Eco Tour, Nepal
Sample Itinerary
DAY 1
ARRIVE KATHMANDU – TRANSFER TO BHAKTAPUR
Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, meet and assist by Nepal representative and transfer to Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur: The epitome of traditional Newari culture, Bhaktapur is an ancient city which dates back to 12th century. Once the most flourishing city, today, stands as a picturesque portrait of classic medieval Nepalese lifestyle. The area is known as Durbar Square or the Royal Courtyard which was the royal seat of then kingship. A visit to this preserved city takes you back in time where you can feel every house and narrow alleys speaking of ancient culture and century old history. Bhaktapur is adorned with four squares; Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square and Pottery Square. Theses squares are home to exquisitely wood carved Golden Gate, architecturally intricate 55 Windows Palace and the tallest temple Nyatapola with 108 painted wooden struts representing different forms of Goddesses. Also famous for its pottery expertise, witness the making and huge pottery displayed in surrounding area. Walk on the brick paved pathways through this time-honored UNESCO World Heritage Site, still untouched by modernity, to experience its enticing beauty.
Rest of the day free
Overnight at Hotel in Bhaktapur
DAY 2
IN BHAKTAPUR
Breakfast at Hotel,
09 AM: transfer for a sightseeing tour of Changunarayan
Changunarayan: Oldest pagoda style temple in the valley, Changunarayan has stood since the early 3rd century A.D. Located on a hilltop, this UNESCO World Heritage enlisted temple is known for its artistic legacies of the Lichhavian era. Upon arrival you will find yourself surrounded with green trees and a small typical Nepali settlement while you walk through brick paved pathways leading to the temple. Changunarayan is a majestic two-storied roofed temple with rich embossed work and shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Built on a spacious courtyard, you can find beautiful stone sculptures in the area from 4th to 9th century A.D.
1300 PM: Proceed for Bhaktapur Durbar Square
You will start your day with an exploration tour around Bhaktapur. Later on, you will take a 20 minutes’ ride to Thimi. Thimi lies about 10 km east of Kathmandu near Bhaktapur. It is famous for pottery, masks making and vegetable fields. As it’s a vegetable growing area for Kathmandu, this place is also known as kitchen garden of Kathmandu. The main deity in the town is Goddess Balkumari. It attracts tourists by its enchanting culture of the farmer community.
1700 hrs back to Hotel
Overnight at Hotel in Bhaktapur
DAY 3
IN BHAKTAPUR
Breakfast at Hotel
09 AM transfer for a full day excursion to Gundu Village
Gundu Village Hike: Located east of Kathmandu, it takes 3 hours to reach Gundu village which is a hidden treasure in itself. The village welcomes the visitors with beautiful scenery of green lush fields and blue sky. Blessed with the best, the village enchants to its beauty when the golden rays of the sun fall into the pristine valley. One can witness the typical rural life of the country whilst relishing the incredible view it has to offer.
1700 hrs back to hotel
Overnight at Hotel in Bhaktapur
DAY 4
BHAKTAPUR –CHITWAN
After an early breakfast at 0700 AM, start a scenic drive through hilly road and on the bank of Trishuli River to Chitwan
Optional: 2 Hrs white water rafting at Trishuli from Fishling to Kurintar including lunch
Trishuli is Nepal’s most popular rafting river having impressive gorges, moderate white water, a few exciting rapids and some easier sections. Rafting on the Trishuli River is an excellent opportunity to observe the diversity of demography, landscapes, and cultural heritage and the flora and fauna.
Normally the flow on the main rafting section of the Trishuli is about half that of the Grand Canyon, and in many ways the rapids are smaller scale versions of those on the Colorado, they are formed mainly by boulder outwash from tributary streams and are characterized by big green shoots, holes either side, and huge exploding waves down the bottom.
Continue drive to Chitwan after rafting
Upon arrival in Chitwan, transfer to Hotel approx 1700 hrs
Bhaktapur- Chitwan by surface (Distance Approx. 170 KM/ 5-6 hours’ drive) (B, L, D)
After breakfast drive to Chitwan. Upon arrival in Chitwan you will be transfer to the resort.
Chitwan National Park is one of Asia’s riches and the best conserved National Park. It is situated 75 air miles southwest of Kathmandu. Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the Asia’s remaining jungles. Here, you will discover a lost world of towering trees and twisting vines, of pre-historic rhinos and lumbering elephants, of crocodiles, pythons and deer, of brilliantly colored birds and if you are fortunate – the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger.
Lunch at Resort in Chitwan
PM: Jungle activities as per program.
Dinner & Overnight at Resort in Chitwan
DAY 5
IN CHITWAN
Breakfast at resort
Jungle activities and Local Tharu village tour in Chitwan
Chitwan National Park houses rich wildlife, lush grasslands and rare species of bird and animals. It gives a unique and exceptional wildlife experience, being the home to several rare species, in particular, the one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, leopard, bear, wild boar, deer, bison, crocodiles etc. Unlike African animals, those in Chitwan tend to be rather solitary and shy, but the chances of spotting these are very high owing to the expertise and experiences of guides. You will surrender yourself to the pure pleasure of jungle activities including wildlife safari, canoeing, bird watching etc. In the majestic jungles of Chitwan National Park, you may encounter rare endangered species like one-horned rhinoceros and Bengal tiger. Canoeing through the river gives you sheer pleasure to witness crocodiles and other aquatic species in their natural habitats. You can have one of the most thrilling and exciting wildlife photography experiences of your lifetime. Later, you will have an insightful tour of the local Tharu village. After the long tiring day, you will enjoy a warm hospitality at the Resort in the evening.
Dinner & Overnight at Resort in Chitwan
DAY 6
Drive to Bandipur
You will wake up early in the morning and go for a bird watching tour. The huge park is also the home of Nepal’s two third globally threatened species of birds. Above 400 species of birds have been spotted within the park. Apart, from the regular habitats several endangered species of birds visit the park during spring and autumn. Flocks of Common and Demoiselle Cranes appear here during March and May and October/November. Along the marshlands and small ponds, you may spot Cormorants, Darter, Cinnamon Bittern, Black-crowned Night and Purple Herons, Asian Openbill, Woolly-necked and Lesser Adjutant Storks, Lesser Whistling Duck, Cotton Pygmy Goose, Balloons Ruddy-breasted and Brown Crakes, Purple Gallinule, Bronze-winged Jacana etc. After returning to Resort, you will have your breakfast and will be driven to Bandipur. Bandipur is an ancient ethnic Newari village still following their traditional ways of living. Bandipur has been described as a spectacular view point. Indeed, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Langtang. Apart from the stunning views of the Himalaya and the Marsyangdi Valley, a visit to the town is an opportunity to get a close look at Newari cultural life.
Overnight at Hotel Bandipur
DAY 7
Drive to Dhampus via Pokhara (4-5 hrs)
After breakfast you will drive to Pokhara from Bandipur. On reaching Pokhara, you will continue to drive to Dhampus, a traditional Gurung village. The Gurungs are an ethnic community who inhabit the hills surrounding Annapurna region. From the village, you can take some stunning and spectacular shots of the snowy Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu
Overnight at local lodge in Dhampus
DAY 8
Morning Photography tour around Dhampus Village, Drive back to Pokhara and Afternoon around the city and transfer to World Peace Pagoda for Sunset view
In the morning, you will explore around Dhampus village and grab some best opportunities to capture photographs. Later on, you will drive back to Pokhara. In the afternoon you can explore around the city which will be followed by a drive to World Peace Pagoda for sunset view. The World Peace Pagoda is a popular destination southwest of Pokhara, situated at an altitude of almost 1000 meters. Visitors can enjoy views of the Himalayan peaks, as well as Phewa Lake and Sarangkot.
Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara
DAY 9
Morning in Sarangkot for Sunrise and Mountain View. Free Afternoon to explore on own or other activities like paragliding/ultra flight etc
In the morning, you will be taken for an excursion tour to Sarangkot for sunrise photography. In an hour’s drive up the hill from Pokhara lies Sarangkot. Located at an altitude of 1592m, it is the highest point on the Pokhara valley. From here, you can see the whole Pokhara Valley and the Annapurna ranges (Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Machhapuchure, Annapurna III, Annapurna II, Annapurna IV and Lamjung Himal). Afternoon is free for exploring around on your own activities
Overnight at hotel in Pokhara
DAY 10
Fly or Drive back to Kathmandu. Evening in Swayambhunath + Thamel Market Visit
Today you will take a 30 minutes’ flight back to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, you can rest in the hotel. In the evening, there will be a photography tour to Swayambhunath Stupa. Swayambhunath, an important Buddhist shrine is also known as the “Monkey Temple” because of its numerous monkeys that guard the Stupa’s hill area.
Swayambhunath: The most ancient and enigmatic of the Valley’s holy shrines the golden-spired stupa of Swayambhunath tops a wooded hillock. Records of its history date as far as the 5th century, but its origins are believed to be older. It is the Kathmandu Valley’s most sacred Buddhist shrine and whilst its worshippers include the Vajrayana Buddhists of northern Nepal and Tibet, Newari Buddhists are the most fervent devotees.
Evening walk around Thamel and Ason Market
Overnight at Hotel Kathmandu
DAY 11
DEPART FROM KATHMANDU
Breakfast: In hotel
Departure transfer to the International airport to connect flight for onward destination
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The voyage does not finish once you have left. We’ll transport you to a world of wonders and create amazing memories that will last long after you’ve returned home.
Away from the regular tourist traps, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind, authentic experience. A sensation created in an energizing setting that will be yours and yours alone. We will make this happen because old travels are great ones. The world’s wonders are within your grasp.
