Do you know Nepal is emerging as a key holiday destinationin the world? Of the total number of tourists inflow in 2019, more than 60% visited this Himalayan nation to spend their holiday. Moreover, a major chunk of this total—60%—selected Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lumbini as their prime leisure destination.
As a touring enthusiast, you might be thinking why these sites are attracting a sizable number of tourists every year and what is its specialty?
Nepal is the land of natural beauty where mystics have been dwelling in search of truth and peace since the time of yore. The country is probably the only destination in the world to preserve its natural biodiversity and key sites—historical and culture—in its original form.
The package, Holiday in the Himalayas, in this regard attempts to deliver the best touring experience to tourists as it envelops the cultural significance of Kathmandu followed by the natural beauty of Pokhara and religious importance of Lumbini.
Academicians and scholars regard Kathmandu as an open museum. Also popularly known as ‘City of Temples’, Kathmandu alone comprises of four UNESCO listed World Cultural Heritage sites—Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath, Bouddhanath, and Pashupatinath. Each of the mentioned sites has its own cultural and religious importance.
While exploring the capital of Nepal—Kathmandu, you will get an opportunity to acquaint with the cultural and traditional aspects of this historical city. The location of two key religious sites—Pashupatinath, and Bouddhanath—in close proximity portrays the strong social harmony existing between Hindu and Buddhist since the prehistoric age.
You will feel the presence of God in almost every crossroads as you will witness a lot of temples and stupas in the inner part of the city. This clearly signifies that the denizens of the city have deep faith in religion. Further, people here awake with the sound of bells in temples and chanting of ‘Om Mane Padme Hum’ in stupas and end their day by remembering God in the evening performing ‘Aarti’—praying god by rotating flame right to left. This means tourists here are likely to feel that they are walking in the realm of Gods.
Pokhara is rich in natural beauty and is regarded as the ‘City of Lakes’. This naturally blessed site unfolds the beauty of harmonious Himalayas and lakes to you. The towering Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Himal (mountain), winding Seti River, and the calm lake of Phewa will drive you ecstatic. In addition, experiencing adventure sports—paragliding, zip-flyer, and ultralight—in this part of the globe will double your excitement.
Lumbini, on the other hand, is a religious destination where Lord Gautam Buddha was born. Buddhists residing all over the world regard Lumbini as a prime pilgrimage site. The Mayadevi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, sacred pond, and the monasteries built by different countries in the vicinity of the main temple are key things to observe. Further, each monastery here portrays the unique culture and traditions and art and architecture of the respective country.
Tour Facts
Package Duration: 08 days
Tour Grade: Easier
Max. elevation gained: Approx. 1,500m at Sarangkot
Best Time: Mid Feb to May and Sept to Nov
TourType: Luxury
An Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Drive to Pokhara
Day 03: Drive to Sarangkot for sunrise view/Pokhara full day sightseeing
Day 04: Drive to Lumbini
Day 05: Full day Explore Lumbini
Day 06: Drive or fly to Kathmandu
Day 07: Kathmandu full day sightseeing
Day 08: Final departure to your destination
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Namaste and welcome to Nepal, the land of mountains that is rich in culture and traditions!
Upon your arrival in this holy city of Kathmandu, we will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and lead you to the hotel.
Today’s Highlights
Day 02: Drive to Pokhara
Early in the morning after breakfast, we will lead you to the tourist bus park from where you will catch the bus to Pokhara. You will be riding along the Trishuli River followed by Marshyangdi. This drive of nearly seven hours will offer you an opportunity to witness the countryside Nepal. The view of glorious mountains while on the way to the City of Lakes is mesmerizing. This is why you will simply love this journey.
After arriving in Pokhara, we will transfer you to the hotel which is located in the vicinity of Phewa Lake. Do not miss an opportunity to boat in the lake as you will have ample time today to experience this lifetime memorable event. We suggest a walk in the Lakeside in the evening. This will please you a lot.
Today’s Highlights
Day 03: Drive to Sarangkot for sunrise view/Pokhara full day sightseeing
The day today is full of fun and excitement. At first, we will drive you to Sarangkot (1,600m) early in the morning. It is a hill station from where you will get a stunning view of three mountains of over eight thousand meters.
Once done with the sunrise view, we retrace the path to the hotel for breakfast.
Well, now is the time to explore Pokhara in a private car! So, what are the things that we will do in the City of Lakes?
Today’s Highlights
Day 04: Drive to Lumbini
We will proceed toward Lumbini in the morning after breakfast. It is a drive of nearly seven hours for a tourist bus. The ride is smooth and goes through plain land of the country—Terai—which is hotter than Pokhara or Kathmandu. Upon your arrival in Lumbini, we will transfer you to the hotel.
Today’s Highlights
Day 05: Explore Lumbini
Today will be a great day as you are going to enter the premises where Lord Buddha was born. Being in the territory of Buddha means to be surrounded by some kind of peace as he was the one who spent his entire life teaching peace and non-violence.
Today’s Highlights
Day 06: Drive or fly to Kathmandu
As per your choice of mode of transportation to Kathmandu, we will book a bus or flight ticket. By bus, it is a ride of nearly ten hours and you will get to the capital in the evening. Flight, on the other hand, will bring you to the valley in 40 minutes. You will spend a night in the same hotel in Thamel where you put off on the first day of your arrival.
Day 07: Kathmandu full day sightseeing
It is another wonderful day as it will reveal you the real picture of Kathmandu from all three aspects—historical, cultural, and religious. The tour begins from Kathmandu Durbar Square (KDS) which is at a walking distance from Thamel. However, we will reach KDS in a private car because we need to visit the other three sites—Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath, and Swoyambhunath—that are quite far from Thamel.
KDS:It is one of the UNESCO listed World Cultural Heritage sites located in Kathmandu. According to recent archaeological findings, the site was inhabited in the 3rd century. Walking in this part of the world will deliver a different kind of feelings to you. You will feel as if you are walking in an ancient age. Despite being the oldest area of Kathmandu Valley, the site grabbed attention in 1484 AD when RatnaMalla, one of the kings from the Malla dynasty, ascended the throne and renovated the existing age-old palace for himself. Later, other Malla kings constructed temples and squares in the area.
Hanuman (Monkey) Dhoka (Door) is the main palace which comprises of several squares and temples within. To the outer quadrangles of the durbar square, there lies Kastamandap, KumariGhar (Living Goddes residence), and so on. In total, there are more than 50 temples in this area of KDS.
Pashupatinath: It is the greatest shrine for Hindus residing all over the world. Lord Shiva in the form of ‘Linga’ is worshiped in this temple of Pagoda Style. Pashupatinath which means the Lord of Animals is also regarded as a national deity of Nepalis.
Among 12 jyotirlingas, Pashupatinatinath is regarded as main because it forms the head part and the remaining 11 forms the entire body. All remaining 11 jyotirlingas are located in different parts of India.
Bouddhanath: It is one of the key pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. The stupa is one of the largest in South Asia. According to stone scriptures, Bouddhanath was built by a Lichhavi King named Shivadev in 590 AD. The great earthquake of 2015 damaged this stupa badly but is already constructed at present.
Swoyambhunath: This stupa is located in the hillock, west of Bouddhanath. Like Bouddhanath, it is also a renowned pilgrimage site for Buddhists residing all over the world. As per legends, the stupa is said to be constructed by King Vrsadev in the 5th century. Swoyambhu is a Sanskrit name which means self-existing in English. People also believe that civilization in Kathmandu Valley started with the construction of this stupa.
Day 08: Final departure to your destination
Finally, here ends your trip to Nepal. We will drop you at TIA three hours prior to your scheduled flight. We hope you enjoyed your stay in Nepal and liked our service a lot. We expect you to recommend us to our friends, families, and other acquaints. See you next season and have a nice journey!
Cost Inclusion
Cost Exclusion