The Diversity of Nepal | ULTIMATE CULTURAL TOUR

The Diversity of Nepal | ULTIMATE CULTURAL TOUR - 22 Days

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ULTIMATE CULTURAL TOUR OF NEPAL HIGHLIGHTS:

Grand Tour of Nepal from East to West.
Interact with Hindu Holy Men at Pashupatinath Temple.
Go off-the-beaten-trail and visit Tansen, an unspoiled gem in the Palpa district.
Escape the crowds and explore the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve.
Discover Janakpur, birthplace of Sita.
Head into the Chitwan jungle and encounter the Tharu community.
Find peace in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
Embark on a breathtaking scenic mountain flight to Jomsom and enjoy the spectacular views of the Annapurnas.
Visit Muktinath, a famous sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.
Explore Pokhara, Nepal’s adventure capital, and Gorkha, the birthplace of the King Prithivi Narayan Shah who established the unification of Nepal's kingdoms.

Overview

Price: $0

Code: dUS-057777

Country: Nepal

Booking Status:

Location

Departure: Kathmandu.
Arrival: Kathmandu.
Travel Route:Kathmandu - Bhaktapur - Janakpur - Koshi Tappu - Biratnagar - Kathmandu - Devghat - Chitwan - Lumbini - Tansen - Pokhara - Jomsom - Kagbeni - Muktinath - Kagbeni - Jomsom - Pokhara - Gorkha - Kathmandu.

Season

September to November. March to May.

Duration

22 Days / 21 Nights.

Itinerary

What is Included/Excluded

Accommodation / Meals

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Day 01. WELCOME TO NEPAL

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our friendly representative will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign displaying your name. He will then drive you to your hotel.

Depending on your time of arrival, you are free to relax or explore the city.

Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel.

Day 02. KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING TOUR

After breakfast, we will take you on a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and the Kathmandu Valley with a private tour guide - by private car or van. We will visit:

- Pashupatinath Temple, a holy pilgrimage site for Hindus. Pashupatinath is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for devotees of Lord Shiva. Devotees are regularly taking ritual baths in the holy Bagmati river. You will see a wide range of very interesting cultural activities. We will also meet many Hindu Holy Men (also known as Sadhus).

- Boudhanath Stupa. Boudhanath is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and a very important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Walk clockwise around the stupa, enjoy the mystical atmosphere, encounter the Buddhist monks and take lots of pictures under the colorful prayer flags.

- Basantapur Durbar Square (Kathmandu Durbar Square).

We will also visit Swayambhunath, also known as the "Monkey Temple". Swayambhunath is the oldest Buddhist Stupa in Kathmandu and a beautiful abode for lots of monkeys.

Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 03. BHAKTAPUR SIGHTSEEING TOUR

Today, we will enjoy a sightseeing tour in Bhaktapur. The ancient Newari town is renowned for its fine religious architecture and its traditional handicrafts. Among other places, we will visit:

- the Brass & Bronze Museum (Metal Museum),

- the Woodcarving Museum,

- the 55 Window Palace,

- the Golden Gate,

- and the Five Storeys Temple (Nyatapola Temple).

We will also visit the Bhaktapur Pottery Square. You will witness the various stages of the ceramics creation process (from the processing of clay to spinning the wheel).

Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 04. FLIGHT TO JANAKPUR | JANAKPUR SIGHTSEEING TOUR

After breakfast, we will embark on a scenic flight to Janakpur, an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.

Among other places, we will visit Janaki Mandir and Ram Sita Bibaha Mandir. We will also visit Kuwa, a traditional Maithili village.

Accommodation: Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 05. KOSHI TAPPU WILDLIFE RESERVE

We will drive to the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, home to the endangered wild water buffalo and a bird watching paradise.

Village walk and cultural programs in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Wildlife Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 06. BIRDWATCHING (KOSHI TAPPU WILDLIFE RESERVE)

Early in the morning, you will go on a full-day birdwatching tour with an experienced bird guide inside the Koshi Tappu Wildlife reserve. Enjoy a boat excursion and be on the lookout for the Ganges River dolphins.

Accommodation: Wildlife Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 07. FLIGHT FROM BIRATNAGAR TO KATHMANDU

In the morning, we will drive to Biratnagar and fly back to Kathmandu.

Free time in the afternoon.

Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 08. DEVGHAT | CHITWAN

Early in the morning, we will drive to Devghat. Devghat, also known as the "meeting place of the Gods", is a very important holi place for Hindus. Every year, thousands of devotees come to Devghat to celebrate the Maghe Sankranti. Devghat is believed to be a sacred site that has power to purify everything.

Then, we will head to Chitwan. In Chitwan, you will get a welcome drink at the Resort. You will have time to rest and enjoy the natural scenery. In the evening, we will take you to the nearby Tharu Culture Center, where we will watch the native Tharu culture dance show.

Accommodation: Jungle Resort.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 09. CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK

After a filling breakfast, you will go on a river safari. During the river safari, you will see a lot of crocodiles and different species of birds. Don't forget to bring your binoculars!

Option: Instead of a river safari, you can opt for a morning Jeep safari inside the jungle.

After lunch, we will visit a typical Tharu community village. You will have the opportunity to prepare your own special local meal with the Tharus and enjoy your dinner at a Tharu house with members of the community. A real immersion experience!

Accommodation: Jungle Resort.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 10. CHITWAN | LUMBINI

Early in the morning, we will drive to Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Check in to the hotel. Relax and soak up the peaceful atmosphere in Lumbini.

Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 11. LUMBINI SIGHTSEEING TOUR

Today, we will visit the Maya Devi Temple, where Lord Buddha was born, and the World Peace Pagoda. We will also visit many beautiful Buddhist temples and monasteries built by various countries around the world (Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Myanmar, China, India to name but a few).

We will explore the Wetlands and encounter the gorgeous Sarus Cranes.

Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 12. TANSEN

Today, we will drive to Tansen, an unspoiled gem in the Palpa district. The authentic town with its narrow streets is one of the most charming places in Nepal. In the evening, we will hike up to the view tower on the Shreenagar Hill to enjoy the sunset view over the Himalayas. We will spend the night at a local family's home.

Accommodation: Homestay.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 13. TANSEN AND RANI MAHAL

In the morning, we will drive to Rani Mahal (Ranighat Palace), also known as the Taj Mahal of Nepal due to its history.

Then, we will spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful town. We will also go for some shopping, for those who want to take a taste of Nepal home with them. Tansen is famous for its Dhaka (a unique Nepali hand woven fabric) and Karuwa (a traditional ritual water vessel).

Accommodation: Homestay.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 14. DRIVE TO POKHARA | VISIT TAL BARAHI TEMPLE

After breakfast, we will head to Pokhara, one of the most beautiful cities in Nepal. We will check in to our hotel, where we will spend some time refreshing ourselves.

We will visit Tal Barahi Temple, a Hindu temple located on a small island in the middle of Phewa Lake.

Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.

Day 15. POKHARA SIGHTSEEING TOUR

In the morning, we will visit the beautiful World Peace Pagoda (Shanti stupa).

Then, we will visit:

• Davis falls: Also known as "Patale Chango" (which means "underworld waterfall" in Nepali), Davis Falls is a waterfall that forms an underground tunnel, 100 feet below ground level.

• Bat Cave: This cave houses thousands of horseshoe bats.

• Mahendra Gufa (cave): Mahendra Gufa is a limestone cave where you can see a statue of Hindu Lord Shiva. This cave is named after Late King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev.

• The International Mountain Museum: This museum is devoted to the mountains of Nepal.

Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 16. FLIGHT FROM POKHARA TO JOMSOM (2720m) | TREK TO KAGBENI (2804m) | ≈ 3-4 hours

In the morning, you will embark on a spectacular mountain flight to Jomsom*. From there, we will trek to Kagbeni, the main gate to the Last Forbidden Kingdom. In Kagbeni, you will witness the great views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Tukuche peaks, and the Kali Gandaki (the deepest canyon in the world).

*The mountain weather in Nepal is always unpredictable and the flight from Pokhara to Jomsom may be delayed or canceled due to the bad weather. We advise allowing 2 extra days should our flight to Jomsom be cancelled or delayed due to bad weather. Or if you are running out of time, we will hire a private jeep and drive to Jomsom.

Accommodation: Lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 17. TREK FROM KAGBENI TO MUKTINATH (3710m) AND TREK BACK TO KAGBENI | ≈ 7 hours

Today, we will trek to Muktinath. Temples and religious shrines are the major attractions of this holy place. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. In Muktinath, if you have the courage to do so, you can follow Hindu devotees and take a holy bath under the 108 chilled fountains (Muktidhara).

We will visit Muktinath, and then we will trek back to Kagbeni.

Accommodation: Lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 18. TREK FROM KAGBENI TO JOMSOM | ≈ 3-4 hours

After a filling breakfast, we will trek back to Jomsom. Short hike to the Dhumba Lake in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 19. FLIGHT FROM JOMSOM TO POKHARA

Scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Free time in the afternoon.

Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 20. GORKHA SIGHTSEEING TOUR

Early in the morning, we will head to Gorkha, a very important historic place in Nepal. Gorkha is the birthplace of the King Prithivi Narayan Shah who established the unification of Nepal's kingdoms.

We will visit:

- the Gorkha Durbar,

- the Vishnu temple,

- the Mahadev temple,

- the Ratna temple,

- and the Gorkha museum.

Accommodation: Guest House.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 21. DRIVE TO KATHMANDU | REST DAY

Today, you will have some free time to relax or do some shopping.

In the evening, in Kathmandu, we will have our farewell dinner at a local restaurant, where you will also enjoy a Nepali cultural dance show.

Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner.

Day 22. DEPARTURE

After a fun-filled trip, our journey ends. We hope you thoroughly enjoyed your trip. We will take you to the Tribhuvan International Airport. If you have time and would like to extend your stay in Nepal, we would be happy to offer our recommendations.

Meals: Breakfast.

This package can be extended or customized upon request.

What’s included

Pre-departure support.
Airport Pick-up & Drop-off.
Experienced and government licensed English speaking guide.
Accommodation (21 nights): 5 nights in Kathmandu, 1 night in Janakpur, 2 nights in Koshi Tappu, 2 nights in Chitwan, 2 nights in Lumbini, 2 nights in Tansen, 3 nights in Pokhara, 1 night in Jomsom, 2 nights in Kagbeni and 1 night in Gorkha.
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan).
All ground transportation during the tour (private vehicle).
Domestic flights: Kathmandu to Janakpur / Biratnagar to Kathmandu / Pokhara to Jomsom / Jomsom to Pokhara.
Sightseeing tours and activities as mentioned in the itinerary.
Entrance fees.
Conservation permits and National Park entrance fees.
First aid kits.
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
All government taxes, VAT and service charges.