City and Countryside Family Tour

Detail Itinerary

Day 01Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m) and Transfer to hotelUpon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our representative from Himkala Adventure greets you and transfers to hotel at Thamel. You could enjoy touristy Thamel after doing check in hotel if you are not getting jetlag. Well, Thamel offers you the cocktail of old and modern scenes where you can enjoy the internet café, western music, delicious cuisines and you find the antique ethnic shops, handicrafts, souvenirs etc. Overnight at Kathmandu

Day 02Kathmandu Sightseeing (UNESCO World Heritage Sites). Overnight at Kathmandu After breakfast, we set out for the tour in four different places. We begin from Swoyambhunath Temple; affectionately call it “The Monkey Temple”. Swoyambhunath is named because it is said that it was self created land. It is 3 km west from Thamel, perched in the conical shaped hill. The old stupa built in 6th century A.D. dominates the hill with its white washed doom, yellow part – Hermika and the thirteen tiered rings. The architecture is typically Tibetan where there are five Buddhas in the plate in each side. There are monasteries and the Harati Temple where people gather for offering, pray and to worship. We drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square where we can enjoy the old architecture, local people getting busy with their daily life, selling flowers, leaf plates on the stairs, rickshaw pullers waiting for the clients, the Hindu temples, Kumari House, People buying souvenir stuff at Basantapur Durbar Square, Old Palace, Nasal Chowk and so on. Then we proceed to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the greatest stupa in the world. The Stupa was built in 5th century A.D.in typical Nepali architecture. It looks like Mandala or Lotus flower due to its three layers. There is Tibetan influence. The fourth place we visit is Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest temples in the world. People come to celebrate the great festival. One can see the cremation ghat, ritual bathers, priests performing annual service, half naked Sadhus smearing ashes in their bodies etc. The temple premises are very spacious and the row of Shivalayas can be seen with artistically engraving stones. The golden roofed temple with silver doors majestically stands in the bank of holy Bagmati River. After the tour, we return back to hotel. Overnight at Kathmandu

Day 03Sightseeing at Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Overnight at Kathmandu After breakfast, we drive about 6 km from Kathmandu to Patan Durbar Square which takes 20 minutes by car. The district in Sanskrit is said Lalitpur which means ‘the city of fine arts’. Patan is marvelously beautiful because of its craftsmanship. The city boasts for its great artisans. It is still the place which produces more fine metal stuffs i.e. statues, idols, copper pots, home utensils etc. There are three main chowk named Mul Chowk, Keshav Narayan Chowk, and Sundari Chowk. Mul Chowk holds intricately carved ‘Waku Windows’. There were many things stolen in the past and now has been restored but still one can see the Malla and Shah period’s inscription nailed on the wooden post. The Keshavnarayan Square holds the well organized Patan Museum. The Sundari chowk has numerous stone statues of Tantric Goddesses. There is a Krishna Temple, built in 17th century by the famous spiritual Malla king Siddhinarasingha Malla which dominates the square. It has 21 pinnacles in the chariot shape. The Bunglamukhi temple, The Golden Temple, The Mahabouddha and The Patan Industrial Estate are other prime attractions of Patan. We drive from Patan to Bhaktapur by Ringroad, and turn right from Koteshwor by Araniko Highway. Bhaktapur , known as Bhadgoan, Khwopa, or the City of Devotees, has earned its reputation due to its antique presentation, simple Newari life style, friendly people, Newari architecture and so on. The four squares like Dattatraya Square, Taumadhi Square reflect the medieval period’s art and architecture. The pottery Square reflects the old profession, and their simple life. The 55 windows palace, Golden Gate, Four Dhamas, and other temples are worth visiting. We drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at Kathmandu

Day 04Drive from Kathmandu to Bandipur, 4-5 hours. Overnight at Bandipur After breakfast, we drive from Kathmandu to Bandipur, which is 146 km and takes about 4 to 5 hours by bus. The road from Prithivi Highway to Pokhara branches off to Bandipur near from Dumre which is 8 km to the hill. Bandipur is known as the queen of hill. We do check in hotel. Overnight at Bandipur

Day 05Explore Bandipur and drive to Pokhara, 2.5 hours. Overnight at Pokhara After breakfast, we walk around to explore it. It is the good place from where we can view Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Langtang in a fine day. We can see Manakamana Temple and Gorkha as well. The other attractions at Bandipur are Bindhyabasini Temple, Library in the village center, Thani Mai, Tindhara, Raniban, Magar Village etc. Bandipur was established as a funneling point of trade by Newar traders from Bhaktapur in the Kathmandu Valley after it had been conquered in 1768 by Prithivi Narayan Shah. After this, we drive from Bandipur to Pokhara. Overnight at Pokhara

Day 06Wake up early and go to Sarangkot & sightseeing around Pokhara We wake up early morning and drive to Sarangkot. It is the hill, at an altitude of 1592 m in the top where there is view tower. We can stop in the middle at an altitude of 1200 m and can see the sun rise, Fishtail and Annapurna ranges clearly, face to face like. The panoramic of nearby hills, Seti River, Hydro project, Baglung highway and the Hyngja monastery adds extra flavor. The view towards Phewa Lake is further impressive. We can see Phewa Lake, World Peace Pagoda and the city. After sunrise the Ultra Light roaming in the sky with colorful wings and the Para jumpers hanging in the string give thrill to the viewers. We drive back to hotel and after a while set out for the day tour. We visit Bindhyabasini Temple, Seti River Gorge, Davi’s falls, Gupteshwor Cave and Tibetan Refugee Camp. After this, we drive to Phewa Lake for boating and visit Tal Barahi in the middle. Overnight at Pokhara

Day 07Drive from Pokhara to Gorkha, 3 hrs. Overnight at Gorkha After breakfast, we drive from Pokhara to Gorkha which is 130 km and takes about 4-5 hours by bus. We do check in hotel at Gorkha and take rest. Overnight at Gorkha

Day 08Exploration around Gorkha Bazaar and hike to Palace and Gorakhkali temple Gorkha is the historical town situated in hilly region. For the family holiday celebration, this is an ideal place. One can find the soothing weather and scenic beauty. If you are bored to hike, there is well pitched road to go to the top and can enjoy the Himalayan beauty of Manaslu, and other mountains. If you want hike, the stairs up to the top can be good exercise. We visit the Kalika Temple, Guru Gorakhnath Cave, and the birth place of King Prithivi Narayan Shaha, the conqueror of Nepal. Overnight at Gorkha

Day 09Drive back to Kathamndu from Gorkha, 5 hrs. Overnight stay at Kathmandu After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu by the same highway. It is about 140 km and takes 5-6 hours by bus. We can view the rolling countryside, the terraced farmland, and the busy villagers. The forest, the streams, the bridges, hills, gorges; Rivers on the way are always pleasurable. Overnight at Kathmandu

Day 10Transfer to the Airport The trip ‘City and Countryside Family Tour’ ends today with great joy and memories. We escort you to the International Airport 3 hours before your flight. We could help you guiding for buying some dainty gifts for your family, relatives and friends as per your time schedule. Finally with warm greetings again, saying bye and wishing for your happy journey to the next destination, we leave airport. Namaste!!!