Transcendent Nepal

Arrive Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal. You are met on arrival in Kathmandu, and taken to your hotel. 

This afternoon tour Kathmandu City, the capital of Nepal. Visit the temple of the Living Goddess, Durbar Square, with its array of temples, and Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the ancient palace of the Nepalese Royalty. Travel to Swayambhunath, a 2000-year-old Buddhist Stupa, with a lofty conical spire that is topped with a pinnacle of copper gilt.

Kathmandu & Mt. Everest Flight Seeing

Early this morning, before the scheduled sightseeing, take a memorable one-hour flightseeing journey above the mighty Himalayan peaks, including a great aerial view of majestic Mt. Everest (weather permitting).

Later on, travel south to the typical Newari village of Bungamati. Founded in 7th century AD, Bungamati is revered as the home of Matsyendranath, the God of rain and compassion, worshipped equally by Hindus and Buddhists. Your next stop is to visit Khokana, a small 7th century Newari village that keeps itself aloof from all modern civilization. Exploring Bungamati and Khokana will give you an intimate picture of the primitive way of life that still exists in Nepal today. Next, drive up 5,500-feet to explore Dhulikhel, for its famous views of the Himalayan ranges. Return to Kathmandu by late afternoon. (B,L)

Kathmandu to Pokhara City

This morning, fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara City, in the picturesque Pokhara Valley, and transfer to your hotel.

In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of the city with its snow fed lakes and views of the snow-clad Great Himalayas. See the Bindhyabasini Temple and take a one-hour boat cruise on Phewa Lake. (B)

Sarangkot Excursion

Today enjoy a full day hike to the Sarangkot hill (5220-feet). From the hilltop tower enjoy the view of the Annapurna range and the Machapuchhre peak, as well as Phewa Lake and the entire Pokhara valley. (B,L)

Pokhara City to Chitwan National Park

This morning drive to Chitwan National Park. This two hour drive along the East West Highway passes through many fascinating Tharu villages. The rich wildlife of Chitwan includes swamp deer, chital, sambar, barking deer, wild boar, nilgai or blue bull, monkey, elephant, tiger, leopard, crocodile and over 300 species of birds. One of the highlights of a trip to Chitwan is a visit to the nearby Tharu villages. This provides an excellent and colorful introduction to the culture, farming and crafts of the Tharu people. (B,L,D,)

Chitwan National Park

Over the next two days you will get to enjoy Chitwan National Park in a variety of ways – elephant-back safari, Jeep jungle drives, nature walks, elephant orientation and a river safari, just to name a few. Also learn about the flora and fauna of Chitwan and pay a visit to nearby Tharu villages. Wildlife abounds as you explore the park around you, and you are sure to feel truly connected to this natural environment. (B,L,D)

Chitwan National Park to Kathmandu

Enjoy another morning nature walk or elephant safari before driving to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. This afternoon tour Patan City, built in 3rd century AD by Emperor Ashoka, and enclosed within four stupas. Known as the city of fine arts, see Patan’s Durbar Square, the bronze collection, the Krishna temple built by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla, and see Mahaboudha Temple.

Next, visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp and the Handicraft Center to see the hand weaving of Tibetan carpets and molding of metal statues. This evening you will experience a presentation of Nepalese Cultural Dances followed by a traditional Nepalese Dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Depart Kathmandu

Today you are taken to the airport for your departing flight home or on to your next destination. (B)