Day 01 Arrive Kathmandu.
On arrival assistance at airport and transfer to Hotel Manaslu. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu
Day 02- Kathmandu (B)
Morning sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city & Swayambhunath. The capital of the Kingdom of Nepal. Here you will visit the temple of the Living Goddess who acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence. Kashtamandap - the source of the name Kathmandu and supposed to be made from the timber of a single tree and the Durbar Square, with its array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the ancient palace of Nepalese Royalty. Swayambhunath is said to be 2000 years old and one of the World's most glorious Buddhist Chaityas. The Chaitya or Stupa which forms the main structure is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. Afternoon tour of Patan City. Patan also known as Lalitpur, is the city of fine arts, enclosed within 4 stupas said to be built in 3rd century AD, by Emperor Ashoka. You will see the Durbar square; the Krishna Temple built by Kind Siddhi Narsingh Malla, Hiranya Varna Mabavihar and MahadouddhaTemple. A trip to The Tibetan Refugee Camp and the Handicraft Center will also be done while visiting Patan, where you will witness the hand weaving of Tibetan carpets and mounding of metal statues. Overnight at hotel Manaslu in Kathmandu
Day 3- Kathmandu - Nagarkot (B)
Drive to Nagarkot which takes approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours under normal road conditions, visiting Bhadgaon enroute. Nagarkot is situated about 35 km/22 miles east of Kathmandu and from here one can see Mount Everest and other peaks of the Himalayas. Nagarkot is located between Kathmandu valley in the west and Indrawati in the east. The top of Nagarkot commands exhilarating views in all directions. The altitude of Nagarkot is 2229 m/7133 ft. above sea level. Bhadgaon, meaning city of devotees, this place is the home of medieval art and architecture. Lying 14 kms. /9 miles east of Kathmandu City, this place was founded in the 9th Century and is shaped like a conch shell. The city is at the height of 4600 ft. above sea level. In Bhadgaon, you will visit the Durbar Square with its array of temples overlooked by the Palace of 55 windows built by King Bupatindra Malla. The Nyatapola Temple, also built by King Bhupatindra Malla, is the best example of Pagoda style and stands on five terraces on each of which stands a pair of figures - two famous strong men, two elephants, two lions, two griffins and two goddesses. Time permitting, a visit to the museum of Thanka painting can also be considered. Overnight at Country Villa in Nagarkot
Day 4- Nagarkot - Dhulikhel (B)
The early risers will have the opportunity to see the sunrise over Everest. After breakfast bushwalk from Nagarkot to the medieval village of Nala. You will then be met by a car and driven a short distance to Dhulikhel. Dhulikhel situated at an altitude of approx. 1600 m/5500 ft above sea level and 31 km/20 miles east of Kathmandu City. It is famous for its vantage location in viewing the Himalayan ranges from Cho Oyu in the east to Himalchuli in the west. Dhulikhel is very popular for viewing sunrise and sunset. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the Dhulikhel Mountain Resort
Day 5 – Dhulikhel - Pokhara (B)
Morning drive to Kathmandu Airport for your flight to Pokhara. Upon arrival into Pokhara take a city tour including Bindyabasini Temple, the oldest temple in the valley; Seti River, Old Bazaar, a historical Newari bazaar; Devis Fall, Tibetan village, Gupteshwor Cave + 1 hour boat ride on Phewa Lake. Overnight at Trek-O-Tel Hotel in Pokhara
Day 6: Pokhara - Trek (BLD)
Today we will be met by our trek guide and transferred to our walk start point. We will stop along the way to photograph the breathtaking panorama of the Annapurnas. Upon arrival at the village of Lumle situated at an altitude of 1610m, we begin our one and a half hour walk to the Gurung village of Majgaun. After some 45 minutes, we arrive at the village of Chandrakot situated at an altitude of 1580m / 5200 ft. From this village, there are spectacular views of Annapurna South, the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain or Machhapuchhare as it is locally known. From Chandrakot, our walk takes us through a forested area along a well worn trail. After a further 45 minutes we arrive at the Gurung Lodge which is situated at an altitude of 1450m / 4800 ft. This lodge consists of 10 double rooms with attached bathrooms housed in Gurung [the local tribe] style houses. The lodge has extensive grounds with magnificent views of Annapurna South and Annapurna 1. There is a centrally located dining room with bar and fireplaces for relaxation and meals. After lunch, you will be escorted to the local village of Tanchok . There will be a talk at a local house, now made into a museum. The contents of the house illustrate how the local people live, together with the tools and implements of day to day traditional village life. On the way back from the village, we will visit the local school. Overnight Gurung Lodge
Day 7: Trek (BLD)
After breakfast, we will trek for 1 1/2 hours to the Sanctuary lodge near the village of Birethanti. The Lodge is located at an altitude of 1060 meters / 3500 ft. The walk descends into the Modi River Valley. We cross the river to reach the lodge. Upon arrival at the lodge, we can explore the surrounding river valley. It is from this lodge that there are magnificent views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain. After lunch, we walk with our guide to the village of Birethanti which straddles the ancient trading route to Tibet. From here we can watch the mule trains pass by on their way to and from the mountains and visit a nearby waterfall. Overnight Sanctuary Lodge
Day 8: Trek (B)
After breakfast at the lodge, we will walk out to the road-head, a walk of 1½ hours. The trail looks down on the Modi River, passing through rice fields and terraces. The vehicle transfer to Pokhara takes 1 ½ hours. We can stop en route to visit the Tibetan refugee centre on request. Overnight at Trek-O-Tel Hotel , Pokhara
Day 9: Pokhara - Chitwan (BLD)
Breakfast at Hotel. Drive to Chitwan, which will take approximately 4 to 5 hours under normal road conditions. Upon arrival the naturalist will host your reception, refreshments, briefing about the programs and the lodge/camp facilities. The Royal Chitwan National Park is in the lush valley of Chitwan situated in the foothills of the Churia Range which houses the first National Park of the Kingdom. This National Park is famous for its variety of wildlife especially the Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros and the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Machan Paradise View Lodge, Chitwan
Day 10: Chitwan (BLD)
Full day jungle activities as per lodge programme. Excellent opportunities for bird watching and an excellent chance to see four kinds of deer, wild boar, rhinoceros, monkeys, sloth bear, gaur and many other smaller mammals. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Lodge
Day 11: Chitwan - Kathmandu (B)
After breakfast, drive to Kathmandu which will take approximately 6 to 7 hour under normal road conditions. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Hotel Manaslu , Kathmandu
Day 12: Kathmandu (B)
Morning tour including Pashupatinath, the temple of Lord Shiva with two tiered golden roof and silver doors is famous for its super architecture. Fervent Hindus have their bodies cremated on the Burnung Ghats and their ashes scattered in the river. It is a centre of annual pilgrimage on the day of Maha Shivaratri. Also visit Boudhnath, the colossal Stupa, one of the biggest in the world,has the all seeing eyes of the Buddha. The shrine is ringed by houses of Goddess Mani Jogni. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels and is situated 8 kms east of Kathmandu. Rest of the day free Overnight at Hotel
Day 13 – Kathmandu
Transfer to International airport for your onward journey.
NB: The above itinerary is subject to change due to local conditions.
