Sights and Sounds of Nepal

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Sights and Sounds of Nepal encompasses some of the best sites in Nepal, whether you’re exploring the exotic capital of Kathmandu, discovering Pokhara beneath awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks, or viewing the Annapurna Range up close from Ghandruk without much trekking or riding elephants through Chitwan National Park in search of big game, this journey has something for everyone.

Nestled across the backdrop of the Himalayas, Nepal is a diverse country hosting the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger; picture-perfect Pokhara to a few of the world’s highest peaks. At the heart of Nepal is enchanting the Kathmandu valley, almost a portal into medieval Nepal with its own cultural identity.

  • Itinerary
  • Trip Details
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  • Packing List
  • Gallery
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Day 01: Arrival: Kathmandu

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport; met by our representatives and transferred to the hotel.

Free for the rest of the day.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 02: Full Day Sightseeing

In the morning, explore Kathmandu Valley. Visit the ancient Bhaktapur Durbar Square and a peek into Nepal’s rich history and a visit to Boudha Stupa, another UNESCO World Heritage.

Bhaktapur is filled with monuments, most terra-cotta with carved wood columns, palaces, and temples with elaborate carvings, gilded roofs, and open courtyards. The city is dotted with pagodas and religious shrines.

Boudhanath Stupa is the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. It is the center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu and rich in Buddhist symbolism. The stupa is located on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 03:  Fly to Pokhara

After breakfast transfer to the domestic airport and catch the flight to Pokhara Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Visit The Peace Pagoda, and Boat ride in the Phewa lake.

The Peace Pagoda is a popular destination southwest of Pokhara, situated at an altitude of almost 1000 meters. Visitors can enjoy views of the Himalayan peaks, as well as Phewa Lake and Sarangkot Mountain.

Phewa lake is the second largest lake of Nepal and the largest lake of Pokhara valley. The lake is surrounded by Sarangkot and Kaskikot hills on the northern side. In the middle of the lake on a small island, there is a temple of Barahi. One can also get a great view of Mt. Macchapucchre from Phewa Lake.

Day 04:  Pokhara to Ghandruk (1,940m)

Breakfast, then board the vehicle to drive towards Nayapool and then to Ghandruk. Approximately 20 minutes steep climb awaits us before we reach the picturesque village of Ghandruk.

Ghandruk is a large Gurung village in the Annapurna region in Nepal. Relax for the day. Feel free to explore the neighborhood.

Dinner and Overnight: Lodge

Drive Duration: 2 ½ – 3 hours           

 Day 05:  Drive: Ghandruk to Pokhara

Wake up early before dawn and watch the glory of the Annapurna Range at close quarters in hues of orange and gold.

After breakfast, board the vehicle and drive to Pokhara.

Day 06:  Drive: Pokhara  to Chitwan

After breakfast, board the vehicle and drive to Chitwan National Park.

Upon arrival check into the hotel.

Jeep Safari, Bird watching, nature walk, Elephant Safari, and Crocodile Breeding center are the activities one will be doing in Chitwan.

Drive duration: 4 ½  – 5 hours

O/N at Hotel / Lodge / Resort.

Day 07:  Jungle Activities in Chitwan

A full day activity of Jeep Safari, Bird watching, nature walk, Elephant Safari, and Crocodile Breeding center are the activities one will be doing in Chitwan.

* The above activity will be paced out in two days stay.

O/N at Hotel / Lodge / Resort.

Day 08:  Fly back to Kathmandu

After breakfast transfer to Bharatpur Airport and catch the flight back to Kathmandu.

Upon arrival met, assisted and transferred to the hotel.

Rest of the day is free to rest and relax.

Drive duration: 40 Min (to the airport). Flight duration: 20 min

O/N at Hotel

Day 09:  Sightseeing in Kathmandu

After breakfast Patan Durbar Square, and Shyambunath Stupa

Patan Durbar Square is one of the major seats of historic Malla Kings. The Square and its periphery are adorned with intricate artwork which is an amalgamation of Buddhist and Hindu traditions and is a marvel of Newar architecture.

Shyambunath Stupa is one of the oldest Buddhist monuments of the valley.  Swayambhu, also called a Monkey Temple, is UNESCO World Heritage site and an iconographic example for both Buddhist and Hindu. The gleaming white dome soaring atop a hill is capped by a gilded spire painted with the eyes of Lord Buddha overlooking the Kathmandu valley in all the directions. Devotees are seen making a ritual circumnavigating of the base of the hill, spinning the prayer wheels.

O/N at Hotel

Day 10:  Final Departure

Free for final minute packing and shopping until transfer to the airport for final departure.

** End of Arrangements**

Note: Please bear in mind that all Trek and Drive duration are approximate times.

 

Best Period February to May, Oct to December
Total Duration 8 Nights/ 9 Days
In Kathmandu 4 Nights
Flights Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu
Accommodation Hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara
Kathmandu Valley Visit Hindu & Buddhist World Heritage Sites
National Park Annapurna Conservation Area (7,629 km2)
Mountains Machapuchare, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal, Annapurna II, Annapurna South
Villages Ghandruk
Tribes Mostly Gurung and Thakalis
Forests Subtropical Forests, of Magnolia and rhododendron
Landscapes Varying from temperate to snow-clad mountains.

 

  • All transfer to and from the International and Domestic Airport in a private deluxe A/C vehicle accompanied by an English speaking representative.
  • 04 Nights at a hotel in Kathmandu (of the above category choices) on Bed and Breakfast Basis and inclusive of all applicable Govt. taxes.
  • Sightseeing as per itinerary in Kathmandu in a private vehicle accompanied by an English speaking guide.
  • All monumental sightseeing fees as applicable for the sightseeing
  • Airfare for the sector Kathmandu / Pokhara/ Bharatpur(Chitwan)
  • Staff Ratio: 01 English speaking guide, 1 porter for every 02 clients, 01 assistant guide for every 04 clients
  • All insurance for the Nepali staffs
  • International Airfare.
  • Personal trek equipment’s like sleeping bag, duffel bag, etc.
  • Drinking water on trek (payable directly)
  • Hot showers and charging of batteries of mobile/camera etc. (payable directly during Trek)
  • Items of a personal nature such as bar bills telephone calls, laundry, extra mileage and any extra costs incurred due to natural calamities, flight delays, etc.
  • Personal insurance and medical expenses.
  • Liability for or against theft, loss of goods, injury, accidents, loss of life, etc.
  • Personal medications
  • Any rescue costs (helicopter evacuation /using horse etc.)
  • Permit fees if using personal satellite phones or other communication devices or if filming is done.
  • Extra Baggage weight (* maximum weight limit is 15 Kilograms per person. This includes the day pack)
  • Tips to Nepali staffs
  • Nepal Visa fees upon arrival in Kathmandu @ USD $ 40.00 per person.
  • Meals (Lunch and Dinner) in during the guests’ stay in Kathmandu and other cities except during Trek
  • Expenses arising due to cancellation of flights, strikes, etc or any unforeseen uncertainties beyond the control of TravelPal Nepal Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd.
  • Personal travel /medical/ cancellation/ rescue insurance.

 (Please get comprehensive medical insurance/ accidental insurance and should include evacuation by helicopter due to any emergencies that may arise)

  • Costs associated (Accommodation/ Meals/ Flights/ Logistics) with the trip finishing early or departure before the scheduled date due to any reason or) with extending a trip due to bad weather or other circumstances.
  • Costs associated with filming. (Special permits are required for this)
  • Any item not mentioned in the above “The cost includes”.

Any extra luggage not needed on the trek can be left at the hotel in Kathmandu during your expedition.

PACKING SYSTEM You will need to carry a daypack. Other luggage will be carried by porters. We recommend you pack your items in a durable and large backpack/ duffel bag including your sleeping bags.
CARRIED BAG WEIGHT LIMIT 15 kg
VALID PASSPORT Your passport must be valid for 6 months after your arrival date in Nepal.
MEDICAL INSURANCE CARD Should anything happen, we can get you the care you need
REQUIRED VACCINATIONS It is important to receive required (or recommended) vaccinations before traveling abroad.

TREKKING GEAR

  1. Change of clothes for Kathmandu (to be kept in storage during the expedition)
  2. Medium/Heavyweight down jacket
  3. Fleece jacket or vest (1)
  4. Synthetic hiking pants (1)
  5. Rain Jacket
  6. Synthetic long underwear (top and bottom)
  7. Synthetic T-shirt
  8. Wool or synthetic hat
  9. Gloves
  10. Waterproof hiking boots
  11. Nylon-wool blend socks (2-3)
  12. Sandals/crocs/old sneakers (for walking around the lodges/restrooms in the evening)
  13. Day pack
  14. Water bottle
  15. Headlamp
  16. Sunscreen
  17. Sunglasses
  18. Quick-dry towel
  19. Personal toiletries and medicine
  20. Sleeping bag w/ 0º F rating
  21. Toilet paper in a zip lock bag
  22. Extra zip lock bags for toilet paper waste on the trail
  23. Hand sanitizer

DOCUMENTS & LOGISTICS

  1. International flight booked and confirmed to Kathmandu
  2. Flight Information submitted
  3. Valid Passport and Visa
  4. Photocopy of passport
  5. Two (2) passport-sized photos for trekking permits
  6. US Currency for 15 or 30-day Nepali Tourist Visa
  7. Medical insurance card
  8. Cash for Tipping Guides, buying souvenirs, incidental costs, etc.

OTHERS (optional)

  1. Reading material for the trail
  2. OTC medications (Advil, Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, etc.)
  3. Some travelers choose to use prescriptions such as Diamox to treat altitude sickness. We recommend talking to your doctor about the use of any prescription medicine.
  4. Guidebooks
  5. Camera
  6. Trekking poles
  7. Bandana or buff (for dust and wind)
  8. Energy bars
  9. Outlet Adapter (available to purchase in Kathmandu)
  10. Zip-lock bags for waterproofing passport and other valuables
  11. Wet wipes

Trip Fact

  • Best Period: Feb to May – Oct to Dec
  • Total Duration: 8 Nights/ 9 Days
  • Trek Duration: 20 min
  • Max. Altitude: 1,940 m (6,365 ft)

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