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.
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. |
(Please get comprehensive medical insurance/ accidental insurance and should include evacuation by helicopter due to any emergencies that may arise)
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 |
|
DOCUMENTS & LOGISTICS |
|
OTHERS (optional) |
|