Historical – Scenic – Wildlife 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. It is 5 km far from airport. Thamel is a touristic hub where most travelers congregate. You find the real Kathmandu here with old ethnic items shop, garment textile shop, many hoarding boards and banners above your heads on the small alley, breathtaking architecture, cake and pie shops, many restaurants with amazing cuisine smelling, so alive. You could stroll around, after doing check in hotel. Overnight at Kathmandu

Day 02Kathmandu Sightseeing and transfer to Nagarkot (2,175 m).Overnight at Kathandu Sightseeing begins after breakfast around 9 o’clock. We head towards Swoyambhunath, lovingly call it ‘The Monkey Temple’. It is 3 km west from Thamel, perched on the conical shaped hill, 77 m high from the ground level. The site holds very old stupa built on 6th century in Tibetan architecture. There are seven puras, five puras built on the basis of the elements from the nature: sky, fire, water, earth and air is said, Shantipura, Agnipura, Nagapura, Bashupura, and Bayupura respectively.Anantapura and Pratappura were built by king Pratap Malla in 1655 A.D. There is more Bajrayana followers’ influence. After this, we drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square. Kathmandu is a centre of great cultural sophistication. We can see many Hindu temples, a tight tangle of narrow alleys, water spouts, well etc. Kathmandu Durbar Square has spacious Basantapur Square, stone slated courtyards, neo classical and old buildings, The Kumari – the living goddess is the prime charm there. There are dozens of temples likeGanesha, Shiva, Vishnu, Jagannath, Kakeshwori and Taleju, the tallest temples. The Nasal Chowk was for the Shah Kings’ coronation. The third place, we visit is the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the greatest stupa in the world. It has got Tibetan influence. The stupa is built in Mandala shape. Pashupatinath, the Shiva Temple is about 2 km from Boudhanath Stupa. This is one of the highly revered pilgrimage site where both Hindus and Buddhist visit. The cremation ghat, ritual bathers, Holy River Bagmati, and half naked Sadhus can be seen. After the sightseeing, we drive to Nagarkot which takes about one and half an hour. Overnight at Nagarkot

Day 03Bhaktapur and Patan Sightseeing and back to Kathmandu. Overnight at Kathmandu The sun rise early in the morning over the series of mountains, stretching about 300 km ranging from Manaslu in the west to the Everest in the east looks amazing in the clear days. We explore the villages nearby then get breakfast and descend down to Bhaktapur for sightseeing. The city is called Bhadgoan or Khwopa. The cobblestone streets link a string of temples, courtyards and monumental squares. There are mainly four squares which we visit starting from Dattatraya Square, the square rich for intricately carved windows in Pujari Math, especially peacock windows, wood and bronze museum, The unique architecture of Dattatraya Temple. The street goes to the west to link the Taumadhi Square, where the Nyatapola Temple and Bhairav Temple reflect the medieval architecture. This is the square where the famous BISKET JATRA festival is celebrated. Then we proceed to Pottery Square. The clay pots in rows, drying in the sun, the local spinning wheel manually and giving shape for the clay, the baking place and the people getting busy for refining the clay seem relaxing. From there, we walk to the north for the Durbar Square, where we visit 55 windows palace, golden gate, Four dhamas, Shiva Temple and so on. After this, we drive to Patan Durbar Square, about 9 km far from Bhaktapur. Patan Durbar Square is full of temples, with a far greater concentration of architecture. It is city of fine arts where the city boasts with its great artists like Araniko, Siddhiraj and Avayaraj. The Durbar Square has three main chowks :Mul Chowk, Keshav Narayan Chowk and Sundari Chowk. The Krishna temple, made of stone in chariot shape dominates the Square. The Banglamukhi temple, The Golden Temple, the Mahabouddha are other interesting places to visit. We drive back to hotel in Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu

Day 04Fly/Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (827 m). Overnight stay at Pokhara After breakfast, we drive from hotel to domestic terminal for the flight to Pokhara. It is 30 minutes’ flight with the scintillating view of mountains. If we drive, it is about 6-7 hours drive through the rolling countryside. While driving, we follow the river, streams by Prithivi Highway. Overnight at Pokhara

Day 05Early wake up and go to Sarangkot. After Breakfast Half day sightseeing in Pokhara. O/N at Pokhara The views, at Pokhara get more dramatic, more accessible. We get up early in the morning and drive to Sarangkot. This is the best viewpoint for the close up view of Fishtail Mountain, Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagir, and Lamjung Himal.Pokhara is the city of Lakes, The three famous lakes Phewa, Begnas and Rupa are the centre of attraction. The image of looming wall of peaks on the Phewa Lake is very much enticing. After breakfast, we go for sightseeing to Bindhawasini, Temple, Seti Gorge, Davi’s Falls, Gupteshwor Cave and Tibetan Refugee Camp. Then we drive back to Phewa Lake for boating. Overnight at Pokhara

Day 06Drive from Pokhara to Chitwan, briefing about the program and sunset, village walk. O/N at Chitwan Today, after breakfast,we drive from Pokhra to Chitwan. It is 147 km and takes about 5 hours by bus. After we check in hotel, they give us briefing about our program. They have well organized package for the village walk, bird watching, jungle walk, elephant riding, visiting Elephant Breeding Center, Canoeing , Jeep Safari etc. Overnight at Chitwan

Day 07Full day package program: Elephant ride, canoe-ride, jungle walk, Tharu cultural show. O/N at Chitwan Most activities take place in early morning or late afternoon, when wildlife viewing is best. Walking is the best way to observe the park’s prolific bird life. The region is an important stopover spot for migratory species in December and March. We do canoeing to the nearest river and go to the Elephant Breeding Center (Hattisar). In hot weather, they are taken down to the river for a bath at midday – immensely photogenic. In the evening, we enjoy the Tharu Cultural Show performed by the local Tharu people. They perform Stick Dance, Peacock Dance, Harvesting Dance, New Year Dance, Fire Dance etc. Overnight at Chitwan

Day 08Drive back to Kathmandu from Chitwan. O/N at Kathmandu After breakfast, we drive from Chitwan to Kathmandu which is 165 km from Sauraha. It takes about 5-6 hours by bus. We follow the Narayani River piercing through the Mahabharat range and then through Trishuli River, arrive at Kathmandu. Overnight at Kathmandu

Day 09Transfer to the Airport Your trip of Historical – Scenic – Wildlife Family Tour ends today. Hope you have enjoyed the tour with happy moments with your family members. We depart you in the Tribhuvan International Airport 3 hours before your flight. We could help you visit the bustling local market for buying some dainty gifts for your family, relatives and friends. Finally, we escort you in the airport and say bye wishing you have the happy journey to the next destination. Thank you for joining Himkala Adventure. Namaste!!!