Trip Name: Splendor of Nepal Duration: 14 Days Trek Grade: Easy Trip Code: NCT Departure: Customized-Luxury Type: Fly In/Drive Out Itinerary in Detail Day 01: Arrival to Kathmandu & transfer to hotel Arrival to the Tribhuwan International Airport. After immigration formalities you will be welcomed by Trek Himalayan representative and transferred to your pre-booked Hotel Royal Singi (Deluxe). After check in, you can either take a rest or hang around in the city depending on your interest. 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. Overnight in hotel Day 02: Kathmandu World Heritage sites tour. Overnight in Hotel Royal Singi Today after breakfast, we will start a guided sightseeing tour to historical and spiritual sites in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites that include the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, Buddhists shrine (Buddhanath) and the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath Stupa) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. Overnight in hotel Kathmandu Durbar Square and its surrounding is packed with multitude of temples, palaces and the residence of living goddess-kumari. Much of the Kathmandu city is now relatively modernized by Nepalese standards; however its ancient spirit is still alive. The square is a thriving place where local people come to congregate, to sell handicrafts, to worship or just to sit around together. It is a very social place. When you visit, you will be first struck by the number of temples, all at close proximity to each other. Each temple you will see in and around Kathmandu Durbar Square represents some of the more powerful, all en compassing and popular Hindu Gods and Goddesses... After Kathmandu Durbar Square we will take you to Pashupatinath temple that lies just 3 km to the south. This is the place of pilgrimage for Hindus. Many Nepalese and Indian pay a visit to this temple. In the Pashupatinath complex you will find a hive of temples, monuments dominated by its devotion to God Shiva (in his Rejuvenating form) and a last resting place for many, a prelude to death and perhaps the optimism of reincarnation. Saddhus bearded men, with ash colored foreheads and simple robes- ascetics who have relinquished everything- walk around the temples, some posing for photographs and money. Around the labyrinth of temples and shrines, there are closed buildings: places where the sick and elderly wait, many will be brought to the river within minutes of death, nowadays the river is little more than a wide stream. After Pashupatinath temple we head towards Bouddhanath, the world's biggest Stupa and a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, many still come from Tibet, India and Bhutan. Thousands of Tibetan 1
refugees live here and around the Stupa many handcrafted shops selling Tibetan souvenirs and trinkets as well as wonderful hand painted wall hangings (known as Thankas) by Buddhists monks. The Stupa itself is so big then you can walk on it and many do the same. Hundreds of prayer flags hang from twine stretched across the central tower and in the distance. On a clear day the golden roofs of the surrounding temples can be seen framed by the Himalaya. You can watch humbly dressed Tibetans circling the Stupa as an act of prayer. You might see some Tibetans prostrating: sliding along on their stomachs and hands or spinning hand-held prayer wheels in an act of meditation. Surrounding the Stupa are small Buddhists temples and monasteries. After having lunch you will continue your day trip to Swoyambhunath Stupa which lies on the top of a hill to the north. It is one of the most iconic and photographed symbols of Nepal. This Stupa is a white domed Buddhist shrine or reliquary (a reliquary is a vessel in which holy objects are stored) and buried inside it. Inside the solid white concrete dome are relics of a deceased high Buddhist teacher or Lama. The 1,500 years old Stupa might contain a Lama\'s clothes, simple possessions or even parts of the body or ashes. Many people from all over World visit this pilgrimage shrine. What you are experiencing here is not only a shrine, but an architectural symbol of the very essence of Buddhism and the path to enlightenment. The Stupa is built in a symmetrical design which is meant not to a cosmic map or of the planets, but of the Buddhist's mind's journey, through its own universe and into a perfect state, one of true contentment and happiness- a nirvana. Buddhists believe that by following this path (the map of the Stupa), one can remove oneself from human bondage, from the 'tyranny' of the human condition, and through meditation and teaching put an end to personal suffering, find true meaning of existence, and be truly happy and content. On the way to Swoyambhunath Stupa you will see the monkeys and market vendors, hundreds of colorful prayer flags fluttering gently in the wind. The breeze carries their prayers up into the heavens. Because of the many monkeys Swoyambhunath Stupa is referred to as the Monkey's temple. After the tour we get back to our hotel and stay overnight. Day 03: Fly to Pokhara & Lakeside walking tour/boating in the evening Today after breakfast, you will be transferred to domestic airport for the flight to Pokhara. It will be a scenic flight to the enchanting valley of Pokhara which is considered the paradise on earth! Beautiful mountains in the north side, clean and wide lakes in the middle of the city, green forest, friendly and warm locals make your holidays more meaningful. Boating on Fewa Lake for one hour in the evening. Overnight in Hotel (Temple Tree Resort & Spa 3 Star) Day 04: Drive to Phedi and 2 hrs trek to Dhampus cultural village. After breakfast we will take a drive to Phedi, and 2hrs hike to one of the beautiful village called Dhampus which is popular destination to explore the wild beauty of nature as well as typical Gurung culture and experience true warm hospitality of the host people. Overnight in lodge (tea house) - Standard Comfortable 2
Day 05: Hike to Sarangkot to observe sunrise & sunset view as well as Himalayan mountain range. Early morning wake up, have breakfast and hike to Sarangkot. Walking through sparse villages, farm terraces and short stretch of woods we reach to the Sarangkot hill after few hours of hike. You enjoy the amazing sunsets on the Himalayas in the evening and sunrise (next morning), a scenery that you will treasure for long. A close face to face view of a long range of Annapurna and other Himalayan mountains greets us on reaching Sarangkot. Overnight in lodge Day 06: Drive back to Pokhara and enjoy full day Pokhara sightseeing Upon arrival in Pokhara your sightseeing tour begins which cover all major places of tourist interest such as Devi s Fall (Natural Water Fall), Barahi Temple, Mahendra Cave, Bats Cave (Chamera Gupha) and visit the underground Seti River Gorge and International Mountain Museum. Transfer to Hotel for overnight stay. Devi Falls (Natural Water Fall) The Devi Falls is situated on Siddhartha highway. The Devi Falls is a sink hole, where the Phewa Lake drains into the Pardi Khola and disappears underground and emerges about 200 m away. There are various legends about the area, and it is a frequently visited tourist spot. Locally known as the Patala Chhango (Hell s Fall), Devi s Fall is a lovely waterfall. Legend has it that a trekker named (Devin or David) was washed away by the Pardi Khola and mysteriously disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the fall. Barahi Temple The Barahi Temple is the most important monument in Pokhara. Built almost in the center of Pehwa Lake, this two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protector s deity representing the female force Shakti Mahendra Cave This cave attracts various visitors. This large limestone cave is locally known as the House of Bats. This cave is full of stalactite and stalagmite formations. The exact size of the cave complex cannot be decided. A famous geologist visited the cave, but could not cover all parts of the cave complex or find an end to it, although he explored for two whole days. Bat Cave (Chamera Gupha) This cave is located a little far from the Mahendra cave in the west.this cave was also discovered by the owner of the land a farmer 31 years ago.though the entrance is quite narrow but the inner part of the cave is wide enough. The images of the elephant tusk, gods and goddess have been craved on the inner walls of the cave. This cave is 150 meter long, 25feet high and of the shape of U. This cave is famous for the bats and gives shelter to more than 15 thousand bats of different species. Underground Seti River Flowing right through Pokhara city, the boisterous river runs completely underground at places. Amazingly, at certain points the river appears hardly two meters wide. But its depth is quiet beyond imagination, over 20 meters. A deep gorge is made by its powerful flow. 3
International Mountain Museum The International Mountain Museum is the home of mountaineers, adventurers and summiteers worldwide. This museum has been opened recently to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the first ascent of Everest by Hillary and Norgay. This museum is visited by many visitors. The museum is set on landscaped grounds and divided into various areas of interest. Day 07: Drive to Bandipur After breakfast we drive you to Bandipur, an ancient Newari town, situated on a hill top south of Dumre on the Kathmandu -Pokhara highway. Bandipur is reached after 45 min drive from Dumre. This Bandipur retains its age old cultural attributes. It still has its temples, shrines, holy caves and a Newari architecture similar to the Kathmandu Valley. The ancient Newari town of Bandipur reflects the architecture richness in its pagoda style roofs of each house, latticework windows and stone-paved streets. The houses are built of bricks often with ornate windows and doorways. The roofs are of slate. A distinctive aspect of the Bazaar is a covered veranda that extends through its entire length, from shop front to shop front. There are many temples and caves in and around Bandipur.This beautiful rural town offers panoramic views of different mountain peaks of the central Himalayas, including Jugal, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Gorkha Himal, Manaslu, Buddha Himal, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Overnight in resort ( Mountain Resort) Day 08: Excursion around Bandipur After breakfast you will visit to Magar village and Mukundeswari temple. After lunch you will explore Siddha cave, recently discovered and probably the biggest cave in Asia. Overnight in Mountain Resort. Day 09: Drive to Chitwan National Park After breakfast we will drive you to Chitwan National Park. On your arrival at the park you will be transferred to Resort where you will be offered welcome drinks. After being refreshed the resort manager will be brief you about the facilities of the resort and your program of the day. Thereafter, lunch, visit to Tharu village and museum. Sun set tour in the evening, back to hotel for dinner. Overnight in Narayani Safari- Jungle Resort. Day 10: Full day jungle activities Wake up call, breakfast, canoeing, jungle walk, visit elephant breeding center. After lunch, elephant back safari, evening walk, dinner and Tharu cultural show. Overnight in Narayani Safari- Jungle Resort Day 11: Drive to Nagarkot Wake up call, bird watching tour, breakfast and departure to Nagarkot. Overnight in Country Villa Resort. A beautiful hill resort, Nagarkot is situated 32 km east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2175 m above the sea level, is famous for the viewpoint of the Himalayan range, stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west and Everest to the Kanchanjunga in the east. Nagarkot is also noted for sunrise and sunset viewpoint. Day 12: Visit Changunarayan temple & Bhaktapur & Drive to Kathmandu After breakfast you will visit Changunarayan temple. The route to Changunarayan temple passes through small villages and farmlands. Changu Narayan Temple is one of the oldest temples in Kathmandu valley, came in existence in the 4th century. The temple is adorned by some of the best specimen of stone, wood, and metal craft in the valley. The temple stands as the epitome of culture, religion, history and faith of the Kathmandu valley. 4
Then, we continue drive to another most popular medieval city of Bhaktapur that has still preserved medieval arts, architecture, culture, and unique lifestyle till date. One is sure to feel like travelling back into the past while walking along the Bhaktapur thoroughfares, squares and streets. Hotel Royal Singi in Kathmandu Day 13: Free day in Kathmandu After breakfast and explore around the city or stock up on souvenirs. Hotel Royal Singi in Kathmandu Day 14: Final Departure Today our airport representative will make a departure and transfer you from Kathmandu Airport to Board International Flight for your final destination. PHOTOGRAPHS (COPY RIGHTED) 5
SERVICE INCLUDES International arrival/departure transfers Pre-booked accommodation in standard (star rated) Hotel, Resorts on twin sharing B/B basis during the trip Guided Sightseeing tour with our English speaking escorting city guide in Kathmandu Valley & Pokhara in a private vehicle All land transportation in A/C private vehicle (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Chitwan-Nagarkoti- Kathmandu) Full board in Chitwan Jungle Safari including Accommodation on twin bed rooms, all meals (breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner), all Jungle activities, Nature guide, all government taxes, National Park entrance fees & transport Breakfast at lodge (tea house) during Hike Domestic Air Fare (Kathmandu-Pokhara) with tax including airport transfer Accommodation, food, insurance, salary, for our guide and driver throughout the trip All Monuments/National Park entry permits SERVICE EXCLUDES International air fare/airport tax Nepal entry visa fees Single supplement during entire trip Note: Additional cost applies for single supplement Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Nagarkot and on Hike except in Chitwan Personal expenses such as telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks (including cold drinks and mineral water/boiled water), laundry Travel/Medical insurance Personal gear All expenses incurred in the event of early departure (evacuation fee, transport, extra hotel night, food etc.) Tips for local city Guides/Driver/Naturalist Any other services not specified in the Service Includes Type of Vehicle Fully A/C Japanese Sedan Car Safety We take full safety measures during the entire tours/treks. Accommodation Most of the accommodations in Kathmandu, Pokhara & Nagarkot are ultra-modern equipped. In the treks (Dhampus, Sarangkot, Bandipur & Chitwan) they have Standard Lodge/Resorts with basic facilities such as Hot water shower, Continental cuisine, and attached modern bathroom. 6
PHOTOGRAPHS (COPY RIGHTED) 7
General Information Nepal Nepal is a small landlocked country of highly diverse and rich geography, culture, and religions. The mountainous north has eight of the world's ten highest mountains, including Mount Everest. It contains over 240 peaks more than 20,000 ft (6,096 m) above sea level. The fertile and humid south is heavily urbanized. By some measures, it is a land of different arts and indigenous cultures well preserved since time immemorial. Hindu and Buddhist shrines found in the country are enriched with wood carving and bronzes, century s old statues standing along the wayside and three popular historic cities Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan have preserved their medieval splendor and architectural flavor till date. Geography Nepal is located in South Asia between China in the north and India in the south, east and west. While the total land area is 147,181 sq. km including water area of the country that is 3,830 sq. km. The geographical coordinates are 28 00 N 84 00 E. Nepal falls in the temperate zone north of the Tropic of Cancer. Nepal s ecological zones run east to west about 800 km along its Himalayan axis, 150 to 250 km north to south, and are vertically intersected by the river systems. The country can be divided into three main geographical regions: Himalayan region, mid hill region and Terai region. The highest point in the country is Mt. Everest (8,848 m) while the lowest point is in the Terai plains of Kechana Kalan in Jhapa (60 m). (Source NTB) Climate Climatic conditions of Nepal vary from one place to another in accordance with the geographical features. In the north summers are cool and winters severe, while in south summers are tropical and winters are mild. Nepal has namely five major seasons: spring, summer, monsoon, autumn and winter. Average temperatures and rainfall during peak summer and winter in three most popular tourist areas: Place Summer (May, June & July) Winter (Dec, Jan & Feb) City (Max. o c) (Min. o c) Rain (Max. o c) (Min. o c) Rain (mm) (mm) Kathamndu 31.6 20.0 312.0 19.5 2 15.4 Pokhara 32.7 21.7 829.7 20.3 7.7 26.3 Chitwan 34.0 26 404.0 24.1 8.3 13.8 Further details can be found at http://www.dhm.gov.np 8
Flora & Fauna Nepal possesses 2.80 percent plants of the world. Record from 2006 shows that Nepal has 6,391 flowering plant species, representing 1,590 genera and 231 families. Nepal s share of flowering plant species is 2.76 percent of the global total compared to earlier records of 2.36 percent. Nepal s share of pteriodophytes is 5.15 percent compared to earlier records of 4.45 percent. There are 2,532 species of vascular plants represented by 1,034 genera and 199 families in the protected sites. Some 130 endemic species are found in the protected sites. Similarly, 3.96 percent mammals, 3.72 percent butterflies and 8.9 percent of birds of the world can be found in Nepal. Wildlife of Nepal is officially classified into two main categories: common and protected. The common category lists such species as common leopard, spotted deer, Himalayan Tahr, blue sheep and others. These species are commonly seen in the wild. The protected species include 26 mammals, nine birds and three reptiles. These rare animals are confined to their prime habitats. Kathmandu: Kathmandu Valley comprises the three ancient cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, which were once independent states ruled by the Malla kings from the 12 th to the 18 th centuries. The three cities house seven UNESCO World Heritage shrines which are together listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Culture). The valley is also home to hundreds of other exquisite monuments, sculptures, artistic temples and magnificent art reminders of the golden era in Nepal s architecture. (Source NTB) Nagarkot: Nagarkot, located 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, is one of the most scenic places in Bhaktapur and is renowned for its spectacular sunrise view of the Himalayan range when the weather is clear. Visitors and locals are often traveling to Nagarkot from Kathmandu to spend the (Sunset View from Nagarkot) night so that they can be there for the breathtaking sunrise. It also offers a spectacular view of the Kathmandu Valley and is described by visitors as a place whose beauty endures throughout the year. Chitwan: Chitwan National Park is one of the best destinations for jungle safari located in Southern Nepal 200 km from the capital city Kathmandu. The Park covers an area of over 900 km and a natural habitat for rare wild animals such as One- horned rhinos, Royal Bengal tigers and a wide range of flora and fauna. Established in 1973, it is the oldest National Park in Nepal and listed in the World Heritage Site in 1984. Once a royal hunting reserve, the Park has been a very popular destination for visitors nowadays. Home to subtropical lowland jungles, lakes, and rivers, the Park is surrounded by villages inhabited by Tharu, indigenous tribal people. 9
The park consists of a unique ecosystem, including the Churia hills, ox-bow lakes and the fold plains of the Rapti, Reu and Narayani Rivers. (Elephant bathing at Rapti River, Chitwan National Park) Practical Information Nepal Visa: All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points. It can be extended at the Department of Immigration, Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fee. People willing to get entry Visa at the airport or any of the land entry points are required to fill a visa form with one passport size photograph. Gratis visa for 30 days available only for tourists of SAARC countries Multiple entry 15 days - US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency Multiple entry 30 days - US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency Multiple entry 90 days - US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency Tourist Visa Extension Visa extension fee for 15 days or less is US $ 30 or equivalent convertible currency and visa extension fee for more than 15 days is US$ 2 per day Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January - December). Note: Above Visa fee is subject to change without prior notice. You can also apply for Nepalese Visa online at http://bit.ly/1qhsh31 Insurance: Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take out a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, etc. Please send us the following details such as your full name, policy number and the insurance company s 24 hour emergency contact number prior to departure. We also strongly recommend that your policy must cover personal liability, flight/trip cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. 10
Money Exchange Currency exchange rates in Nepal often fluctuate. Please log on to the following link for the update: http://www.nrb.org.np/fxmexchangerate.php. When changing money try to get a mix of denominations (your guide will advise you on this). Keep smaller notes with you when on the trek or tour as it can be difficult to change larger notes once out of the city. Government Office Hours & Holidays Sunday to Thursday: 1000hrs 1700hrs (during summer) Sunday to Thursday: 1000hrs 1600hrs (during winter) Friday: 1000hrs 1500hrs. Saturday: Holiday You can find list of other national holidays in Nepal below; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/public_holidays_in_nepal Language Nepali, written in the Devanagari script, is the official language of Nepal. However, most people living in the city areas can understand and speak English fluently. Hindi language is widely understood across the country. Frequently Asked Questions How do I get to Nepal? Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu is the only international airport in Nepal. The national flag carrier, Nepal Airlines, and other international airlines directly connect Kathmandu with major cities around the world. Via Land All visitors coming to Nepal by land can enter through any of these entry points on the India- Nepal Border: Pani Tanki Kakarbhitta Raxual Birgunj Sunauli Belahiya Rupaidiya Nepalgunj Mohana Dhangadi Banbasa Mahendranagar, Gaddachauki and Khasa,Liping Tatopani Overland tourists entering the country with their vehicles must possess an international carnet or complete customs formalities. What are needed to get a visa? A valid passport and one passport size photo with a light background. Immigration Department has not specified the size of the passport-size photo. Visa can be obtained only through payment of cash in the following currency: Euro, Swiss Franc, Pound Sterling, US dollar, Australian dollar, Canadian dollar, Hong-Kong dollar, Singapore dollar and Japanese Yen. 11
Are there ATMS in Nepal? There are ATMS in Kathmandu, Pokhara and other big cities in Nepal that accept AMERICAN EXPRESS, VISA and MASTERCARD and many others. Are credit cards accepted in Nepal? Major hotels, restaurants and curio shops accept AMERICAN EXPRESS, VISA and MASTERCARD. You can contact the banks for credit card services. Is the international driving license accepted in Nepal? Yes. What inoculations are recommended before visiting Nepal? Although specific immunization is not required to enter Nepal, it is; however, best to protect yourself against diseases such hepatitis, meningitis and Japanese encephalitis. Malaria has been reported in the Terai plains of Nepal, so take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes. Please notify the authorities or the hotel of any symptoms of bird or swine flu or any endemic. Can I extend my Holidays? Yes, you can. These are the few packages that may interest you; White Water River Rafting Mountain Flight Meditation & Yoga/Spa Bungee Jump For details please visit us at https:// 12