Excursion of Nepal Beauty
6 Nights / 7 Days
Highlights :
Kathmandu - Pokhara - Bandipur - Kathmandu
Nepal is located in South Asia and shares territorial borders with India and China. Previously ruled as a kingdom, today it is a Federal Democratic Republic. Nepal is known for its exquisite natural beauty, with the iconic Himalayas running across the northern and western part of the country. Eight of the ten highest mountains in the world, including Mount Everest, reside within its borders. While the most obvious attractions in Nepal are its majestic mountains and ruggedly beautiful landscapes, there are many historic and cultural treasures to appreciate. Bhaktapur Durbar Square in the town of Bhaktapur near Kathmandu is one of these treasures that should not be missed.
Package Includes:
Accommodation
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Sightseeing
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Meal
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Transfer
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Arrive Kathmandu
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, meet assistance and transferred to Hotel.
DAY 2
Kathmandu
Morning visit Kathmandu City : The temple of lord Shiva – Pashupatinath is a richly ornamented pagoda with two tiered golden roof and silver doors. Guheswari Temple: Its another historic and holy shrine dedicated to the goddess Guheswari, near Pashupatinath.Akash Bhairav Temple: Situated in the main market avenue, called Indra Chowk, it is a three storey temple. The image of lord Akash Bhairav is displayed on the occasion of Indra Jatra, the festival of Indra, The rain God.Hanuman Dhoka (Durbar Square), Built between the 12th and the 18th centuries, this complex of palaces, courtyards and temples is the historic seat of royalty. It used to be the seat of ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. The durbar Square, protected as a UNESCO World heritage site, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. Other than a 17th – century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages, interesting things to see here are: Taleju Temple (Built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D., Kal Bhairav, the god of Destruction Nautalle Darbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of king Pratap Malla, the big bell, big drum, the Jagannath Temple and three museums including the numismatic museum and the Tribhuvan Museum.
Swayambhunath (Samhengu): Listed as a world heritage site, this is one of the world’s most glorious Buddhist sites in Nepal. Its established is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Three km west of Kathmandu this site is situated on a hillock about 77 m. above the valley. Painted on the four-sides of the spire bases are the all seeing eyes of Lord Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
Afternoon visit Patan : Durbar Square, Situated In the heart of the city, constitutes the focus of visiorts; attraction. The Square is full or ancient places, temples and shrines, noted for their exquaisite carvinge. The Patan Durbar Square consists of three main chowk an Keshar Narayan Chowk. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979. Patan Museum:- This museum indside the Durnbar Square specializes in bronxze statues and religious objects. Krishna Mandir:- Built in 1637 AD, the temple of Lord, Krishan holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan, Tibetan Refugee Camp: This camp was set up in 1960 under the initiative of the International Red Cross & the Swiss Development Corporation in corporation with HMG of Nepal. Its main objective is to help the Tibetan Refugees to do something nice & support themselves & some carpet industries & handicrafts have been operating.
Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 3
Kathmandu
After breakfast, visit Pashupatinath Temple + Boudhnath Stupa and Bhaktapur .
Pashupatinath : Situated five kilometers east of Kathmandu on the bank of sacred Bagmati river, the stemple of lord Shiva Pashupatinath with two tiered golden roof and silver doors is famous for its super architecture. It is a centre of annual pilgrimage on the day of Maha Shivratri. Entrance to the temple precinct is permitted to the Hindus only however, visitors can clearly see the temple and activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river.
Boudhanath
Boudhanath is among the largest stupas in South Asia, and it has become the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The white mound looms thirty-six meters overhead. The stupa is located on the ancient trade route to Tibet, and Tibetan merchants rested and offered prayers here for many centuries. When refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many of them decided to live around Bouddhanath. They established many gompas, and the “Little Tibet” of Nepal was born. This “Little Tibet” is still the best place in the Valley to observe Tibetan lifestyle. Monks walk about in maroon robes. Tibetans walk with prayer wheels in their hands, and the rituals of prostration are presented to the Buddha as worshippers circumambulate the stupa on their hands and knees, bowing down to their lord.
Many people believe that Bouddhanath was constructed in the fifth century, but definite proof is lacking. The stupa is said to entomb the remains of a Kasyap sage who is venerable both to Buddhists and Hindus. One legend has it that a woman requested a Valley king for the donation of ground required to build a stupa. She said she needed land covered by one buffalo’s skin and her wish was granted by the King. She cut a buffalo skin into thin strips and circled off a fairly large clearing. The king had no choice but to give her the land.
The Bouddha area is a visual feast. Colorful thangkas, Tibetan jewellery, hand-woven carpets, masks, and khukuri knives are sold in the surrounding stalls. Smaller stupas are located at the base. Gompa monasteries, curio shops, and restaurants surround Bouddhanath. Conveniently situated restaurants with roof-top patios provide good food and excellent views of Bouddhanath.
Bhaktapur City:
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a conglomeration of pagoda and shikhara-style temples grouped around a fifty-five window palace of brick and wood. The square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the Valley as it highlights the ancient arts of Nepal. The golden effigies of kings perched on the top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities looking out from their sanctuaries, the wood carvings in every place-struts, lintels, uprights, tympanums, gateways and windows-all seem to form a well-orchestrated symphony. The main items of interest in the Durbar Square are: The Lion Gate, The Golden Gate, The Palace of Fifty-five Windows, The Art Gallery and The Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla. Overnight Hotel
DAY 4
Kathmandu to Pokhara VIA Bandipur
After early breakfast derive to Bandipur(125 Kms/ 03 Hrs.)
Bandipur was established as a funnelling point of trade by Newar traders from Bhaktapur in the Kathmandu valley after it had been conquered in 1768 by Prithvi Narayan Shah. They took advantage of its malaria free location to develop it into an important stop along the India-Tibet trade route. With them they brought their cultural heritage and architecture which basically has remained unchanged to this day.
Raniban Visit
Explore the town and nearby temples and walk in Raniban which takes 20 minutes from main bazaar.This mixed sal forest is located to the east of the main bazaar. It is a tranquil haven for nature enthusiasts with abundant local flora and fauna, including languor, orchids, and butterflies etc.Later drive to Pokhara(75 Kms/ 02 & ½ Hrs.). Evening check in hotel.
DAY 5
Pokhara
Visit Sarangkot (1592 m):
A former Kaski fort lying atop a hill to the west of Pokhara. The panoramic view of the Himalaya seen from this point is superb.
Mountain Views
Clearly the most stunning of Pokhara’s sights is the spectacular panorama of the Annapurna range which forms its backdrop. Stretching
from east to west, the Annapurna massif includes Annapurna 1 to IV
and Annapurna South. Although the highest among them is Annapurna 1 (8,091 m), it is Machhapuchhre which dominates all others in this neighbourhood. Boastfully levitating in the skyline, the fish-tailed pinnacle is the archetypal snow-capped, needle-pointed mountain.
H/Day Pokhara City Tour covering:
Barahi Temple: The Barahi temple is the most important monument in Pokhara, Built almost in the center of Phewa Lake, this two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protectress deity representing the female force Shakti. Devotees can be seen, especially on Saturdays , carrying male animals and fowl across the lake to be sacrificed to the deity.
Devi’s Fall: Locally known as the Patale Chhango (Hell’s Fall). Devi’s Fall (also known as Devin’s and David’s) is a lovely waterfall lying about two km south-west of the Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway. Legend has it that a trekker (Devin, David.) was washed away by the Pardi Khola and mysteriously dis appeared down into an underground passage beneath the fall..
Seti Gandaki, Another of Pokhara’s natural wonders that unfailingly interests visitors is the Seti Gandaki river. Flowing right through the city, the boisterous river runs completely underground at places. Amazingly, at certain points the river appears hardly two meters wide. But its depth is quite beyond imagination over 20 meters! Mahendra Pul, a small bridge near the old Mission Hospital, provides a perfect view of the river’s dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by its powerful flow.
Bindyabasini Temple -The temple is the oldest structure in Pokhara built by Newari traders way back in the 16th century. You have to brace yourself for braving a long flight of steps to reach the temple. The main shrine of the temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga, though there is a new Shiva Temple and a small Buddhist monastery as well, at the base.
Phewa Lake: (Boat ride on Lake , Subject to time availability), Phewa Lake, the second largest lake in the Kingdom, is the center of all attraction in Pokhara. 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 its middle. The eastern shore, popularly known as lakeside or Baidam, is the favorite home base for travelers and is where most of the hotels, restaurants and handicraft shops are located.
DAY 6
Pokhara- Kathmandu(200 Kms/5 Hrs.)
After breakfast drive to Kathmandu takes about 5 hours. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel .
DAY 7
Leave Kathmandu
After breakfast, transfer to International airport to board flight back home
Gallery
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Kathmandu
