Nepal Cultural Tour – 8 Days Trip
DETAILED DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
DAY 01
Arrive Kathmandu
Arrive Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met and welcomed by our representative/guide. Please look for signage with your name once you come out of Arrival Terminal Hall after collecting your luggage in Kathmandu. Group will be escorted by our representative/guide to the hotel
Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal!
Kathmandu is the bustling capital of Nepal and the country’s largest city. Away from the modern parts of the city is an intricate maze of narrow streets, great for exploring and observing the traditional culture and Nepalese way of life with hidden temples, local markets and old workshops. Actually formed of three ancient cities, Kathmandu has always been a melting pot for the different ethnic groups of Nepal, and therefore boasts an unbelievably rich cultural heritage that has remained largely unchanged since the Middle Age.
- Overnight at the hotel
- Meals included: N/A
DAY 02
In Kathmandu
Morning sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa
You will be taken on a sightseeing tour Kathmandu Durbar Square in the heart of the city. Many of Kathmandu’s most historic and important temples are located here. Interesting things for visitors to see are Taleju temple, gigantic figure of Kalbhairav (the god of destruction), Basantapur Durbar, and Temple of Kumari (living goddess)
The old market lying in the heart of the Kathmandu city has a distinct character of it’s own, taking one back to many centuries. This traditional market leads to many intriguing sights and is a maze in itself with the narrow streets/alleys, the temples, the people milling around, colorful shops offering a variety of spices, dry fruits, color powders, incense, and many more things. Every day fresh fruit and vegetables are carried to this market place from all over the valley. It is fitting that the three story temple located here is dedicated to the goddess of abundance called Annapurna. From dawn until late at night, Ason is jammed with buyers, sellers and passers-by. The six roads meeting at this crossroads make it the busiest junction in Kathmandu.
Visiting Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple). The world’s most glorious Buddhist Chaityas built 2000 years ago situated on a hillock about 77 m above the level of the Kathmandu valley. Visitors will also have a grand view of the valley from this spot.
Swayambhunath Stupa, which is considered one of the most imposing stupas in the world, rises high. One can reach the stupa by going up about 400 steep stone steps. The four sides of the stupa depict Buddha’s eyes of wisdom, which see through all existences.
The third eye is the symbol of Buddha’s insight. In the location where the nose would be, Nepalese numeral “one” which expresses “harmony” is depicted. The 13-tier spire part symbolizes the 13 stages to enlightenment, and the tip has a golden umbrella which represents nirvana. The flags coming out of the spire each has sutras written on them.
Afternoon sightseeing tour to Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square boasts of many famous sites and unique architecture. Krishna Mandir in this Square was built to honor an incarnation of Vishnu. One of the best examples of stone architecture in the world, scenes from Mahabharat, Asia’s greatest mythological war, is carved on the temple’s walls.
Home to traditional artists and sculptors, one can find more temples dedicated to Ganesh (the elephant-headed god), Shiva, Narsingha, Taleju, and others are located at Patan Durbar Square.
- Overnight at the hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 03
Breakfast at the hotel
Drive to Nagarkot via Bhaktapur
En-route visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur means “the city of devotees” in Nepali language. It is also known as Bhadgaon and was founded in 889 AD by King Anand Dev. Today it covers an area of four square miles and is flanked by Khasa Khusung and Hanumante Rivers. The palace complex in the middle of the city portrays the prosperity of the Malla years and the details at which the crafts people then worked. The Palace of Fifty-five Windows stands in the square, which was also home to many kings of Bhaktapur. The kings of Bhaktapur ruled over Kathmandu and Patan from the 12th century to the 14th century.
Leave Bhaktapur for Nagarkot (approx 1 hr drive)
Nagarkot is situated on top of a ridge at an altitude of over 2000 meters above sea level. It is renowned for sunrise and sunset views along with majestic peaks of the Himalayas including Mount Everest. It also offers a panoramic view of Bhaktapur.
Visit Nagarkot Village
Hill villages in Nepal present a picture of the bygone era. Guests will witness villagers working in the field and carry daily activities in the most natural setting. Villagers still use pre historic technology to plow their fields and carry other activities in agriculture sector. For Western technologically advanced civilization, the village tour would be one of the most exciting aspects on their Nepal visit.
- Overnight at the hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 04
Nagarkot/ Pokhara (approx 7 hrs drive)
After breakfast, we start our journey early in the morning and drive to Pokhara (approx 7 hrs)
Arrive Pokhara, check in at hotel
Pokhara valley is one of the most picturesque spot of Nepal. The beauty of Pokhara is enhanced by its lovely lakes, which have their source in the glacial region of the Annapurna range of the Himalayas. Pokhara is situated 210 KM west of Kathmandu at an altitude of 827 meter from sea-level. For the mountain viewers Pokhara offers a magnificent view of Dhaulagiri, Machapuchre (Fishtail), five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara is the only place in the world to provide such a dramatic views in a sub-tropical setting. Machapuchre, for example, is only 28 km from Phewa Lake and not a single mountain range intervenes between the two.
Afternoon approx one hour boat ride at Phewa Lake and visit Barahi Temple and Lake side market
Phewa Lake, the second largest lake in the Kingdom, 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 the lake to visit the island temple in its middle. The eastern shore, popularly known as lakeside or Baidam, is the favorite home base for travelers and is where most of the hotels, restaurants and handicraft shops are located.
The Barahi temple is the most important monument in Pokhara; Built almost in the center of Phewa Lake, this two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protector deity representing the female force Shakti. Devotees can be seen, especially on Saturdays, carrying male animals and fowl across the lake to be sacrificed to the deity.
Free time or walking around lakeside market
Lakeside-The eastern shore of Phewa Lake, popularly known as lakeside or Baidam, is the favorite home base for travelers and is where most of the hotels, restaurants and handicraft shops are located.
- Overnight at the hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 05
Pokhara/ Chitwan drive
An early morning, you will drive to Sarangkot for sunrise view over the western Himalayas (weather permitting).
Sarangkot is the highest point on the Pokhara valley rim. It is located an altitude of 1592 m above sea level. This place provides the best view of Pokhara Valley, Phewa Lake and beyond to the main spine of the Annapurna ranges (Annapurna South 7195, Annapurna I 7647, Machhapuchhre 6997, Annapurna III 7555, Annapurna II 7937, Annapurna IV 7525, Lamjung Himal 6986.).
Pokhara/Chitwan drive (approx 5 hrs drive)
After breakfast, we drive to Chitwan which takes approx 5 hour enjoyable and scenic drive through the Tharu Villages of Chitwan. The ethnic tribe of the Tharu’s is the local inhabitants of Chitwan and is agriculturists by profession. Then drive finally brings you to the lodge.
Upon arrival at lodge, you will be met and briefed by the Guest Relation officer regarding the park and the programs available.
Lunch will be followed by a choice of activities arranged for you.
Chitwan National Park is the home of the great one horned rhinoceros, sloth bear, wild boar, Gaur (bison), 4 species of deer, 2 species of monkeys, 2 species of crocodile, the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, over 450 species of birds and various other reptiles.
Later in the afternoon, the guests will be taken for elephant safari or nature walks depending on the time of arrival at the resort.
In the evening before dinner, the slide presentation about the flora and fauna of Chitwan national park will be organized by our well trained senior naturalists. This will be time when the guests can gather more information about the flora and fauna of Chitwan National Park.
- Dinner and overnight at the lodge
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 06
In Chitwan
Early morning guests will be mounted on elephant back and taken for a jungle safari for 2‐3 hours penetrating through dense grasslands to view wildlife in their natural habitat. This grass commonly known as elephant grass is dense and grows to a height of 18‐20 ft. It is the favorite habitat for rhinoceros and other mammals.
After breakfast, you are taken to our elephant stables where a senior naturalist briefs about the interesting and unbelievable habits of elephant. Here one may witness the rare scene of the elephants at bath.
Lunch at the lodge
In the afternoon you may choose to relax around the resort or take a drive through the jungles for a canoe ride down the Rapti River. The river ride provides opportunity of viewing the gharial crocodiles as well as the mugger crocodiles, fresh water dolphins, otters and varieties of water birds. OR, you may also feel like going for a nature walk or birding with one of our naturalists to know more about the flora of the Chitwan National Park. Those on canoe ride are taken back to the resort four wheel drive jeep from the end‐point.
- Overnight at the lodge
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 07
Chitwan/Kathmandu drive (approx 5/6 hrs drive)
After breakfast, guests will drive to Kathmandu (approx 5-6 hours drive)
Arrive Kathmandu, check in at the hotel
- Overnight at the hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 08
Depart Kathmandu
You are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We hope you enjoyed the tour with us and we expect that you plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal again.
Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight time, our representative will transfer you to the airport.
Meals included: Breakfast
Using deluxe hotels – (Hotel Yak & Yeti in Kathmandu, Club Himalaya Resort in Nagarkot, Temple Tree Resort & Spa at Pokhara and Tigerland Safari Resort at Chitwan)
Please email us at info@makalutravels.com for price and other details.
Cost Include
- Transport, Entrance Fee, Guide, etc
- Welcome with flower garland by our representative upon arrival
- All tours and transfers in a private vehicle as per the program
- Services of an English speaking guide throughout the tour
- Services of an English speaking Naturalist in Chitwan
- Chitwan National Park entrance fees
- Monument entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary
- One hour boat ride at Phewa Lake in Pokhara
- One bottle of mineral water per person per day
Accommodations
- 3 nights at as per choice hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu
- 1 night at as per choice hotel with breakfast in Nagarkot
- 1 night at as per choice hotel with breakfast in Pokhara
- 2 nights at as per choice hotel with all meals in Chitwan
- 24.3% VAT and Service Charge
Cost Exclude
- International Airfare
- Nepal Visa Fee
- Personal expenses (Tips, beverage, laundry, telephone call, etc)
- Travel Insurance/ Emergency Evacuation Cost
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Nagarkot
Makalu Travels 