Nepal Culture and Nature Tour - 9 Days

Quick Facts:

Kathmandu Valley:
Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is situated at 4,423 feet above sea level. The valley is surrounded by green hills, terraced fields and towering snow-capped peaks in the distant background. Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan are the major towns in the valley. All three are of great historic, cultural and artistic interests. The architectural history of the valley is said to have begun with the Lichhavi and the Malla kings. Today, the ancient monuments and temples are the center of attraction for visitors, particularly the seven World Heritage Sites in the valley, designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Brief description of each site is provided in the itinerary below. It is the base camp for all visitors to Nepal and a perfect place to begin to explore the history and culture of the country.

Chitwan Jungle National Park:
Chitwan National Park is one of Nepal’s best preserved tropical jungles with wide variety of wildlife in southern Nepal, a distance of four-hour drive from the capital city of Kathmandu. The variety of animals found in Chitwan Jungle includes the endangered Royal Bengal Tigers, one horned-rhinoceros, four-horned antelope, spotted deer, striped hyena, bison, Gangetic dolphin, gharial crocodile, reptiles, rhesus and Langur monkeys, sloth bears and numerous other wildlife that make their home here. There are over four hundred different species of birds including marsh mugger peckers and other migrating birds that make Chitwan their home. The five to six feet tall Elephant grass provides an excellent habitat for wildlife to thrive here. In addition, the Narayani and Rapti River system has created many islands which are covered with old growth forest and thick jungle of under growth as well as open savannahs making it a perfect safe haven for wildlife of all species to inhabit.

Highlights of the Chitwan Jungle Park activities are elephant rides to see the one-horned rhinos, Tigers (the Royal Bengal Tigers are rarely seen as they live deep inside the jungle) and other animals, dugout canoe trips to see Gangetic dolphins, gharial crocodiles, bird watching and to enjoy the scenic beauty; a tour of the Tharu village to see their traditional way of life (the Tharus also come to the resorts to present their traditional folk song and stick-dance). We also do a short jungle walk to see wildlife and scenery.

Pokhara:
Pokhara is an extraordinary landscape and one of the most attractive destinations in Nepal. The treasures of Pokhara include the tranquility of Phewa Lake, spectacular views of Annapurna range including Mount Machhapuchhare (Fish Tail), green hills, terraced farm slopes, countless species of vegetation, rushing rivers in a tropical-like environment. Pokhara is, since ancient times, the traditional export center for trade with India and Tibet. Merchants from remote Himalayan regions of Nepal, such as Muktinath and Mustang still come here with mule trains.

This calm city of Pokhara serves as a base camp for trekking and rafting trips through the regions of Annapurna and Western Nepal. Baidam, on the southeastern end of Phewa Lake, is dominated by restaurants, bars, hotels and shops. It is the gathering place for travelers in the western regions of Nepal. The island temple of Barahi is accessible from Baidam by dugout canoes. This two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Ajima. On Saturdays, devotees paddle across the lake carrying live animals for sacrifice.

Bindabasini Mandir is a local Hindu temple on the northeast of Phewa Lake near the Old Bazaar. Devotees perform animal sacrifices and have picnics in the courtyard on Saturdays. The Old Bazaar area is still the commercial hub of merchants from the remote Himalaya while Phewa Lake is romantic scenery for holiday makers from around the world!  

Itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu, Nepal
Meet on arrival in Kathmandu Airport and transfer to hotel.

Day 2 Kathmandu, Patan, Swayambu and Bouddha stupa
Breakfast at hotel. 
Depart to visit ancient palace of Kathmandu, Patan ancient palace, and Swoyambu and Bouddha stupa, four world heritage sites.
Lunch break en route.
End of tour, transfer to hotel.

Kathmandu Durbar Square:
Kathmandu Durbar Square contains an elegant ancient wooden palace, the house of Kumari, the Living Goddess of Nepal, and various temples with intricate woodcarvings. 

The fearsome Kal Bhairab, the Red Monkey god, the house of the living Goddess Kumari, not to mention hundreds of erotic carvings-only begin to unfold the square's cultural imagery!

The buildings here are the greatest achievements of various dynasties that ruled the Kathmandu Valley.  They resulted from the great rivalry between the three realms of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan. According to legend, the valley was divided among the children of Yaksya Malla. His children and grandchildren began an artistic warfare trying to outdo each other in ever grander styles. As a result, the architectures of these cities look similar, particularly the palace squares. But the wood carvings, statues and architecture in particular-of Kathmandu's Durbar Square are exceptionally fine.
Then, we will visit the fine collections of the Royal Museum inside the old palace of Kathmandu. 

Patan -The City of Beauty and Artistry:
We will drive to Patan, the ancient city, also known as "the city of Beauty", situated on the southern bank of the Bagmati River about five kilometers southeast of Kathmandu.  Patan is a city of artists, craftsmen and metal workers. Full of Buddhist monuments, Hindu temples with fine bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carvings are found here. Patan Durbar Square has many famous sites and unique architecture. Krishna Mandir in the Square was built to honor an incarnation of Vishnu and is Nepal's best example of stone architecture. The best place to see fine metal sculpture is Hiranya Varna Mahabihar, the "Golden Temple", a Newar monastery, which contains wall paintings, fourteenth century statues, and scriptures. Its facades are mostly covered in bronze. 

Swayambu Stupa:
It is said that the history of the Kathmandu Valley began with Swayambu, "self-creating". According to legends, the Buddhist saint Manjushree came across a beautiful lake during his journey in the Valley. He discovered a lotus that emitted brilliant light at the center of the lake. So, he cut a gorge in the southeastern hill (known as Chobar gorge) and drained the water to worship the lotus. People settled in the dried-up lake and called it Kathmandu, while the hilltop of the self-creating Lord has become a holy place. The valley being a lake bed is actually not only a fable, but a geologic reality. Clay mines and rich soil bear evidence of the Kathmandu valleys under water past.

Swayambu is not only the major landmark of the valley but also one of the best places to observe the religious harmony of Nepal. Ancient mini stupas and shrines of both Bhudhists and Hindus fill up the stupa complex. This stupa is among the most ancient in this part of the world and its worshippers are diverse. A monastery adjacent to the stupa houses the largest image of Sakyamuni Buddha in Nepal and many stone sculptures of different deities. There are numerous monasteries in the vicinity of the stupa with huge prayer wheels, fine Bhuddhist paintings, and special butter lamps which can be lite after offering a monetary donation. Since we will not spare time to visit all the monasteries, we will visit the main monastery in the stupa complex. On a clear day, this hilltop stupa complex offers excellent views of the Kathmandu Valley and the towering snowcapped peaks in the distant background.

Bouddha Stupa:
Bouddha Stupa is located thirteen kilometers north of downtown Kathmandu or about four kilometers from Pashupati temple area and is one of the largest stupas in Nepal. It is said that the Bouddha stupa was built by the Lichhavi King Man Dev in the fifth century. Ever since then Tibetan merchants and Buddhist pilgrims have rested and offered prayers here.

Monks, nuns and lay people alike walk around the stupa with prayer wheels in their hands, whispering "OM MANE PADME HUN" meaning "hail to the jewel in the lotus" while extreme devotees undergo rituals of prostration to the Lord Buddha. The Bouddha area is a unique place with full of visual attractions. Vividly colored thankas (tantric Buddhist paintings), hand-woven carpets, jewelry, masks, khukri knives, readymade garments of different ethnic groups, and many other modern and antique crafts are sold here. The visitors and residents around the stupa are as varied as the physical objects one will encounter. The Tamangs were the original inhabitants. Then, refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s and many settled around Bouddha stupa. Today, different ethnic groups make their home here particularly followers of Buddhism.

Day 3 Pashupatinath, Bhaktapur and Changu Narayan
Breakfast at hotel and depart to visit three more world heritage sites,
Pashupatinath temple, the Holiest place for the Hindus, Bhaktapur – The city of Devotees, and Changu Nayan temple. All of the above are cultural world heritage sites recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Lunch break in Bhaktapur.
End of tour, transfer back to your hotel.

Pashupatinath Temple:
This temple is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination in Nepal. The shrine of Lord Shiva has existed for at least fifteen hundred years in the Kathmandu Valley. A temple dedicated to Shiva existed at this site in 879 AD. However, the present temple was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1697. A gold-plated roof, silver doors, and woodcarvings of the finest quality decorate the pagoda construction.

Rajrajeswari Temple built in 1407, Kailash with Lingas more than 1,400 years old, Goraknath temple, the courtyard of Biswarup, rows of Shiva shrines and Hindu pilgrims from all over South Asia offering worship to Shiva, the Hindu cremation grounds known as Arya Ghat along the Bagmati River are some of the sites that we see on this tour. You may encounter cremation along the bank of the river. Please be cautious in taking pictures of such scene as you might offend the mourning relatives. 

Bhaktapur -the city of Devotees:
Here, we walk through the Palace square, visit the palace museum, monuments and the pottery kiln. The name Bhaktapur, means the "city of devotees", and was founded in 889 AD by King Anand Dev.
It is the most enchanting of Kathmandu Valley's three ethnically Newar cities. Newar art and architecture of the Malla periods from about 12th to 18th century are among the best attractions here. The palace complex in the middle of the city portrays the prosperity of the Malla years and the detailed craftsmanship of the period. The Palace of fifty-five Windows stands in the square and was home to many of Bhaktapur's kings. The square's gate was built by King Bhupatindra Malla (1696- 1722) and was among the biggest in the Valley. Among other monuments in Bhaktapur, the big bell, the Nyatapola temple, the golden Gate, the Bhairab Temple, the five-tiered temple, the Dattatreya Square with its wood-carving, and metalwork museum are the most interesting places.

Bhaktapur is not as modernized as Kathmandu and Patan and stands in sharp contrast. Therefore, visitors can still observe people making clay sculptures and utilities in the city alleys. Its elaborate ancient monuments and the surrounding valley with beautifully terraced farms make Bhaktapur a unique destination to visitors.

Changu Narayan Temple: 
Perched on a hill and visible from miles around, the Changu Narayan temple stands majestically above the rice fields of Bhaktapur. Dedicated to Vishnu, the Preserver the temple’s origins go back to the 4th century. A fifth century stone inscription in the temple proclaims it as one of the oldest shrines of the Kathmandu Valley. The temple is a showcase for Newari art and architecture of the early century. The stone, wood, and metal craft found here are exemplary.

On the struts of the two-tiered Changu Narayan Temple, are ten incarnations of Narayan. And a 6th Century stone statue shows the cosmic form of Vishnu. Garuda, half man and half bird, is the vehicle of Vishnu, and his life-size statue kneels before the temple.

Day 4 Kathmandu to Chitwan Jungle 
Breakfast at hotel and check out, and drive to Chitwan (4 hours),

Flight to Chitwan:  You can also take a 30-minute flight to Bharatpur Airport, located close to Chitwan National Park and transfer to your hotel.  Please inquire for fare and schedule. Advance arrangement required.

Arrive in Chitwan at your resort,
Welcome refreshment is offered on arrival followed by briefing about the lodge facilities. After being given your program for the day, your room will then be allocated to you.
Lunch at the resort.
Village tour to a nearby ethnic Tharu village where you will learn more about the life and lifestyle of the Tharus. Visit to the National Park Visitor’s centre where you can learn more about the history of the National Park and about wildlife and Sunset view from the bank of Rapti River.
Tharu cultural dance presentation by the local villagers or Slide show presentation.
Dinner and overnight at resort.

Day 5 Chitwan Jungle activity
Early wake up call.
Breakfast served at the resort restaurant.
Activity options are canoe ride along the Rapti River. An excellent opportunity for Bird Watching and for seeing the 2-rare species of crocodiles; the Marsh Mugger and the fish-eating Gharial, Jungle Walk, on the way back one can enjoy the elephant bathing.
Lunch at the resort restaurant.
Elephant Safari. An excellent opportunity to see four different kinds of deer, rhinoceros, wild boar, monkey, leopard, sloth bear and the Royal Bengal Tiger.   
You will also encounter many other smaller mammals that have made Chitwan their home.
Please Note:  Seeing a tiger or any specific wild animal is not promised or guaranteed to any participant. 
Dinner and overnight at the resort.

Day 6 Transfer to Pokhara
Breakfast, check out and transfer to Pokhara.
En-route visit Bandipur Village, a picturesque viewpoint. 
Walk through this small town to the hilltop to see the majestic Himalayan views in the distance.  Lunch break in Bandipur and continue journey to Pokhara.
Arrive Pokhara, check into your hotel and explore Phewa Lake side town in leisure.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 7 Scenic hike to Peace Pagoda
Wake up early to catch sunrise over the Annapurna Himalaya.
Breakfast at hotel, cross Phewa Lake by wooden canoe to the opposite site and trek to Peace Pagoda above the lake on a hilltop. Enjoy stunning view of the Himalayan range.
Return trek and ride canoe to visit Barahi temple on a small island in the Phewa Lake.
Lunch break will be at lakeside.
Next, visit Nepal Mountaineering Museum.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 8 Pokhara to Kathmandu
Breakfast at hotel and drive to visit Karma Dubgyud Chhoekhorling Manang Monastery in Pokhara.  It is the largest Buddhist Monastery in Pokhara Valley on a hilltop.
Return to hotel, check out and transfer to Pokhara Airport for your flight to Kathmandu.
On arrival, transfer to hotel, and remainder of the day at leisure.
overnight at hotel.

Day 9 Departure from Kathmandu
Breakfast at hotel and transfer to airport for you flight.