Fascinating Nepal (By Surface)

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted at the airport by our office personnel and transferred to your hotel. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, along with the Kathmandu Valley, serves as the political and cultural heart of the kingdom. Modern Kathmandu is actually comprised of two cities, Patan and Kathmandu, each with its unique charm and heritage.

After breakfast, you will begin your day with a visit to explore the rich Hindu culture of Nepal at Pashupatinath Temple. This sacred temple, dedicated to Lord Pashupatinath, is located on the banks of the Bagmati River, 5 kilometres north-east of Kathmandu. It is considered one of the most important temples in Hinduism and serves as the seat of the national deity. The temple complex, a sprawling collection of temples, ashrams, images, and inscriptions developed over centuries, has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. It is also the place where holy sadhus come to pray.

Next, you will visit Bouddhanath, the holiest shrine for the Buddhist community in Nepal. With its large stupa, it attracts devout Buddhists for pilgrimage from across the country.

Afterwards, you will be taken to Patan, also known as Lalitpur, the “City of Beauty,” located across the Bagmati River from Kathmandu. Patan is renowned for its ancient architectural masterpieces. The central Durbar Square is an architectural hub, with a dense concentration of temples per square meter, more than in Kathmandu or Bhaktapur. Patan is also home to the Tibetan Refugee Center, where you can shop for authentic Tibetan carpets.

The day concludes with a visit to Swayambhunath, known as the Monkey Temple. The golden spire of the 5th-century stupa is adorned with colorful fluttering prayer flags and crowns a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, offering spectacular views of the city. The painted eyes of Buddha watch all who ascend the worn stone steps, making it one of Nepal’s most recognizable symbols.

Note: The above sightseeing covers approximately 6 hours after the vehicle reports at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive from Kathmandu to Chitwan, covering a distance of 180 km, which takes approximately 5 hours. Chitwan is one of Asia’s premier wildlife reserves, known for its rich biodiversity and jungle experiences.

On the way, you have optional activities at an additional cost: enjoy river rafting (INR 2,000 per person) or visit the Manakamana Temple, the “Goddess of Fulfilling Wishes,” accessible via a 10-minute cable car ride (INR 500 per person for cable car tickets).

On arrival in Chitwan, check in at your hotel and relax for the evening.
Overnight stay in a hotel.

After breakfast, enjoy a full day of jungle exploration at Chitwan National Park. The highlight of the day is an Elephant Safari through the dense forests, providing an up-close encounter with the park’s wildlife. Other activities include canoeing, dugout canoe rides, nature walks, and bird watching. You will also have the opportunity to walk through the forests with expert naturalists and experience the vibrant native folk dances of the Terai region.
Overnight stay in a hotel.

After breakfast, drive from Chitwan to Pokhara, covering a distance of 180 km, which takes approximately 4–5 hours. Pokhara, situated at an altitude of 2,352 feet, offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, with more than 25,000-foot peaks rising just 20 miles away, unobstructed by intervening ridges.
Overnight stay in a hotel.

After breakfast, start your day with an excursion to Sarangkot, the most popular tourist destination near Pokhara. Located 13 km from Lakeside, Sarangkot stands at an altitude of 1,592 meters and offers spectacular panoramic views of the Pokhara Valley and the majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Sarangkot is renowned for its sunrise viewpoints, cooler climate, and opportunities for paragliding. From the top, the northern direction reveals Dhaulagiri in the far west, while the Annapurna range is visible on a clear day. The southern view overlooks the city of Pokhara and its lake on the north-western outskirts. This sightseeing covers approximately 3 hours after the vehicle reports at the hotel.

In the afternoon, visit Bindhyabasini Temple, one of Pokhara’s oldest temples, dedicated to Goddess Durga. Originally part of the Kaski Kingdom, the temple premises offer peaceful surroundings and clear views of the Himalayas. You can also explore the nearby old bazaar. Next, visit Devi’s Fall (Patale Chango), a magnificent waterfall located 2 km southwest of Pokhara. During the summer and rainy season, the waterfall is at its most impressive, with gushing water making its way through the rocks. Just across the road is Gupteshwor Cave, famous for its natural limestone formations (photography is prohibited inside the cave). This sightseeing also takes approximately 3 hours after the vehicle reports at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel upon arrival. The rest of the day is at leisure, allowing you to relax or explore Kathmandu on your own.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, the morning will be at your leisure, allowing some free time in Kathmandu. Closer to your flight time, you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight for your onward journey.