DAY
2: IN KATHMANDU
Morning city sightseeing tour with Indian Horizons guide
visiting the Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka, the ancient
royal residential quarter, Mahadev and Parvati Temple,
Machhender Bahl-holy place for the Buddhists and Hindus,
Temple House of Kumari, the vestal virgin or the living
goddess. Walk around the local bazaars. Also visit Swayambunath,
a 2500-year old site where, it is believed, the Radiant
Lotus of the valley-mythology, settled when the water
was drained by Manjushri, the god of Wisdom. The 5 dhyani
Buddha's attended by their consorts are enshrined at the
base of the stupa. (Non-Hindus are not allowed inside
Swayambhunath temple). Afternoon visit Patan. In Patan
visit the old Newar City, the historic Durbar Square,
the Golden Gate, the sky piercing temple of Teleju and
the statue of Yogendra Malla, other temples, old carved
windows and balconies of wood, curio shops and bazaars.
Overnight at Kathmandu
Day
3: IN KATHMANDU
Morning excursion with Indian Horizons guide to Bhadgaon,
Bodhnath and Pashupatinath. Bhadgaon - another Newar city
founded in the 9th century. Visit the ancient Gateway,
Durbar Square the Royal Residential quarter of Bhupatindra
Malla, the famous five-storeyed temple of Nyatapola in
pagoda style and other temples. Later, visit Bodhnath,
the 2500-year old Buddhist Stupa, - a holy place for Buddhist
pilgrims from Tibet. Also visit Pashupatinath temple where
Shiva is worshipped in the form of lingam. (Only Hindus
are allowed inside). In the month of February an annual
pilgrimage on the occasion of Shivaratri is organized
here every year. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Kathmandu.
DAY
4 : KATHMANDU-POKHARA
Morning depart by surface for Pokhara and on arrival check
in at hotel. Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural
beauty. Situated at an altitude of 827m from the sea level
and 200km west of Kathmandu valley, the city is known
as a center of adventure. The enchanting city with a population
of around 95,000 has several beautiful lakes and offers
stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity
of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising
behind them create an ambience of peace and magic. So
today the city has not only become the starting point
for most popular trekking and rafting destinations but
also a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature .Overnight
at Pokhara.
DAY
5: POKHARA-CHITWAN
Morning depart for Chitwan and on arrival check in at
hotel. The Royal Chitwan National Park, established in
1973, provides a great wildlife experience with its rich
flora and fauna. The wildlife and the landscape are not
as breathtaking as those found in Africa but still, the
experience will stand out. Chitwan is only 150m above
the sea level. Short grass makes Feb-May the best game-viewing
season, but the autumn months are gorgeous, with Himalayan
views, and in winter (December-January), Chitwan is pleasantly
warmed compared to Kathmandu. The monsoon season (July-August)
is intense, with pounding rain, swollen rivers, and luxuriant
vegetation. The flora and fauna of Chitwan makes it a
great place for nature lovers. Chitwan has over 50 different
species of mammals, 400 different species of birds, and
65 different types of butterflies in its hardwood Sal
forests, riverine vegetation, and "elephant grass"
savannah. More than 70 different species of grass grow
here. The most famous wildlife in Chitwan is perhaps the
single-horned Asian rhinoceros. A few decades ago, their
number had fallen to less than 100, but recent count puts
them at 400Chitwan has about 150 Bengal tigers left of
the one time 3000 or so. Other wild mammals one may see
are leopards, various types of deer, monkeys, sloth bear,
and antelope. Overnight at Chitwan.
DAY
6: IN CHITWAN
An elephant ride takes you around the jungle for an hour
and half. There are two trips a day, one in the morning
at eight and another at four in the afternoon. Jeep safaris
are also very popular they take you around for four hours.
A great way to spot wildlife in areas further inside the
Park which are less trodden. Canoeing along the Rapti
river is another option. With some luck you will get to
see Gharial crocodiles, marsh muggers, and variety of
fish. With a lot of luck you may be able to see a Gangetic
dolphin. The trip is a paradise for birdwatchers with
possible spotting of kingfishers, ospreys, and egrets.
Chitwan is known to have 400 species of birds. Jungle
walks through the jungle is a good way to spot game. Monkeys,
birds and deer are assured; rhinos are less common (but
not uncommon). They can help you stay safe as well as
point out interesting things. Overnight at Chitwan.
DAY
7: CHITWAN-KATHMANDU
Morning depart for Kathmandu and on arrival check in at
hotel. Rest of the day free for independent activity.
Overnight at Kathmandu.
DAY
8: DEPART KATHMANDU
It’s time to bid farewell. Indian Horizons representative
will transfer you to the international airport to board
flight for your onward destination. |
