On The Trail to City of Lakes (03 Nights / 04 Days)

INTRODUCTION

A landlocked country Nepal is in Southern Asia, between the Tibet autonomous region of China and India. It contains 8 of the world's 10 highest peaks, including Mount Everest - the world’s tallest –bordered with Tibet, and Lumbini, the birth place of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. A monarchy for hundreds of years, Nepal was declared a republic in June 2008. A very diverse geography, rising from less than 100 meters (328 ft) elevation in the tropical Terai, the northern rim of the Gangetic Plain, beyond the perpetual snow line to some 90 peaks over 7,000 meters (22,966 ft) including Earth's highest Mount Everest or Sagarmatha at 8,848m (29,029 ft).

Prithvi Narayan must have been a charismatic figure, for he recruited, equipped and trained a formidable army and persuaded his subjects to underwrite all this from his ascension until his death in 1775. Through conquest and treaty, he consolidated several Chaubisi kingdoms. As his domain expanded, Khaskura became known as Gorkhali, i.e. the language of the Gorkha kingdom. Then he moved east into the next river basin, the Bagmati which drains the Kathmandu Valley that held three smallurban kingdoms.Like the Rapti, the Bagmati raises somewhat south of the Himalaya. Unlike the Rapti basin, this valley had once held a large lake and the remaining alluvial soil was exceptionally fertile. Between the agricultural abundance, local crafts, and extensive trade with Tibet, the cities were prosperous. Prithvi Narayan encircled the valley, cutting off trade and restricting ordinary activities, even farming and getting water. With a combination of stealth, brutality and intimidation he prevailed and deposed the local kings in 1769, making Kathmandu his new capital. This was the high point of PrithviNarayan's career; however he continued consolidating the Kathmandu Valley with the Chaubisi and Baisi federations to the west until his death in 1775. Gorkhali was re-dubbed Nepali as 'Nepal' came to mean not only the urbanized Kathmandu Valley, but all lands ruled by the Shahs.

Nepal is also one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and variation in altitude. The elevation of the country ranges from 60 meters above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters, all within a distance of 150 kilometers resulting in climatic conditions from sub-tropical to Arctic. Nepal is occupying only 0.1 % of the earth and is home to:

1. 2 % of all the flowering plants in the world.

2. 8 % of the world’s population of birds (more than 848 species).

3. 4 % of mammals on earth.

4. 11 of the world’s 15 families of butterflies (more than 500 species).

5. 600 indigenous plant families.

6. 8 of the 14 highest (8000 m) peaks of the world

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NEPAL AT A GLANCE:

Official Name: Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal

Area: 147, 181 square kilometers.

Geography: Situated between China to the north and India to the south, east & west. Highthest point Mt. Everest (8848 m) and the lowest Kechana (60 m above sea level)

Capital: Kathmandu – surrounded by four hills – Fulchowki, Chandragiri Shivapuri and Nagarjun. Kathmandu valley has three major cities Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan. Situated at the altitude of 4,500 feet above sea level, Kathmandu is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Before the unification of Nepal in the 18th century, the three cities were independent states ruled by the Malla Kings.

Population: 27.8 million (according to the census of 2013)

Language: Nepali is the national language. However English is spoken by many.

People/Religion: Nepal has more than 105 ethnic groups with diverse culture, traditions and lifestyle. Nepali people can be divided into two distinct groups: Indo- Burman and Mongoloid. Nepal is a secular state with majority of people following Hinduism. However, people practicing Buddhism, Christianity and Islam among others live in a good harmony.

Politics: Multi-party Democracy.

Administrative Division: Though Nepal is a federal republic, federal states are yet to be carved. Nepal is divided into five development regions, 14 Zones and 75Districts.

Climate: Nepal has four seasons, namely; (1) winter – December to February (2) Spring – March to May, (3) summer – June to August & (4) Autumn September to November. Nepal can be visited the whole year around.

What to wear: Light weight clothing is recommended for May through October, Warm garments are required in October through till March. An umbrella or a raincoat is a must for the rainy season. (June /July)

Voltage: Standard voltage only 220 volts.

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE TRIP FACTS

DAY 01: 08:00 Hrs : Drive Kathmandu to Bandipur (1030 m) Time Period: 03 Nights / 04 Days (148 Km) In Bandipur: 01 Night on BB

DAY 02: Drive Bandipur to Pokhara (884 m) (84 Km) In Pokhara: 02 Nights on BB PM : Visit Mountain Museum or hike to Peace Accommodations: Hotels in Bandipur and Pokhara Pagoda + Boat Ride

Tour Cost: (*Details of cost included /excludes given at the bottom of the itinerary. DAY 03: Full Day Sightseeing Tour of Pokhara

(Please note all times& distance mentioned are estimated and not DAY 0 4: Transfer to airport and fly Pokhara / Kathmandu (Approx. 25 Minutes Flight). Upon arrival, actual hours and may vary as per individual, physical, weather & transfer to the Hotel. Group conditions)

** End of Arrangements **

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DETAILED ITINERARY - 2018

Day 01: Drive Kathmandu to Bandipur (1030 m) / 148 Km) After breakfast, we negotiate the traffic out of the Kathmandu city and drive out of the valley at the cross section of the ring road at Kalanki and then set out for check post at Nagdhunga, just past Thankot. From here, the road twists and turns as we negotiate the traffic and descend to Naubise, 26 kilometer marker (about 17 kilometers from Nagdhunga). Then the road becomes much larger and a much more smoother enjoyable drive on the highway to Kurintar, 103 kilometers from Kathmandu. Another two kilometers brings us to the Manokamana temple Gate. We continue drivingto Mugling, the junction where the highway bifurcates, south to Chitwan and West to Pokhara. We head west by crossing the bridge and follow the Marshyangdi river for about 25 kilometers to arrive at Dumre town. Continue for another ½ kilometer and then take the left turn to the Bandipur Township. This 8 kilometer drive is a pleasant one as we continue to ascend on a winding path. Near the top we divert on a rough track for about 1 ½ kilometers to arrive at a clearing and the Bandipur Resort which is hidden from view lies at the edge of a clearing in a densely wooded area overlooking the valley below.

Bandipur is a picturesque town nestled in the Himalayan foothills of Nepal, a land as famous for its natural beauty as for the hospitality of its people. Bandipur has been described as a natural view tower as one can view the spectacular panorama of the entire Annapurna Range plus the peaks of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Langtang from here. Apart from the stunning views of the Himalaya and the Marsyangdi Valley, a visit to the town is an opportunity to get a close look at

Newar cultural life . Upon arrival at Bandipur check in to the hotel and rest of the day is free to relax and explore around Bandipur village.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 02:Drive Bandipur to Pokhara (85 Km) / Visit Mountain Museum or Hike to Peace Pagoda + Boat Ride After leisurely breakfast board the waiting vehicle and drive to Pokhara. Pokhara is approximately 85 kilometers from Bandipur. Firstly, descend to the main highway near Dumre and then head west following the Marshyangdi River for a while and then slowly ascend through terraced agricultural lands and small road side villages. At the outskirts of Pokhara, we are greeted with views of the Annapurna Mountain range including the famous Fish Tail Mountain.

Visit Mountain Museum or hike to Peace Pagoda + Boat Ride

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Pokhara stands at 827 meters above sea level and is an ideal vacationer’s paradise. With its crystal clear lakes, magnificent views of the Annapurna Mountain Range and its bustling but quaint lake side bazaar, it is a major tourist attraction. From here most of the treks starts for the western region and is a haven for people who wants to relax in this serene mountain beauty. The Annapurna mountain range is impressive by any standard and looming ahead to take the center stage is Machapucchre or “Fish Tail Mountain”, which gets its name from the shape of its summit and flanking it from either side are the great mountains of the range including Annapurna I (8091 m), the first 8000 m peak to be scaled in 1950. The range continues to meet the Lamjung Himal in the east while to its west looms the massive dome of Dhaulagiri (8161 m).

Upon arrival at Pokhara, check in to the hotel. Guest will be welcomed with the welcome drink and the room will be assigned.

PM: Board the waiting vehicle and drive to the International Mountain Museum (IMM) for the sightseeing tour or Drive to Peace Pagoda and Hike to the Lake and do the Boating in the Fewa Lake.

While in Pokhara make it a point to visit the International Mountain Museum (IMM) that records, documents, exhibits and chronicles the past and the present development of mountains and mountaineering activities in the world. Built by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), much support was received from various mountaineering clubs and associations as well as individual donors from around the world. The museum primarily provides information and exhibits everything related to Man, Mountain and Mountain activities from around the world.

IMM situated in Pokhara was opened on February 5, 2004. The museum contains three main exhibitions halls - Hall of Great Himalayas, Hall of Fame and Hall of World Mountains. It also contains models of famous peaks, mannequins of famous mountaineers, culture and lifestyle of mountain people, flora and fauna including geoloy. The museum has been built with the theme of man, mountains and mountaineering. The museum also has model Nepali houses constructed in its premises.

After visiting the IMM board the waiting vehicle and drive to hotel.

OR PM: Board the waiting vehicle and drive to Peace Pagoda for the sightseeing tour and later hike to the Lake and do the Boating in the Fewa Lake.

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Peace Pagoda is located at the top of the hill and offers magnificent viewsof the whole Pokhara Valley. It is approximately 10 kilometers from Pokhara lake side. The Phewa Lake and the Annapurna Range across the lake. On top of the hill is the world Peace Pagoda. At the four corners of the Pagoda there are statues of Lord Buddha in different postures. The Peace Pagoda is a Buddhist Pagoda style monument on Ananda hill of PumdiBhumdi village Development Committee in the district of Kaski, Nepal. This Stupa was built by NipponzanMyohoji monk Morioka Soni with local supporters under the guidance of NichidatsuFuiji, a Buddhist monk and the founder of NipponzanMyohoji.

After spending some time at peace Pagoda we hike down to Fewa Lake. It is a pleasant walk through the forest and take us approximately 1 ½ to 2 Hours to get to the lake.

Upon arrival at the lake we get in to the waiting boat and alter visit the Barahi Temple which is located in the middle of the lake.

Tal Barahi Temple: One of the most important religious monuments in Pokhara, Tal Barahi is situated almost in the middle of Phewa Lake. The Barahi Devi is considered as the protector Deity representing the female force. This temple has lured innumerable visitors and pilgrimages since its inception. This temple has earned so much name and fame that, it has become a centre of attraction for not only Hindus but also for people belonging to different religion and culture.

After boating and visiting the temple we come to the other end of the lake.

Later we walk up to the hotel and rest of the evening is free to relax and explore around.

Overnight at Hotel Drive duration (3 ½ to 4 hrs)

Day 03: Full Day Sightseeing Tour of Pokhara City After breakfast met by the guide at the hotel lobby and board the waiting vehicle and proceed for the sightseeing tour of Pokhara city. We will be visiting, Devi’s fall,Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, Brindabasini Temple,Seti Gorge& Old Pokhara Bazaar.

(Devi’s) Falls this falls has been made to be an outstanding attraction in many brochures and guidebooks but you are likely to be disappointed unless you plan your visit during the rainy season. The water of Pardi Khola, which drains Lake Phewa, fall underground and disappears at David Falls. There is an interesting legend associated with this falls (which is probably true). During the late fifties, A Swiss couples were visiting Pokhara on their honeymoon trip and happened to take bath in the waters of the falls. The gates of the dam were opened unexpectedly and the woman was washed away and drowned. It was after the drowned woman that the locals named this fall.

After visiting Devi’s Falls we cross the road and proceed for the sightseeing tour of Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

Gupteshwor Mahadev cave is probably the longest and attractivecave in south Asia which is located at the pristine location of northwestern part of Pokhara. The cave is 5

located on 28°14’8” northern latitude and 83°57’13.4” eastern longitudes. This cave is 772 meter above the sea level. From the entrance of the cave within approximately 40 meters, there is an idol in which amazing and natural pictures of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parbati, Naag, Lord Ganesha and mouse can be found.

Ancestors called this place as desolate Khatri Tara. At that time water steam used to come out from this place and some courageous youngsters used to go inside and catch fishes. In 1970, 1980 and 1982 a British Expedition Organization named British course Research Cave Expedition expatiated this cave and published about it in The Atlas Great Cave of the World. This cave was formally established in 1994-01-01 which is a religious and touristic destination

Later drive to Brindabasini Temple, the most famous temple of Pokhara and is situated in the old part of the city. It was constructed by the Rajas of Kaski before unification of Nepal. It was renovated in 1965. The main deity is the goddess Durga. There is a major festival during the Dasain in October in which animals such as goat are sacrificed. After visiting the temple you can move around the old market surrounding the temple. This is also the starting point of trek to Sarangkot. There are a number of old buildings but these are not as old as in Kathmandu valley. These are perhaps a century old. Some old buildings at Ramakrishna and Bhairav Toles are planned to be preserved in “monument zone” to be set up in the area.

Continue on to Mahendra Pool to see the Seti Gorge.

Seti Gorge: The deep gorge made by Seti River (which means ‘white’ in Nepali) along the eastern side of Pokhara city could be as much as 40 meters and has been made a tourist attraction in the city. The gorges are visible from bridges in the city – the most famous being Mahendra Pool in city center. After the sightseeing tour is completed board the waiting vehicle and drive towards the hotel. Rest of the evening is free to explore and roam around the Lake Side Bazaar

After the sightseeing tour of Seti Gorge proceed for the sightseeing tour of Old Pokhara Bazaar.

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Pokhara’s traditional bazaar is bright and colorful, as are its ethnically diverse traders. Located around 4km from Lakeside, it is a pleasant, shady spot, strewn with shops selling everything from edibles and cloth to cosmetics and gold! We will take a stroll around the stores, and our local guide will point out the oddities, direct us to the best stores to buy from and give us pointers on how to haggle with the locals!

After the sightseeing tour of Pokhara City drive back to the Hotel

Rest of the evening is free to relax and explore around the lake side market.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 03:Fly to Kathmandu (Approx. 25 Minutes Flight) After a leisurely breakfast met by the representative at the hotel lobby and drive to the Pokhara airport to catch a approximately 25 minutes flight to Kathmandu.

Upon arrival at Kathmandu domestic airport board the waiting vehicle and drive to Hotel.

***End of Arrangements***

Cont.d

COST FOR On The Trail to City of Lakes – 2018 (03 Nights / 04 Days)

THE COST STATED BELOW IS NETT COST PER PERSON BASED IN AMERICAN DOLLARS FOR MINIMUM 02 PAX TRAVELING TOGETHER ON TWIN SHARING BASIS AND VALID TILL 30THDECEMBER, 2016

Using 05 Star Category Hotel in Pokhara and best available in Bandipur

Number of Persons 02 Pax & Above Nett Cost per person USD 565.00

The Cost Includes

- Drive from Kathmandu to Bandipur / Pokhara and Kathmandu in a private deluxe a/c vehicle. - 01 Night accommodation at Gaun Ghar Bandipur or similar in Bandipur on twin share basis with Bed and Breakfast Basis inclusive of all the government taxes. (Currently 24.3 %) - 02 Nights’ accommodation at Temple Tree Resort & Spa in Pokhara or similar on twin share basis with Bed and Breakfast Basis inclusive of all the government taxes. (Currently 24.3 %) - Half Day sightseeing tour of International Mountain Museum (IMM) in Pokhara or Drive to Peace Pagoda in a private deluxe a/c vehicle accompanied by guide and later hike down to the Fewa Lake. - Entrance fee and guide fee for the sightseeing tour for half day in Pokhara. - Boating in Fewa Lake as per the itinerary accompanied by the guide. - Full Day sightseeing tour of Pokhara city in a private deluxe a/c vehicle accompanied by the well experienced and knowledgeableEnglish speaking guide. 7

- Entrance fee for the sightseeing tour in Pokhara as per the itinerary. - City guide fee for the sightseeing tour of Pokhara inclusive of his daily allowance, meals and all the government taxes. - Airfare for the sector Pokhara / Kathmandu of USD 133.00 per person inclusive of all the airport taxes. - Arrival transfer in Kathmandu from domestic airport of Kathmandu - Government taxes and tolls and entrance fees where applicable.

The cost excludes:

- International Airfares.

- Nepal Visa fees (If applicable).

- Personal Insurance

- Any services in Kathmandu except the airport transfer during the flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

- Meals (Lunch& Dinner) while the guest stay at hotels in Bandipur and Pokhara.

- Items of a personal nature such as bar bills telephone calls, laundry, extra mileage and any extra costs incurred due to natural calamities, flight delays etc.

- Personal medication

- Insurance for or against accidents, loss of life, theft etc.

- Personal insurance, evacuation and medical expenses.

- Costs incurred due to cancellation of flights, altitude sickness or unforeseen circumstances (riots, natural calamities etc) and situations beyond the control of Sacred Summits (P) Ltd.

- Tips for the staff on tour.

- Any item not mentioned in the above ‘cost includes’.

*** THE END ***

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