Day 1 Arrival and Travel to Bhaktapur Your adventure begins as you land in Kathmandu. Once you've collected your luggage, it is out the door where you meet your guide. The journey from Kathmandu to the ancient kingdom of Bhaktapur where we will explore this ancient city so close to the Nepali capital. Bhaktapur, also known as City of Devotees, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is called the City of Devotees due to an abundance of temples in this region. It is a crafty place with narrow streets and old architectural houses that still exist in some parts. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the main location in Bhaktapur. The major attraction of Bhaktapur is the 55 Window Palace, Nyatapola temple and many other temples in the surrounding area. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and orientation at your hotel.
Day 2 Drive to Bandipur The morning sun rises as we awaken from a wonderful night's sleep. After breakfast, we leave Bhaktapur and travel over the pass to leave the Kathmandu Valley. Once over the top, it's down into the Trisuli River Valley where we experience the raging waters of this powerful river that flows from Tibet to India. This is a whitewater rafter's dream and it is world renown for its amazing rapids. We cross the river at Mugling and head westward to reach the historic village of Bandipur. This village originated on the main trail between Kathmandu and India. Its residents are Newaris who made their home here trading. The village features beautiful architecture as well as interesting shops. We will spend the night here as we explore Bandipur.
Day 3 Explore Pokhara It's only a short distance from Bandipur to the famed lakeside city of Pokhara. Situated in the heart of the Annapurna Mountains, this beautiful city sits on the eastern edge of Phewa lake. We arrive in time to explore the city. Some of the places we will see include Devis Falls. Devis Falls is a waterfall that flows underground after reaching the bottom. Once considered suicide point, it is one of the major tourist destinations in Pokhara. We will walk along Phewa Lake and see the Tibetan Refugee Camp. Seti Gorge is a deep gorge, cutting a box canyon which is a typical feature of this area. There will be time for a boat ride on Phewa Lake, an opportunity to relax as you look at the beautiful Annapurna Mountains. In the evening, enjoy Lakeside with its unique shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Spend the night in a hotel here.
Day 4 Return to Kathmandu Rise early and journey to Kathmandu. Follow the Marsyangdi River to Mugling, and then turn north and follow the Trisuli River upstream to reach the pass over the Kathmandu Valley Rim. It's a day of travel, and we are glad to reach our hotel where we spend three nights.
Day 5 Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley It's a day of sightseeing today as we explore three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The first one is the Swayambhunath Stupa. This sacred Buddhist site dates back over 2000 years. Built on a high hill covered in trees, Swayambhunath is also known as Monkey Temple because it is home to thousands of rhesus monkeys that perform all kinds of antics to amuse visitors. Be careful, however, as if you got any food with you, they like to steal it. When it comes to food, they are not shy. The next UNESCO World Heritage Site is Pashupatinath, the most sacred Hindu site in all of Nepal. Built in the river banks of Bagmati river, Pashupatinath Temple is a temple complex housing nearly 500 temples and shrines altogether. Colorful sadhus abound, performing pujas or teaching can be seen roaming temple area. The ghats here are where faithful Hindus are cremated; their ashes mingled with the sacred waters of the Holy Bagmati River. The final stop is Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Asia. Rising to a height of 36 meters, the white stupa is truly a marvel to behold. The place is a beehive of activity where you will see Tibetan Buddhists worshipping. Walk clockwise around the stupa, spin a prayer wheel along with seeing an amazing Tibetan Buddhist monastery. In the evening, return to your hotel.
Day 6 Sightseeing in Patan, leisure time Today is our last full day, and in the morning, we tour in Patan Durbar Square. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you will discover an amazing city. Patan, like Bhaktapur, was once its own kingdom prior to the unification of Nepal 250 years ago. Patan has its own royal palace plus a large number of interesting temples in a very small space. The Patan Museum displays the outstanding art in stone and wood by the Newari craftsmen from centuries ago. In the afternoon, relax, do some individual exploring or shopping. The afternoon is your time. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your guide before retiring for the night.
Day 7 Departure The Nepal Classical Highlights Tour now draws to a close as you make your way back to Tribhuvan International Airport to depart to your next destination. Before leaving, be sure to discuss with your guide about a return trip to the magical land of Nepal. There is so much more to see and do in this amazing place. Plan to return once more to enjoy the charm that Nepal has to offer.
Nepal.7 days $1,099.00
