This comprehensive tour offers a complete picture of Nepal's glorious heritage. You discover the exotic cultural melting pot that is the Kathmandu Valley, fall under the magical spell of the beautiful summits of the Annapurna Himal, towering 8,000m above the Pokhara valley, and explore the rich flora & fauna of the Royal Chitwan National Park on an exhilarating wildlife safari.
After exploring the shrines and bazaars of Kathmandu, you take a scenic flight to the enchanting valley of Pokhara. The snow-clad summits of the Annapurna Himal rise spectacularly high above the valley's lakes and waterfalls; you enjoy the dawn panorama from the vantage point of Sarangkot. From Pokhara, you drive down to the lowland jungles of Chitwan for an exciting wildlife safari. Staying in comfortable resorts in the heart of the jungle, you explore the wild on elephant-back, on canoes, and on foot, accompanied by experienced naturalists and guides. Upon your return to Kathmandu, you visit the fabled medieval town of Bhaktapur. You may conclude your trip with the famous mountain flight along the Central Nepal Himalaya to Everest.
Trip Profile
- Duration: 11 days
- Grade: Easy
- Daily activity: 5-6hrs
- Max. Altitude: 2400m
- Best Seasons: Spring/ Autumn
- Tour Style: Hotel based
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300 m) & transfer to hotel
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport, you will be greeted by Abha Travel & Tours representative and transferred to hotel. After check in, you can either take a rest or hang around in the city depending on your interest and time constraint. In the evening, there will be a pre-trip discussion, introducing with your Tour guide. You will have an opportunity to ask any questions related to the tour program.
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing
Today after breakfast, we start a guided sightseeing to historical and spiritual sites in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites that include the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath) and Buddhists shrine (Buddhanath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world.
Day 03: Patan & Bhaktapur Sightseeing
After breakfast we drive you to Patan to explore different cultural, religious and historical places such as Patan Durbar Square, Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor temple, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple and many other places .You feel as if Patan is an open museum showcasing intricately carved windows, intrinsic roof struts, statues of gods and goddesses, temples designed in pagoda style with erotic carvings and repoussé metalwork facades and many other exquisite facets. You will also get to see handicraft centre in Patan .After Patan we continue drive to Bhaktapur where you visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Lion Gate, Golden Gate, Art Gallery, Statue of King Bhupatindra, Nyatapola Temple and fifty-five windowed Malla Palace. Here you will find unique culture and finest display of craftsmanship. Then we drive you to Nagarkot for overnight stay.
Day 04: Sunrise View at Nagarkot/Rafting on river Trisuli & Drive to Pokhara
You wake up early in the morning to view nature at its best, as the most heavenly sight of sunrise rejuvenates your senses. You spend your day amidst the natural surroundings at Nagarkot. After breakfast we drive to rafting starting point on the river Trisuli, where our rafting guide briefs on river rafting activity and safety before you start your 3-hour long rafting adventure. After completing rafting you will drive to Manakamana where you ride the cable car from Kuringhat to reach the shrine taking in the spectacular scenery along the way. Back to Kurintar and continue drive to Pokhara. Overnight stay in hotel
Day 05: Pokhara Sightseeing
After breakfast, city tour in Pokhara which covers all major places of tourist interest such as Devi’s Fall (Natural Water Fall), Gupteshwor Cave, Barahi Temple,Mahendra Cave and visit Mahendra Pul to view the underground Seti River and International Mountain Museum. Boating on Fewa Lake for one hour in the afternoon. Transfer to Hotel for overnight stay.
Day 06: Drive to Lumbini, Lunch at Palpa en route.
After breakfast we drive to Lumbini. It is 270 km from Pokhara & takes 7 - 8 hrs drive. Lumbini is located in the south-central Terai of Nepal, situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. Lumbini is the most sacred and important Buddhists pilgrimage destination in Nepal where Lord Buddha was born in 623 B.C. Overnight at hotel in Lumbini.
Day 07: Lumbini Sightseeing
After breakfast you will visit the Lumbini Garden where various Bodh Vihars are built by different countries. The site, described as a beautiful garden in the Buddha’s time still retain its legendary charm and beauty. The major attractions of Lumbini are the Sacred Garden, Maya Devi Temple, Puskani Pond, Ashokan Pillar, Buddha Temple and the Lumbini Museum. Lumbini is also listed in the World Heritage Sites. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08: Drive Lumbini to Chitwan
Drive to Chitwan. It is 180 Km from Lumbini & 05 hours drive. Chitwan is renowned for being Asia's most popular wildlife reserves. Its 360 square miles of tall grasslands and forests are home to a wide variety of mammals and birds, including several endangered species. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09: Full day Safari activities
You will explore the park accompanied by a nature guide on elephant back, in dugout canoes, on foot or in a vehicle. Today your full day will be spent on trips into the jungle on elephant back, jungle walks, bird watching and, on a canoe trip on the Rapti River you will have a chance to see crocodiles in the river bank. Or, if you prefer, you can stay at the lodge and just relax.
Day 10: Drive back to Kathmandu
On arrival in Kathmandu you will transfer to your hotel and the rest of the day is free to relax or explore the market for some last minute shopping.
Day 11: Final departure
Today our airport representative will make a departure transfer to the Kathmandu airport to board international flight for your onward destination.