Tour of Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and Chitwan

Day to Day Itinerary

DAY 01

Arrive Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu
Group will be met and welcomed with garland by Responsible Adventure’s officer
Group will be transferred to hotel
Arrive hotel, check in at hotel
Rest of the time free
Overnight at the hotel

DAY 02

Breakfast at the hotel
AM: Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa

Kathmandu Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square, with its old temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. Here, the kings of Nepal are crowned and solemnized. Interesting things for visitors to see are Taleju temple, gigantic figure of Kalbhairav (the god of destruction), Basantapur Durbar, and Temple of Kumari (living goddess)

Swoyambhunath Stupa (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
The world’s most glorious Buddhist Chaityas built 2000 years ago situated on a hillock about 77 meter above the level of the Kathmandu valley. Visitors will also have a grand view of the valley from this spot.

Afternoon sightseeing tour of Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

The square boasts of many famous sites and unique architecture. Krishna Mandir in the Patan Durbar Square was built to honor an incarnation of Vishnu. Krishna was a favorite among the gopini (cowgirls). His temple is the best example of stone architecture in the World. Scenes from the Mahabharata, Asia's greatest mythological war, are carved on the temple's walls.

The streets in the Patan Durbar Square area are home to traditional artists and sculptors. Many more temples dedicated to Ganesh (the elephant-headed god), Shiva, Narsingha, Taleju, and others are located at Patan Durbar Square.

Overnight at the hotel

DAY 03

Breakfast at the hotel

Leave Kathmandu for Chitwan (160 km – 5 ½ hrs drive)

On the way, lunch at Riverside Spring Resort

Riverside Spring Resort

Spread over 15 acres of lush, landscaped, river parkland, this cradle of nature fronts a large, sand beach alongside the sapphire waters of the Trisuli River as it negotiates a lazy S-bend (rafting rapid). Between the restaurant and the beach, is a fantasy, landscape and fresh water swimming pool.

Arrive Chitwan, check in at the lodge

Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP) – UNESCO World Heritage site

This is one of Nepal’s largest forest reserves with a wide range of wildlife; the great one horned rhinoceros, several species of deer, sloth bear, leopard, wild boar, fresh water dolphin, crocodile, more than 350 species of birds and the elusive royal Bengal tiger. This is one of the best-managed national parks in the world, which covers an area of 1040 sq. km. It is situated 160 km southwest of Kathmandu. RCNP is the last home for about 250 remaining endangered Asian one-horned rhinoceros.

In the late afternoon, the guests will be taken for a deep into the jungle for viewing and photographing wildlife or a jungle walk is organized for the guests to experience the abundant bird life and the flora and fauna of the Park. If you are lucky, you may see the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger both on nature walk as well as on elephant safari.

Dinner and overnight at lodge

DAY 04

Early morning guests will be mounted on elephant back and taken for a jungle safari for 2-3 hours penetrating through dense grasslands to view wildlife. This grass commonly known as elephant grass is dense and grows to a height of 18-20 ft. It is the favorite habitat of the rhinoceros and other mammals.

After breakfast, the guests are taken to our elephant stables where the senior naturalists will give a talk about the habits of the elephants. Here one may witness the rare scene of the elephants at bath.

Lunch at the lodge.

In the afternoon you may relax around the lodge OR take a drive through the jungles in Land rovers followed by a dugout canoe ride down the river where there are very good chances of viewing the Gharial crocodiles as well as the mugger crocodiles, fresh water dolphins, Otters and varieties of water birds OR you may go on a nature walk or birding with one of our naturalists to know about the flora of the Royal Chitwan National Park.

At the end of the canoe ride, waiting land rovers will drive you back to the lodge.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge

DAY 05

Once again in the morning, you may have an elephant ride or your favorite program before your departure depending on the time of your departure from the lodge.

After breakfast, leave Chitwan for Pokhara

Pokhara Valley

Pokhara valley is one of the most picturesque spot of Nepal. The beauty of Pokhara is enhanced by its lovely lakes, which have their source in the glacial region of the Annapurna range of the Himalayas. Situated 200 KM west of Kathmandu at an altitude of 827 meter from the sea-level, for the mountain viewers Pokhara offers a magnificent view of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Machapuchre (Fishtail), five peaks of the Annapurna massif and others. Pokhara is the only place in the world to provide such dramatic views in a sub-tropical setting. Machapuchre, for example, is only 28 km from Phewa Lake and not a single mountain range intervenes between the two.

Arrive Pokhara, check in at the hotel

Late afternoon boat ride on Phewa Lake

Phewa Lake

Phewa Lake, the second largest lake in the Kingdom, is the center of all attraction in Pokhara. It is the largest and most enchanting of the three lakes that add to the resplendence of Pokhara. Here, one can sail or row a hired boat across to the water or visit the island temple in its middle. The eastern shore, popularly known as lakeside or Baidam, is the favorite home base for travellers and is where most of the hotels, restaurants and handicraft shops are located.

Overnight at the hotel

DAY 06

Early morning excursion tour of Sarangkot for mountain views

Sarankot

One of the most enjoyable short trekking to Sarankot in Pokhara. We drive half way then gently climb (trek/walk) about one hour to the top of the hill Sarankot. Take your time to enjoy the magnificent view of Fishtail and Annapurna range peaks (the most popular trekking route apart from Everest base camp) on clear days. On the other side of the mountain, is the entire view of the Pokhara valley.

Breakfast at the hotel

Half day sightseeing tour Pokhara Valley including Devi’s fall, Tibetan Refugee Camp and KI Singh Bridges.

Overnight at the hotel

DAY 07

Breakfast at the hotel

Transfer to Pokhara domestic airport for flight back to Kathmandu

Fly to Kathmandu (Flight time duration: 25 minutes)

Arrive Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel

Recheck in at the hotel

Rest of the time free

Late afternoon sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa

Pashupatinath Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath temple with golden roof and silver doors – most sacred temple of Hindus.

Boudhanath (Little Tibet) (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Boudha is among the largest Stupas in south Asia. It has become the focal point of Buddhism in Nepal. The white mound looms thirty – six meters overhead. The Stupa is located on the ancient trade route to China. Tibetan merchants rested and offered prayers here.

Overnight at the hotel

DAY 08

Breakfast at the hotel

Morning sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Today Bhaktapur is known as the ‘open museum’ and a ‘living heritage’. Brick paved enclave of the old royal palace buildings dating back 13th to 14th centuries, artistic temples and exquisite artwork offers a picture of the grandeur of medieval Nepal. Bhaktapur will surprise visitors with its presentation of innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces - Nyatapola, Bhairavnath, Dattatreya, Pujari math with peacock window and many more.

Afternoon free for shopping

Evening farewell Nepali dinner with a live cultural show

Nepali dinner with cultural show:
A mixture of various ethnic groups have made Kathmandu Valley a unique place not only for its cultural and tradition, but also for its authentic cuisine.

Decorated in traditional Nepali ambience, soft lights cast long shadows in the room. Tradition paintings along with old handicrafts and soft melodious music makes for a truly enchanting evening. . Another feather in its cap is the traditional folk music and cultural dance program performed every evening.

The idea of behind it being familiarization the guest with the costume, traditions and life styles of various ethnic groups of Nepal.

Overnight at the hotel

DAY 09

Breakfast at the hotel
Free time till departure
Transfer to airport for final departure

Fact Finder

Duration	-	09 Days
Trip Details:	-
Activities	-	Cultural, Touring, Golf
Trip Grade	-	Moderate
Mode of Travel	-	Private coach
Accommodation	-	-
Land Cost	-	DELUXE PACKAGE - 4 Persons Cost per person on room sharing basis - $ 1550 Single room supplement - $ 450 Hotels to be used: (a.) Kathmandu: Yak and Yeti or similar (b) Chitwan: Gaida wildlife camp or similar & Pokhara: Fishtail Lodge or similar
		SUPERIOR PACKAGE - 4 Persons + Cost per person on room sharing basis - $ 1300 Single room supplement - $ 350 Hotels to be used: (a) Kathmandu: Royal Singi Hotel or Hotel Shanker (b) Chitwan: Island Jungle Resort or similar & Pokhara: Base Camp Resort
		STANDARD PACKAGE - 4 Persons + Cost per person on room sharing basis - $ 1000 Single room supplement - $ 250 Hotels to be used: (a) Kathmandu: Hotel Marsyangdi or similar (b) Chitwan: Island Jungle Lodge Resort & Pokhara: Hotel Kantipur or similar

Trip Cost

Cost Includes:-

1. All tours and transfers on a private deluxe vehicle
2. Monument entrance fees
3. Services of an English speaking guide
4. 13 % VAT
5. 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast as per the choice of hotel

Cost Does Not Include:-

1. International airport taxes
2. Visas
3. All optional additional tours or activities during free time
4. Transportation outside of the tour program
5. Travel insurance (Compulsory to have insurance that covers helicopter evacuation)
6. Tips(suggested amount US$50 per week for staff only); Leader's tip at your discretion
7. Items of a personal nature e.g alcoholic drinks, bottled beverages, laundry, souvenir etc.

Client Reviews

My husband and I went on a trek in Nepal this past August, and we had a fabulous time. It was truly the most unique, beautiful outdoor travel experience that either of us have ever had. For anyone considering trekking in the Himalayas, we highly recommend Raj Tamang as a guide. His company, Responsible Adventures (www.responsibleadventures.com) and (www.notjusttreks.com), is professional and customer-service oriented. We were amazed at the ways that Raj and his employees went above and beyond to make this experience memorable for us. Raj is a 'walking encyclopedia' of information about the culture and history of Nepal, and his confident, welcoming nature put us at ease. He was experienced at facilitating positive, genuine interaction between Himalayan villagers and Western trekkers such as ourselves, and that made all the difference in our 10 days touring the Manang valley. His company offers a service that is truly a cut above the rest.

We can't wait for another opportunity to trek with Raj! Feel free to check out our story and pics at www.joshandelise2008.blogspot.com

Elise and Josh Drexler
Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America

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