Trip Facts
Overview
Enjoy Nepal’s Nature & Culture is a 12 night-13 day’s tour programs begins from Kathmandu & ends at Kathmandu.
This tour covers most touristic destinations of Nepal. Travel Nepal Easy tour gives highlights of the history, culture, ancient architecture of Nepal. Seeing the High Himalayas (eight-thousanders) from Mt Everest, Kanchenjunga, Dhaulagiri, Lhotse, Manaslu, & Annapurna II to a low land national park in Chitwan seeing one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger & riding ox cart. Colorful faces of Nepalese like Newars, Tamangs, Rai, Limbu, Brahmin, Chhetri, Tharu & Gurung are seen & their way of life is learned. You are traveled from one place to another by chauffer driven car throughout the trip. English speaking guide accompanies your trip. Depending upon the holidaying period, you will be encountered by many festivals like Dashain, Tihar (Dipawali), Holi, Gaijatra, Indrajatra & so on. Famous touristic places are covered as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lumbini, Chitwan, Tansen, Bandipur & Namobuddha
Itinerary
Arrive Kathmandu
Meeting at airport upon arrival by Plan Holidays Personnel. We will pick you up from airport and then escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. During the driving of half an hour, enjoy the heart-stopping views along the Kathmandu city. After arrival at your hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the local area, overnight at Hotel.
Kathmandu
Everest flight &, Sightseeing of Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanth Stupa & Bhaktapur Everest experience flight (Everest flight) These flights are operated in the morning in Kathmandu. You will have to wake up early at 5.30am. The flights start from 6.30 am till 8.30 am. The mountain flight, one of the world’s most exclusive Tours on air for about an one hour, is a lifetime experience. A flight that takes you deep into the Himalayas, flying into valleys close to the rock face, as close as five nautical miles from the Everest itself. Now you can see the stunning beauty of nature; raw, undiluted and truly majestic. Besides Mt Everest (8848m), you will see Lhotse (8516m)and Nuptse (7855m),Shisha Pangma (8013m), Dorje Lakpa (6966m), Phurbi Ghyachu (6637m), 5970m Choba Bhamare, Gauri Shankar (7134m) named after Lord Shiva and his consort, Melungtse (7181m) & many other small peaks. Visit Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath Not only is Pashupatinath the most important Hindu temple in Nepal, it’s one of the most important Shiva temples on the subcontinent and draws numerous devotees from all over India each year. Pashupati is considered to have a special concern for the kingdom of Nepal. Pashupatinath, an ancient plinth, by the banks of the holy Bagmati River, stands the 16th century of Pashupatinath – Shiva, as Lord of all Creatures. The old buildings on the site were destroyed by Moslem invaders in the 14th century, its stone linga smashed to dust, but it rose again behind their retreating backs. Succeeding monarchs reinstated the temple and the images. The flowing Bagmati is a holy river and the ghats (crematorium) at its bank are the earnest Hindus truest cremation center. Bouddhanath is among the largest stupas in South Asia, and it has become the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The white mound looms thirty-six meters overhead. The stupa is located on the ancient trade route to Tibet, and Tibetan merchants rested and offered prayers here for many centuries. When refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many of them decided to live around Bouddhanath. They established many gompas, and the “Little Tibet” of Nepal was born. This “Little Tibet” is still the best place in the Valley to observe Tibetan lifestyle. Monks walk about in maroon robes. Tibetans walk with prayer wheels in their hands, and the rituals of prostration are presented to the Buddha as worshippers circumambulate the stupa on their hands and knees, bowing down to their lord. Visit Bhaktapur City. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a conglomeration of pagoda and shikhara style temples grouped around a fifty-five window palace of brick and wood. The square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the Valley as it highlights the ancient arts of Nepal. The golden effigies of kings perched on the top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities looking out from their sanctuaries, the wood carvings in every place-strut, lintels, uprights, tympanums, gateways and windows, all seem to form a well orchestrated symphony. The main items of interest in the Durbar Square are: The Golden Gate: The Golden Gate is said to be the most beautiful and richly moulded specimen of its kind in the entire world. The door is surmounted by a figure of the goddess Kali and Garuda (the mythical man bird) and attended by two heavenly nymphs. It is also embellished with mythical creatures of marvellous intricacy, In the words of Percy Brown, an eminent English art critic and historian, the Golden Gate is the most lovely piece of art in the whole Kingdom: It is placed like a jewel, flashing innumerable facets in the handsome setting of its surroundings. The gate was erected by King Ranjit Malla and is the entrance of the main courtyard of the Palace of Fifty five Windows. The Palace of Fifty five Windows: This magnificent palace was built during the reign of King Yakshya Malla in A.D. 1427 and was subsequently remodelled by King Bhupatindra Malla in the seventeenth century. Among the brick walls with their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony with Fifty five Windows, considered to be a unique masterpiece of woodcarving. Then visit Changunarayan Temple , the oldest temple of Nepal built in 464 AD . It is dedicated to Bishnu ( Narayan) . It is 5km away from Bhaktapur city . Enjoy the pagoda styled multi roofed temple.
Kathmandu – Bandipur (143km, 5 hrs)
Drive to Bandipur. Local sightseeing:Tundikhel, Siddha Gufa, Silkworm Farm,Bindebasini Temple ,Thani Mai Temple ,Padma Library & Martyrs Memorial. After breakfast in the hotel, drive to Bandipur which is located in hillock. The town is 143 km. west of Kathmandu and 80 km. east of Pokhara. After refreshment ,Stroll the narrow lanes beneath traditional Newari wooden houses or sit in one of the many patis / pauwas (platform) and become part of an authentic Nepali experience. Visit Tundikhel : From here, you can view the magnificent Himalayan Range including the spectacular peaks of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Langtang, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal, among others. Visit Siddha Gufa : It is said to be the largest cave not only in the kingdom but also on the South Asian subcontinent. It is believed that anyone entering the cave will cause all the sins of their ancestors to be washed away and bring them salvation. Visit Silkworm Farm: a visit to Silkworm Farm takes you through the fascinating process of how silk is produced. Visit Bindebasini Temple: This temple is located in the main bazaar area and is constructed in the pagoda style. An image of the goddess Bindhabasini is enshrined here. It also contains statues of other goddesses. Visit Thani Mai Temple: the main reason to climb up to Thani Mai is for its spectacular sunrise views. Visit to Padma Library: This historic library lies in the heart of Bandipur Bazaar. & then head up to the Martyrs Memorial Area, which honors seven Bandipur sons who were killed during the anti-Rana insurrection of 1951. Here you can enjoy the mountain views, country life. It is the place of temples and beautiful seaneary.
Bandipur – Pokhara (80km, 4 hrs)
Enjoy sunrise and Spectacular Mountains view. Drive to Pokhara, stroll around city. In the morning, enjoy sunrise view from Tundikhel, view of Marshyangdi river valley & Manaslu, Annapurna etc. After breakfast in the resort, retrace 9 km to join the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway. Arrive Pokhara, after refreshment, you will stroll along the lakeside. Overnight at Mount Kailash Resort
Pokhara
Sarangkot sunrise & Pokhara Sightseeing Early morning Sarangkot sunrise Tour. Enjoy the Annapurna massif, Dhawalagiri & etc Sightseeing of Pokhara city. Visit Bindyabasini Temple, Seti river gorge, Visit Gupteswor cave & Davis Fall. Enjoy boating in Fewa Lake. Overnight at Mount Kailash Resort
Pokhara – Tansen (126 km, 5 hrs)
Drive to tansen,Places to visit in Tansen- Shrinagar hill, Amarnarayan temple and Tansen Durbar After breakfast,you will be transfer to Tansen: a city with very colorful with its old houses and slopes landscapes. There are different types of people-Magar, Brahmin, Chhetri, Newar, have been living in the city. It is popular for its metal crafts and Dhaka cloth, shawls and caps. Tansen is famous place from where you can see Terai , Mahabharat range & Himalayas. Arrive in tansen,after refreshment , head up to the Shrinagar hill, One of the most picturesque spots in the whole Palpa region, Shreenagar hill abounds in scenic grander and magnificent natural surroundings. Visit Amarnarayan temple, this temple is a traditional three-tiered pagoda-style temple built in 1806 and visit Tansen Durbar, Built in 1927 AD by Pratap Shamsher Jung Bahadur Rana, the durbar is a grand imposing palace in the heart of the town. Overnight at Hotel Srinagar.
Tansen-Lumbini (85 km, 3 hrs)
Transfer to Lumbini. Visit Secret Garden , Puskarani or Holy Pond, Ashokan Pillar & Mayadevi Temple Drive from Tansen to Lumbini . It is a 3 hours drive from mountain to Terai. Lumbini is the birth place of Lord Buddha. Lumbini is revered highly by Buddhist throughout the World. After refreshment, Half days sightseeing in Lumbini like as Secret Garden: is a large garden adorned with an orchard of pipal trees (also known as the Bo-Tree in Sanskrit) , Maya Devi Temple where Buddha’s Mother giving birth to him, ashokan Pillar which was erected by Emperor Ashoka to commemorate his pilgrimage to the sacred site , Visit ruins of the old monasteries & stupas as well as visit Puskarani or Holy Pond where Queen Mayadevi had taken a bath just before giving birth to the Buddha.
Lumbini – Chitwan (158km, 4 hrs)
Transfer to Chitwan National Park, a short walk tour to theTharu village Drive to Chitwan National Park- One of the Asia’s best preserved natural habitat of Great one horned rhinoceros, Royal Benagal Tiger and many other endangered species of mammals, birds and aquatic lives. After refreshment, take a short walk tour to the village of Tharu aboriginal people whose life style remains unchanged over the century.
Chitwan
Canoe in Rapti River, boat ride,visit elephant breeding camp,jungle activites After breakfast, you will set out on a dog out canoe in Rapti River to watch the aquatic birds. If luck favors you, you will get to see the one of the endangered species of crocodiles-Gharial. The boat ride lasts for 30 minutes and you will visit the Elephant breeding camp, where you will have chance to play with the young elephant babies and learn how the elephants are captured in the wild, how they are tamed and trained to work for human beings. You will be kept busy in jungle safari activities like Elephant Riding, Tharu cultural dance & Bird Watching etc Option:After the canoe trip, interestrd people with prior arrangement can take jungle walk tour that lasts 3 hours. It’s a complete jungle walk trek on foot, guided by experienced jungle guides and sikaris. Return to hotel in theafternoon. PM: After lunch, you will again go to explore the flora and fauna of the park on the elephant back! Great experience! Great One Horned Rhinoceros is the unmistakable sight. Other animals commonly seen are Sambar, Spotted deer and wild boars.
Namobuddha (178km, 5-6 Hours)
Drive to Namobuddha, visit Stupa and monastery We drive you to Namobuddha. NamoBuddha is one of the important Buddhist pilgrimage sites. This is where one of the Bodhisattva (Buddha to be) sacrificed himself to feed nourishing tigress. A stupa has been built with his relic. NamoBuddha is a spiritually filled center for Buddhists where you can rest your soul for sometimes away from noisy crowd to seek for a minute silence. This can make your body & mind feel like contended. From the 1,750m hill top one can see long stretch of the central Himalayas. Overnight at Namobuddha Resort
Namobuddha -Kathmandu
Drive from Namobuddha to Dhulikhel: Visit newari village, ancient architecture etc. then to Kathmandu: visit pharping,kirtipur village, Baghbhairab Temple, Khokana & Bungamati village. Visit Patan City Today, you will leave Namobuddha back and Stopover Dhulikhel Bazaar, a newari village. Enjoy the ancient architecture, windows, doors of traditional old houses & temples after then Drive to Dakasinkali , a famous Kali temple , where devotees sacrifice the animals to fulfill their vows. Visit Pharping village: Next to Daksinkali Temple, there is a Pharping village in the foothill of the mountains. Pharping is an ancient renowned city located 19Km south of Kathmandu. It is a thriving Newari town who’s ancient Buddhist pilgrimage sites have been taken over by large numbers of Tibetans. This village is famous for religious site for Hinduism and Buddhism because of it has many sacred sites such as Guru Padmasambhava has got enlightened at Asur Cave, Gorakhnath and Shesnarayan Cave. & Monastery with the Asura cave where Padmasambhaba suppose to have meditated. Visit Kirtipur village, Baghbhairab Temple, Khokana & Bungamati village: A typical Buddhist Newar village is tightly clustered against a hilly riverside slope surrounded by terraced rice fields. A stone paved path leads to a gate guarded by two lions and the head of a third one, It is the birthplace of Rato Machhendranath. As you walk the streets, you will find hundreds of masterful wood carvers and sculptors offering you excellently hand-crafted items at bargain prices and Khokana is situated just north of Bungamati. The village was earlier, the origin of the precession of the chariot of Machindranath, one of the most important festivals of the Newari community. After then, you will drive to Patan , another Malla principality of Medieval Kathmandu Valley. You will visit the main courtyard of the palace, visit the Golden Temple-a Buddhist monastery, Krishna Temple and many more. Overnight at Hotel Shanker or Similar
Kathmandu
Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square & Swoyambhunath Stupa Today you will visit Kathmandu’s Durbar Square which is one of three durbar (royal palace) squares in the Kathmandu Valley. It is the site of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, which was the royal Nepalese residence until the 19th century and where important ceremonies, such as the coronation of the Nepalese monarch, still take place today. The two-hectare (five-acre) palace complex is divided into two main chowks, or courtyards, and was initially constructed in the 16th century, although subsequent additions were made in the Shah (Gurkha) dynasty in the 18th century and by the Rana rulers in the 19th century. The palace is decorated with elaborately-carved wooden windows and panels and houses the King Tribhuwan Memorial Museum, dedicated to the monarch who opened up Nepal to the outside world, and the Mahendra Museum, dedicated to his son, King Mahendra. It is also possible to visit the State Rooms inside the palace. At the southern end of Durbar Square is one of the most curious attractions in Nepal, the Kumari Chowk. This gilded cage contains the Raj Kumari, a young girl chosen through an ancient and mystical selection process to become the human incarnation of the Hindu mother goddess, Durga. She is worshipped during religious festivals and makes public appearances at other times for a fee paid to her guards. After then you will drive to Swayambhunath,the golden spire of the 5th-century Swayambhu stupa is adorned with a colourful fluttering of prayer flags; it crowns a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley and offers fantastic views over the city of Kathmandu. Swayambhunath is one of the most recognizable symbols in Nepal and the painted eyes of Buddha watch all who ascend the worn stone steps. It is a World Heritage Site and one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal, and is at the source of the Valley’s mythical beginning. Legend has it that the history of the Valley began with the draining of an ancient lake by an Enlightened Being to reveal the Valley and a lotus flower was transformed into the hill and the shining light became the stupa itself. Swarms of pilgrims and red-clad monks circle the complex, spinning the prayer wheels, while the scores of monkeys that give the temple its nickname, Monkey Temple, prance about in irreverent groups. Interestingly the temple complex is scattered with shrines and statues of Buddhist and Hindu deities and the assortment of pilgrims from both faiths characterizes the country’s unique religious harmony. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel Shanker or Similar
Departure
you will be transferred to the airport in time to board your flight for onward journey or to your next favored destination.
Reviews
Simply put “WOW”.
Simply put “WOW”. I have never met more responsible people in my life. They made sure every step of the way was taken care of from the drivers, tour guides, trek guides, porters and hotel accommodations. I highly recommend this company for its hard working, responsible and friendly people. The people make a company. Special thanks to: Anuja “the planner”, Chitiz & Ashmir “the ultimate trekking guides” and finally Robin “the enthusiastic jungle bird watcher”.
Nick Devincenzo
San Diego, CaliforniaPlan Holidays did a fantastic job on our whole trip!
Plan Holidays did a fantastic job on our whole trip! We did the trip that included time in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park and a 5-day trek around Annapurna. From the moment we stepped off the plane, we had guides showing us around and everything was perfectly planned for us. Maila, our trekking guide was amazing and had so much knowledge! It was a great trip!
Autumn Wonderlich
Boston, MassachusettsIncredibly well organized
This company was amazing. Incredibly well organized. I felt safe and spoiled. Our airport transports were always early and waiting for us. All of our reservations for our accommodations and busses were perfect. The temple tour we took was super fun and educational. Some of our luggage got stuck in our layover country and between this travel agency and our hotel they were able to get it for us and deliver it the next day. We also had a 10month old traveling with us and they made sure that our accommodation and travel plans were safe for him. During our 5 days of trekking, we had THE BEST guide/sherpa. I would positively let them plan another trip for us. Thank you!!!!
Email: https://facebook.com/karenk2000
Karen Graves
CaliforniaA wonderful trip
Thank you so much!!!!
We had a wonderful trip!!! And you were always there to help or guide us as needed! I hope we can have fun together again!!!!!
Janet Spencer
West Jordan, UtahNice trip to Nepal
Nice trip in Nepal organized by Plan Holidays Travel! Guide and Porter were great.
Michael Worcestar
Plan Holidays is the best company
Plan Holidays is the best company with wonderful staff members and Guide was incredible an genuinely cared for our welfare. It was such a pleasure to meet all the friendly and humorous people of Nepal. All of my thanks to Managing Director Mr. Kala Dhar Baral and the professional team members of Plan Holidays.
Samuel idas
Great Job
Plan Holidays did a great job on the organization of this wonderful journey! We all had a great time, it was such a pleasure to meet all the friendly and humorous people of Nepal.
Aleksandra Perr/Peter Babivskiy
I had a wonderful experience
I recently booked a tour with Plan Holidays, and I had a wonderful experience. Anuja scheduled the tour, and it was comforting to have our trip covered without any concerns. Our guide Shiva took us through Kathmandu, and showed all us the highlights of the city and provided us with the cultural and historical background. We also did the Poon Hill Trek with guides Chitiz and Ashmir, who provided a peaceful hike through the Himalayas. On our last two days, we spent time in Chitwan National Park, where our guide, Robin, took us on adventures where we saw crocodiles and rhinos.
The entire package was affordable, and our guides met our every need; they went out of their way for us on many occasions. It was comforting to get off the bus and see our guides waiting for us with our name tags. I would highly encourage anyone to book a trip through this company. I promise that you will have an amazing experience–five stars!