Exotic Nepal

Arrive Kathmandu

Meet assist upon arrival and transfer to hotel.

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The Kathmandu Valley, the capital of Nepal is the political, commercial and cultural hub. Spread across an area of 360 square kilometers and at an altitude of 1336 meter above the sea level, Kathmandu is an exotic and fascinating showcase of a very rich culture, art and tradition. The valley, roughly an oval bowl measuring 24 km east-west and 19 km north-south, is encircled by a range of green terraced hills and dotted by compact clusters of red tiled-roofed houses.

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A remarkable legend speaks that the valley was once covered by a lake until the Bodhisattva Manjushri raised his sword of wisdom and sliced a passage through the mountain walls, draining the water and creating the first settlements.

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Overnight at the hotel.

In Kathmandu

AM: Half day sightseeing of Kathmandu & Swayambhunath

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Kathmandu City: Known as Kantipur, the capital of the Kingdom of Nepal. Here you will visit the temple of the Living Goddess who acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence. Kasthamandap the source of the name Kathmandu and supposed to be made from the timber of a single tree and the Durbar Square with its array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the ancient palace of the Nepalese Royalty.

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Swyambhunath: Located approximately (4 kms /2.5 miles) from the city centre, this Buddhist Stupa is said to be 2000 years old. The Stupa which forms the main structure is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of Copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples.

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PM: Half day sightseeing of Patan

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Patan: (5 kms / 3 miles) away from Kathmandu City. Patan also known as Lalitpur, is the city of fine arts, enclosed within 4 stupas said to be built in 3rd century AD, by Emperor Ashoka. You will see the Durbar square; the Krishna Temple built by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla, Hiranya Varna Mabavihar and MahadouddhaTemple.

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A trip to The Tibetan Refugee Camp and the Handicraft Center will also be done while visiting Patan, where you will witness the hand weaving of Tibetan carpets and moulding of metal statues.

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Overnight at the hotel.

Kathmandu to Dhulikhel (Road)

Morning, drive to Dhulikhel. On the way visit Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon). Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a conglomeration of pagoda and shikhara-style temples grouped around a fifty-five window palace of brick and wood. The square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the Valley as it highlights the ancient arts of Nepal. The golden effigies of kings perched on the top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities looking out from their sanctuaries, the wood carvings in every place-struts, lintels, uprights, tympanums, gateways and windows-all seem to form a well - orchestrated symphony. The main items of interest in the Durbar Square are:

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The Lion Gate: Dating as far back as 1696 A.D., this gate is guarded on either side by two huge statues of lions. Alongside, there are two stone images of Bhairab (the dreadful aspect of Shiva) and Ugrachandi (the consort of Shiva in her fearful manifestation).

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The Golden Gate: The Golden Gate is said to be the most beautiful and richly moulded specimen of its kind in the entire world. The door is surmounted by a figure of the goddess Kali and Garuda (the mythical man-bird) and attended by two heavenly nymphs. It is also embellished with mythical creatures of marvellous intricacy. In the words of Percy Brown, an eminent English art critic and historian, the Golden Gate is the most lovely piece of art in the whole Kingdom: it is placed like a jewel, flashing innumerable facets in the handsome setting of its surroundings. The gate was erected by King Ranjit Malla and is the entrance of the main courtyard of the Palace of Fifty-five Windows.

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The Palace of Fifty-five Windows: This magnificent palace was built during the reign of King Yakshya Malla in A.D. 1427 and was subsequently remodeled by King Bhupatindra Malla in the seventeenth entury. Among the brick walls with their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony with Fifty-five Windows, considered to be a unique masterpiece of woodcarving.

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The Art Gallery: The Art Gallery contains ancient paintings belonging to the Hindu and Buddhist traditions of various periods and descriptions. This gallery is open everyday except Tuesday. The statue showing King Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is set on a column facing the palace. Of the square's many statues, this is considered to be the most magnificent.

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Additionally you can take some quick lesson on Pottery making at the pottery square in Bhaktapur as it is famous for its traditional pottery industry. The age old craft has survived the calls for modernization and today it enhances Bhaktapur' value as a city of Heritage. Bhaktapur has 2 famous pottery squares. One is located at the dark, damp alleys that beckon on either side of the main road, the most promising destination in this area- Potter's square, a sloping open space south west of Taumadhi Tol. Walking towards Bolachhen/ Talakwa, better known as the town's Potter's square, the streets are lined with small shops selling innumerable items produced in baked clay and the pavements are filled with black clay items drying in the strong sunlight.

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We embark our journey further and walk to Changunarayan Temple (6- 7 Kilometers) approximately 3 Hours.

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The ancient temple of Changunarayan is located on a high hilltop that is also known as Changu or Dolagiri. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and held in especial reverence by the Hindu people. This temple is considered as the oldest temple in Nepal. It exhibits the development of Newari religious architecture. Changunarayan Temple, the oldest temple in Kathmandu valley came in existence in 4th century. The temple is adorned by some of the best specimen of stone, wood, and metal craft in the valley. The temple stands as the epitome of culture, religion, history and faith of the Kathmandu valley.

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Overnight at the hotel.

In Dhulikhel

Morning, hike to Namo Buddha. Drive to embark point, where you shall commence your hiking to Namo Buddha Monastery (6- 7 Kilometers) which will take approximately 3 hours, packed lunch will be served.

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Namo Buddha is a beautiful place. There is no need to exaggerate this. The place is very quiet and pure. Its environment is very clean, with no pollution, and the natural air is so fresh, cool and healthy. It is also the right place for meditation. In the morning when you wake up, you can see a beautiful sunrise. In the evening you can see a wonderful sunset. You can enjoy snow-covered Himalayan ranges which look so amazing and pure. Return back to the pickup point where you had commenced your hiking, coach awaits you there. Rest of the evening enjoy envisaging through the one of the beautiful sunsets as the sunsets over the valley

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Overnight at the hotel.

Dhulikhel to Bandipur (Road)

Drive to Bandipur. On the way, visit Manakamana Temple. The place lays on a beautiful ridge southeast of the township of Gorkha. The temple, a famous pilgrimage for Hindus, is dedicated to Manakamana, the holy goddess of aspirations.

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Manakamana Temple: Manakamma who is believed to have the power to fulfill wishes. The temple of Manakamana lies 125 km to the west of Kathmandu. Cable-car ride starts at Cheres, 104 km from Kathmandu on the highway to Pokhara. Manakamana temple lies 12 km south of historic town Gorkha and located on a prominent ridge (1302m) overlooking the river valleys of Trisuli (south) and Marshyandi (west). The unique location of the place is dramatized during winter when the ridge appears as an island above the sea of morning mist. People believe Manakamana Devi fulfils the wishes of her devotees, thus called the wish-fulfilling deity.

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Later, continue driving to Bandipur, Upon arrival at Bandipur, transfer to Hotel.

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Overnight at the hotel.

In Bandipur

For the village enthusiasts in you Bandipur is a symphony composed in the strings of beauty and a land endowed with myriad of boons and bounties that bestowed it the glory of being so mystical. The rural life in Bandipur, untouched by the mighty hands of industrialization and much of the repulsive transformation of urban sophistication, offers a paradisal experience to the traveler. You stroll around the culturally preserved village of Bandipur and experience Nepalese lifestyle firsthand maybe milking a cow can be interesting and lot of fun.

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Places of interest at Bandipur: At Bandipur you can catch the view of glorious sunshine and sunset from Tundikhel and Gurungche hill, diversity of flora and fauna of Bandipur VDC offers more than 200 species of forest plants, 70 species of birds, 35 species of wild life and Siddha cave (probably the biggest cave in Asia) 18 feet width and 50 feet high situated north of Bandipur creates wonderful adventure.

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Overnight at the hotel.

Bandipur to Pokhara (Surface)

Drive to Pokhara, approximately 2- 3 hours under normal road conditions. Transfer to hotel upon arrival in Pokhara. Panoramic View of Mountains from your hotel

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Rest of the day at leisure.

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Overnight at the hotel .

In Pokhara

Morning: Half day sightseeing tour of Pokhara city with one hour Boat ride on Phewa Lake

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Phewa Lake: Phewa Lake, the second largest lake in Nepal, is the center of all attraction in Pokhara. 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 its middle. The eastern shore, popularly known as lakeside or Baidam, is the favorite home base for travellers and is where most of the vhotels, restaurants and handicraft shops are located.

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Seti Gandaki: Another of Pokhara's natural wonders that unfailingly interests visitors is the Seti Gandaki river. Flowing right through the city, the boisterous river runs completely underground at places. sAmazingly, at certain points the river appears hardly two meters wide. But its depth is quite beyond imagination over 20 meters! Mahendra Pul, a small bridge near the old Mission Hospital, provides a perfect view of the river's dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by its powerful flow.

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Barahi Temple: The Barahi temple is the most important monument in Pokhara. Built almost in the center of Phewa Lake, this two-storeyd pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of' Ajima.

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The Old Bazaar: Pokhara's traditional bazaar is colorful and so are its ethnically diverse traders. In its temples and monuments can be seen ties to the Newar architecture of the Kathmandu Valley. Located about four km from Lakeside, the market's original charm is alive and well. This area strewn with shops selling commodities ranging from edibles and cloth to cosmetics and gold is a pleasant and shady spot to stroll around. The old bazaar is also home to one of Pokhara's most important shrines'. Locally called the Bindhyabasini Mandir, this white dome-like structure dominates a spacious stone-paved courtyard built atop a shady hillock. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, yet another manifestation of Shakti. The park-like grounds offer a fine picnic area, and on Saturdays and Tuesdays when devotees flock there to offer sacrifices, it takes on a festive local flavour.

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Overnight at the hotel .

Pokhara to Kathmandu (Flight)

Fly to Kathmandu. On arrival transfer to your hotel.

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The Godavari is a small village situated at the foothills of Phulchoki at an altitude of approximately 5000 feet above sea level, and 14 km southeast of Kathmandu. The road from Patan City (9km) passes through the small scenic Newari town of Harisiddhi, Thaiba and Badegaon., where people still hang chilies and onions on their windows. The Godavari is famous for its picnic spots and the Royal Botanical Garden.

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Overnight at the hotel.

In Kathmandu

Morning, drive to Phulchowki. Phulchowki is the largest peak in the Kathmandu Valley which is situated 20km south-east of Kathmandu. It can be easily reached on wheels in an hour. Before reaching Phulchowki comes the Godavari Gardens. The Phulchowki & Godavari forests are famous for different flower and bird species. Godavari is the base of the hill Phulchowki, which is at height of 2758m. Hiking up to Phulchowki hill inside the dense jungle, one can site beautiful birds and cross small natural streams. After the exhilarating hour trek, reaching the amazing vantage point is the best part, where a clear day will thrill you with close up view of the entire range of snowy mountains from Mt. Everest in the east to Dhaulagiri in the west. The places of interest in the area are the Godavari Kunda, Phulchowki Mai Temple and enjoyable walks to the giant Shanti Ban Buddha or shrine of Bishankhu Narayan.

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Nepal inhabits 863 bird species which amounts to 9.3% of the total bird species in the world. Geographically the country is positioned in a very special way where one can experience the high Himalayas to the low lands of Terai. Bird watching in Nepal takes you through these varied landscapes bringing you an exceptionally spectacular experience while you encounter these flocks of feathers and some of them very much in the hills of Phulchowki and other hills surrounding the capital city- Kathmandu.

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Overnight at the hotel.

Leave Kathmandu

In time transfer to international airport for onward journey.