Itinerary
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Day 1
Kathmandu Kathmandu is the capital and the largest city of Nepal. The city is situated in Kathmandu Valley. The "old" city is noted for its many Buddhist and Hindu temples and palaces, most dating to the 17th century. Seven different monument zones are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The centers of the three primary cities, Kathmandu Hanuman Dhoka, Patan and Bhaktapur, the two most important Buddhist stupas, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath and two famous Hindu shrines, Pashupatinath temple and Changu Narayan. Sit back and relax for this airport transfer in a private vehicle with driver. The impressive, and stunning traditional facade of the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is set amongst some pleasant gardens, in the old interesting district of Bodhnath. It is within a 10 minutes walk from Kathmandu’s famous Boudhanath Stupa and various souvenir shops and restaurants. The airport is an approximate 10 minutes drive away, while the city centre and Thamel is a 10 km drive away. The hotel provides a free shuttle bus service to the city centre, shopping and tourist areas of Bhatbhateni, Durbar Marg, Thamel and Kantipath. The Hyatt Regency Kathmandu has a good variety of recreational facilities such an outdoor pool, tennis courts, fitness centre and a top class spa. The spacious, wooden floored guestrooms are well appointed with wooden furniture and traditional Tibetan handmade carpets. Overnight at Hyatt Regency. |
 Kathmandu Stupa |
 Hyatt Regency Kathmandu |
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Day 2
Kathmandu Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and stands at an elevation of approximately 1,350 meters. The city's rich history is nearly 2000 years old, as inferred from an inscription in the valley, its religious affiliations are dominantly Hindu followed by Buddhism. Kathmandu's Durbar Square is home to palaces, temples and courtyards. The word “durbar” means “palace” and Nepal’s kings used to live here and rule from the Hanuman Dhoka Palace until the construction of the Nararayanhiti Royal Palace. This important historical attraction has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The National Museum of Nepal, located on the way to Swayambhunath Hill was established in 1928 AD as an arsenal museum in the historical building which was constructed in early 19th century by General Bhimsen Thapa. It has become a popular attraction to locals wanting to relive their history, and to visitors who are interested in Nepals’ past. People who have interest on historical, cultural and religious aspects can look forward to the doll collection, second century BC coins, stuffed animals and relics from the devastating 1934 earthquake. Enjoy a tour of Patan. Visit the fascinating museum and Handicrafts Centre. Overnight at Hyatt Regency. |
 Durbar Square |
 Patan Museum |
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Day 3
Kathmandu This Mount Everest Scenic flight provides the best way to catch a birds-eye view of the picturesque Everest region. The highly trained and experienced pilot takes the plane a mere 200 meters away from the mountain peaks, bringing the top of the world to the lens of your camera. This flight is a once in a life time experience, and will provide memories you will never forget. This panoramic flight takes approximately one hour to complete. Bhaktapur is world renowned for its elegant art, fabulous culture and indigenous lifestyle. The ancient city is 14 km from Kathmandu and is also variously known as the "City of Culture", the "Living Heritage" and "Nepal’s Cultural Gem". Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square is the gem not only of Bhaktapur, but also of the entire nation. The most fascinating structure here are the world-renowned 55 Window Palace, Golden Gate, Big Bell, Siddhi Laxmi Temple, Shiva Temple. Pashupatinath literally means ‘the god of all animals’ and is one of the Avatars of Lord Shiva. Pashupatinath is not only the holiest Hindu pilgrimage in Nepal but also one of the holiest destinations in the entire world. Situated 5 km east of Kathmandu on the banks of sacred Bagmati River, lies the temple of Lord Shiva Pashupati Nath, with its two tiered golden roof and silver doors. The stupa of Budhanath lies 8 KM east of Kathmandu. On this colossal and ancient stupa, one of the biggest in the world, are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. Overnight at Hyatt Regency. |
 Mt. Everest |
 Pashupatinath |
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Day 4
Lumbini Lumbini (meaning: "lovely") is a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the Rupandehi district of Nepal. It is the place where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama, who as the Buddha Gautama founded the Buddhist tradition. The Buddha lived between roughly 563 and 483 BC. Lumbini is one of four magnets for pilgrimage that sprang up in places pivotal to the life of the Buddha, the others being at Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya, and Sarnath.
Lumbini is geographically located 25 km east of the municipality of Kapilavastu, Nepal; where the Buddha lived until the age of 29. Lumbini has a number of temples, including the Mayadevi temple, and others under construction. Also located here is the Puskarini or Holy Pond where the Buddha's mother took the ritual dip prior to his birth and where he, too, had his first bath, as well as the remains of Kapilvastu palace. At other sites near Lumbini, earlier Buddhas were, according to tradition, born, achieved ultimate awakening and finally relinquished earthly form. Sit back and relax for this airport transfer in a private vehicle with driver. Fly today from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa (Lumbini). Approximate flight time is 30 minutes. Transfer from Bhairahawa airport (Lumbini) to your hotel. Rickshaws give their passengers a street-level view of the places around the cities. Rickshaw is that portion of the tour which allows you to get a taste of life in the city as your driver pedals through the old, narrow streets. Today, sit back and relax and take in all the sites Lumbini has to offer. Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel. The purpose of Lumbini Hotel Kasai is to showcase the Buddhism sacred place while offering their clients a peaceful and quiet environment. The guest rooms are delicately well-kept, clean and offer modern convenience facilities such as air-conditioning, refrigerator, Japanese washlet, bathtub and hairdryer. The rooms are set with luxury of wooden furniture made by local Nepali craftsmen. The hotel offers 28 twin rooms and 2 suites that are well appointed. Overnight at Lumbini Hotel Kasai. |
 Japanese Pagoda in Lumbini |
 Rickshaw Ride |
 Hotel Kasai Lumbini |
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Day 5
Lumbini Lumbini is the birth place of Siddhartha Gautam, later known as Lord Gautam Buddha. It is one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations located in the southern Terai plains of Nepal. Lumbini is listed in the World Heritage Monument List by UNESCO. The Indian emperor Ashoka identified and set the Ashoka pillar in Lumbini which is the main attraction of this area. The other main attractions of this area are Maya Devi Temple, The Crane Sanctuary, Sacred Garden spread over 8 sq km and sacred pond Puskarni where Mayadevi had taken a bath before giving birth to Gautam Buddha. There are a number of monasteries in Lumbini that have been built many countries. Overnight at Lumbini Hotel Kasai. |
 Mayadevi Temple |
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Day 6
Lumbini Tilaurakot has been identified by archaeologists as the actual capital of Kapilvastu and the home of King Suddhodhan, father of Prince Siddhartha who later went on to become the Buddha. This is believed to be the place where Lord Buddha spent the first 29 years of his princely life. Chinese travelers who visited Tilaurakot more than 2,500 years ago reported seeing numerous stupas, monasteries and palaces.
Kudan is located some 4.5 km south of Tilaurakot. It is a huge mound of structural ruins and a pond nearby appears to be the ruins of stupas and monasteries. This is where King Suddhodhana met Lord Buddha for the first time after he returned from enlightenment.
Gotihawa is an important religious and archaeological site for the Buddhist world community and also historically and archaeologically important. Located about 3 km southwest of Taulihawa, it is believed that Krakuchanda Buddha, who came before Shakyamuni Buddha, was born in Gotihawa and attained Nirvana here. Brick structures of stupas and monasteries can be seen in the area outside modern Gotihawa village. At the center of the main mound the remains of a broken Ashokan Pillar lie on a slab. Adjoining the Pillar on the northeast side is a huge stupa with rings of wedge-shaped ancient bricks/ identifying the Nirvana Stupa of Krakuchanda Buddha. The villagers are still using an ancient well in the center of the village. Overnight at Lumbini Hotel Kasai. |
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Day 7
Pokhara Pokhara is 198 km west of Kathmandu, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal. In no other place do mountains rise so quickly. In this area, within 30 km, the elevation rises from 1000 m to over 7500 m. The Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, each with peaks over 8000 m, can be seen from Pokhara and there is a lake named Phewa Lake, three caves (Mahendra, Bat and Gupteswor) and an impressive falls (Patale Chhango or Devi's Falls) where the water from the Phewa Lake thunders into a hole and disappears. Drive today from Lumbini to Pokhara. Approximate drive time is 6 hrs. Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel. Situated on a peninsular, with Fewa Tal Lake and a forest covered hill, the Fish Tail Lodge Pokhara is just 5 kilometres away from the Pokhara Airport. The hotel offers 60 comfortable guestrooms that are tastefully decorated and come with an array of modern amenities to make your stay a pleasant one. Guests can relish delicious cuisine in an elegant setting of the on-site restaurant. The cosy bar is an ideal place to unwind with an exotic drink after a busy day. At leisure, you can have a bracing dip in the swimming pool or relax at the garden. Guests can also indulge in outdoor activities that include trekking, boating and golfing that are available in the area. Overnight at Fishtail Lodge. |
 Pokhara |
 Fish Tail Lodge Pokhara |
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Day 8
Pokhara One hr transfer to our walk start point. You will stop along the way to photograph the breathtaking panoramas of the Annapurnas. Upon arrival at the village of Lumle situated at an altitude of 1610m, you will begin about one & a half hour walk to the Gurung village Majgaun. After 45 minutes, you will arrive at the village of Chandrakot situated at an altitude of 1580m. From this village, there are spectacular views of Annapurna South, the sacred & unclimbed Fishtail mountain or Machhapuchhare and the surrounding Modi valley. From Chandrakot, our walk takes us through a forested area along a well worn trail for a further 45 minutes to the Gurung lodge which is situated at an altitude of 1450m. This lodge consists of 8 double rooms with attached bathrooms situated in Gurung [the local tribe] style houses. The lodge has extensive grounds with magnificent views of Annapurna South and Annapurna 1. There is a centrally located dining room with bar and fireplaces for relaxation & meals & extensive gardens with different viewpoints from which to photograph the countryside. After lunch, you will be escorted to the local village of Majhgaun . There will be a talk at a local house which is owned and lived in by one of our lodge staff. The contents of the house will also illustrate how the local people live, together with the tools and implements of day to day traditional village life. On the way to the village which is only 15 minutes walk from the lodge, you visit the local school. The Gurung Lodge consists of 8 double rooms with attached bathrooms, and is situated in Gurung. The lodge has an extensive grounds, which boasts magnificent views of Annapurna South and Annapurna 1. There is a centrally located dining room and bar which is equipped with a fireplaces, ideal for creating an atmosphere for relaxation. Meals in the extensive gardens provide different viewpoints from which to photograph the surrounding countryside. Overnight at Gurung Lodge. |
 Gurung Lodge |
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Day 9
Pokhara The natural beauty of Pokhara's lakeside location and its proximity to the mountains has made it the natural choice for explorers and adventurers. Pokhara is considered as the top spot for some of the most famous trekking circuits in Nepal, ranging from an easy stroll to a challenging hike. During this tour you will visit the Barahi Temple which is the most important monument in Pokhara. Constructed almost in the center of Phewa Lake, this two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protector deity representing the female force of Shakti. Overnight at Fishtail Lodge. |
 Barahi Temple in the middle of Phewa Lake |
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Day 10
Kathmandu Kathmandu is the capital and the largest city of Nepal. The city is situated in Kathmandu Valley. The "old" city is noted for its many Buddhist and Hindu temples and palaces, most dating to the 17th century. Seven different monument zones are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The centers of the three primary cities, Kathmandu Hanuman Dhoka, Patan and Bhaktapur, the two most important Buddhist stupas, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath and two famous Hindu shrines, Pashupatinath temple and Changu Narayan. Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver and representative Enjoy your flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu today. The flight duration is approximately one hour. A private vehicle will English speaking driver and guide will pick you up and transfer you between the City Centre and Airport. This transfer is approximately 7 km, roughly 20 minutes. The Radisson Hotel Kathmandu is set in the embassy and consulate area of Lazimpat.. It is a pleasant 10 minutes walk from the Royal Palace and 20 minutes walk from bustling Thamel, while the airport is about 20 minutes taxi ride away. The spacious, well furnished room Radisson Hotel Kathmandu has wireless internet access and offers a rooftop outdoor swimming pool and a health club that has a gym, separate male and female saunas, jacuzzi, steam room and massage services. For business guests, there are several meeting and banquet room options. Overnight at Radisson . |
 Radisson Hotel Kathmandu |
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Day 11
Kathmandu Sit back and relax for this airport transfer in a private vehicle with driver. Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary. Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport). |
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Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Tours, Transfers, Flights, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras - Visas - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
- Tour quotes do not include international air fare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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