Exotic Nepal

Duration: 09 Nights / 10 Days
Places to Visit: Kathmandu - Dhulikhel – Kathmandu – Pokhara - Chitwan National Park – Kathmandu

Day 01 – Arrive Kathmandu
Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 02 – Kathmandu
After breakfast sightseeing of Kathmandu city, Swayambhunath stupa & Patan city.
Swayambhunath Stupa the Buddhist temple is situated on the top of a hill west of the city, is one of the popular and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. The temple is also known as the monkey temple after the large tribe of monkeys which guards the hill. This huge stupa is surrounded by other famous temples and gompas. The great thunderbolt which is known as vajra is on the edge of the stupa was built during the Malla kings period. On the top of the stupa is a gold-colored square block from which the watchful eyes of the Buddha gaze out across the valley in each direction. The question mark-like nose is actually the Nepali number one is a symbol of unity.
Kathmandu Durbar Square is a world heritage site. It's a complex of places, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th century, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. Kathamandap is one of Kathmandu's oldest buildings. It was constructed 800 years ago. From this ancient edifice Kathmandu derives its name. Basantapur is residential place of Living Virgin Goddess Kumari, where girl is chosen to be Living Goddess.
Patan City: Patan is separated form Kathmandu only by the Bagmati River and is the second largest town in the valley. It is also known as Lalitpur, which means city of beauty. Patan has a long Buddhist history and have stupas at four corners. Like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square is also packed with temples. Most of these temples are built during the Malla kings period. As in Kathmandu, Patan also has an old royal palace built during the Malla kings period. There is a stone column holding up a statue of Sidhinarsimha Malla, King of Patan. Remarkable monument here is the 17th century temple of Krishna Temple dedicated to the Hindu God Krishna, entirely built on stone. Golden Temple is a Buddhist monastery with wall painting, 14th century statues and ancient scriptures. Mahabouddha, the 14th century Buddhist monument is an excellent example of terra cotta art form.

Day 03 – Kathmandu
After breakfast sightseeing of Pasupatinath temple, Boudhanath stupa & Bhaktapur city. Boudhanath Stupa was constructed in 5 c. AD. Boudhanath is one of the largest stupa in the world and the largest in Nepal.(It looms 36m high and 100m in diameter). It is surrounded with prayer wheels that content religious texts. There are many Tibetian Buddhist monasteries in vicinity of stupa.
Pashupati Nath: Pashupati Temple is is one of the most important and world renowned Hindu temple stands on the banks of Bagmati River, between the airport and Boudha. This Shiva temple on the subcontinent draws numerous Devotees, sadhus and holy men from all around the world. Lord Shiva is known as the destroyer and creator of the Hindu religion and appears on many forms. Although Shiva is often bloodthirsty god, no animal sacrifices are made here. Outside the temple you will see numerous people selling flowers, incense and other offering materials. In-front of the temple there is a bull known as Nandi facing towards the temple. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple and you are not allowed to take photographs of the Lord shiva inside the temple. Bagmati River Bank on the side of Pashupati, is also a popular place for cremation. Just beside this temple lies Guheyeshwari temple.
Bhaktapur is also known as Bhadgaon or the city of Devotees, is the third major town of the Kathmandu Valley. Bhaktapur was the capital of the whole valley during the 14th to 16th century. Much of the town's great architecture dates from the end of 17th century. This town is also well known as Newari Architecture town. Bhaktapur rises upon the northern bank of Hanumante River. Bhaktapur Durbar Square (World Heritage Site) the place of the famous Lion's and Golden gates, the palace of 55 windows (12th century) the magnificent Chowkot Palace and Bell of Barking Dogs. The Nyatapola Temple (17th century) stairway leading to the temple is flanked by stone figures of deities and mythical beasts, each 10 times more powerful than the one immediately below. The Dattatreya Temple located nearby is dedicated to the three headed combination of the Hindu deties Brahma, Bishnu and Shiva.

Day 04 – Kathmandu – Dhulikhel
In the morning leave for the mountain resort of Dhulikhel.
On the skirts the southern side of Bhaktapur, down to Banepa, towards the Tibetan border is a hill station called Dhilikhel. It is also famous for the short treks. Its population is Newar, although there are people of many other groups in the surrounding villages. This place was gathering point of hippies who even planned to build their own temple here. This place is also surrounded by Harisiddhi temple, Vishnu Temple, Krishna Temple and Bhagwati Temple, Shiva Temple and Famous Kali temple. People often spend the night in one of the lodges here to witness the sun set and sun rise. It is about an hours drive from Kathmandu. The view of Mount Everest from the resort is breath taking.

Day 05 – Dhulikhel – Kathmandu – Pokhara
Return to Kathmandu after a short trekking tour down hill to visit the newari villages around Dhulikhel. Reach Kathmandu and transfer to the airport for your flight to Pokhara in the Annapurna chain of mountains. The flight is awe inspiring. Upon arrival at Pokhara airport transfer to your hotel.

Day 06 – Pokhara
After breakfast at your hotel leave for a short city tour including a boat ride on Phewa lake where from you have the best view of the Fish Tail Mountain (Machcha pucherey). Visit the temple in the middle of the lake to pay obeisance to goddess Kali.

Day 07 – Pokhara – Chitwan National Park
In the morning transfer by road to Chitwan National Park to view Tigers.
Reach by early noon and in the afternoon nature walk to acquaint you with the jungle life here in Nepal.

Day 08 – Chitwan National Park
Full day reserved for game viewing inside the park.
Chitwan is popularly know for Royal Chitwan National Park. Here you will find some of the most exciting safari destinations in the world. You will be going into deep jungle on elephant back or four-wheel drive vehicle to view wild animals in their natural habitat. Other thrills are canoe rides on the jungle rivers, nature walks, bird watching excursions, and village tours. Among the 14 national parks and wildlife reserves in the Kingdom, the Royal Chitwan National Park (932 sq km) is the most popular safari destination. More than 43 species of animals are found in Chitwan. The endangered one-homed rhino, Royal Bengal tiger, Gharial crocodile, four-horned antelope, striped hyena, and the Gangetic dolphin are the main attractions here. The best part is that it is close to Kathmandu and easily accessible.

Day 09 – Chitwan National Park – Kathmandu
Return to Kathmandu and relax for the day.

Day 10 – Kathmandu – next destination
Free time to relax. In time transfer to the international airport for your flight back home.