DAY 01: ARRIVE KATHMANDU
Our representative will meet you in the arrival area of the airport after you clear all immigration and custom formalities and greets you by offering a *Mala” (a traditional ceremonial scarf common Hinduism culture, it symbolizes the purity and compassion). Overnight in Kathmandu
DAY 02: FULL DAY KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING (BREAKFAST)
Breakfast at Hotel, after breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour to Bhoddhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square & Swyambhunath Stupa known as Monkey Temple.
Boudhanath Stupa: On the outskirt of Kathmandu lies one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. This ancient stupa of Boudhanath, on top of a massive mandala, probably is one of the largest in the world. There are over 50 monasteries around it and it was included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. It is built on the ages old trade route from Tibet to enter the Kathmandu Valley. Under the wise eyes of Buddha gazing out from the gilded central tower seems to be watching over thousands of pilgrims gather daily to make a kora (ritual circumnavigation) of the dome. In the evening the whole place lights up with butter lamps and the wafting smell of sage gives a calming effect. The stupa is surrounded by building and monasteries. The plaza surrounding the stupa is open for people of all religion. Tibetan monks, elderly, along with other devotees can be seen spinning prayer wheels, chanting mantras, or just strolling in silence around the monument. The Stupa was damaged during the earthquake but has already been reconstructed and opens for tourists from November 2016.
Pashupatinath: Located on the banks of Bagmati River is the sacred Pashupati Temple. Pashupati is a manifestation of Shiva and means ‘The Lord of Animal’. This temple has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The temple premise consists of temples, ashrams, idols, and inscription added over centuries. The temple is the ultimate destination for devotees during the Maha Shivaratri Festival, where a crowd of thousands gathers to pay homage to Lord Shiva. The main temple within the complex is of pagoda shape with golden roof and silver doors on all the four sides of the temple. Inside the temple is a Shiva linga with four faces of Shiva, with four different names and significance. Pashupati area is regarded as one of the most important places of pilgrimages for Hindus. Thousands of devotees from all around the world come to Pashupatinath every day. The temple is barred to non-Hindus, but one can get a good view of the temple from the opposite bank of the river. Every evening aarti (light offering) to Lord Shiva is performed which can be observed from across the river. The view of Arya Ghat (cremation ground only for Hindu) is also possible from the spot.
Swayambhunath Stupa: Perched on top of a conical hill is a white dome with glittering golden spire is visible from all sides of the valley for many miles. This most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhunath Stupa, is also known as the Monkey Temple. According to the historical records, the stupa is over 2,500 years old. The name of Swayambhunath has been derived from Sanskrit word, Swayam (self), making Swayambhunath the ‘Self-Created One’. The surrounding of the stupa consists a variety of shrines and temples, some dating back to the Licchavi era. The stupa has Buddha’s eyes and eyebrows painted on each side and nose is made out as the number one in Devanagari script. The main stupa can be reached from two access points; a long steep stairway with 365 steps (leading directly to the main platform), and a car road leading to a longer way from the southwest entrance. This stupa too has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Sites list. This place offers an excellent view of the Valley. Though the temples around the stupa had some minor destruction and one of the temples beside the stupa collapsed during the 2016 earthquake, the process of reconstruction is ongoing.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: Durbar, which means palace, is where the kings were once crowned and where they ruled from. Kathmandu has its Durbar Square at its heart; here charm of old town blends well with traditional architecture in a rich cultural backdrop. The entire square was designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The massive complex consists of three main squares, which is home to palaces, temples, and courtyard. South of Basantapur square is a former Royal elephant stable, which today has souvenir stalls and leads to Freak Street (the lane still lives in the former glory of being the ultimate Hippie destination during the Flower Power era). The temple of Living Goddess, Kumari, is also on the southern end. Kumari is a young Shakya girl from Newar community, chosen through an ancient and mystical selection to become the human incarnation of Hindu Goddess, Taleju. If you are lucky, you might get to get a glimpse of Kumar peeking out of an elaborately carved wooden window. The main Durbar Square is the most affected area by the 2015 earthquake. Three main temples of the area, Kasthamandap, Narayan temple, Trilokya Mohan, and Krishna Temple has been completely destroyed, while other have been partially damaged. On the Northeast side, the square consists of Hanuman Dhoka, the main entrance to the old royal palace. The Taleju Bhawani’s temple, the oldest of all the temples is situated in this area. Even though the old royal palace has been partially damaged, restoration process is going on. The Square is slowly making progress to yet again revive its old mystic and glory of being a living museum with finest traditional architectures in the world.
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu
DAY 03: KATHMANDU – POKHARA (900 M) (BY SURFACE: APPROX. 220 KMS / 6-7 HRS) (Breakfast)
Breakfast at Resort, check out and drive to Pokhara which is scenic journey along river side of Trisuli and short visit to Bandipur Village.
Bandipur is the one of Nepal’s most charming town with a living museum of Newari culture, a beautifully preserved village crowning a lofty ridge, its main street lined with traditional row houses. Time seems to have stood still here, although it has taken a lot of effort to preserve this magic while developing the town as a destination. Derelict buildings have been reborn as cafes and lodges, and temples and civic buildings have been pulled back from the edge of ruin. With its attractive 18th-century architecture, pedestrian zone and outdoor dining, it has a distinctly European feel.
Bandipur has retained its age-old cultural attributes – temples, shrines, sacred caves, innumerable festivals, and a Newari architecture that harks back to the Kathmandu Valley of old.
Located on a wide saddle at a height of 1,030 m the surrounding hills of Bandipur are ideal for hiking along trails that take you through tribal villages, verdant forests, and hilltop shrines that once doubled as fortresses.
After lunch drive to Pokhara.
Pokhara is the third largest city in Nepal, located 200km to the west of Kathmandu. Three out of the ten highest mountains in the world, including the renowned Annapurna are within 30 miles of the city, making it Nepal’s top trekking destination. It is an ideal place to relax, take walks in the surrounding hills, or engage in the more energetic pursuits of trekking or white-water rafting.
Free at Leisure with independent activities. Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara
DAY 04: SARANGKOT EXCURSION & CITY TOUR IN POKHARA (Breakfast)
Early morning excursion to Sarangkot to see the Sunrise over the Annapurna Himalaya. After Sunrise View drive back to hotel for breakfast, on the way visit Bindabasini Temple which is the famous Goddess Temple in Pokhara. Breakfast at Hotel.
AM: Proceed for the visit of World Peace Stupa. / Hike to Stupa
World Peace Pagoda a massive Buddhist Stupa is situated on the top of a hill on the southern shore of Phewa Lake. Besides being an impressive sight in itself, the shrine is a great advantage point which offers the spectacular views of the Mountain Ranges, Phewa Lake & Pokhara City.
PM: Sightseeing of Pokhara City
On the way back visit Davis Fall/ Seti George/ Gupteswor Mahadev/ Tibetan Refugee Camp
After lunch drive back to Lakeside enjoy an hour boat ride at Phewa Lake. Relax around and enjoy your independent activities. Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.
DAY 05: POKHARA– KATHMANDU BY SURFACE: APPROX. 20 KMS. / 7-8 HRS (Breakfast & Dinner)
Breakfast at Hotel, Drive back to Kathmandu which you will enjoy the scenery along the way. Check in at hotel. Free & leisure your own time for shopping to Thamel.
Dinner at Local Restaurant with Nepali Cultural Show. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu
DAY 06: DEPART KATHMANDU (Breakfast)
Breakfast at Hotel, Free at Leisure until departure.
*** TOUR END***
Package Cost inclusive of:
Package Exclusive of:
SPECIAL NOTES:
Note:
This program is subject to minor variations / adaptation due to traffic jams, political or religious procession. The organizing agency will not accept any responsibility whatsoever any such change/s, should they occur prior to departure or during the tour
You acknowledge that the nature of travel requires flexibility and will permit reasonable alterations to products, services or itineraries by Romantic Travels & Tours. The route, schedules, accommodations, activities, amenities and mode of transportation are subject to change without notice due to unforeseeable circumstances or events outside our control (including but not limited to Force Majeure, illness, mechanical breakdown, flight cancellations, strikes, political events and entry or border difficulties). No reimbursements, discounts or refunds will be issued for services that are missed or unused after departure due to no fault of the service provider.
HOTEL INCORPORATED
Hub | 3 Star Category | 04 Star Category | No. of Nights |
Kathmandu | Fairfield Marriot or Similar | Aloft or similar | 03 |
Pokhara | Dahlia Boutique hotel or similar | Hotel Barahi or Similar | 02 |
REMARKS
Cancellation Policy: –
Within 35 – 21 Days before Arrival | 25% of the Tour Cost |
Within 21 – 14 Days before Arrival | 40% of the Tour Cost |
Within 12 – 07 Days before Arrival | 50% of the Tour Cost |
In Case of No Show or 96 Hours Prior to Arrival Date | 100% of the Tour Cost |
Per Person Package Costs in MYR :
Category | MYR |
3 Star | 5080 |