Fascinating royal hill kingdom, complete with ancient customs and well-preserved monuments, there's a lot more to Nepal than its snow-capped Himalayan peaks. An example in the resilience of human spirit, this country has bounced back from natural calamity and royal scandal alike to keep pace with a technologically advancing outside world. Teeming with some of the world's most intricately built monuments, Kathmandu gives you a glimpse into an otherwise unknown world. Intricate Hindu temples and Buddhist stupas surround Kathmandu and its glitzy casinos. Spend time in Pokhara's delightful quaint pubs beside its serene lake. Stunning vistas allaround of Himalayan peaks, this here is ShangriLa in itself. Erstwhile hunting grounds of the royals, go wildlife spotting in Chi twan's marshy grasslands and forests, looking out for the elusive Bengal tiger and rhino. Time moves all too soon here in this fascinating land, but expect to find yourself planning another visit before you leave.
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.
Pokhara is a piece of heaven in the world. It is one of the most scenic and exciting valley in Nepal. The ‘Jewel of the mid-west’, it offers a mild climate and is famous for the natural beauty of its great lakeside location, magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Manaslu, five peaks of Annapurna and others. This is one of the few places in the world to provide such a dramatic view in a sub-tropical setting.
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.
Arrive Kathmandu by flight. On arrival meeting and assistance at airport by our representative and transfer to hotel. (Room booked from 1200 hrs.). Day is free for leisure activities. To recover from jet lag and long haul flight we advise a complete rest on the arrival day. Overnight at the hotel.
Nepal’s capital city is the departure point for treks in the Himalayas, including Mount Everest and Annapurna, and as a result is a major travel and tourism hub. Besides its prox imity to these world-class hiking trails, the city also many charms of its own, including an exquisite setting amidst snow-covered mountain peaks, friendly locals, several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a series of ornate stone temples dating back hundred s of years . Don’t miss a visit to the sacred Boudhanath Stupa, the ancient, tree swathed site of Swayambhunath, or Kathmandu Durbar Square with its 12th century temples.
After breakfast visit Boudhnath Stupa: Kathmandu’s UNESCO site, and one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal. The stupa of Boudhanath dominates the skyline. Throughout the day, pilgrims can be seen circumambulating the stupa chanting mantras, some completing the circuit while prostrating themselves at each step. The pilgrims continue to circle into the night when the temple is illuminated by butter lamps. Anyone is free to join in, but remember to walk around the stupa in a clockwise direction and also to spin the prayer wheels clockwise.
Pashupatinath Temple - One of the most sacred Hindu temples of Nepal - Pashupatinath Temple is located on both banks of Bagmati River on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu. Pashupatinath is the most important temple dedicated to god Shiva. Every year this temple attracts hundreds of elderly followers of Hinduism. The main temple of Pashupatinath is a building with a bunk roof and a golden spire. It is located on the Western bank of Bagmati and is considered a masterpiece of Hindu architecture. The two-storied roof is made from copper and is covered with gold. This richly decorated temple with wooden sculptures is believed to make wishes come true. One of the most astonishing decorations of the temple is the huge golden statue of Nandi - Shiva’s bull. Also visit Swayambhunath, an elaborate complex of temples, shrines, and a stupa overlooking Kathmandu. It’s one of the oldest religious sites in Nepal. Overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast drive to Pokhara (approx 200 km). The first stop of the day is the impressive Manakamana temple, with the onwards ride passing over bridges, along rivers, across terraced plantations and through remote mountain villages. Just before you reach the day’s final destination of Pokhara, you are greeted with some stunning views of the Annapurna Mountain range including the famous Fish Tail Mountain. Upon arrival in the town – which is perched nearly 3,000 feet above sea level – find your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring at your own leisure.
Early morning leave out of Pokhara to Sarangkot, a particularly popular spot to catch the sunrise over the Himalayas. The 45-minute drive takes you up to altitudes pushing 6,000 feet, with the panoramas at the top stretching to some of the highest peaks in the entire country. Head back to the hotel for breakfast. Rest of the morning at your own leisure. The sightseeing trip includes visits to all these exotic places.
PHEWA LAKE - The Phewa Lake which is the second-largest lake in Nepal is also the most important landmark of Pokhara. The Lakeside here covers almost half the eastern shores of the Phewa Lake. Most of the hotels, shopping malls and recreational centers are located here. A stroll along the shores of the lake is good enough to acquainted oneself with the place. Boating, fishing and swimming iare also sought after recreational activities in this beautiful lake.
DEVI’S FALL - Locally known as Patale Chhango or Hell’s Fall, this fall has a string of other names including David or David’s Fall. Its source is the water from the Phewa Lake. Situated a kilometer away from Pokhara, the fall has some good places for pre-monsoon swimming, to its left and behind it .
BINDYABASINI TEMPLE -The temple is the oldest structure in Pokhara built by Newari traders way back in the 16th century. You have to brace yourself for braving a long flight of steps to reach the temple. The main shrine of the temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga, though there is a new Shiva Temple and a small Buddhist monastery as well, at the base. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Enjoy your leisurely breakfast and get ready to experience the Jungle Activities. From Pokhara, scenic drive to Chitwan of 06 Hours. Your next half of the day is packed with full of activities from Bird watching to Jungle Walk and evening Tharu village cultural program.
Bird Watching: Chitwan National Park is also a magnet for avid bird watchers who can observe
numerous species of resident and migrant birds here. Bird watching is also one of the attractions of Sauraha. Many tourists arrive at Chitwan and go around Sauraha with the sole intent of watching birds. The Chitwan National Park area is one of the best places in the world to observe and study various rare bird species. Apart from resident species, many migrating birds arrive at Sauraha in the winter from as far as Siberia as well as other places thousands of miles away.
Tharu Village Tour: The village tour is famous for close and personal observation of the Tharu culture. Tou rists like to take village tour to witness the daily lifestyle and activities of the Tharu community. The Tharu community reside along the entire length of the Terai plains of Nepal but Chitwan is especially popular for their traditional culture.
You have a full to experience the Jungle Activities and add memories in your kitty.
Elephant Ride: The national park area of Sauraha is most suitable for elep hant ride. Elephant ride is also the safest way to enter the jungle while one can observe wild animals and birds from up close. It feels very exc iting and novel to move along through the quiet forest listening to the sound of wild birds singing from on top of the elephant back.
Jungle Walk: Jungle walk is one of the adventurous and entertaining activity of Sauraha. One can walk through dense forest around the natural habitat of the wild animals during the jungle walk. The tourist and the guides are not allo wed to carry any weapon during the walks but the guides offer tips for safety at the start of the walk. The danger of sudden encounter with wild animals is always present during the jungle walk.
Jeep Safari: It is possible to closely observe the wild animals as well as take their snaps during jeep safari. Jeep Safari offers relative safety from wild animals. The safari operators also stop the vehicle of any wild animal is encountered or seen from a distance. Thus the jeep safari is an excellent way to observe the wild animals and travel through the jungles in Sauraha.
After Breakfast, you will be transferred to airport to board your flight to Kathmandu. Check in at Kathmandu hotel. Rest of the day free. Overnight stay hotel). (Own Arrangement in Kathmandu)
After breakfast in time transfer to airport for flight to onward destination. (Room booked till 1200 hrs.)
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.
Perched 1,000 feet above the Pokhara Valley with a spectacular Himalayan backdrop, Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge provides a perfect haven, the essence of tranquility. Ideal for guests pre- and post-trek, or for those wishing to take day walks exploring local communities, bird-watching, gentle exercise, or just to relax in a typical Nepalese rural setting.
See HotelA 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.
