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17
Days / 16 Nights Package
DAY 01 :
KATHMANDU CITY
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 -HANUMANDHOKA -KATHMANDU'S DARWAR
09.00 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 - PASUPATINATH TEMPLE - BOUDHANATH STUPA
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.
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 Buddism in Nepal. Listed in the
UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.
Overnight in Hotel Shangrila or Hotel Vaishali.
DAY 04 :
LHASA
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 - DREPUNG MONASTERY - THE 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'.
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 - SERA MONASTERY - 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.
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 :
XIGATSE
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 :
MANSAROVAR
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 :
SHINING CRYSTAL
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 :
NYLAM
Today you will drive to the Nylam. You are booked at
the Lodge in Nylam for a stay of 1 night.
DAY 11 :
DHULIKEL
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 12 :
POKHARA CITY
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 13 :
POKHARA / SARANGKOT
Early Morning : 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
Barahis
DAY 14 :
POKHARA - CHITWAN
After breakfast drive to Pokhara / Chitwan - 5/6
leisure drive. Upon arrival at Amaltarighat (bank of
Narayani River) our naturalists will meet you. Enter
into an atmosphere of adventure which begins with
crossing the river by boats. After the crossing, you
will be given hot towels to refresh yourselves and
welcome Tika and Drinks. Then transferred to the
Temple Tiger Jungle Lodge by , elephants or
landrovers.
TEMPLE TIGE is situated in the heart of the Royal
Chitwan National Park, which is home to the great
one horned rhinoceros, sloth bear, wild boar, gaur
(bison), 4 species of deer, 2 species of monkeys, 2
species of crocodiles, leopard, the elusive Royal
Bengal Tiger, and over 450 species of birds and
various other reptiles. At the Temple Tiger Jungle
Lodge, the Manager will brief you about the
activities at the lodge and show you to your rooms.
15.00 Hrs : You can either go for a jungle safari on
elephant back so that you can penetrate deep into
the jungle for viewing and photographing wildlife or
for a jungle walk to experience the abundant
bird-life and the flora and fauna of the Park. If
you are lucky, you may see the elusive Royal Bengal
Tiger. Afterwards tea will be available or our well
stocked bar will cater to the needs of the thirsty.
A meal of continental or Nepalese cuisine will be
served in the evening. Overnight at Temple Tiger
Jungle Lodge.
DAY 15 :
POKHARA WILDLIFE
0600 Hrs : Early morning offers another opportunity
for an elephant safari, lasting two hours and
penetrating through dense grasslands to view
wildlife. This grass commonly known as elephant
grass is dense and grows to a height of 5-6 meters.
It is the favourite habitat of the rhinoceros and
other mammals.
09.00 Hrs : After a leisurely breakfast, you can
visit our elephant stables where the senior
naturalists will give a talk about the habits of the
elephants. Also a chance to see elephants having a
bath.
12.00 Hrs : Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon
relax around the lodge, take a drive through the
jungles in land rovers followed by a boat ride down
the Narayani river where there are excellent chances
of viewing the gharial crocodiles as well as mugger
crocodiles, fresh water dolphins, otters and
varieties of water birds, or go on a nature walk or
birding with one of our naturalists. At the end of
the canoe ride, waiting land rovers will bring you
back to the lodge. In the evening there is be a
slide presentation and a talk programme when one of
our senior naturalists will give an introduction on
The Royal Chitwan National Park, animals and their
habitats and other social structure of the Park and
the villages in the vicinity. Dinner at the lodge.
Overnight at Temple Tiger Jungle Lodge.
DAY 16 :
07.30 Hrs : After breakfast, transfer by elephants,
landrover and canoes to waiting vehicles to drive to
Kathmanadu (5 hours drive) . Upon arrival check in
at your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight
in Hotel Shangrila or Vaishali.
DAY 17 :
Transfer to Tribhuwan International Airport for your
departure flight.
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