iExplore Nepal Experience

Tour Description

Beginning in Kathmandu, exploring the spectacular temples and stupas that make the area a mecca for Buddhists and Hindus. Next visit Pokhara, a quiet lakeside town, followed by a safari in the Royal Chitwan National Park. Once a hunting ground for aristocrats, the park is now a protected area, and you have the chance to spot one-horned rhino, leopard, deer, sloth bear, and perhaps even the elusive Bengal tiger, all while riding high atop an elephant's back. Two more days exploring the Kathmandu Valley completes this 11-day cultural tour of Nepal.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu, Nepal

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, your trip leader will meet you outside the Customs and Immigration area at the airport and escort you to the hotel.

This afternoon meet with your guide for a trip orientation.

Hotel Shangri-La

Day 2: Kathmandu

Early this morning you'll be transferred to the airport for your hour-long Everest flight. After mountain flight a full day tour of the Kathmandu valley and its numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites. A harmonious amalgam of Hindu energy and Buddhist tranquility, Kathmandu retains a mystical, medieval aura that may leave you feeling like you have stepped through the looking glass. Soak up the atmosphere at Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its numerous temples and intriguing Royal Palace. Then visit the nearby Kumari Bahal, where a living goddess resides.

This afternoon, take a short drive to the ancient Buddhist stupa at Swayambunath; at first glance you will recognize it as Nepal's definitive icon. Situated on top of a hill, the stylized eyes of the Buddha look out in all directions. Guarding the lower stairs of the stupa are a band of amusing monkeys performing acrobatics and angling for a snack. Returning to the city, you will have the evening free to relax or explore on your own.

Breakfast

Hotel Shangri-La

Day 3: Kathmandu

This morning, explore Pashupatinath, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Pashupatinath is located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Much like the Ganges, the Bagmati is a holy river and an auspicious place to be cremated. You may even witness an ancient Hindu cremation ritual. The wrapped body is placed upon a mound of smoldering logs and brush, and then set alight. Hindus believe that the soul escapes through the skull, to be reborn again.

And then proceed to Boudhanath. Boudhanath is the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal. It is religious center for the Buddhist people. Surrounding the stupa there are many different monasteries belonging to different Buddhist sects. Most of the visitors use to go to the Stupa for sightseeing, shopping and Tibetans handicrafts. During the full moon day many Buddhist people come to celebrate and take part in various religious activities.

This afternoon visit Patan. Patan Durbar Square is a concentrated mass of temples, the most stunning display of Newari architecture to be seen in Nepal. Listed in World Heritage Site, the former Royal Palace complex is the center of Patan's religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. One remarkable monument here is a 17th century temple dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Krishna, built entirely of stone.

Breakfast

Hotel Shangri-La

Day 4: Kathmandu- Pokhara

Transfer to Kathmandu Airport for flight to Pokhara. You are met and transferred to your hotel.

Pokhara a lively trade route city beautifully situated on Lake Phewa. The rare combinations of snow-clad peaks and snow-fed lakes and rivers has helped to make the valley of Pokhara one of the most picturesque natural attractions in the Kingdom. Enjoy a visit to the local market this afternoon.

Breakfast

Fishtail Lodge

Day 5: Pokhara

Early morning drive to Sarangkot, see the sunrise over the Himalayas. Sightseeing of Seti gorge, Devi's Falls, Vindyavashini Temple, and Mahendra cave, etc. Enjoy a leisurely walk along Phewa Lake and one hour boating.

Breakfast

Fishtail Lodge

Day 6: Pokhara- Chitwan National Park

You will be met and transferred to your resort at the far eastern end of Royal Chitwan National Park. Here you will spend the next two days exploring one of the finest national parks in Asia, renowned for its diverse and dense wildlife. Its award winning eco-lodges allow

the opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitat. Chitwan, meaning 'heart of the jungle,' is among the last surviving examples of a continuous band of forest and grasslands which once extended from the Indus River in Pakistan to the Burmese border.

After settling in to your timber-frame bungalows, you will depart for an afternoon of exploration. This afternoon, climb atop an elephant for a safari through the golden grasses in search of animals. The Royal Bengal tiger, leopard, Greater One-Horned rhinoceros, four kinds of deer, two species of monkey, two types of crocodile and 450 different birds all make their home in the park. This evening enjoy the comforts of your resort and listen to the beautiful sounds of Mother Nature.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge

Day 7: Chitwan National Park

Indulge in jungle safari activities. Main highlights are elephant rides to see the rare one-horned rhino, sloth bear, four species of deer, a dazzling array of tropical birds and perhaps a leopard or tiger. The birdlife is fantastic - some 450 species have been sighted within the park. We'll also take a dugout canoe ride into the watery realm of the threatened gharial crocodile, mugger crocodile, and numerous waterfowl.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge

Day 8: Chitwan National Park- Kathmandu- Naragot

This morning enjoy one last sunrise safari before you are transferred to the airport in time for your flight back to Kathmandu. You are met and transferred to Nagarkot for sunset view and overnight.

Club Himalaya Nagarkot Resort has a long-established international reputation and is superbly situated on top of a hill in Nagarkot at 7200 ft. This majestic hotel offers a marvelous panoramic view of the Himalayas. From the elegant wood furniture and the uniquely decorated ceiling in the lobby to the simple, comfortable and stylish décor in the rooms, The Club

Himalaya Nagarkot Resort's interiors are utterly simple, comfortable and soothing.

Breakfast, Dinner

Club Himalaya

Day 9: Bhaktapur- Kathmandu

Today you rise early and view the beautiful sunrise against the backdrop of the Himalayas. After breakfast drive to Bhaktapur, a history-soaked medieval town, that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the 9th century and shaped like a conch shell, the city boasts an array of temples overlooked by the Palace with its fifty-five windows built by King Bhupatindra Malla. It is the best preserved of the three original cities of Kathmandu Valley, the other two being Kathmandu and Patan.

Completely renovated by the Germans a few years back, the city reflects a medieval look. It was founded in the 9th century and is shaped like a conch shell. Located 4,600 above sea level, the city boasts an array of temples dominated by the Palace built by King Bhupatindra Malla. Here you will visit the Golden Gate at the Palace of 55 windows; the Pashupatinath temple, famous for its erotic carvings; the Nyatapole temple, the tallest in the country and best example of the pagoda style; the Dattatreya temple; and Pujari Math, with its uniquely carved wooden windows.

Drive back to Kathmandu for overnight.

Breakfast

Hotel Shangri-La

Day 10: Kathmandu

This morning, optional Everest flight by Helicopter (extra fee) with a brief layover at Thasinga or Tengboche. Afternoon free for shopping in Kathmandu

Breakfast

Hotel Shangri-La

Day 11: Depart Kathmandu

Transfer to the airport today for your homebound flight.

Breakfast

Departures

Depart any day! Contact an iExplore Adventure Consultant for details.

Pricing Information

2011 Pricing

$3,569 per person double occupancy.

$3,449 per person double occupancy, based on four persons traveling together.

$5,599 Solo Traveler.

$1,219 Single room supplement.

Prices for your dates of travel may vary- please contact iExplore for an exact quote. Quoted prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of October, 2010. iExplore reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. iExplore is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any package.

Inclusions:

· 5 nights accommodation at The Hyatt or Shangri-La Kathmandu on bed and breakfast basis.

· 2 nights accommodation at The Fishtail Lodge on bed and breakfast basis.

· 2 nights accommodation at Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge on full board basis with all jungle activities.

· 1 night accommodation in a deluxe room at Club Himalaya on a half-board basis- breakfast and lunch or dinner.

· Airfare for Kathmandu-Pokhara flight.

· Airfare for the Chitwan- Kathmandu flight.

· One-hour boat ride on Phewa Lake with English-speaking guide.

· Surface transfer for the Pokhara- Chitwan sector by private vehicle.

· Sightseeing tours in Pokhara, Kathmandu and Nagarkot as per the itinerary with local English-speaking guides, by private vehicle.

· All surface transfers in the itinerary by private car.

· Farewell dinner at one of Nepal's finest restaurants.

· Chitwan National Park fees.

· Entrance fees at the monuments as indicated in the program.

Exclusions:

· International Airfare

· Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara unless indicated

· Refreshments and bottled drinks

· Insurance, evacuation, rescue in any form, cost arising out of landslides, road blockades, cancellation of flights or reasons beyond our control

· Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the cost above.

· 3-hour Everest by helicopter with one hour layover in Tengboche or Thasinga

· Holiday surcharges

· Visa fees

· Gratuities

All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.

Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

Options and Extras

Tour Notes