Unravel Nepal – 9 Days

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for relaxation.
Kathmandu, the capital city, is a blend of rich culture, ancient traditions, and bustling bazaars. Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the city boasts natural beauty, vibrant culture, unique cuisine, and intense religious devotion evident in its festivals. Despite the 2015 earthquake, Kathmandu remains lively and resilient.

After breakfast at the hotel, set out to explore different sites in Kathmandu, Swayambhunath, and Bhaktapur.

Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once a royal palace of the Malla Dynasty. It features small courtyards, shrines, and the temple of the living goddess, Kumari, who can often be seen on the temple’s balcony during ceremonies. The square is lively with vendors, priests, and strolling couples.
A short walk leads to a bustling vegetable and spice market.

Next, visit Swayambhunath, the “self-created” stupa, another UNESCO site. Swayambhunath can be reached via a road to the southwest entrance or by climbing 365 steep steps to the main platform. This ancient stupa, adorned with Buddha’s eyes, is surrounded by smaller chaityas and temples and is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. It is one of Kathmandu’s most ancient and enigmatic holy sites.

Later, drive to Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon or the ‘City of Devotees,’ rich in traditional art and architecture. Bhaktapur Durbar Square, also a UNESCO site, boasts well-preserved temples and palaces from the Malla Dynasty, including Nyatapola Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, and The Golden Gate.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your scenic flight to Pokhara.

Pokhara’s enchanting beauty has captivated many travel writers. Its pristine air, snowy peaks, serene lakes, and lush greenery make it the ‘Jewel of the Himalayas,’ a haven of natural splendor.

Enjoy boating on Phewa Lake, Nepal’s second-largest lake, which is fed by streams and regulated by a dam, making it a semi-natural freshwater lake. Visit the Barahi Temple, an island temple in the middle of Phewa Lake, surrounded by stunning views.

Early morning, drive to Sarangkot, a picturesque village perched on a mountainside ridge at 1600 meters, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas. On the way back to the hotel, visit the Bindabasini Temple, one of the oldest temples in Pokhara.

Breakfast will be served at the hotel.

After breakfast, visit the World Peace Pagoda, a Buddhist stupa built by Japanese Nipponzan Fujii monks on a narrow ridge above Phewa Lake. Also, explore the International Mountain Museum.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bharatpur. Upon arrival at Bharatpur Airport, you will be taken to your hotel.

Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s first national park, is in the lush Chitwan Valley, 75 miles southwest of Kathmandu, in the foothills of the Churia Ranges.

Upon arrival at the hotel, check into your rooms. During lunch, you will receive a briefing about the evening activities.

After an early breakfast, embark on a thrilling jungle walk with an expert naturalist to spot one-horned rhinoceroses, birds, and other wildlife.

Alternatively, opt for an adventurous half-day jeep safari in specially designed 4×4 vehicles, guided by experienced naturalists.

After lunch, enjoy a tranquil float down the picturesque Rapti River, taking in the stunning views of the Himalayan foothills and watching for rhinoceroses, gharials, and diverse birdlife.

(Note: Jeep Safari is prohibited during monsoon season by the park authorities from June-September and in some seasons, it can prolong till October).

Early morning, drive to Bharatpur, and fly back to Kathmandu.

After freshening up, visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of Kathmandu’s most iconic landmarks and a center of Tibetan Buddhism. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this massive stupa, built on a three-level mandala, is one of the largest in the world. Surrounding the stupa are numerous shops selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and exclusive Tibetan specialties and delicacies.

The stupa, located on an ancient trade route from Tibet, has been a resting place for Tibetan merchants for centuries. It is believed to contain the remains of a Buddhist sage or sacred texts and objects.

Next, visit the magnificent Pashupatinath Temple, one of Nepal’s holiest Hindu shrines, located on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, dedicated to Lord Shiva, features stunning architecture with a gilded roof and richly carved silver doors. While access to the shrine is limited to Hindus, others can view the temple from the east banks of the river.

Transfer back to the hotel.

Today, we will visit Patan and take a village walk to Bungamati and Khokana.

After breakfast, transfer to Patan, a city of artisans and fine arts. Patan is home to the valley’s finest craftsmen, who have preserved the ancient repoussé technique. The city retains its old charm with narrow streets, brick houses, and many courtyards, Hindu temples, and Buddhist monasteries.

Explore Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring ancient palaces, pagoda temples, stone baths, statues, engravings, and bronze carvings. One highlight is the Royal Palace, home to the Malla Kings, and the Patan Museum.

Next, visit Bungamati, a medieval Newari village that has preserved its traditional lifestyle. A tour through Bungamati offers a glimpse into the Newari community’s way of life.

Finally, visit Khokana, a small Newari village established in the 7th century by the Licchhavi rulers. Khokana has retained its unique culture and traditions despite modern influences.

Transfer back to the hotel.

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.