Kathmandu & Chitwan 6N-7D
GLIMPSE OF NEPAL
Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked sovereign state located in South Asia. It is located in the Himalayas and is bordered to the north by the People’s Republic of China and to the south, east and west by the Republic of India. With an area of 147,181 square kilometres (56,827 square miles) and a population of approximately 30 million, Nepal is the 93rd largest country in the world by landmass and the 41st most populous country. Kathmandu is the capital of the country and the largest metropolis in the country.
You can take a close look at how beautifully sculpted and carved the Hindu temples and shrines in the Kathmandu Valley, its colourful bazaars, and the eclectic atmosphere that covers it are. The exquisite calligraphy and carvings of incredible works of art, the skill of the painters and artists who created murals and images can be seen up close in every corner of Kathmandu.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu
Welcome to Nepal.
Namaste!!!
On arrival in Kathmandu: Having cleared immigration, collected your luggage and passed through customs, please make your way towards the exit of the terminal building where you will see a bank of people waiting. Amongst them will be an Office Representative who will be waiting to greet you with a paging board.
Welcome to Nepal.
Kathmandu the capital of Nepal situated in a valley, approximately at altitude of 4,600 ft. The city is the gateway to Nepal Tourism and the centre of the country’s economy. Its history dates back to over 2000 years ago and it was the ancient trade route between India and Tibet, which originated a fusion of artistic and architectural traditions of other cultures that can be witnessed even today.
Upon Arrival transfer to hotel for check in.
Overnight is at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Kathmandu city tour
Breakfast is at hotel.
Today we start the day with visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square,
Kathmandu Durbar Square is located in the heart of the old city Kathmandu. Once residence of Nepal’s royal family it has numerous ancient shrines and temples in and around the premises. The place is decorated with wooden carving and rich architecture and history. All around the splendor of historical monuments is the hustle & bustle of the market place. Vegetable vendors, trees of flutes, salesmen with their wares displayed on their person, souvenir hawkers, and street shop selling imported goods and tucked away in a quiet corner the glittering bead market for custom made bead necklaces.
A few steps away is the Temple of the Living Goddess, from where you can see the Kumari in one of the open windows that overlook the inner courtyard.
Later visit Patan, city of fine arts.
Patan is better known as "The city of a thousand golden roofs." Once separated from the capital, Patan and Kathmandu are now separated only by a bridge over the Bagmati River. The city of Patan has recovered its label of origin "Lalitpur". The historic heart of the city is entangled with narrow streets and theatrical decoration: brick houses with carved wooden balconies and bronze decorations, patios and backyards that house oratories, temples, etc. The city is famous throughout the country for its tradition of blacksmithing and goldsmithing. Artisans model effigies of the divinities of the Hindu and Buddhist pantheons.
Many stupas, chaytyas and bahals (ancient Buddhist monasteries) attest to the long history of Buddhism in the city that remains today a Bastion of Newars Buddhism in the Kathmandu Valley. The four stupas, erected in the four cardinal points, originally defined the city. They were erected during the reign of Emperor Ashoka some 250 years before our era.
In the late afternoon, visit Swoyambhunath,
Swoyambhunathis also known as ‘Monkey Temple’ among the tourist visitors. Swoyambhu which means ‘self- existent one’ dates back to 460 A.D. and said to be over 2,000 years old. Resting on hillock commands a superb view of the valley below. The four side of this ancient structure are painted with the compassionate eyes of Buddha. Between the eyes is a mystical third eye symbolizing true wisdom. The nose, appearing as an incomplete question mark, is the Nepalese number of one, a symbol of unity. The place perhaps the best place to observe the religious harmony of Hindu and Buddhist. The stupa is highlighted in the morning and evening by devotees who walk around the stupa clock wide spinning the prayer wheels and chanting prayer.
Here, we also see the Kathmandu valley from this hilltop. Later, we can see the different Swoyambhunath with the in lights at night.
Later, drive back to the hotel.
Overnight is at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Kathmandu City Tour
Breakfast is at hotel.
Drive towards Boudhanath for sightseeing.
Boudhanath which is possibly the world's largest Buddhist stupa (temple) and a site of great veneration for Buddhists. Around the stupa a number of monasteries have sprung up number of the different sects of Tibetan Buddhism including one (on the west side of the stupa) that houses an enormous seated statue of Maitreya Buddha splendidly adorned. The Stupa is located in the area of ancient trade route to Tibet where Tibetan merchants rested and offered prayers for many centuries. When refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many decided to live around Boudhanath.
Hence, a complete township has developed around Bouddhanath. The stupa is said to entomb the remains of a Kasyap sage venerable both to Buddhists and Hindus. Smaller Stupas are located at the base. Gompa monasteries, curio shops, and restaurants surround Bouddhanath.
Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square,
Bhaktapur is located about 20 km east of Kathmandu and drive around 30 min. Bhaktapur is another Newar city founded in the 9th century. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is located in the center of Bhaktapur. The Square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the Valley as it highlights some of the finest medieval arts of Nepal.
The main items of interest in Bhaktapur Durbar Square are the Lion Gate, the Golden Gate and the statues of kings on stone monoliths. The Golden Gate was erected by King Ranjit Malla as the entrance to the main courtyard of the Fifty-five Windowed Palace. The Palace of Fifty-five Windows was built during the reign of King Yakshya Malla in A.D. 1427 and was remodeled by King Bhupatindra Malla in the 17th Century. Bhaktapur Durbar (Royal) Square was added to the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1979.
Later, visit Pashupatinath.
strong>Pashupatinath, situated on the banks of River Bagmati around 8 km from the city, is one of the holiest Hindu shrines. The Pasupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. It is not known for certain when Pashupatinath Temple was founded.
According to Nepal Mahatmaya and Himvatkhanda, the deity here gained great fame there as Pasupati, the Lord of the Animals. Pasupatinath Temple's existence dates back to 400 A.D. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga or holy symbol of Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to pay homage to this temple that is also known as 'The Temple of Living Beings presiding deity here is Shiva, who is worshipped in the form of the lingam. However, only Hindus are allowed inside.
In the evening, witness the Aarati ceremony
One of the most mesmerizing rituals at Pashupatinath Temple is the Pashupati Bagmati Aarati. Bagmati is the holy river that flows through the temple. The river divides the temple into two sides, with the main Pashupatinath Temple being on one side and the location of this Aarati on the other.
Later, drive back to hotel.
Overnight is at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 04: Kathmandu - Chitwan
Breakfast is at hotel.
Drive towards Chitwan [180kms/ 05 – 06hrs approx]
Chitwan National Park today stands as a successful testimony of nature conservation in South Asia. This is the first national park of Nepal established in 1973 to preserve a unique ecosystem significantly valuable to the whole world. The park covering a pristine area of 932 sq. km is situated in the subtropical inner Terai lowlands of southern central part of Nepal. There are more than 43 species of mammals in the park. The park is especially renowned for the protection of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, tiger, gharial Crocodile along with many other common species of wild animals. The estimated population of endangered species of animals such as gaur, wild elephant, four horned antelopes, striped hyena, pangolin, gangetic dolphin, monitor lizard and python, chital, hog deer, barking deer, sloth, palm civet, wild dog, langur, rhesus monkey, etc.
Lunch is served at the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure or visit to the nearby Tharu village.
In the late afternoon, visit the local Tharu village to learn more about their lifestyle, culture, religion, etc. Tharu are the oldest tribes in this region and have more than 100 years of history. It is also called people immune to malaria since they are only tribes that survived in this area when it was maltreated by malaria before it was eradicated in the 1960s. The Tharu villages are characterized by homes made of locally sourced materials, usually bamboo plastered with mud and decorated with colorful handprints. While this community was isolated for decades, and lived off the forest, most of them are now into agriculture, fishing, and cattle rearing.
Evening: Slide presentation, one of our jungle experts will introduce background data and history of the Royal Chitwan National Park as well as some other topics relating to wildlife. Your questions are most welcome.
Dinner & overnight is at Chitwan.
Day 05: Chitwan (Jungle Activities)
Breakfast is at hotel.
In the morning, experience the most exciting activity in Chitwan - Jeep Safari. Enjoy Jeep safari, an unusual program, beginning as a jeep safari with an experienced driver at the wheel and an expert naturalist leading you deep inside the forests on motor able tracks, exploring the mystery and magic of the jungle from the comfort of your seat.
This exciting activity lasts from 3 hrs. Up to 4 hrs. in search of wild animals such as several types of deer (spotted dear, barking dear, hug dear), monkeys, wild boar, sloth bear, Hyena, leopard and, if lucky, the Royal Bengal tiger. Apart from the wild animals, we would visit deep inside the national park where the Naturist would brief you about the forest and its types, trees and its species, different species of birds etc.
(***Jeep safari inside the national park is not possible during monsoon period if the driving trail is damaged. In this case, we will provide jeep safari in the community forest)
Then, we have elephant briefing program, where the naturalist will brief you about the elephants, how they treat them and its differentiation with the African ones. You can also feed the elephant.
Back to hotel for lunch and free time to relax.
In the afternoon, canoe ride at Rapti River
Start boating in a traditional patela boat for about 45 minutes which takes you on a silent trip down the Rapti River to view aquatic birds, crocodiles, Gharials and the animals of the river banks. After boating walk back to the resort. Note: For those not interested to walk, there is a provision for vehicle to drive back to the resort.
In the evening, Tharu Stick dance: Farmers of the nearby villages will show some of their traditional skills and dances.
Dinner will be served at the central dining hall.
Dinner & overnight is at hotel in Chitwan.
Day 06: Chitwan - Kathmandu
Breakfast is at hotel.
Drive towards Kathmandu. [180 kms / 06 hrs. approx.]
The drives in Nepal are scenic, landscapes and the highway run near the river at many places which makes it even more beautiful and pleasant. The roads are not necessarily the best in the world as it’s a mountainous country hence we tend to take it slow, few stops in between at suspension bridge for photographs or to a local village for a small interaction experience with the locals.
Upon arrival check in at hotel. Overnight is at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 07: Departure
Breakfast is at hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.