Wildlife And Heritage Adventure – 10 Days

The flight into Kathmandu is mesmerizing with grand views of the endless snowcapped mountains and lush networks of green hills. Upon landing at the Kathmandu international airport a representative from the Alpine Club of Himalaya will greet you and assist you with your accommodation. Later take a stroll around Thamel, a touristic hub of the valley.

Meals: Welcome Dinner

After breakfast head on a full-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the “city of glory.”

Kathmandu Durbar Square:

Kathmandu Durbar Square was the old royal palace of the former King of Kathmandu. Also known as the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, the area consists of various ancient temples showcasing Nepalese art and architecture at its best. The surrounding quadrangles reveal networks of courtyards and several Nepalese, Shikara, and mix style temples. The temples are carved on wood showcasing mythical creatures and erotic carvings. The various temple dedicated to different deities dates back from the 12th to 18th centuries. Explore the area and also visit the old palace which now is a museum.

Pashupatinath Temple:

Pashupatinath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This massive temple complex sits alongside the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the courtyard of the temple. Whereas tourists can see the temple from the eastern side of the Bagmati River. The temple area is full of several temples of numerous Hindu deities, which gives the whole place an ambiance of a sacred paradise. Regarded at the head of Shiva this temple is visited by devotees, pilgrims, saints, and sage throughout the year.

Bouddhanath Stupa:

The Bouddhanath Stupa is one of the largest Stupa in the world. This massive structure stands tall with four pairs of eyes each facing the four cardinal directions, watching for the righteous behavior of mankind and human prosperity. Perched on the ancient trade route to Tibet the stupa is visited by a large number of devotees following Buddhism. Boudha Stupa is a Sararika Stupa as it is built upon the relics of the Kashyap Buddha. The Stupa complex is believed to be a mandala a powerful tool for meditation. A spectacular display of art and architecture of ancient Nepal.

Swayambhunath Stupa:

The Swayambhunath Temple has a compelling mix of both Hindu temples and Buddhist shrines and stupas. Showcasing harmony between the two religious groups. Perched on a hill in the western part of the Kathmandu Valley, it is one of the most sacred and oldest pilgrimage sites. Swayambhunath is Dhamek Stupa, an aspect of truth or reality.
According to legends, a lotus with a fire bloomed at a tiny pond of Naghdaha. From where it was brought upon these hills and a Stupa was constructed to preserve it. Later the present structure was built. The Stupa is popularly known amongst foreigners as the Monkey Temple as a large monkey population resides in the area. From the Stupa witness grand views of the valley and the greater Himalayan range to the north.

After the tour is completed head towards your accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast

After your breakfast for a guided sightseeing tour of Patan, the "city of Fine Arts" and later to Bhaktapur the "city of devotees".

Bhaktapur:

The tour of “City of Devotees” Bhaktapur begins with a visit to Durbar Square. The former palace of the king of Bhaktapur. Next, explore narrow gullies and soak in the exquisite carving of the Golden Gate, and the Palace of 55 Windows. Then head towards the Nyatapola Temple, the tallest of its kind in Nepal. Also, visit various pottery Centers around and join in for some pottery activities.

Patan:

Patan the city of Fine Arts. Exploring the narrow gullies visit various landmarks such as Patan Durbar Square, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar), and many others landmarks of the region. The area is filled with glorious architecture and is one of the finest in the whole of the valley. Also, visit the various Handicraft Centre around where you’ll see the art of making carpets and Thangka.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast head on a long journey towards Pokhara. The drive takes you following the winding roads of the Prithvi Highway. Along the way witness endless rows of green hills of central Nepal and glimpses of the snowcapped mountains. Following the rapids of Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers reach the city of lakes Pokhara. Upon arrival head towards your accommodation, and later head out to explore the area. Stroll by the banks of the Phewa Lake and visit various pubs and restaurants in the region.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast head on a tour to various attractions around Pokhara.

Sarangkot:

Wake up before dawn and head towards Sarangkot, a vantage point nestled on a small hilltop, renowned for its breathtaking view at dawn and dusk with majestic views of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre. The drive takes around 20 minutes from Lakeside. From the hilltop witness the rays of the sun illuminating the mountain peaks, from Dhaulagiri (8167 Meters ) in the west to the perfect pyramid of Machhapuchhre (6997 Meters) and the rounded peak of Annapurna II (7937 Meters) in the east and the panoramic view of the city and the lakes.

Davis Fall / Gupteshwar Gupha:

After spending an hour head back for your breakfast. Next, head towards Devis Fall. Locally known as the Patale Chango (Hell’s Fall). David’s fall (also known as Devin’s and Devi’s) is a lovely waterfall lying about 2 km southwest of the Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway. Legend has it that a trekker called David was washed away by the Pardi Khola and mysteriously disappeared into an underground passage beneath the fall, thus giving the name David's Fall. Further head towards Gupteshwar Cave also known as the Gupteshwar Gupha, which holds special religious importance for Hindus. The main highlight of the cave is the Shivalinga, the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Hiking down to the end of the cave you'll reach just across the waters of Devi’s fall.

World Peace Pagoda:

After exploring the city head on a short drive to a hilltop located on the banks of the Phew Lake. After a brief ride, you will reach the hilltop of Anadu Hill. Located at a height of 1100 meters, the Stupa is the first World Peace Pagoda of Nepal. From here witness grand views of the valley below with concrete jungles and tranquil lakes also soak in the majestic views of the hill networks and the Himalayas around.

Shiva Statue:

Next, head towards Shiva Statue Pumdikot. Nestled on the southern side of the valley at an elevation of 1500 meters. It is the biggest Shiva statue in Asia. The whole structure stands 108 feet tall and the statue itself is 51 feet. Explore the statue and learn about the rich history and culture of the people. Later soak in the grand views of Mt Machhapuchhre, Mt Dhaulagiri, Mt Annapurna, Mt Himchuli, Mt Mardi, and other various mountain peaks.

After the tour is completed, you will be dropped off at your accommodation. Later you may stroll around the banks of Phewa Lake or head on a scenic boat ride.

Today from Pokhara head towards Lumbini the birthplace of Buddha. One of the holiest places in the world and a pilgrimage center for people following Buddhism. The spiritual heart of Lumbini is the Maya Devi Temple and Bodhi tree under which Buddha was born, other sights are Ashoka Pillar, Buddhist Monasteries, World Peace Pagoda, and Lumbini Crane Sanctuary and the complex has various Monasteries resembling various countries around the world. Explore the area and learn about the history, culture, and traditions of Buddhism.

After exploring around head back to your accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast

From Lumbini, head on a short drive towards Chitwan National Park. A famous national park in Asia enlisted by the World Heritage where you’ll have an excellent chance of spotting a wide range of biodiversity including one-horned rhinos, royal Bengal tiger, species of deer, monkeys, leopards, wild elephants, and 450 species of birds. Upon reaching Chitwan and after a brief rest head on following activities.

Chitwan Activities:
13.00: Lunch.

15.00: Village tour to a nearby ethnic Tharu settlement. Where you will learn about the culture and lifestyle of the Tharus. Visit the National Park Visitor’s center where you get an insight about the history of the National Park and about wildlife. Later head towards the bank of the Rapti River and enjoy majestic views of the sun setting.

19.00: Tharu cultural dance presentation (which you will also participate in) by the locals.

20.00: Dinner.

06.00: Wake up call.

06.30: Breakfast.

07.00: Head out on Canoe ride along the Rapti River. An excellent opportunity for bird watching. Also witness 2 rare species of crocodiles; the Marsh Mugger and the fish eating Gariyal. Next head on a Jungle Walk. Later if you prefer on the way back you can enjoy the elephant bath.

13.00: Lunch.

15.00: Jeep Safari. An excellent opportunity to see four different kinds of deer, rhinoceros, wild boar, monkey, leopard, sloth bear, and the Royal Bengal Tiger (If you are lucky). You will also encounter many other smaller mammals that have made Chitwan their home.

20.00: Dinner.

6:00: Wake up call.

06.30: Breakfast.

07.00: Visit to the Government Elephant Breeding Centre and explore and learn about these beautiful creatures.

10.00: Departure for onward journey or back to Kathmandu.
Upon arriving at Kathmandu head towards your accommodation. In the evening join in for a special farewell dinner to mark the end of your exciting adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Today you will be returning to your country. Alpine Club of Himalaya representative will drop you at the airport.

If you have any inquiries or require assistance and further information about this trip or any other trips, please feel free to contact Alpine Club of Himalaya – Walk of the Himalaya.

Meals: Breakfast