Nepal Countryside Tour - 13 Nights 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu

Meeting at airport on arrival by our staff and transfer to the hotel. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, lies in a broad valley at the edge of the Himalayan Range. Its art and architecture are an interesting blend of Hindu and Buddhist influences.

Day 2: In Kathmandu

Morning proceed for the sightseeing to Kathmandu Durbar Square & Swayambhunath. Tour of Kathmandu city and temples will include visits to the Temple of the Living Goddess, Durbar Square (central square of the city), National Museum and Swayambhunath, a 2000 year-old Buddhist shrine overlooking the city.

Afternoon we will visit the holiest shrine of the Hindu culture in Nepal, Pashupatinath. This is the place where holy sadhus pray and cremations on the Bagmati River are carried out. While you are not allowed into the temple if you are not a Hindu, the grounds surrounding the temple usually have a fascinating crowd of the faithful.

We then continue to the holiest shrine for the Buddhist culture in Nepal, Bouddhanath, with its large stupa, this is the place where all devout Buddhists come for a pilgrimage. It is not unusual to see very old devotees circumnavigate the shrine hundreds of times falling to their knees and rising again for a few steps only to go back down again to their knees.

Day 3: In Kathmandu

Morning visit Bungamati & Khokana. Walking down the lanes of Bungmati, you will pass through local Newari people busy working intricate designs in wood or stone on their way to creating many more beautiful artefacts keeping their talents running for the future generations to enjoy. The village was earlier, the origin of the precession of the chariot of Machindranath, one of the most important festival of the Newari community.

Then it is off to Patan, which is the oldest of the three major cities in the Kathmandu Valley. It is called the City of the Arts, and is justly famous for its intricately carved wooden temples and skilled craftsmen.

Day 4: Kathmandu / Pokhara (210 km - 6 hours drive)

Pokhara town (2,352 feet) the 25,000+ peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges rise a scant 20 miles away with no intervening ridges to spoil the view. The mountains are reflected in Phewa Lake, where you can rent a boat to visit its small island temples. Pokhara offers the best mountain scenery in Nepal without undertaking a trek.

Day 5: In Pokhara

Early morning transfer to Sarangkot to view sunrise over Himalaya.

Later visit Davi's fall, Tibetan Refugee Camp, Gupteshwor Cave, Seti George, Gorkha Museum & International Mountain Muesum.

Day 6: Pokhara / Tansen (122 km - 4 hours)

Tansen is a small ancient hill town situated 4300 meters above sea level. Major attractions here are the ancient culture, excellent mountain views, serene atmosphere and friendly people. The weather here makes it a pleasant place to visit in any season. On clear days Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, Gauri Shankar and other peaks can be seen.

Day 7: In Tansen

Visit Tasen Bazar and then to Srinagar Hill which offers unique landscape and Himalayan peaks, forest of pines and Rhododendron - the national flower, wild flora & fauna, nature walk.

Day 8: Tansen / Lumbini (85 km -2.5 hours)

Lumbini is the place where Lord Buddha – the apostle of peace and the light of Asia – was born in 623 BC. The sites described as a beautiful Garden in the Buddha’s time still retain its legendary charm and beauty.

Afternoon visit Lumbini Garden, The Ashokan Pillar, Image of Maya devi, Puskarni – the sacred pool, Sanctum – sanctorum of the Birthplace, the Buddhisttemple etc.

Day 9: Lumbini / Chitwan (190 km - 5 hours)

Upon arrival, welcome drink is served and there will be a short briefing on the program and facilities, rooms will be assigned. Chitwan National Park is one of Asia's riches and the most spectacular National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world's remaining jungles. Here, you will discover a lost world of towering trees and twisting vines, of pre-historic rhinos and lumbering elephants, of crocodiles, pythons and deer, of brilliantly coloured birds and if you are fortunate - the superb Royal Bengal Tiger.

After lunch, Elephant back safari to explore the jungle and wildlife.

Evening slide show presentation. One of our jungle experts will introduce background data and history of the Chitwan National Park as well as some other topics relating to wildlife. Your questions are most welcome.

Day 10: In Chitwan

Wake-up call followed by tea or coffee then proceed for Bird watching/Nature walk. After breakfast Elephant briefing/Bathing program to Learn more about these fascinating animals.

After lunch proceed for the Jeep Safari crossing the Rapti River which begins from the open grassland area followed by the mix (riverine) forest. After drive start boating on traditional patela boat for about 45 minutes which takes you on a silent trip down the Rapti River to view aquatic birds, crocodiles, Gharials and the animals of the river banks.

(Note: Jeep Safari is prohibited during monsoon season by the park authorities from June-September and in some season it can prolong till October.)

Evening the farmers of the nearby villages will show some of their traditional skills and dances.

Day 11: Chitwan / Daman (90 km - 3 hours drive)

Daman is known for its vantage location in viewing the Himalayan peaks such as Mount Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, DorjeLakpa, Gauri Shankar, Cho Oyu etc. There is a view tower from where one can have a panoramic view of 300 miles of the Himalayan range.

Day 12: Daman / Dhulikhel (110 km - 4hours drive)

Dhulikhel is a scenic and ancient town situated east of Kathmandu valley and 5500 ft above sea level. From here one can have a panoramic view of the Himalayan range.

Day 13: Dhulikhel / Kathmandu (30 km - 1 hour drive)

Back to Kathmandu via vising Bhaktapur Durbar Square.Perhaps the least changed of all the cities in the Kathmandu Valley, with a distinct medieval feel. Pottery and weaving are still traditional industries here. Architectural wonders abound, including the Palace of Fifty Five Windows, Golden Gate and the magnificent five storied pagoda-style Nyatapola Temple.

Upon arrival, transfer to hotel in Kathmandu.