Nepal Private
Nepal Expedition
Nepal is a delightfully complicated garden of over a hundred different ethnic groups and has a plethora of distinct traditions. Though trekking is a popular tourist attraction in Nepal, the country’s culture and traditional attractions are equally popular. Some traditions have ancient religious roots, while others are exclusive to a single ethnic group. The Nepalese customs and traditions list is so long and varied that it might fill a whole book.
In this fantastic adventure, we look forward to showcasing some exciting and distinct cultures, traditions, and landscapes in Nepal.
WHAT MAKES THIS TRIP EXTRAORDINARY
- Explore the beautiful city of Kathmandu and its amazing stupas.
- Visit Chitwan National Park in a search for elephants, tigers, leopards, rhinos, and pygmy shrews, the tiniest mammals in the world!
- Visit Pokhara, Nepal’s second-largest city, and enjoy its picturesque views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and Manaslu, three of the world’s ten tallest mountains.
- Hike to the Peace Stupa while having a glimpse of the Annapurna I mountain.
- Explora Patan, one of the most traditional cities in Nepal.
- Enjoy a farewell dinner filled with traditional Nepalese food.
Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, please let us know. We are here to help you!
Itinerary in Brief
Arrive in Kathmandu:
On your arrival at the international airport in Kathmandu, and after clearing customs and immigration, an NPE representative will receive and escort you to your hotel.
Kathmandu city has remained unchanged since the Middle Ages. Its valley is famous for its cultural heritage, scenic beauty, beautiful countryside, and pilgrimages to the holiest shrines for Hindus and Buddhists; UNESCO declared seven World Heritage Sites just in the Kathmandu valley.
In the afternoon, you will drive to Boudhanath Stupa, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the spiritual home to the Tibetan exile community in Nepal. It is considered one of the world’s largest and most ancient Buddhist stupas, located on the original trade route leading to Lhasa.
After visiting the Stupa, you will embark on a journey to Shechen Monastery for evening prayers. The late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche founded this beautiful monastery, famous for its architecture. Most Buddhist monasteries welcome visitors, and entering these atmospheric buildings can be a powerful and evocative experience.
Overnight at Hotel Yak & Yeti
Kathmandu
After breakfast, we drive to Swayambhunath, one of the most revered Buddhist Stupas in the world, known as the Monkey Temple, after the tribe of monkeys that inhabit the hills.
After that, you’ll be taken to Bhaktapur, where you’ll learn about the city’s history and vibrant culture. Bhaktapur is Kathmandu’s most well-preserved medieval city and an architectural marvel. Before lunch, you will stop by the Pottery Square to see local artisans at work and try your hand at a traditional local pottery.
Visit the home of Shiva, Pashupatinath, Nepal’s oldest and holiest Hindu temple, in the late afternoon. This sacred Hindu temple is located on the banks of the Bagmati River. The river is essential in Nepalese culture, as rituals revolve around this holy river that feeds into the Ganges. The temple and its courtyard are only open to Hindus. From the eastern bank of the river, visitors can take in the sights and sounds of the temple.
Finally, witness the magnificent Arati, an intricate Hindu lighting ritual done every evening by a Hindu priest after visiting Pashupatinath. The Aarati is performed by priests who take oil lamps and move them in a circular motion, dedicating their performance to the Divine. This ceremony invites everyone to participate and fosters a sense of unity between God and the worshippers.
Overnight at Hotel Yak & Yeti (B, L, D).
Kathmandu to Chitwan
Today you will be driven to Chitwan National Park through the pristine mountain and winding roads. Upon arrival, you will have time to rest, have lunch and relax, enjoying the surroundings.
The Rapti, Reu, and Narayani rivers and other lakes and streams run through Chitwan National Park, providing lifelines for animals and allowing for a diverse floral diversity.
The world’s largest terrestrial mammal, a five-tonne elephant, can be found here beside one of the world’s tiniest mammals, the pygmy shrew, which weighs less than seven grams! Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur, rhinos, wild dogs, porcupines, otters, martens, and shrews are among the 68 mammals documented in Chitwan National Park. Marsh crocodiles (Mugger) and the distinctive long-snouted «Gharial,» a crocodilian species native to the Indian subcontinent, can be seen in abundance in the rivers and oxbow lakes.
Chitwan’s proximity to the Himalayas gives the park a geographical advantage, making it a suitable stopover for winter and summer migratory birds. Great Hornbills, Painted Storks, Pied Kingfishers, and Red Headed Trogons are just a few unusual bird species that can be spotted here.
Overnight at Barahi Jungle Lodge (B, L, D).
Chitwan
On this day, you will enjoy safari activities at the park, including wildlife viewing from a Jeep Safari, a Jungle Walk, bird-watching, river safaris, wildlife viewing, and photographing with highly experienced naturalists. A journey into the habitat of the greater one-horned rhinoceros, spotted deer, Hog Deer, Sambar deer, barking deer, and an abundance of flora and fauna.
Get prepared for the rare sightings of a leopard, sloth bear, or even the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Stay overnight at Barahi Jungle Lodge (B, L, D).
Chitwan to Pokhara
After breakfast, start the scenic drive to Pokhara, the picturesque lakeside town and Nepal’s second most important tourist destination after Kathmandu, followed by a marvelous stay at the Temple Tree Resort.
Pokhara, Nepal’s second-largest city, lies roughly 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu, the country’s capital. The Kaski District, Gandaki Zone, and Western Development Region have their headquarters here. Pokhara is one of Nepal’s most well-known tourist attractions. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and Manaslu, three of the world’s ten tallest mountains, are all within 30 miles (linear distance) of the city, providing a spectacular picture of the Himalayas from the city’s northern skyline.
Pokhara serves as a base camp for trekkers attempting the Annapurna Circuit in the ACAP region of the Annapurna ranges in the Himalayas due to its proximity to the Annapurna mountain range.
In the afternoon, visit the Mountain Museum, Bindybasini Temple, Tibetan Camp, Devi’s Fall, and the old bazaar of Pokhara.
Overnight at Temple Tree Resort & Spa. (B, L, D).
Pokhara – Peace Pagoda Walk
Hike to the Peace Stupa for about 2 hours, from where you can have panoramic mountain views of the Fishtail, Annapurna ranges, Manaslu, and the Phewa Lake valley (subject to weather). Hike down through the forest and take a boat on Phewa Lake, visiting Barahi Temple, located on a small island in the lake.
Overnight at Temple Tree Resort & Spa (B,L,D).
Pokhara – Kathmandu
After having breakfast, transfer to Pokhara airport to connect with a flight to Kathmandu.
Meet upon arrival at Kathmandu airport and proceed for a sightseeing tour of Patan City. Explore the nooks and crannies of Patan Durbar Square and the beautiful Patan Museum, which are housed in restored Malla Era royal residences.
Patan City: Nowhere else can you find such a dense concentration of monuments in such a tiny space as Patan Durbar Square. The 17th-century Krishna Mandir stands alongside the old royal palace, which towers over all others in beauty and magnificence. This shikhara-style tower, which has 21 pinnacles and is entirely made of stone, is dedicated to Lord Krishna, a Hindu savior deity. It’s also known for the unusual stone carvings on its walls, which portray scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata epic wars.
Afterward, Kathmandu Durbar Square is the epicenter of historic Kathmandu. Explore the ancient temples, palace squares, narrow alleyways, and architectural marvels with our guide while witnessing the local people offering libations and prayers to various gods and goddesses: Walk through the vibrant, charismatic spice market and ancient trading hub Ason.
Farewell, six-course Nepali Dinner in Krishnarpan Restaurant at Dwarika’s Hotel.
Overnight at Yak Yeti (B, L, D).
Fly back home
This morning, you will be transferred to the airport to board your onward flight.
Meals: (B)
Lodgings
Hotel Yak & Yeti
The Druk is centrally located in Thimphu, near the city’s busy business, recreational, and government sites. This unique four-star premium hotel offers a tranquil and stylish retreat. A team dedicated to our visitors’ comfort and satisfaction provides respectful, sincere, and attentive service. The freshly restored rooms at Hotel Druk feature design elements from the Rustic Chic decor, evoking feelings of warmth and repose while still providing guests with modern and innovative amenities.
Barahi Jungle Lodge
In March 2014, Dhensa Resorts opened its first resort in Bhutan’s Punakha valley. This pioneering hotel invites you to retreat and revive your senses in Bhutan’s peaceful and beautiful nature. Dhensa is located in the lush and scenic Punakha Valley, overlooking the Punakha river and hundreds of paddy fields that stair-step down to the valley floor, surrounded by thick pine forests.
Temple Tree Resort & Spa
When to go
The greatest time to travel to Nepal is from October to December when the beautiful weather and the landscapes are breathtaking. Temperatures vary throughout locations, and the weather is dry until around April.
An average temperature of 6°C at Namche Bazaar in January and February can get very cold, especially at night. But because there are fewer tourists, you’ll be rewarded with clear sky, breathtaking views, and calmer hiking routes. Trekking at high altitudes is not advised at this time.
May is a lovely month for travel because the rhododendrons are in full flower. Chitwan National Park temperatures can reach 35°C as the heat and humidity increase.
Clouds obscure the beautiful mountain vistas during the monsoon season, which begins in June and lasts until August. It is advised to avoid the country at this time due to the excessive rain and landslides that make travel challenging and force many locations to close.
There is typically a festival or pilgrimage because Nepal celebrates festivals all year round. Since the dates frequently change yearly, ask your specialist for more information.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, please let us know. We are here to help you!
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