From Valley To Mountains

Today is spent visiting some of the major World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu.

Pashupatinath, one of the holiest Hindu temples in the world dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pashupatinath, which means Lord of all animals, is one of the many names of Shiva. Built-in 400 AD, but later renovated by the Malla Kings around the 6th century, inside the temple there exists the statue of four-faced six-foot lingam, phallic object as a symbol of Shiva, resting in the middle of a rimmed, disc-shaped structure, phallic symbol of Shakti – a concept or personification of divine feminine creative power.

Next is Boudhanath; one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. The stupa is raised according to Tibetan philosophy, but before the construction of the 118-foot stupa, the site was a resting point for every Tibetan merchant passing through Nepal. Here they would rest and offer prayers to Lord Buddha for many centuries.

Later, you will be exploring Kathmandu Durbar Square, which has the palace and courtyard of the old kings in Nepal. Visit many temples and buildings, including Kumari Chowk (the courtyard of the living goddess), the Aakash Bhairav Temple, the Temple of Lord Machhendranath, and Itumbahal courtyard.

You will later take a ride on Rickshaw towards Thamel. This ride is designed to give you an authentic taste of Kathmandu while you sit back and relax. As you pass through narrow streets of Kathmandu, you can witness local life, local shops in Ason Market, small temples and stupas, shops selling trekking gears and souvenirs, restaurants and many more.

Accommodation:     Hotel Traditional Stay or Similar

Meals Included:       Breakfast in Hotel  

Kirtipur, an old Newari town rich in its history, culture and its authentic cuisine, is about half an hour’s drive from the city. Exploring Kirtipur can be an unforgettable experience that you’ll cherish. You can discover the captivating beauty of this town, and explore through its charming old streets, visit many religious temples and stupas that adorn the surrounding landscape while experiencing the local livelihood and sights.

You will learn the intricate Ranjana Lipi (Newari script) and later enjoy the authentic Newari dish. This experience will definitely share some insights into the Newari culture.

Accommodation:     Kirtipur Community Homestay

Meals Included:       Breakfast in Hotel, Lunch and Dinner in Kirtipur Community Homestay    

You will drive approximately around 6 hours to reach Pokhara via Prithvi Highway. Leaving the busy city road may be slow, but as you move forward, the views are impressive. For the first hours of the drive, the road is winding and downhill then continue along the Trishuli River. As you cross the Mugling Bridge, your drive passes through Marshyangdi Hydroelectric Powerhouse as well as villages with typical Nepalese house backed by steep rice terrace and mountain beyond. As you approach Pokhara Valley, you will be welcomed mighty Annapurna Range Himalayas and Seti River. Arriving in Pokhara in the afternoon, the rest of the day is free.

Accommodation:     Batika Classic Hotel or Similar

Meals Included:       Breakfast in Kirtipur Community Homestay 

Today, you drive to Hemjaphedi approx. about 45 mins from Pokhara, and hike to Hemjakot. Hemjakot is a beautiful village set on the foothills of Mt. Machhapuchhre (The Fishtail). The hike to Hemjakot is approx. 1.5 hours. Hemjakot Community Homestay is conveniently situated at a transit point for other different popular destinations, such as the Dhampus Valley, the Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp treks. Hemjakot can be visited en route to one of these longer excursions. The community has huge potential for offering a good experience of both mountain view and local lifestyle to the visitors.

Accommodation:     Hemjakot Community Homestay

Meals Included:       Breakfast in Hotel, Lunch and Dinner at Hemjakot Community Homestay

Today, you leave Hemja and walk past the jungle trail as you trek to Dhampus. The trail then leads to Australian Camp, a beautiful village best known for its incredible views. The trail is a steep stone-paved surrounded by forests. On a clear day, you can see an unobstructed view of the Himalayan Mountains of Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu range and see the silent Pokhara valley resting peacefully in the lap of green hills.

Accommodation:     Batika Classic Hotel or Similar

Meals Included:       Breakfast in Hemjakot Community Homestay  

You have a free day in Pokhara. There are lots of things to see and do in Pokhara (at your own expense). You can choose to go boating or take the opportunity to try out paragliding, bungee jumping, take a tour to the Tibetan settlements and spend your leisure time.

Accommodation:     Batika Classic Hotel or Similar

Meals Included:       Breakfast in Hotel    

You leave the beautiful Pokhara city and drive across the deep Seti River gorge and cross the Madi River and head towards the countryside, with small villages and farms along the winding roads to reach Bandipur, a beautifully preserved town on a hilltop with traditional Newari houses. You climb through pristine forests on the historical trail at Dumre Bazaar to a town that has hardly changed. Well preserved Bandipur today invites travelers to experience its unique offerings: rich hill culture, mountain views, and hikes. Unlike most trading posts in the Nepal hills, Bandipur has retained its age-old cultural attributes – temples, shrines, sacred caves, innumerable festivals, and a Newari architecture.

Accommodation:     Bandipur Village Inn or Similar

Meals Included:       Breakfast in Hotel  

It is about a four-hours’ drive to Barauli, very close to Chitwan National Park which is home to hundreds of species of birds and many endangered animals. On arrival, you are welcomed with a traditional cultural program that includes songs and dance by women dressed in their traditional Tharu attire. During your stay, you can sample the local food and experience the local lifestyle.

The Barauli Community Stay was created to help the local Tharu people to preserve their rich culture and as a way for them to interact with the rest of the world and benefit more directly in tourism. Villagers take care of you in their Community Homestays where you stay in relative comfort. Each of the twelve cottages, made by the locals, is named after the housewife who owns it. All huts contain clean, ensuite bathrooms and a hot shower.

Accommodation:     Barauli Community Stay

Meals Included:       Breakfast in Hotel, Lunch and Dinner at Barauli Community Stay     

Jeep Safari: With Barauli located on the edge of Chitwan National Park, jungle safaris are one of the many highlights of our homestay. We have our own jeeps and excellent naturalists. There is no chance that you will miss anything there is to see on your jungle safari.

Cycling: We assure you that cycling via small Tharu villages and fish farms to the shore of the Narayani River is an experience you will recount often. We recommend cycling towards evening when the sunset looks like a golden ball sinking into the Narayani River.

Cultural Dance: Tharu are proud of their culture, perhaps because they have one of the best cultures in Nepal. The famous Tharu stick dance; when women dance and sing, is simply amazing. The dancing takes place in front of our homestay, normally at night, to provide a bit of recreation and relaxation from the days’ activities. If guests enjoy the dance, then they are more than welcome to join in.

Accommodation:     Barauli Community Stay

Meals Included:       Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner    

As we exit Barauli, we continue our drive along the straight and wide highway entering East-West highway. On our way we’ll drive along the green forest and farming fields. On a sunny day we could enjoy the glimpse of Seti Gandaki River which flows along us from Jugedi. Moving towards the valley highway becomes small and slow, leaving the river behind from Galchi we acclimate towards Nagdhunga and will enter the bustling city of Kathmandu driving towards Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is one of the Newari cities and has the best-preserved palace courtyards. Bhaktapur is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its rich culture, temples, and wood, metal and stone artworks from the medieval period.”

Accommodation:     Hotel Bhadgaon 

Meals Included:       Breakfast at Barauli Community Stay 

When in Bhaktapur, you will be walking through the traditional alleys of the pottery square. Bhaktapur welcomes you with its rich traditional Newari architecture and culture. Today you will have hands-on experience into the art of traditional woodcraft. The ambience of the workshop will charm you as its adorned with exquisite woodcrafts. You can take home your piece of work as a souvenir. Later you will be visiting around Bhaktapur to explore the narrow historic alleys.

Later in the evening, you shall drive along concrete buidlings on each side of the highway to enter into Kathmandu, the capital city. Sometimes, it may take longer depending upon the traffic on the city roads. Kathmandu is an incredibly diverse, historic city with amazing architecture, exquisite wood carvings and metal craft which showcase the skills of the Newar artisans of centuries ago.

Accommodation:     Hotel Traditional Comfort or similar

Meals Included:       Breakfast in Hotel

You have this day on your own. Your guide may suggest some of the optional activities and tours to visit to some of the World Heritage sites in Kathmandu city..

Accommodation:     Hotel Traditional Comfort or Similar 

Meals Included:       Breakfast

Check-in is 2.5 hours prior to departure, and it is best not to skim on time as queues can be long and slow. Your booked airport transfer will be at your hotel ready to take you to the airport in time, allowing approximately 30mins driving time depending on time of day. At the airport security will check your flight ticket – either hard copy or on your mobile – along with your passport before you are allowed to enter the departure hall.

Accommodation:     None 

Meals Included:       Breakfast in Hotel