| Day 1
Kathmandu
Arrive Kathmandu. Evening sightseeing of Patan City. The ancient city
of Patan is situated on the southern bank of the river Bagmati and is
about 5 kms Southeast of Kathmandu. The city is full of Buddhist monuments
& Hindu temples. It is also known as the city of artists. Lalitpur,
"the city of beauty", is another name for Patan.
Day 2
Kathmandu
AM - Morning sightseeing of Changu Narayan. This is the most ancient temple
in the Kathmandu valley. A fifth century stone inscription, the oldest
to be discovered in Nepal, is located in the temple compound. The temple,
built around the third century, is decorated by some of the best samples
of stone, wood and metal craft in the Valley.
PM - visit Pashupatinath, the holiest Hindu pilgrimage
destination in Nepal. There are linga images of Shiva along with statues,
shrines and temples dedicated to other deities in the complex. Boudhnath
is among the largest stupas in South Asia & it has become the focal
point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The white mound looms 36 meters overhead.
Day 3
Kathmandu-Pokhara
Transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara by private vehicle.
Day 4
Pokhara
Visit the beautiful Lake Phewa Tal, which is the second largest lake in
the kingdom.
Day 5
Pokhara - Royal Chitwan National Park
Pick up from Pokhara after breakfast and drive to the Lodge, where lunch
will be served upon arrival. Safari Narayani Lodge is strategically located
on an elevated bluff that overlooks the Rapti River and the National Park
beyond. Later in the afternoon, you will proceed to the elephant stable
for your first encounter with them. A briefing on elephants will be held,
giving you information about these lovely animals. Thereafter, visit an
ethnic Tharus Village. The surrounding farmland and villages have a pulse
of their own, giving them a sense of timelessness.
Day 6
Royal Chitwan National Park
Morning: Wake up call at dawn, timing will vary depending on the season.
Elephant ride in the Lamital area of the Royal Chitwan National Park.
After breakfast a ride on a traditional dugout canoe from the Lodge to
the Gharial project. From the Gharial project walk through the jungle
back to the lodge. A trained naturalist and a tracer will accompany you.
Afternoon: Depending upon the season, an elephant bathing
demonstration will be held in the Rapti river, and you are most welcome
to join in giving the elephants a scrub. Later, you will proceed for your
second elephant ride in search of animals, reptiles, birds and other denizens
of the jungle. Overnight.
Day 7
Royal Chitwan National Park-Kathmandu
Drive back to Kathmandu.
PM - Sightseeing of Swyambhunath. The history of the
Kathmandu valley, according to the legends, begins with Swayambhu, or
the "the self existent". Swayambhu is, perhaps, the best place
to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. The stupa is among the most
ancient in this part of the world.
Day 8
Kathmandu
AM - excursion to Dhulikhel. Visit Dhulikhel Village.
PM - walk down to Panuti. This downhill walk over cultivated fields and
villages is a good way of seeing the Kathmandu countryside. After sightseeing
of Panuti, drive back to Kathmandu.
Day 9
Kathmandu
AM - excursion to Bhaktapur. This 'city of devotees' is also known as
Bhadgaon. The palace complex in the middle of the city portrays the prosperity
of the Malla years and the detail with which the craftspeople then worked.
The palace of fifty-five windows stands in the square and it was home
to many kings of Bhaktapur. It is perhaps the most popular of the three
Newar towns of the Kathmandu Valley. Evening at leisure.
Day 10
Kathmandu
Transfer to Kathmandu airport for return flight.
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