Starting with extensive sightseeing of Kathmandu valley’s major attractions including two of its other sister cities – namely Patan and Bhaktapur, this tour is specially designed to provide you with a real taste of real Nepal in a comparatively short period of time. This is a luxury tour where we will be making use of high-end accommodation arrangements wherever they are available (mainly in cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur, and Nagarkot) while the trekking we will be using the best possible accommodation with an en-suite bathroom wherever they are available.
This tour combines elements of cultural/historical and natural attractions in providing you a real taste of the urban and rural settings of Nepal.
We will initially begin the tour by exploring Kathmandu valley’s major attractions. The cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley is illustrated by seven groups of monuments and buildings which display the full range of historic and artistic achievements for which the Kathmandu Valley is world-famous. The seven include the Durbar Squares of Hanuman Dhoka (Kathmandu), Patan and Bhaktapur, the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhu and Bauddhanath, and the Hindu temples of Pashupati and Changu Narayan. The seven monument ensembles represent an exceptional testimony to the traditional civilization of the Kathmandu Valley.
After covering Kathmandu valley we will then fly into Pokhara and start the trip earnestly by driving to Nayapul (1 hour’s drive from Pokhara) and will start the trek from there. From Nayapul we will trek to Ulleri (1960m) and then to Ghorepani (2860m). Staying for a night at Ghorepani, we will then hike up to Poon Hill viewpoint (3210m) very early in the following morning from where there are uninterrupted, panoramic views of some of the largest and most photogenic Himalayan mountains, including the magnificent Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, and specifically Hiunchuli, beyond Annapurna South to Annapurna I (8,091m/26,566ft) Gangapurna, Khangsar Kang (7485m), Annapurna III (7555m) and Machapuchare – Fishtail (6993m) of Dhaulagiri (world’s 7th highest at 8167m) and Annapurna 1 (world’s 10th highest at 8091m).
After Poon Hill, we will then descend back to our hotel in Ghorepani and will have our breakfast before moving onto Tadapani (2710m), Ghandruk (2012m), and then back to Nayapul from where we will be driven back to Pokhara where we will spend 2 full days exploring this beautiful lakeside city and its surroundings before driving to Bandipur for a day and then back to Kathmandu the following morning.
Please feel free to discuss your ideas should you wish to customize the itinerary as per your specific preference and we will be very happy to come up with a very befitting proposal for you.
John F.K. International Airport (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, one of our team representatives will be at the airport to pick you up, and he will then take you to your hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel Dwarikas in Kathmandu.
Welcome dinner in the evening hosted in your honor by the Asian Heritage team
Overnight stay at hotel Dwarikas in Kathmandu.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Once a fiercely independent city-state, Patan (pah-tan) is now almost a suburb of Kathmandu, separated only by the murky Bagmati River. Many locals still call the city by its original Sanskrit name of Lalitpur (City of Beauty) or by its Newari name, Yala. In Patan, we will explore many of its attractions before moving on to another city Bhadgaon (pronounced bud-gown) or the Newari name Khwopa, which means City of Devotees. The name fits – Bhaktapur has three major squares full of towering temples that comprise some of the finest religious architecture in the country.
The third of the medieval city-states in the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur was always described as the best-preserved. Tragically, however, the 2015 earthquake caused terrible devastation and loss of life. Nevertheless, only a few temples were destroyed, there is still much to see here and tourism is vital to the community. After concluding the Bhaktapur sightseeing we will then drive on to Changunarayan. The Changunarayan temple is said to be the oldest Hindu temple still in use in the Kathmandu Valley. Built-in the two-tiered pagoda style, the main shrine here is guarded on all sides by pairs of real and mythical beasts – elephants, lions, winged lions, and ram-horned griffons – and its roof struts feature some amazingly intricate carvings of Tantric deities. We will return back to Kathmandu overnight after completing the Changunarayan tour.
Overnight stay at hotel Dwarikas in Kathmandu.
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we will then fly to Bhairawa (Lumbini) today. Upon arrival, we will first check into the hotel and have some refreshments. Thereafter we will begin a full-day exploration of Lumbini’s major attractions.
Walk in the footsteps of Buddha as you explore the region where he spent his childhood as Prince Siddhartha. The exact spot where Buddha was born is marked here in Lumbini and the site has understandably become one of the world’s most important holy sites. Join the millions of pilgrims who have made the journey over two thousand years and feel the power of spirituality for yourself.
Some of the sites we cover today in Lumbini are as follows:
Overnight stay at Tiger Palace Resort, Bhairahawa
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast in Bhairawa, we will then drive to Chitwan and check into our hotel first. After some refreshment, we will begin a half-day of sighting in Chitwan National Park. Some of the activities that are covered today could be as follows:
Overnight stay at hotel Meghauli Serai
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you will take part in a Jungle Jeep safari by sear jeep where your guide will take you deep into the jungle to search for wild animals. Another amazing chance to spot wildlife. In the afternoon you have time to explore the nearby village or book an optional excursion. Your guide will explain to you the different options for that day. If you wish to rest and relax, you have time to enjoy your afternoon in the swimming pool of the hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel Meghauli Serai
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast in Bhairawa (Lumbini) we will then fly to Pokhara and drive onto Astam where we will be staying at a very cozy Resort run entirely by the family and is popularly known as the Annapurna Eco Village Resort and Lodge – Astam. This is a unique eco-friendly family-run mountain resort providing a traditional Nepali cultural experience with the comforts of modern-day western-style amenities. At the village, one enjoys 360-degree panoramic views of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges, Pokhara valley, and the surrounding countryside. Local organic vegetables and homemade food, yoga, meditation, and sightseeing.
Once we arrive at Annapurna Eco village we could see the panoramic view of the mountain as well as the city view (360-degree view), with cozy and comfortable accommodation. After lunch, we will take you to visit the school, village, and surroundings.
Overnight stay at Annapurna Eco Village Resort and Lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today we will give you the eco-tour to show you what & how things are done locally and organically in the Eco Village and in Astam in general:
Today’s activities may include:
Overnight stay at Annapurna Eco Village Resort and Lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
After a leisurely breakfast at Astam, we will then drive to Rupakot.
Rupakot Resort is a beautiful resort set on 25 acres of space on the hill of the Rupa Mountain in Pokhara, Kaski, nearly a 45-minute drive away from Lakeside Pokhara. At the resort, you can enjoy the splendid views of the Begnas, Rupa, and Fewa Lake. It’s a haven where your room will seem woven subtly into the landscape directly connecting to the Annapurna Himalaya range. A place where you’ll enjoy a true sense of space and uninterrupted views of the serene lakes from your private spacious veranda. Giving the taste of Nepali rural life, this is a luxury resort where you’ll discover an outstanding level of service with ultimate comfort.
Escape to the pristine luxury of the White Mountains, green hills, and village life. Rupakot Resort is the perfect place to discover the tranquil bliss of Nepal’s rural life, whether, from a private veranda overlooking the lakes, the stone blocked posh residence perched on the hilltop or the turquoise waters of Resort’s infinity pool.
Overnight stay at Rupakot Resort
Meals included: Breakfast
After a leisurely breakfast at Rupakot, we will then drive to Pokhara and check in at Hotel Temple Tree Resort and Spa.
Temple Tree Resort & Spa is a boutique hotel combining western standards with the distinctive architecture and culture of Nepal’s Western Himalayas. Named after the fragrant temple tree plant frangipani found here, the Resort offers a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, privacy when preferred, and attentive service. Nestling close by Fewa Lake in the Pokhara Valley, Temple Tree is framed by the foothills and majestic peaks of the Annapurna Mountain Range. The air here is pure and clean, and the sub-tropical climate warm and pleasant.
After checking into the hotel following some refreshments, we will explore the main attractions of Pokhara today. Time permitting the sites we cover will be as follow:
Overnight stay at hotel Temple Tree Resort and Spa.
Meals included: Breakfast
We will have a very early start today and will head to Sarangkot for a sun-rise view. The view of the Annapurna Himalaya from Sarangkot is almost a religious experience. From here, you can see a panoramic sweep of Himalayan peaks, from Dhaulagiri (8167m) in the west to the perfect pyramid of Machhapuchhare (6997m), the tent-like peak of Annapurna II (7937m) to Lamjung (6983m) in the east. After we will return back to Pokhara and drive to Bandipur and check-in at our hotel.
In the afternoon we will explore the many attractions of this beautiful town. One of Nepal’s most charming towns, Bandipur is a living museum of Newari culture, a beautifully preserved village crowning a lofty ridge, its main street lined with traditional row houses. Time seems to have stood still here, although it has taken a lot of effort to preserve this magic while developing the town as a destination. Derelict buildings have been reborn as cafes and lodges, and temples and civic buildings have been pulled back from the edge of ruin. With its attractive 18th-century architecture, pedestrian zone, and outdoor dining, it has a distinctly European feel.
Overnight stay at hotel Old inn Bandipur
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast in Bandipur, we will then drive to Nagarkot via Kathmandu.
Nagarkot has a reputation as the top spot for enjoying Himalayan views from the comfort of your hotel balcony. Just 20 miles (32km) from Kathmandu, the village is packed with hotels lining a ridge, affording one of the broadest possible views of the Himalaya, with eight ranges visible (Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Jugal, Rolwaling, Everest and Numbur). However, timing is everything, as the mountains are notorious for disappearing behind cloudy skies. The best viewing seasons are October to December and March to April, when clear skies are likely.
Approximately 3 hours before departure of your flight, you will be transferred to Kathmandu international airport where we guide you to the check-in hall. From here we hope you had an amazing journey through our country, Nepal. And we hope to see you again.
