Nepal Highlights
10 Days
from
$2,900 to $3,100 pp*
Highlights:
Nepal
(Kathmandu, Lumbini, Pokhara)
Trip Start/End:
Kathmandu
/
Kathmandu
Fulfill your dream & go beyond life as you know it with this mind-blowing voyage of self-discovery & Everest adventures through the forbidden Kingdom of Nepal. Reveal the secrets behind this sacred land as you discover the fabled mountain-top city of Kathmandu, Lumbini the birthplace of Buddha & the alpine paradise of Pokhara with the luxury of private guide. From temples to trekking, this customizable trip has it all. Enjoy an Everest flight, blessings, village, exquisite mountain hikes, serene accommodations & much more. Namaste!
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Kathmandu
| - Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
| Hyatt Regency Stupa View Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Kathmandu
| - Private - 1/2 d Sightseeing of Kathmandu City and National Museum - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
- Private - Patan Tour - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
| Hyatt Regency Stupa View Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Kathmandu
| - Mount Everest Flight - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Private - 1/2 d Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath and Budhanath - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
| Hyatt Regency Stupa View Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Kathmandu - Lumbini
| - Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Air - Kathmandu - Lumbini [Direct (30 mins)] - Air
- Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Transfer - Private - Full Day Lumbini - Vehicle/Guide
- Private - Rickshaw Ride - Driver
| Lumbini Hotel Kasai Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Lumbini
| - Private - Full Day Gotihawa, Kudan and Tilaurakot - Vehicle/Guide
| Lumbini Hotel Kasai Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Lumbini - Pokhara
| - Transfer - Private - Lumbini - Pokhara [6 hrs] - Vehicle/Driver
| Fishtail Lodge Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Pokhara
| - Private - Trek to Gurung Lodge
| Gurung Lodge Standard (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 8
- Pokhara
| - Private - City Tour - Car/Guide
| Fishtail Lodge Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 9
- Pokhara - Kathmandu
| - Transfer - Airport - Car/Guide
- Air - Pokhara - Kathmandu [Direct, 1 hr] - Economy
- Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
- Private - 1/2 Nagarkot Sunset or Sunrise - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
| Hyatt Regency Stupa View Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 10
- Kathmandu
| - Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
| Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Kathmandu Stupa
Hyatt Regency Kathmandu
Day 1: Kathmandu
Sit back and relax for this airport transfer in a private vehicle with driver.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency 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.
Durbar Square
Patan Museum
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.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency
Mt. Everest
Pashupatinath
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.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency
Japanese Pagoda in Lumbini
Mayadevi Temple
Hotel Kasai Lumbini
Day 4: Kathmandu - Lumbini
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.
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.
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.
Accommodation: Lumbini Hotel Kasai 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.
Day 5: 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.
Accommodation: Lumbini Hotel Kasai
Pokhara
Fish Tail Lodge Pokhara
Day 6: Lumbini - Pokhara
Drive today from Lumbini to Pokhara. Approximate drive time is 6 hrs.
Accommodation: Fishtail Lodge 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.
Gurung Lodge
Day 7: 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, you will proceed through a forested area along a well-worn trail for a further 45 minute walk 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, where you can visit a school and also have an opportunity to interact with locals.
Accommodation: Gurung Lodge 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.
Barahi Temple in the middle of Phewa Lake
Day 8: 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.
Accommodation: Fishtail Lodge
Nagarkot Sunset
Day 9: Pokhara - Kathmandu
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.
Nagarkot is 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, on the northeast edge of the Valley at an altitude of 2,175m. It is best to view the mountains in the early morning because it is more likely to be clear. Among all the places for mountain viewing in the Kathmandu Valley, Nagarkot is usually considered to be the best. On a clear day one can see Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha) from Nagarkot.The fresh and chilly breeze makes the visitors feel good in the resort town of Nagarkot. Nagarkot, historically, used to serve as the summer retreat for the royal family and many other aristocrats from Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Day 10: Kathmandu
Sit back and relax for this airport transfer in a private vehicle with driver.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
Hyatt Regency Kathmandu
Hyatt Regency Kathmandu Pool
Hyatt Regency - Kathmandu
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.
Hotel Kasai Lumbini
Lumbini Hotel Kasai - Lumbini
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.
Fish Tail Lodge Pokhara
Fishtail Lodge - Pokhara
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.
Gurung Lodge
Gurung Lodge - Pokhara
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.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Nepal
VISA/PASSPORT
A passport and visa are required for both US and Canadian citizens. Travelers may obtain visas prior to travel (processing generally takes 5 working days) or purchase fifteen-day multiple-entry visas, one-month multiple-entry visas or three-month multiple-entry visas upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at the following land border points of entry: Kakarvitta, Jhapa District (Eastern Nepal); Birgunj, Parsa District (Central Nepal); Kodari, Sindhupalchowk District (Northern Border); Belahia, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi District, Western Nepal); Jamunaha, Nepalgunj (Banke District, Mid-Western Nepal); Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali District, Far Western Nepal); and Gadda Chauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur District, Far Western Nepal).
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Nepal for the most up to date information on entry/exit requirements
HEALTH
Health insurance is required. Medical facilities are poor quality and not widespread. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/nepal.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Kathmandu.
Government: Democratic Republic.
Language: The official language is Nepali (spoken by 49%). There are many other languages, including Maithili and Bhojpuri. English is spoken in business circles and by people involved in the travel trade.
Religion: Mainly Hindu (85%) and Buddhist (8%), with a small Muslim minority (4%).
Time: GMT + 5.45.
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. There are frequent power cuts.
Telephone: Country code +977.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies. Coverage is sporadic and variable.
Internet: There are Internet cafes in Kathmandu, Patan and Pokhara - many with high-speed broadband links. Internet services are also provided by hotels.
What's Included:
- 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
What's not Included:
- 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 $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- 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 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- 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.
- 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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