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17
Days / 16 Nights Package
DAY 01 :
Vaishali or Hotel Shangrila.
Arrival in Kathmandu. On arrival at Tribhuwan
International Airport, Kathmandu you will be met our
representatives. Then board a waiting vehicle for
transfer to your Hotel. City Maps and detailed
itinerary will be handed over to you. On the way to
your hotel, our representative will brief you on
Nepal, general do's and don'ts and also explain your
program in brief. Upon arrival at the hotel, you
will be offered a welcome drink, and shown to your
room. Later our representative will brief you in
more detail on your itinerary and answer any
questions you may have. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Hotel Vaishali or Hotel Shangrila.
DAY 02 :
KATHMANDU CITY
0900 Hrs : Sightseeing tour of the KATHMANDU CITY -
Hanumandhoka - Kathmandu's Durbar Square is the
historic seat of royalty. The Durbar Square with its
old temples and palaces, epitomises the religious
and cultural life of the people. It is here that
kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations
solemnized. Also visit the Taleju Temple built by
King Mahendra Malla in 1549 AD, the temple of Kal
Bhairav - the God of destruction and the temple of
Kumari (Vestal Virgin) or the Living Goddess -
represents a very ancient Hindu deity of Nepal
locally known as Taleju is Buddhist by birth. The
Kumari acknowledges greetings from her balcony
window. Once a year during Indra Jatra festival, the
King of Nepal seeks the Kumari's blessing.
Kasthamandap -- Located near the Kumari Temple is
said to be built from the wood of a single tree from
the city. The city of Kathmandu derives its name
from this temple. The Kathmandu Durbar Square was
listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in
1979.
Next to SWOYHUMBHUNATH STUPA- the oldest Buddhist
shrine. It is said to be 2,000 years old. Painted on
the four sides of the spire’s base are the all -
seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is 3 km west of
Kathmandu City and is situated on a hillock about 77
m above the level of Kathmandu Valley and commands
an excellent view of the Valley. This Stupa is the
oldest of its kind in Nepal. It was also listed in
the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.
12.00 Hrs : Sightseeing tour of BHAKTAPUR CITY -
Valley's most medieval city also known as Bhadgaon.
It is situated about 14 kilometers east of Kathmandu
and was one of the three kingdoms of the Mallas.
Situated at an altitude of 1,401m, Bhaktapur covers
an area of four square miles. The City of Devotees
as it is known still retains its medieval charm and
visitors to this ancient town are treated to a feast
of cultural and artistic achievements. The past
glory of the Malla rulers continues to be reflected
in the Durbar Square. Pottery and Woodcaving are its
traditional craft industries. Places to see here
include the Lion Gate, the Picture Gallery, the
Golden Gate and the Palace of 55 Windows. Here the
ancient temples and palaces show the Newari
craftsmanship of carved wooden windows and
latticework. Lunch in local restaurant in Bhaktapur.
Thereafter drive to Nagarkot - a small hill station
32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, is situated at an
altitude of 2,175m above sea level. The panorama of
the major peaks of most of the eastern Nepal
Himalayas, including Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) can be
seen from here. Best views at sunset and sunrise.
(subject to weather). Overnight in Hotel Vaishali or
Hotel Shangrila.
DAY 03 :
PATAN CITY
09.00 Hrs : After breakfast sightseeing tour of
PATAN CITY -- This city of architecture and fine
arts was founded in 250 AD, previously known as
Lalitpur. It is also known as the "Town with a
Thousand Golden Roofs." This ancient city lies about
5 kms southeast of Kathmandu. The city is full of
Hindu and Buddhist monuments. The interesting places
to visit here are the Durbar Square, Mahaboudha,
Krishna Mandir and Hirayana Mahabihar Temple (The
Golden Temple). Your visit will be followed by a
visit to Tibetan Handicraft Centre at Jawalakhel.
14.00 Hrs : Tour PASUPATINATH TEMPLE : the temple of
Lord Shiva, The temple with a two tiered golden roof
and silver door is considered one of the holiest
shrines for Hindus. Although only Hindus are allowed
inside the temple, visitors can witness the
activities performed in the temple premises from the
eastern bank of the Bagmati River. The temple was
listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in
1979.
After proceed to BOUDHANATH STUPA : The stupa of
Bouddhanath lies 8 kms east of Kathmandu. This
ancient colossal Stupa is one of the biggest in the
world, and is the centre of Tibetan Buddhism in
Nepal. Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument
List in 1979. Overnight in Hotel Shangrila or Hotel
Vaishali.
DAY 04 :
07.45 Hrs : Transfer to airport and fly Kathmandu /
Lhasa by CA 408 (ETD 10:00 AM). The flight is one
hour ten minutes and it is one of the most beautiful
flights in the world. First the flight follows East
approaching Dorje Lakpa, the Jugal Himal, Gauri
Shankar, Choyu, Lhotse, Mt. Everest and Makalu. Then
after flying to the North on the left side of the
aircraft, we see the Chomo Lihari (7315 m) of Bhutan
including the whole of the Kanchanjunga Massif,
Makalu and East face of Chomolungna (Mt. Everest).
The flight takes a sharp from North wards and flies
over the Mountain range of Nozin Khang Sa and Lake
Yamdrok and follows the Yarlung Tsangpo river on the
east.
Upon arrival at Gonggar Airport (ETA 1400 Hrs),
Lhasa. Meet, assist and transfer : a spectacular 2
hours drive along the banks of the Brahmaputra, past
yak-skin boats and giant carved Buddhas, throught
Tibetian villages and then into the Lhasa valley
itself for your first glimpse of the golden roofs of
the Potala Palace.
LHASA, the capital city of Tibet at an altitude of
3650m, is situated on the north bank of the kyichu
River. Lhasa in Tibetan means 'Place of the Gods'
and 'Potala Palace', the residence of the Dalai Lama
(the god King), is the earthly representation of the
celestial Palace of Avaloketeswora, the Buddha of
infinite compassion whose incarnation in the human
form is believed to be the Dalai Lama. As Tibet's
political, religious and cultural centre it is a
city truly blesed by the gods, where life is
unhurried, its people jovial and yet remaining
staunchly independent. P.M. - Free for
acclimatising. Overnight at the Hotel Shibala.
DAY 05 :
POTALA PALACE - NORBULINGKHA
This morning you will have time to explore the famed
Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the
Dalai Lamas. The Potala is a magnificent building of
over 1000 rooms that towers over the Lhasa Valley.
Completed in 1693, it is still considered to be noe
of the architectural wonders of the world.
DREPUNG MONASTERY : Drive 8 kms west of Lhasa to
Drepung Monastery. Said to be the largest monastery
in the world housing over 10,000 monks, it was
founded in 1416 by the disciple of Je Tsonkhapa,
founder of the yellow hat Gelukpa sect of Tibetan
Buddhism. The second, third and fourth Dalai Lamas
lived and were entombed here. Drepung in Tibetan
means 'ricemound'. Visit THE NORBULINGKHA : The
'Jewel Park' as it is known in Tibetan, was built in
the 18th century and served as the Summer Palace of
the Dalai Lamas. This colourful garden landscape was
the site of picnic and public gatherings. The
palaces are richly decorated, creating an atmosphere
of peaceful repose. Overnight at the Hotel Shibala.
DAY 06 :
TSURPHU GOMPA - JOKHANG TEMPLE
Early morning drive out of Lhasa to Tsurphu Gompa.
This famous monastery has only very recently been
opened to tourists and was founded in 1189 by the
first Karmapa (reincarnation). The present Karmapa
is 8 years old and holds daily audiences for the
many monks that now inhabit the monastery. Drive
back to Lhasa.
Visit to SERA MONASTERY : 5 km (3 miles) north of
Lhasa. Sera setting is one of Lhasa's
prettiest. Once a community of more than 5,000
monks, it was virtually extinguished by the Chinese.
The restored monastery sits below the brow of a hill
on which Tsongkhapa built a hermitage and spent
several years meditating. One of the monks disciples
began building Sera in 1419, completing it a few
years later.
JOKHANG TEMPLE : Situated in the heart of old Lhasa,
it houses Tibet's most precious religious relic, a
golden Shakyamuni Buddha which was brought as a gift
by the Chinese Princess Wen Cheng on the occasion of
her wedding to the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gompo,
Surrounding the Jokhang Temple is the bustling
Barkhor market place which is the religious and
social focus of Lhasa. Overnight at the Hotel
Shibala.
DAY 07 :
PALKHOR CHODE
After breakfast, drive - Xigatse via Northern road.
The drive is particularly beautiful as you travel
through the heart of the Tibetan plateau to the
second largest urban centre in Tibet. Palkhor Chode
is the monastery next to Kumbum, which was founded
in 1418 by Rapten Kunsang along with Kumbum. Sadly
only 4 buildings now remain. Perched high above
Gyantse is the dzong, or fort, which was attacked by
the British under Sir Francis Younghusband in 1904.
Opening times are sporadic but you may well be able
to get the main door opened by your guide. You are
booked in Hotel Wutse for a night.
DAY 08 :
PANCHEN LAMA
After breakfast, drive to Shigatse. Shigatse was
formerly the seat of the Panchen Lama, second in the
lamaist hierarchy to the Dalai Lama. The Panchen
Lama, who recently died, was taken to Beijing in
1965 and lived there for the remainder of his life
as an active supporter of Chinese policy in Tibet.
The Tashilumpo monastery in Shigatse used to be the
residence of the Panchen Lama and a number of monks
still reside there today. The monastery was
constructed in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama, Gendrun
Drub, and at the peak of its activity over 4000
monks were in residence. The town itself is
dominated by the ruins of an old fort and today you
will be taken to visit the various monasteries and
forts that can be seen here, including the temple of
the Maitreya (coming) Buddha.
Overnight at Hotel Mansarovar.
DAY 09 :
HIMALAYAS
You will then be driven to New Tinggri (Shegar). As
the road descends towards New Tinggri, the white
range of the Himalayas is visible in the distance.
New Tingri formerly had a fortress perched on the
cliffs above and a monastery known as Shining
Crystal. The town is composed of an old Tibetan
quarter and a larger Chinese section in which the
hotel is located. You are booked in Shegar for a
stay of 1 night.
DAY 10 :
EVEREST BASE CAMP
After breakfast drive to Everest Base Camp. (approx
¾ hours drive one way ) Visit. Rogbuk Monastery and
return to the hotel at Shegar.
DAY 11 :
NYLAM
Today you will drive to the Nylam. You are booked at
the Lodge in Nylam for a stay of 1 night.
DAY 12 :
TIBET
Today you will be driven across the friendship
bridge from Tibet to Nepal.. You will stop at the
beautiful mountain village of Dhulikel for lunch
before continuing to Kathmandu. Overnight in Hotel
Shangrila or Hotel Vaishali.
DAY 13 :
KIRITIPUR
After breakfast tour of Kiritipur (5 kms from
Kathmandu). Kirtipur is a small town situated on the
hilltop. It offers fine views over Kathmandu with
the Himalaya rising behind. Kirtipur Cottage
Industry is a major industry for the town. As you
wander through Kirtiipur, you can see dyed yarn
hanging from the upstairs windows and hear the
background clatter of the town's handlooms. Many of
the town's 9000 inhabitants are weavers or farmers.
Overnight in Hotel Shangrila or Hotel Vaishali.
DAY 14 :
POKHARA
After breakfast drive to Pokhara - 200 kms (5/6
hours drive) Upon arrival meet in Pokhara check in
at your hotel. POKHARA is one of the most
picturesque valley in Nepal. Its lies 200 kms west
of Kathmandu, under the shadows of the Annapurna
Range. A rare combination of snow-clad mountains,
foothills clear lakes, streams, and villages. Lying
at 900m above sea level, Pokhara is also the
starting point for many of Nepal’s most popular
trekking and rafting destinations. Rest of the day
at leisure. Overnight in Shangrila Village Resort or
Hotel Barahi.
DAY 15 :
POKHARA -SARANKOT
Drive to Sarangkot (45 minutes drive) to witness the
sunrise over the Himalays Sarangkot once had a fort
or kot and its remains can be seen on the very top
of the ridge over Sarangkot. There is a lookout
point inside the old fort walls and the view of the
Annapurnas to the north is superb. The view over
Phewa Tal is equally fine. Return to hotel for
breakfast. After breakfast sightseeing tour of
Pokhara Valley including one of the Tibetan Refugee
camps. Sightseeing tour is followed by an enchanting
session in a rowing boat on Lake Fewa, and the
chance for some local shopping. Overnight at
Shangrila Village or Hotel Barahi.
DAY 16 :
After breakfast return to Kathmandu. Overnight at
Hotel Shangrila or Hotel Vaishali.
DAY 17 :
Transfer to Tribhuwan International Airport for your
departure flight.
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