Treasures of Nepal
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Treasures of Nepal Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Phewa Lake, Pokhara Day 01 | Friday, 13th March’2020: Arrive Kathmandu Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, our representative will meet you as you exit the arrival terminal building after which you would be transferred to your hotel. Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked sovereign state located in South Asia. It is located in the Himalayas and bordered to the north by the People's Republic of China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India. Kathmandu is the nation's capital and the country's largest metropolis. Nepal has a rich geography. The mountainous north has eight of the world's ten tallest mountains, including the highest point on Earth, Mount Everest (8884 M). It contains more than 240 peaks over 20,000 ft (6,096 m) above sea level. The fertile and humid south is heavily urbanized. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay in Hotel Tibet International. Day 02 | Saturday, 14th March’2020: Kathmandu Morning proceed for full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Swayambhunath. Kathmandu Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is located in the heart of old city Kathmandu. The complex was residence to Nepal's family before the construction of the Narayanhiti Palace. The founding of the Palace dates back to Licchavi times. With considerable renovations by Malla rulers and later the Ranas, construction was accomplished progressively over many centuries. There are around 50 temples in the vicinity including the temple of titu lar deity, Taleju Bhawani. The Durbar is divided into two courtyards, the outer comprising Kasthamandap, Kumari Ghar, and Shiva-Parvati Temple, and the inner consisting of Hanuman Dhoka and the main palace. It also houses two museums. Important ceremonies, including the coronation of the Nepali monarch, are held in the Kathmandu Durbar Square. Most parts of the palace premise are open for tourists throughout the week during office hours. Bhaktapur is located about 18 km east of Kathmandu and drive around 30 min. Bhaktapur Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site)is located in the center of Bhaktapur city. The Square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the Valley as it highlights some of the finest medieval arts of Nepal. The main items of interest in Bhaktapur Durbar Square are the Lion Gate, the Golden Gate and the statues of kings on stone monoliths. The Golden Gate was erected by King Ranjit Malla as the entrance to the main courtyard of the Fifty-five Windowed Palace. E: [email protected] | W: www.travelsapphire.com Swayambhunath (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is believed to have been established more than 2,500 years ago. An inscription dated 460 A.D. states that the construction was carried out by King Manadeva. By the thirteenth century Swayambhunath had developed into an important Buddhist learning site. It is also known as the Monkey Temple as there are holy monkeys living in parts of the temple in the North West. Swayambhunath occupies a central position; it is probably the most sacred among Buddhist Pilgrimage sites. Enjoy Welcome Dinner. Overnight stay in Hotel Tibet International. Day 03 | Sunday, 15th March’2020: Kathmandu Enjoy the Ultimate Experience “Mountain Flight”. MOUNTAIN FLIGHT offers the closest possible aerial views of Mount Everest and the Tibetan Plateau. The 45-minute flight offers an incredible panorama, and you can take a photograph of the world’s highest mountain from the cockpit. Mt. Everest is more than just the highest mountain in the world, it is the reason why you are here, to see it, to put it into your film rolls, to get as close to it as possible. While on board, you will be able to see some of the highest peaks in the world – Mt. Everest, which is 8,848m (29,029 ft.) and other eight peaks in Nepal which stands above 8000 meters high among the fourteen all over the world, such as Lhotse (8, 516 m), Nuptse (7,855 m), Amadablam (6,812 m), Chamlang (7,319 m), Makalu (8,463 m), Gauri Shankar (7,134 m), Langtang Lirung (7,234 m), Annapurna (8,091 m), Manaslu (8,136 m) and Ganesh (7,429 m). Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later visit Boudhanath Stupa. Boudhanath (UNESCO World Heritage Site) situated about 6 Km from city centre is the centre of Tibetan culture in Nepal. The 36-meter-high Stupa of Boudhanath is one of the largest Stupa in South Asia. Boudhanath Stupa was renovated by Licchavi rulers in the eighth century. The mandala design in Boudhanath is a copy of the one in Gyangtse in Tibet. The stupa is said to entomb the remains of a Kashyapa sage venerable both to Buddhists and Hindus. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay in Hotel Tibet International. Day 04 | Monday, 16th March’2020: Kathmandu to Chitwan (By Air) After breakfast, transfer to Kathmandu Airport to board flight to Bharatpur Airport. Upon arrival at Bharatpur Airport, travel to Chitwan (22 Kms/ 1 Hr). The Royal Chitwan National Park stands as a successful testimony of nature conservation in South Asia. This is the first national park of Nepal established in 1973 to preserve a unique ecosystem significantly valuable to the whole world. The park covering a pristine area of 932 sq. km is situated in the subtropical inner Terai lowlands of southern central part of Nepal. There are more than 43 species of mammals in the park. The park is renowned for the protection of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, tiger, gharial Crocodile along with many other common species of wild animals. The estimated population of endangered species of animals such as gaur, wild elephant, four horned antelope, striped hyena, pangolin, gangetic dolphin, monitor lizard and python, chital, hog deer, barking deer, sloth, palm civet, wild dog, langur, rhesus monkey, etc. Afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a presentation by one of the jungle experts on the Royal Chitwan National Park as well as some other topics relating to wildlife. Later enjoy Tharu Stick Dance, performed by the farmers of nearby villages. Overnight stay in Safari Narayani Resort. Day 05 | Tuesday, 17th March’2020: Chitwan Morning enjoy Jeep Safari in the National Park. Jeep Safari is an exciting ride on an open top jeep into the dense forest of jungle. It is possible to closely observe the wild animals as well as take their snaps during jeep safari. Jeep Safari offers relative safety from wild animals. As Jeep Safari are operated with regularly inside the jungle. The wild animals are used to the right of jeeps carrying tourists, and generally do not run away when the jeep gets near. The safari operators also stop the vehicle of any wild animal is encountered or seen from a distance. Thus the jeep safari is an excellent way to observe the wild animals. Afternoon is at leisure. Later enjoy, jungle walk with the naturalist. Overnight stay in Safari Narayani Resort. Day 06 | Wednesday, 18th March’2020: Chitwan Morning enjoy Canoe Ride in Rapti River. Start sailing in a traditional patela boat for about 45 minutes, which will take you on a silent trip down the Rapti River to see waterfowl, crocodiles, gharials and animals from the riverbanks. Later visit the local Tharu village to learn more about their lifestyle, culture, religion etc. Tharu are the oldest tribes in this region and have more than 100 years of history. It is also called people immune to malaria since they are only tribes that survive in this area when it was maltreated by malaria before it was eradicated in the 1960s. Enjoy Bullock Cart Ride to hotel. Overnight stay in Safari Narayani Resort. Day 07 | Thursday, 19th March’2020: Chitwan to Pokhara (165 Kms/ 06 Hrs) Morning by surface travel to Pokhara, en-route visit Bandipur. Bandipur is a midway on the day-long drive between Chitwan and Pokhara lies the hilltop settlement of Bandipur, a Newar town with its age-old flavor still intact. Well preserved Bandipur today invites travelers to experience its unique offerings: rich hill culture, mountain views, and hiking. Unlike most trading posts in the Nepal hills, Bandipur has retained its age-old cultural attributes - temples, shrines, sacred caves, innumerable festivals, and a Newari architecture that harks back to the Kathmandu Valley of old. Enjoy lunch in Bandipur. Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of 900m from the sea level and 200 Km west of Kathmandu valley, the city is known as a center of adventure. The enchanting town has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic. Upon arrival in Pokhara, proceed for Check-in. Evening is at leisure. Overnight stay in Waterfront Resort. Day 08 | Friday, 20th March’2020: Pokhara Early morning, visit to Sarangkot for sunrise view of Annapurna Mountain Range. Sarangkot is a small hilltop which is famous for its breath taking view of sunrise across Annapurna range and Fishtail Mountain. From here, you can see a panoramic sweep of Himalayan peaks, from Dhaulagiri (8167m) in the west to the perfect pyramid that is Machhapuchhare (6997m) and the rounded peak of Annapurna II (7937m) in the east. Most people come here at dawn, when the sun picks out the peaks in brilliant colours. Later visit to Bindabasini Temple. This temple dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Durga is located near the busy Old Bazaar of Pokhara.