Soulful Nepal Kathmandu & Pokhara

Meeting at airport upon arrival by Office Personnel. Transfer to hotel. Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and the Kathmandu Valley is the political and cultural heart of the Kingdom. The urban sprawl that makes up modern Kathmandu is in fact two cities, Patan and Kathmandu.

Transfers: Airport to hotel (Private)

Day Activities: Arrival, meet & greet, transfer to hotel, leisure time 

This morning you will be taken for a visit of the Hindu culture in Nepal, Pashupatinath. This is the place where holy saddhus pray. The Pashupatinath Temple is a famous, sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Pashupatinath and is located on the banks of the Bagmati River 5 kilometres north-east of Kathmandu Valley in the eastern city of Kathmandu the capital of Nepal. This temple is considered one of the sacred temples of Hindu faith. The temple serves as the seat of the national deity, Lord Pashupatinath. This temple complex is on UNESCO World Heritage Sites's list Since 1979. This "extensive Hindu temple precinct" is a "sprawling collection of temples, ashrams, images and inscriptions raised over the centuries along the banks of the sacred Bagmati river". We then continue to the holiest shrine for the Buddhist culture in Nepal, Bouddhanath, with its large stupa, this is the place where all devout Buddhists come for a pilgrimage. After completion of these two spots, you will be taken take you for a visit to Patan. Also known as Lalitpur, the city of beauty is separated from Kathmandu only by the Bagmati River and is the second largest town in the valley. Lalitpur is fragmented from other cities due to its substantive architectural ancient masterpieces. Patan's central Durbar Square is absolutely packed with temples: It’s an architectural center point with a far greater concentration of temples per sq. meter than in Kathamandu or Bhaktapur. Within the city also lies the Tibetan refugee center, home to most of the valley's Tibetan population. While technically refugees, the Tibetans are some of the wealthiest people in the valley because of the carpet industry they operate. For those looking to bring home a fine Tibetan carpet, this is the place to shop. You will then go to Swayambhunath the golden spire of the 5thcentury Swayambhu stupa is adorned with a colorful 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. Later visit the Budanilkantha Temple which is also known as the Sleeping Vishnu Temple. Budhanilkantha Temple, located in Budhanilkantha, Nepal, is a Hindu open-air temple dedicated to Lord Mahavishnnu. Budhanilkantha Temple is also known as the Narayanthan Temple for Hindus, and can be identified by a large reclining statue of Lord Mahavishnu. However, In the Buddhist community, the term "Buddhanilkantha" refers to one of the various manifestations of Avalokiteshvara. The name means "Blue-Throated Buddha." (The above sightseeing is for a maximum of 08 hours after the vehicle reports at the hotel)

Meal Plan: Breakfast 

Transfers: Hotel to sightseeing points & return (8 hrs private vehicle)

Day Activities: Visit Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath, Patan, Swayambhunath & Budhanilkantha 

Drive to Pokhara. Pokhara is 210 kms from Kathmandu and is 7 hours’ drive approx. From Pokhara town (2,352 feet) in good weather there are splendid views right from the hotel. On the way you have an option at an extra cost of doing the river rafting (INR 3000 nett per person) or visit the Manakamna Temple “Goddess of Fulfilling Wishes” where you are taken by a cable ride (INR 670 nett per person payable directly) of 10 mins. Overnight at hotel.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Transfers: Kathmandu to Pokhara (Private vehicle – 210 km / approx. 7 hrs)

Day Activities: Scenic drive, optional rafting or Manakamna Temple, check-in at hotel  

This morning you will go for a excursion trip to Sarangkot. Sarangkot is the most popular tourist destination from where the tourist can enjoy the great view of the Pokhara Valley and the magnificent view of the mountains. Sarangkot is only 13 kms from Lake Side, Pokhara. Sarangkot is the highest view point for a sunrise and it is just 1592m high. Sarangkot is cooler than Pokhara. Sarangkot can be reached easily by 45 to 60 minutes by a car ride to the top from Pokhara. Many tourists come to Sarangkot for sunrise view and go back. From Sarangkot, on the northern direction we can see Dhaulagiri in the far west. Annapurna range is visible when the weather is clear on the same side. On the southern direction the village overlooks the city of Pokhara and its lake on the north-western outskirts of the city. (The above sightseeing is for a maximum of 03 hours after the vehicle reports at the hotel) This afternoon you will visit Bindebasini Temple. This is one of the oldest  temples in Pokhara was a part of Kaski Kingdom, the main deity of the temple, Goddess Durga, was brought from India. Apart from the peace and tranquility that can be felt in this region, the premises of the temple offers a good view of the Himalaya on a clear day. The temple is in the area of the bazaar; hence a journey of the old bazaar can be combined with a visit to the temple. Sightseeing to Devi’s fall, also known as Patale Chango is an awesome waterfall lying 2 km southwest of Pokhara. During summer and rainy season, the waterfall takes its real form, with gushing water splashing and making its way through the rocks. Just opposite of Devi’s fall, on the other side of the road, there is Gupteshwor Cave. This cave is popular for the different natural forms made from limestone deposits. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the cave. Overnight at hotel. (The above sightseeing is for a maximum of 03 hours after the vehicle reports at the hotel)

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Transfers: Sightseeing in private vehicle (3 hrs morning + 3 hrs afternoon)

Day Activities: Sunrise at Sarangkot, Bindebasini Temple, Devi’s Fall, Gupteshwor Cave 

Drive back to Kathmandu retracing the same path & transfer to hotel. Rest day at leisure. One can indulge in shopping or visit the casinos trying their lady luck on your own. Overnight at hotel.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Transfers: Pokhara to Kathmandu (Private vehicle – 210 km / approx. 7 hrs)

Day Activities: Scenic return drive, check-in, leisure or shopping/casino

Morning will be comparatively free and closer to the time of your flight; you will be transferred to the airport in time to board your flight for onward journey.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Transfers: Hotel to Airport (Private)

Day Activities: Leisure morning, airport drop for departure