Kathmandu & Pokhara 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.
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 – Pokhara
Breakfast is at hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Pokhara [205 kms / 07-08hrs. approx.]
Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of 900m from the sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu valley, the city is known as a centre of adventure. The enchanting town has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic.
Geology of Pokhara got built up almost 12 to 13 thousand years ago because of having huge floods from the bottom of Fishtail Mountain through Seti River as this river is a glacial river origin from the base of fishtail mountain.
Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.
Overnight is at hotel in Pokhara.
Day 05: Pokhara City Tour
Early in the morning, drive to Sarangkot to see the sunrise and magnificent views of Annapurna.
At an altitude of 1592 meters, this mountain is located north of Pokhara overlooking the valley and Fewa Lake. Sarangkot is a beautiful town known for its sunrise, where on a mirrored day you can see an unobstructed view of the Himalayan Mountains in the Annapurna, Dhauligiri, and Fishtail range. The view of the Annapurna Himalayas from Sarangkot is almost a religious experience.
From here you can see a panoramic sweep of the Himalayan peaks, from Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) in the west to the perfect pyramid of Machhapuchhare (6,997 m), the peak of Annapurna II (7,937 m) to Lamjung (6,983 m) in the East. Most people come here at sunrise or sunset, when the sun picks up the peaks, turning them from a purple-pink to a heavenly gold.
Drive back to hotel for breakfast.
Later,visit major places of Pokhara city.
1. Old Bazaar: This place is always regarded as old trading juncture where two traders from two different continents used to get converged to have trade, businesses in between 18th to mid-20th century when Pokhara was having a golden trade era catering as a commercial hub. This has been the reason why this place has got historical significance. Apart from that, we can enjoy the profound residential architecture of Malla Dynasty of Nepal having some old, primitive and traditional residential houses standing out as heritage significance of Pokhara.
2. Devi’s Fall: This is a unique waterfall getting disappeared under ground having very interesting historical background as back in 1960, Swiss couple whose name were Mr. and Mrs. Devi’s happened to be next to waterfalls and decided to swim next to waterfalls but due to sudden flash flood in the river where they were having bath, Mrs. Devi’s had been swept away inside the George of waterfalls and died there instantly. This incident triggered local to give name as Devis fall for the memory of Mrs. Devis.This place also has got Nepalese name as Patale Chango i.e., underground water falls literal translation in English.
3. Gupteshwor Cave: This cave is located close to Davis Fall and is the most famous cave of Nepal. It is also considered as the longest Cave (2950 meters). It is said to be discovered in 16th century, later in 1991 the main entrance of the cave was constructed. There are two chambers with several shrines locate throughout. The largest shrine is dedicated to lord Shiva. There is lighting in the cave that has power back-up but still bringing one’s own head torch is recommended.
In the afternoon, a one-hour boat ride on Lake Fewa.
Phewa Lake: The center of attraction in Pokhara is the Phewa Lake - the second largest lake in the Kingdom. It is the largest and most enchanting of the three lakes that add to the resplendence of Pokhara. Here, one can sail or row a hired boat across to the water or visit the island temple in the middle.
Later, drive back to hotel in Pokhara.
In the evening, take a leisure stroll along the scenic lake, stop at one of the many lakeside cafes, and enjoy the splendid scenery in sight, you may feel the time seems to stand still here.
Overnight is at hotel in Pokhara.
Day 06: Pokhara - Kathmandu
Breakfast is at hotel.
Drive towards Kathmandu. [180 kms / 07-08hrs. 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.