Kathmandu, the remarkable capital of Nepal, has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. It boosts everything from ancient Buddhist and Hindu temples to spice markets bound to have you sneezing or buying exotic products by the kilo. It’s a hectic, busy and loud city, and there’s a good chance you will either fall in love with Kathmandu, or you’ll just want to escape to the Garden of Dreams. With so many incredible tourist places in Kathmandu you could never be bored here, and when you travel to Nepal you should ensure you spend at least a few days here.
In the southern region of Nepal, the jungles of Chitwan National Park await you with wildlife experiences like no other. Go in search of the majestic Royal Bengal tiger and watch the Greater one-horned rhinoceros roam free, while the great Asiatic elephants move about the jungles in herds. Chitwan National Park is the closest and the ideal place to go for wildlife safari.
Witness real wilderness in the jungles of Chitwan: go for a jeep safari in the depths of the forest or ride a silent canoe and catch wildlife by surprise. Go for a jungle walk accompanied by an experienced guide who knows the jungle like the back of his hand.
Meet & greet upon arrival with assistance at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. Later sightseeing of Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath. Overnight.
KATHMANDU CITY (CAPITAL)
Situated at an altitude of 4500ft and founded in the 8th Century A.D. the valley of Kathmandu is composed of three royal Cities, Kathmandu, Patan & Bhadgaon. The valley surrounded by tiers or green hills topped off by snow capped peaks covers an area of 218 sq. miles. Kathmandu has always been a renowned center for Buddhism and its art where you will find the stupa of Swayambhunath, Bouddhanath and hundreds of temples depicting Buddhist and Hindu theology-complex blending of Hinduism & Buddhism where legend and reality live side by side.
KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE
The Durbar Square, with its old temples and places, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is the historic seat of royalty. It is here that Kings of Nepal were crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are; Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D., Kal Bhairav, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Big Drum etc. On the right-hand corner, large wooden lattice screen hides an enormous gilded face of Swet Bhairav. The screen is removed only during the Indra Jatra festival. The temple or the residence of Living goddess, Kumari, is situated in the vicinity of Hanumandhoka Palace. The building has profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari-the living Goddess, acknowledges the greetings from her balcony window. This is the one of the UNESCO cultural heritage sites of Nepal.
SWAYAMBHUNATH
The history of the Valley, according to the legends, begins with Swayambhunath, or "the self existent". This is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Stupa dating back around 2000 years. The Stupa, which forms the main structure, is made of brick and clay supporting the lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four-sides of the spire base are the eyes of Lord Buddha. It is three kilometers west of Kathmandu City, and is situated on a hillock about 77m above the level of the Valley. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and pagodas. Swayambhunath is, perhaps, the best place to observe the religious harmony of Buddhist and Hindu, in Nepal. It provides an excellent view of the Kathmandu Valley. This is the one of the UNESCO cultural heritage sites of Nepal.
Morning sightseeing of Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Afternoon visit Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. Overnight.
BHAKTAPUR
Bhaktapur, situated about 14 Km east Kathmandu city was founded in 9th Century by King Anand Dev. This “City of Devotees” is renowned for its pottery and weaving industry. Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon, is a home of medieval art and arthitechture. The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces such as lion gate, the golden gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, palace of 55 window, the big bell, the bell of barking dogs, Nyatapola Temple etc. This is the one of the UNESCO cultural heritage sites of Nepal.
PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE
Pasupatinath Temple, renowned for its superb architecture, its two storied golden roof and silver doors is about 5 km from Kathmandu. Thousands of devotees converge here every day, but specially on an annual pilgrimage on the occasion of Maha Shivratri, the night of Lord Shiva, in the month February. Entrance into the temple-precincts is permitted only for the Hindus but other can clearly see the temple and ritual performance from the eastern bank of the Bagmati, where people cremate the dead. This is the one of the UNESCO cultural heritage sites of Nepal.
BOUDDHANATH
Situated 7kms northwest of Kathmandu city, the stupa of Bouddhanath contains the relics of Kashyap Buddha, one of the former Buddha’s. The stupa was much later renovated by the Lichchhavi rulers of the 8th century A.D. Bouddhanath is a very important and holy stupa to Buddhists, particularly to the Tibetan Buddhists. The lotus-born Guru, Guru Padmashambava had revealed its greatness and importance to the Tibetan King Trisondetsen (742-797 A.D.) This is the one of the UNESCO cultural heritage sites of Nepal.
Morning sightseeing of Dakshinkali. Afternoon visit Kritipur and Chobhar. Overnight.
DAKSHINKALI
Dakshinkali is one of the very important places of pilgrimage in relation to Hindu goddess, which dates back to time immemorial. The temple of Dakshinkali is situated about two km south of Shekha Narayan. Every Tuesday and Saturday, pilgrims visit this temple to offer their prayers and animal sacrifices performed. Animal sacrifices, particularly of cockerels and uncast rated male goats, are the main way that the goddess is worshipped, and this is especially seen during the Dashain festival.
KIRTIPUR
Kritipur is a small town, eight kilometers south-west of Kathmandu on the top of a hill. Tribhuvan University is located at the foot of the hill. This historic town has many things to offer like old shrines and temples, old houses, people working on ancient loom etc.
CHOBHAR
Chobhar is situated nine kilometers south-west of Kathmandu. It is famous for its gorge, which is said to have been cut by Manjushree to drain the water out from the Kathmandu Valley which is supposed to have been a lake.
This place is famous for its gorge, propelled by the mythology of Manjushree. All the water of the valley drains through it.
Morning drive to Chitwan. Afternoon visit the Tharu Village, later transfer to the banks of the river Rapti, to enjoy a beautiful sunset. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
CHITWAN
This is one of Nepal's first and largest forest region with range of wildlife, the rage great one horned rhinoceros, several species of deer, sloth bear, leopard, wild boar, fresh water, crocodile, more than 450 species of birds, and the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. Visitors to Chitwan may view on elephant Safari, nature walks, canoe trips and bird watching. Royal Chitwan National Park is known to be Asia's best managed National Park.
Full day jungle activities such as, Elephant Safari, Canoe ride, Bird watching, etc. Overnight.
The national park area of Chitwan is most suitable for elephant ride. One can observe wild animals and birds from up close.
Bathing and swimming with the elephant will be of great fun. The more fun will be when elephant spray water from the trunk while sitting on their back.
One can also embark on canoe ride along the Rapti River and take a close view of crocodiles and other wild animals.
Bird watching is also one of the attractions with over 500 species of birds inhabiting the region, Chitwan National Park is a must see destination for avid bird watchers and bird enthusiasts.
The Tharu Culture Program is a great entertainment and while it introduces the Tharu Culture and tradition to the tourists.
Morning drive from Chitwan. Later free for own activities.
Departure transfer to the airport.
Conveniently located at the heart of the capital, Kathmandu, Hotel Shangri-La is a great base from which to explore this vibrant city. The airport is merely 7 kilometers away from the Hotel which is adjacent to diplomatic consulates and offers every guest a private getaway in a bustling city. At Hotel Shangri-La, the traditional touch in the hotel’s interiors fusion with state of the art facilities never fail to make our guests stay worthwhile. Further complemented by other prominent features of the hotel include 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi in all public areas, 24-hour security, wheelchair accessible, daily housekeeping service. Whatever your reason for visiting Kathmandu, Hotel Shangri-La is the perfect venue for an exhilarating and exciting break away.
A Jungle Themed Lodge with 35 individual Air-Conditioned Villa Cottages situated alongside a tributary of Rapti river spread within 8 acres of land overlooks the Chitwan National Park . This lodge is located in a small village of the local community called Tharus which offers a breathtaking view of the national park forest and also the jungle wild animals and birds from the close view. The architecture and interiors of the lodge seamlessly blend with the jungle. The architecture includes use of local bamboo, sustainable wood in furnishing and decoration highlighted with elegant interiors.
Tucked away in the Himalayan Mountains, this enchanting nation’s natural landscape is dominated by eight of the world’s tallest peaks, including the iconic Mount Everest. In addition to the numerous ambitious climbers who flock here to face the challenge of climbing this majestic peak, Nepal attracts large numbers of eco-tourists eager to experience this intriguing country’s virtually untouched natural wonders including lush subtropical forests home to a range of exotic wildlife. Nepal’s cultural landscape is just as diverse as its natural one, playing host to an array of distinct ethnic groups. Other popular tourist highlights include: the capital city of Kathmandu with its exquisite temples and palaces; the sheer magnificence of Patan’s Golden Temple; Chitwan National Park, for its impressive scenery; and, of course, Bodnath, the nation’s most sacred Buddhist monument.
BANKING AND CURRENCY
The unit of the Nepalese Currency is Rupee. One Nepali Rupee is made up of 100 paisa. Nepali Rupee notes come in Rs. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000. Coins come in paisa 5,10,25,50 Rs. 1 , 2, 5 denominations. Paisa coins are not currently used for common transactions. Foreign currency and travellers cheques can easily be exchanged at banks or authorized agents. In Kathmandu banks have money exchange counters, which are quick and convenient. Nepal has modern banking facilities and some international banks even have offices in Kathmandu. Almost all foreign currencies along with credit cards such as American Express, Visa, and Master card are accepted in Nepal. All visitors are required to exchange their money through the bank or authorized agents. In Kathmandu banks with money exchange counters are found everywhere and most hotels also have exchange counters. These facilities to change money are quick and convenient. It is necessary to ask for receipts when money is changed.
ELECTRICITY AND PLUG STANDARDS
For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in Nepal are one of two types: the "Type D" Indian 5 amp BS-546 or the European CEE 7/16 Europlug. The Indian socket is actually an old British standard. The "Type D" Indian plug and socket is not to be confused with the "Type M" South African plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for both types.
