Nepal Encompassed

Visiting: Nepal

Nepal Encompassed

Visit Pokhara and be charmed by the air of quiet magic, Travel through Chitwan National Park on a safari tour, Experience Nepalesei mountain life in Bandipur, Explore the cultural treasures of Nepal's eclectic capital, Kathmandu, Step back in time in Bhaktapur, Sample Nuwakot’s historic charm

This trip includes everything that makes Nepal a classic travel destination. Discover beautifully preserved palaces and temples in Kathmandu, see picturesque monasteries perched high in the hills, experience traditional Nepalese life and be constantly surrounded by timeless mountain views. Meet Sherpa people, see Newari wooden homes, dine on traditional food and visit the charming towns of Bhaktapur, Bandipur and Pokhara. Add a teahouse trek through the Langtang region, rafting the Seti River, a wildlife safari in Chitwan National Park and the buzz of Kathmandu for a truly remarkable travel experience.

You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting at 18:00. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where and when this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information.

Kathmandu is a fascinating mixture of legend and modern development with a rich artistic and cultural heritage. Narrow lanes lead to small squares and courtyards where ornate carved balconies overlook shrines and temples. Crowded markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life, where stalls and small hole-in-the-wall shops sell everything from bangles to Buddhas to beetroot. Kathmandu has been a travellers' centre for many years and this is reflected in the international flavour of the bright lights and 'Coca Cola culture' of the central Thamel district.

Take a tour of the significant cultural and religious landmarks of Kathmandu, starting with a visit to one of the holiest Hindu temples in the world - Pashupatinath, dedicated to one of the trinity Gods in Hindu pantheon. Meet the saffron clad, dreadlock sporting ascetics who readily pose for photos for little alms. Witness the Hindu cremation on one of the funeral pyres on the other side of the Bagmati River.

Bodhnath is a short distance away, located in the heart of the Tibetan community, Bodhnath's stupa is the largest in Nepal, and the area is a maze of restaurants and workshops. Later, climb to the 'monkey temple' of Swayambhunath. Situated on a hill top, the instantly recognisable stupa, with its Buddha eyes, attracts a steady stream of pilgrims, and the views out over the valley are superb. The guided tour now takes us through the heart of the old city to Durbar Square, home to the palace of the Kumari Devi, who is considered to be a living goddess. We conclude the tour walking through the old market areas of Indrachowk and Asan to the KEEP office.

KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project) is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation that aims to minimise the negative influences of tourism by advocating and promoting 'minimum impact' trekking. Its aims are both to provide impartial and independent information to travellers, and to ensure the future ecological and cultural prosperity of Nepal through positive-impact tourism and outreach project work. At the organisation's Information Centre we will get practical advice about conservation and trekking.

Included Activities

•Bodhnath Stupa

•Durbar Square

•Guided city tour

•Pashupatinath Temple

•Swayambhunath Temple

•Visit to KEEP

Optional Activities

•Day trip to Patan, Kathmandu - NPR300.00

•Scenic flight to Everest, Kathmandu - USD186.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

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You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting at 18:00. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where and when this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information.

Kathmandu is a fascinating mixture of legend and modern development with a rich artistic and cultural heritage. Narrow lanes lead to small squares and courtyards where ornate carved balconies overlook shrines and temples. Crowded markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life, where stalls and small hole-in-the-wall shops sell everything from bangles to Buddhas to beetroot. Kathmandu has been a travellers' centre for many years and this is reflected in the international flavour of the bright lights and 'Coca Cola culture' of the central Thamel district.

Take a tour of the significant cultural and religious landmarks of Kathmandu, starting with a visit to one of the holiest Hindu temples in the world - Pashupatinath, dedicated to one of the trinity Gods in Hindu pantheon. Meet the saffron clad, dreadlock sporting ascetics who readily pose for photos for little alms. Witness the Hindu cremation on one of the funeral pyres on the other side of the Bagmati River.

Bodhnath is a short distance away, located in the heart of the Tibetan community, Bodhnath's stupa is the largest in Nepal, and the area is a maze of restaurants and workshops. Later, climb to the 'monkey temple' of Swayambhunath. Situated on a hill top, the instantly recognisable stupa, with its Buddha eyes, attracts a steady stream of pilgrims, and the views out over the valley are superb. The guided tour now takes us through the heart of the old city to Durbar Square, home to the palace of the Kumari Devi, who is considered to be a living goddess. We conclude the tour walking through the old market areas of Indrachowk and Asan to the KEEP office.

KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project) is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation that aims to minimise the negative influences of tourism by advocating and promoting 'minimum impact' trekking. Its aims are both to provide impartial and independent information to travellers, and to ensure the future ecological and cultural prosperity of Nepal through positive-impact tourism and outreach project work. At the organisation's Information Centre we will get practical advice about conservation and trekking.

Included Activities

•Bodhnath Stupa

•Durbar Square

•Guided city tour

•Pashupatinath Temple

•Swayambhunath Temple

•Visit to KEEP

Optional Activities

•Day trip to Patan, Kathmandu - NPR300.00

•Scenic flight to Everest, Kathmandu - USD186.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

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Our journey to this historic town takes approx 6 hrs.

Set on a terraced hillside above a fertile valley, the 'The Famous Farm' is an imposing manor house and two charming cottages. The Farm itself is a delight of quiet corners and verdant niches with terraces of colourful, organic crops. In the afternoon you explore the locality, including a visit to the former citadel of the Shah dynasty built to serve as an important stop on the thriving trans- Himalayan trade route.

Choose to either relax and enjoy the mountain air, or set off on pathways and trails through the nearby forest to explore this quiet corner of the upper Trisuli region. Foreign travellers are still a rarity in these parts so except some locals to be surprised and delighted by your presence.

Accommodation

Farmstay (2 nts)

 

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Our journey to this historic town takes approx 6 hrs.

Set on a terraced hillside above a fertile valley, the 'The Famous Farm' is an imposing manor house and two charming cottages. The Farm itself is a delight of quiet corners and verdant niches with terraces of colourful, organic crops. In the afternoon you explore the locality, including a visit to the former citadel of the Shah dynasty built to serve as an important stop on the thriving trans- Himalayan trade route.

Choose to either relax and enjoy the mountain air, or set off on pathways and trails through the nearby forest to explore this quiet corner of the upper Trisuli region. Foreign travellers are still a rarity in these parts so except some locals to be surprised and delighted by your presence.

Accommodation

Farmstay (2 nts)

 

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The transfer to Bandipur takes 4.5hrs approx.  Bandipur is located high on a ridge (1000m) above the road to Pokhara and is a relatively non-touristy town so it is unlikely that we will meet many other travellers there. On a clear day the views of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges are amazing - as is the warm local welcome. Bandipur is a basic village but the surrounding countryside makes for great walks and all the locals will want to talk to you and guide you on your way.

At the eastern part of the town is the pagoda-roofed Bindabasini temple which acts as the abode of the goddess Durga, Bandipur's guadian deity. The rich wooden carvings and detailed brass-work that adorn the temple are replicas of those found in the many old pagoda structures of the Kathmandu Valley. The other important temples and shrines in the vicinity include the Mahalaxmi temple with its exquisite woodwork and the Khadka Devi temple which comes alive once a year during the Dashain festival.

Consider a hike to the less explored small village of Ramkot 'Magar' (approx. 4 hrs return), rich with local interaction opportunity's with the local villagers, witness age-old farming methods and bask in the glory of stunning views of the Himalayas, the views from here being in contrast to the ones you get from Bandipur. Or make a difference to give something back to the community - help out at the Learning Centre for under-privileged children.

Our guesthouse tonight is a restored village mansion in the heart of the old bazaar. The timber and red brick building with carved beams and staircases has pleasant twin and double rooms with separate shared facilities. In front of the guesthouse is a café and bar serving simple, delicious meals from locally sourced organic ingredients.

Accommodation

Guesthouse (2 nts)

 

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The transfer to Bandipur takes 4.5hrs approx.  Bandipur is located high on a ridge (1000m) above the road to Pokhara and is a relatively non-touristy town so it is unlikely that we will meet many other travellers there. On a clear day the views of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges are amazing - as is the warm local welcome. Bandipur is a basic village but the surrounding countryside makes for great walks and all the locals will want to talk to you and guide you on your way.

At the eastern part of the town is the pagoda-roofed Bindabasini temple which acts as the abode of the goddess Durga, Bandipur's guadian deity. The rich wooden carvings and detailed brass-work that adorn the temple are replicas of those found in the many old pagoda structures of the Kathmandu Valley. The other important temples and shrines in the vicinity include the Mahalaxmi temple with its exquisite woodwork and the Khadka Devi temple which comes alive once a year during the Dashain festival.

Consider a hike to the less explored small village of Ramkot 'Magar' (approx. 4 hrs return), rich with local interaction opportunity's with the local villagers, witness age-old farming methods and bask in the glory of stunning views of the Himalayas, the views from here being in contrast to the ones you get from Bandipur. Or make a difference to give something back to the community - help out at the Learning Centre for under-privileged children.

Our guesthouse tonight is a restored village mansion in the heart of the old bazaar. The timber and red brick building with carved beams and staircases has pleasant twin and double rooms with separate shared facilities. In front of the guesthouse is a café and bar serving simple, delicious meals from locally sourced organic ingredients.

Accommodation

Guesthouse (2 nts)

 

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The drive to Pokhara takes approx 2.5hrs. Pokhara is an excellent place to relax. There may be time to hire a small boat for a quick paddle on the lake for sunset. There are also plenty of cafes where you can put your feet up and enjoy international cuisine, while the main street is full of shops and stalls selling a wide range of Nepali and Tibetan souvenirs.

Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalayas. This is the land of Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship.

Set your alarm clocks for an early wake-up as this is the day we have an opportunity to witness one of the grandest spectacles; the first rays of sun splashing the snow garbed mountains of Annapurna range. The nearest one, Fishtail, is a mere 25 kms away from the viewpoint at Sarangkot. We drive by chartered vehicle to Sarangkot (approx. 25 minutes). There's also an option of walking up to the top most viewpoint at Sarangkot, about a 45 minute walk from the lower viewpoint. After breakfast down at the Lakeside, we visit one of the famous natural wonders of Pokhara- Devi's Fall, where the water from Fewa Lake thunders into a hole and disappears. We then proceed to the Tibetan Refugee Camp, located in close proximity to the Fall, where we can go bargain hunting for the Tibetan handicrafts in the many shops dotting the open-air market. Or you can simply roam around visiting the local monastery and the carpet factory witnessing 'girl-power' at work.

There are host of places you can visit and activities you can indulge in during your free time in Pokhara, for which you can always avail of your tour leaders recommendations and service.

We stay in a simple hotel in Pokhara.

Included Activities

•Devi's Fall

•Sarangkot visit

•Tibetan Refugee Camp visit

Optional Activities

•Boating on Fewa Lake, Pokhara - NPR500.00

•International Mountaineering Museum, Pokhara - NPR500.00

Accommodation

Guesthouse (3 nts)

 

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The drive to Pokhara takes approx 2.5hrs. Pokhara is an excellent place to relax. There may be time to hire a small boat for a quick paddle on the lake for sunset. There are also plenty of cafes where you can put your feet up and enjoy international cuisine, while the main street is full of shops and stalls selling a wide range of Nepali and Tibetan souvenirs.

Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalayas. This is the land of Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship.

Set your alarm clocks for an early wake-up as this is the day we have an opportunity to witness one of the grandest spectacles; the first rays of sun splashing the snow garbed mountains of Annapurna range. The nearest one, Fishtail, is a mere 25 kms away from the viewpoint at Sarangkot. We drive by chartered vehicle to Sarangkot (approx. 25 minutes). There's also an option of walking up to the top most viewpoint at Sarangkot, about a 45 minute walk from the lower viewpoint. After breakfast down at the Lakeside, we visit one of the famous natural wonders of Pokhara- Devi's Fall, where the water from Fewa Lake thunders into a hole and disappears. We then proceed to the Tibetan Refugee Camp, located in close proximity to the Fall, where we can go bargain hunting for the Tibetan handicrafts in the many shops dotting the open-air market. Or you can simply roam around visiting the local monastery and the carpet factory witnessing 'girl-power' at work.

There are host of places you can visit and activities you can indulge in during your free time in Pokhara, for which you can always avail of your tour leaders recommendations and service.

We stay in a simple hotel in Pokhara.

Included Activities

•Devi's Fall

•Sarangkot visit

•Tibetan Refugee Camp visit

Optional Activities

•Boating on Fewa Lake, Pokhara - NPR500.00

•International Mountaineering Museum, Pokhara - NPR500.00

Accommodation

Guesthouse (3 nts)

 

!item

The drive to Pokhara takes approx 2.5hrs. Pokhara is an excellent place to relax. There may be time to hire a small boat for a quick paddle on the lake for sunset. There are also plenty of cafes where you can put your feet up and enjoy international cuisine, while the main street is full of shops and stalls selling a wide range of Nepali and Tibetan souvenirs.

Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalayas. This is the land of Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship.

Set your alarm clocks for an early wake-up as this is the day we have an opportunity to witness one of the grandest spectacles; the first rays of sun splashing the snow garbed mountains of Annapurna range. The nearest one, Fishtail, is a mere 25 kms away from the viewpoint at Sarangkot. We drive by chartered vehicle to Sarangkot (approx. 25 minutes). There's also an option of walking up to the top most viewpoint at Sarangkot, about a 45 minute walk from the lower viewpoint. After breakfast down at the Lakeside, we visit one of the famous natural wonders of Pokhara- Devi's Fall, where the water from Fewa Lake thunders into a hole and disappears. We then proceed to the Tibetan Refugee Camp, located in close proximity to the Fall, where we can go bargain hunting for the Tibetan handicrafts in the many shops dotting the open-air market. Or you can simply roam around visiting the local monastery and the carpet factory witnessing 'girl-power' at work.

There are host of places you can visit and activities you can indulge in during your free time in Pokhara, for which you can always avail of your tour leaders recommendations and service.

We stay in a simple hotel in Pokhara.

Included Activities

•Devi's Fall

•Sarangkot visit

•Tibetan Refugee Camp visit

Optional Activities

•Boating on Fewa Lake, Pokhara - NPR500.00

•International Mountaineering Museum, Pokhara - NPR500.00

Accommodation

Guesthouse (3 nts)

 

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We drive to Chitwan by tourist bus early in the morning, and settle into our the hotel in the Sauraha village on the edge of Royal Chitwan National Park (approx. 5 hours). This afternoon we will pay a visit to a tribal 'Tharu' village by a traditional mode of tranport - a bullock cart.

We spend our first and last night in Chitwan here, with the middle night spent at Ghatgai. Though the village itself is now developing, there are still some perfect settings, particularly where small restaurants look out over the river to the jungle beyond.

On day 12, in the company of a local expert park guide we spend a short while in the morning canoeing deeper into the park (approx. 45mins) before we start our walk to Ghatgai, a village in another section of the park. The walk takes us approximately 6 hours total but much of this time will be stopped at various watch-towers known as 'machans', for animal sightings and identifying various birds, wildlife and flora. The group splits, with no more than 5 or 6 people plus a guide in each group. We walk slowly and quietly to maximise our chances of seeing animals. Royal Chitwan Park offers some of the best wildlife-viewing in Asia, with rhinos, deer, monkeys and a wide array of bird life including the infamous Nepalese wild chickens. Accommodation in Ghatgai is a simple riverside lodge with cottage-style rooms which may be multishare. Toilet and bathrooms are shared.

On day 13 we return to our hotel at the edge of the National Park via Twenty Thousand Lakes and will get the chance to visit a crocodile breeding centre. The walk to the crocodile breeding centre is approximately 2 hours, with more opportunity to spot wildlife along the way. Following our visit here its another half hour walk to meet our vehicle, which will transfer us back to the hotel.

We stay in a hotel by the small village of Sauraha on the edge of the park and on the banks of the Rapti River.

Included Activities

•Canoe ride

•Crocodile Breeding Centre

•Jungle walk

•Village tour

Accommodation

Lodge (2 nts), Guesthouse (1 nt)

 

!item

We drive to Chitwan by tourist bus early in the morning, and settle into our the hotel in the Sauraha village on the edge of Royal Chitwan National Park (approx. 5 hours). This afternoon we will pay a visit to a tribal 'Tharu' village by a traditional mode of tranport - a bullock cart.

We spend our first and last night in Chitwan here, with the middle night spent at Ghatgai. Though the village itself is now developing, there are still some perfect settings, particularly where small restaurants look out over the river to the jungle beyond.

On day 12, in the company of a local expert park guide we spend a short while in the morning canoeing deeper into the park (approx. 45mins) before we start our walk to Ghatgai, a village in another section of the park. The walk takes us approximately 6 hours total but much of this time will be stopped at various watch-towers known as 'machans', for animal sightings and identifying various birds, wildlife and flora. The group splits, with no more than 5 or 6 people plus a guide in each group. We walk slowly and quietly to maximise our chances of seeing animals. Royal Chitwan Park offers some of the best wildlife-viewing in Asia, with rhinos, deer, monkeys and a wide array of bird life including the infamous Nepalese wild chickens. Accommodation in Ghatgai is a simple riverside lodge with cottage-style rooms which may be multishare. Toilet and bathrooms are shared.

On day 13 we return to our hotel at the edge of the National Park via Twenty Thousand Lakes and will get the chance to visit a crocodile breeding centre. The walk to the crocodile breeding centre is approximately 2 hours, with more opportunity to spot wildlife along the way. Following our visit here its another half hour walk to meet our vehicle, which will transfer us back to the hotel.

We stay in a hotel by the small village of Sauraha on the edge of the park and on the banks of the Rapti River.

Included Activities

•Canoe ride

•Crocodile Breeding Centre

•Jungle walk

•Village tour

Accommodation

Lodge (2 nts), Guesthouse (1 nt)

 

!item

We drive to Chitwan by tourist bus early in the morning, and settle into our the hotel in the Sauraha village on the edge of Royal Chitwan National Park (approx. 5 hours). This afternoon we will pay a visit to a tribal 'Tharu' village by a traditional mode of tranport - a bullock cart.

We spend our first and last night in Chitwan here, with the middle night spent at Ghatgai. Though the village itself is now developing, there are still some perfect settings, particularly where small restaurants look out over the river to the jungle beyond.

On day 12, in the company of a local expert park guide we spend a short while in the morning canoeing deeper into the park (approx. 45mins) before we start our walk to Ghatgai, a village in another section of the park. The walk takes us approximately 6 hours total but much of this time will be stopped at various watch-towers known as 'machans', for animal sightings and identifying various birds, wildlife and flora. The group splits, with no more than 5 or 6 people plus a guide in each group. We walk slowly and quietly to maximise our chances of seeing animals. Royal Chitwan Park offers some of the best wildlife-viewing in Asia, with rhinos, deer, monkeys and a wide array of bird life including the infamous Nepalese wild chickens. Accommodation in Ghatgai is a simple riverside lodge with cottage-style rooms which may be multishare. Toilet and bathrooms are shared.

On day 13 we return to our hotel at the edge of the National Park via Twenty Thousand Lakes and will get the chance to visit a crocodile breeding centre. The walk to the crocodile breeding centre is approximately 2 hours, with more opportunity to spot wildlife along the way. Following our visit here its another half hour walk to meet our vehicle, which will transfer us back to the hotel.

We stay in a hotel by the small village of Sauraha on the edge of the park and on the banks of the Rapti River.

Included Activities

•Canoe ride

•Crocodile Breeding Centre

•Jungle walk

•Village tour

Accommodation

Lodge (2 nts), Guesthouse (1 nt)

 

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It is a long bus journey back to Kathmandu (approx. 5 hrs). Arriving in the early afternoon, subject to road conditions, we'll check back into our hotel and the rest of the day is free for you to explore more of this legendary city.

There are no activities planned for day 15 and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

!item

It is a long bus journey back to Kathmandu (approx. 5 hrs). Arriving in the early afternoon, subject to road conditions, we'll check back into our hotel and the rest of the day is free for you to explore more of this legendary city.

There are no activities planned for day 15 and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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@variation

Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner