenic drive to Bandipur; an ancient trading town.

Bandipur is a picturesque town nestled in the Himalayan foothills of Nepal, a land as famous for its natural beauty as for the hospitality of its people. Bandipur lies midway between the capital Kathmandu and Pokhara, another popular tourist destination.
Overnight: Guest House

 

Another short drive for about couple of hours take us to Gorkha, an ancient town of Nepal.

Gorkha is a scenic hill- town with great historical significance Situated on a small hillock at an attitude of about 1000 m; Gorkha offers panoramic view of snow-fed mountain. Gorkha is the birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah the Great, the founder of modern Nepal. Situated on a hill overlooking the snowy peaks of the Himalaya is a beautiful old palace known as Gorkha Durbar. There are two attractive Temples of Gorakhnath and Kali inside the palace precinct.
Overnight: Guest House

Four 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. Sunset point for a drink and the magnificent view of the setting sun
19:00: Dinner
Overnight: Hotel

7:00: Breakfast, then head out for our canoe rides on Rapti River, followed by a short jungle walk.
12:00: Lunch
15:00: Elephant safari: An excellent opportunity to see: four different kinds of deer; rhinoceros; wild boars; monkeys; leopards; sloth bears and the Royal Bengal Tiger (if you are lucky). You may also encounter many other smaller mammals that have made Chitwan their home.
19:00: Dinner
20:00: Tharu culture program
Overnight: Hotel

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

Early morning flight to Everest region to observe the panoramic view of the mountains. In the afternoon, we visit a small town at the out skirt of Kathmandu valley, called Sankhu. Sankhu is also known as the Eighty Siddhas as there are four of five caves where the Siddhas of India are said to have stayed. One of the caves is also said to have been the practice cave of Nagarjuna, and an image of the great master which was originally in the cave has been taken outside and placed some distance away.
Overnight: Hotel

Tour Price Includes

  • Transfers airport / hotel / airport.
  • Accommodations in Kathmandu / Nagarkot / Bhaktapur / Namobuddha / Pokhara / Gorkha / Bandipur / Chitwan
  • Welcome dinner at one of the traditional Nepali restaurants
  • Transport, guided visits and entry of the monuments
  • Domestic flight (Kathmandu – Pokhara) as per itinerary
  • Everest Mountain Flight
  • A professional English speaking tour guide
  • Private vehicle Pokhara – Bandipur – Gorkha – Chitwan – Kathmandu
  • Private vehicle during sightseeing
  • Full board in Home stay (Sedi Bagar)
  • Full board in Chitwan
  • Drinks (Tea / Coffee only)
  • Your international flight re-confirmation.
  • All necessary documents and government tax.
  • Insurance for staff

Tour Price Does Not Include:

  • International Flights
  • Lunch and Dinner (except Sedibagar / Chitwan)
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory and we strongly advise you to take out to cover accident / repatriation helicopter / medical care)
  • Alternative / additional transportation (flights / vehicles), accommodation in case of bad weather, heavy rain, flood, landslide, strike, road blockade etc
  • Personal expenses such as snacks, cold drinks, mineral water, alcoholic drinks, telephone etc.
  • Tips for tour staff or car / van / bus driver.

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