(· 3nts Kathmandu · 2nts Chitwan · 2nts Pokhara · 2nt Bhaktapur)

Day 01:  Arrival in Kathmandu.

Arrival in Kathmandu, meet and greet at the airport with traditional Tibetan Khada (silk scarf) welcome. Transfer to hotel.

Overnight in Kathmandu

Day 02: Tour of Kathmandu, Swoyambhunath, Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath

Morning, visit the old Kathmandu city with its stone paved lanes, colorful bazaars, the Temple of the Living Goddess – Kumari who is considered to be the incarnation of the “Virgin Goddess”. The old Durbar Square consists of the old palace and innumerable temples of different architecture.

Continue your tour to Swoyambhunath stupa, situated west of Kathmandu. It is a 2500 years old Buddhist stupa located atop a forested hillock with the eyes of lord Buddha painted on its pinnacle in four cardinal directions overlooking righteous human behaviour of the valley inhabitants. Around the stupa are hung multi-colored prayer flags whose every flutter releases holy prayers to heaven.

Afternoon, visit of Pashupatinath temple situated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, it is the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (Pashupatinath – lord of all living creatures), with a tiered golden roof and huge engraved silver doors is famous for its superb architecture. You may visit the cremation ghats along the Bagmati river. You will also see several Sadhus or Hindu holy men who live in and around this holy temple.

Further, proceed to Bodhnath.  It is the biggest stupa in Nepal and is located on flat land. This Stupa, set in a pattern of a “Mandala” is encircled by houses and monasteries where Rinpoches (enlightened Buddhist monks) reside. Around the base of this strikingly enormous and simple stupa are a ring of 108 images of the Buddha and 147 insets containing prayer wheels. The area around Bodhnath is also known as “Little Tibet” due to numerous Buddhist pilgrims who come here from distant places, even afar as Tibet. One may enjoy lunch in one of the several rooftop restaurants for a bird’s eye view of activities around Bodhnath.

Overnight in Kathmandu (B)

Day 03: Morning Optional Everest Flight Tour of Bungamati, Khokana & Patan

Optional: Everest flight excursion early in the morning for those interested to have a close encounter with Mt. Everest (8,848m) and the eastern Himalayan mountain peaks. Return to hotel for breakfast.

Morning, visit the old Newari twin villages of Bungamati and Khokana. Bungamati is a classic Newari village dating from the 16^th century. It sits atop a spur above the Bagmati River. In the centre of the lively village square is the large Rato Machhendranath Temple, a shikara-style temple rather than a pagoda. It overlooks the Bagmati River.

Khokana is another Newari village, a short walk across the paddy fields from Bungamati. It is a simple village with history and culture. Ancient oil presses can be seen at work in the village house.

Afternoon, visit Patan city, also known as Lalitpur or the “city of beauty”.  Patan is well known for its intricately carved temples, narrow lanes and quaint shops. See the intricately stone-carved Krishna temple, Patan Durbar Square and Hiranyavarna Mahavihar (golden temple).

Overnight in Kathmandu (B)

Day 04: Drive Kathmandu / Chitwan (180km / 5hrs)

After breakfast, we commence our journey to Chitwan. Upon arrival, we will be met and welcomed by naturalists from the jungle lodge. Check in at the resort. Lunch will be served in the dining complex. Possibility to commence one of the Jungle activities like Jeep safari to see the various wildlife in Chitwan including the great one-horned Rhinoceros, the sloth Bear, wild Boar, several species of Deer, the Rhesus Monkey, black-faced Langur and if you are lucky; the spotted Himalayan Leopard and the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Lunch, Dinner & Overnight in Chitwan (B, L, D)

Day 05: Full day Jungle activities

Early morning, Nature walk and Bird watching tour escorted by a wildlife expert. After breakfast, canoe ride to see fish-eating crocodiles and fresh water alligators.

Evening, Tharu stick dance performed by local Tharu tribes or slide presentation on Flora and Fauna of Nepal.

Lunch, Dinner & Overnight in Chitwan (B, L, D)

Day 06: Drive Chitwan / Pokhara (160km / 5hrs).

After breakfast, check out of your resort and drive through a scenic mountain highway to the picturesque Pokhara valley. The Pokhara valley is one of the most picturesque spots of Nepal and offers a spectacular panorama of Nepal’s central Himalayas with Annapurna I & III, Machapuchare and Manaslu dominating the skyline. Overnight in Pokhara (B)

Day 07: Tour of Pokhara city

Morning, drive to Pokhara. Continue with sightseeing tour of Pokhara city and its colorful bazaars; visit Davis fall and take a walk along the Phewa lakeside with its rows of restaurants, bars, bookshops and fruit stalls. Rest of the day is free for relaxing or optional activities . Overnight in Pokhara (B)

Day 08: Drive Pokhara / Bhaktapur (225km / 7hrs)

After breakfast, check out of your resort and drive back to Kathmandu retracing the same highway. On reaching Kathmandu, continue on to Bhaktapur. Overnight in Bhaktapur (B)

Day 09: Full day tour of Changunaryan and Bhaktapur

Morning, drive to Changu (8km / 25mins). Visit the famous Changunarayan temple. The ancient temple of Changu Narayan is located on a high hilltop that is also known as Changu or Dolagiri. The temple is surrounded by forest with champak tree and a small village, known as Changu Village. The temple is located in Changu VDC of Bhaktapur District, Nepal. This hill is about 8 miles east of Kathmandu and a few miles north of Bhaktapur. The Manahara River flows beside the hill. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Visnu and held in especial reverence by the Hindu people. This temple is considered as the oldest temple in Nepal.

Drive back to Bhaktapur and continue with the sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur town. Entering the Durbar Square (palace square) through the Royal Gate, the sparseness of the temples is immediately apparent, compared to the profusion in the durbar squares of Kathmandu and Patan.

The main square contains a few temples and other architectural show pieces; the Lion Gate, the statue of Bhupatindra Malla, the Palace of 55 windows, the Bell of the barking dogs, the Batsala temple, the Nyatapola temple and the replica of Pashupatinath temple. Mornings and evenings are most interesting due to the hustle and bustle of farming folks in typical attires, either going or returning from their farms. Overnight in Bhaktapur (B)

Day 10: Departure transfer (B)

Check out of the hotel and transfer directly to Kathmandu airport in time to connect your outbound flight.