One of Nepal's most beautifully titled itineraries, and one of its most rewarding: ten days that move through three entirely different dimensions of the country – the temple heritage of Kathmandu, the tiger wilderness of Chitwan, and the mountain grandeur of Pokhara – stopping in the hill town of Bandipur and at the Buddhist pilgrimage site of Lumbini along the way. This is Nepal's classic circuit, delivered in genuine luxury, and it covers more of the country's essential character in ten days than most itineraries manage in two weeks.
The title is accurate without being metaphorical. You do visit ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples that have been drawing pilgrims for over a thousand years. You do spend nights in a jungle lodge where Royal Bengal tigers move through the forest around you. And you do wake to mountain views – the Annapurna range reflected in Phewa Lake, Machhapuchhare rising above the morning mist – that establish themselves permanently in memory. Nepal's three defining dimensions, experienced consecutively and in depth.
Two days with a private expert guide in the Kathmandu Valley. The morning aarti at Pashupatinath, the great white dome of Boudhanath at dusk, the medieval palace squares of Kathmandu and Patan, the hilltop Swayambhunath overlooking the valley. Staying in a quality heritage hotel that adds a fourth dimension to the cultural experience.
An overnight stop in Nepal's most beautiful car-free hill town, 143km from Kathmandu on the road west. The Himalayan panorama from the Tundikhel plateau at sunset. The preserved Newari architecture of the main street. A genuinely different pace from anything before or after it in the itinerary.
Three nights at a luxury lakeside or ridge property with Annapurna views. Sarangkot sunrise. Phewa Lake. World Peace Pagoda. Optional paragliding. The finest mountain views from any city in Nepal.
A full day at one of the world's most sacred sites: the Maya Devi Temple built over the precise birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the 3rd-century BC Ashokan Pillar and the extraordinary collection of 30 international Buddhist monasteries in the surrounding development zone.
Two nights at a quality Chitwan jungle lodge. Full-day jeep safari, canoe trip on the Rapti River, jungle walk at dawn and Tharu cultural evening. Nepal's most accessible wildlife experience, and the one that most reliably produces the encounters – rhinos at close range, tiger sightings with a skilled naturalist guide – that justify making the journey.
A final night at Nagarkot hill station (2,175m) for the Himalayan sunrise before the return to Kathmandu. A quiet, beautiful conclusion to a journey that has covered Nepal's full range.
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights. Destinations: Kathmandu, Bandipur, Pokhara, Lumbini, Chitwan, Nagarkot. Accommodation: Luxury hotels and jungle lodges throughout. Fitness level: Easy – suitable for all ages. Best time: October–November and February–April.
On your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport you’ll be warmly welcomed by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day free to explore this historic and vibrant city. Enjoy a welcome dinner.
Visit Durbar Square, the epicenter of Kathmandu’s religious and cultural life. Some of the sights include Kal Bhairav, Hanuman Dhoka, Taleju Temple, Kasthamandap, and Kumari Ghar, which is home to the Living Goddess.
You’ll also visit Swoyambhunath Stupa, one of the world’s oldest Buddhist stupas. It sits high on a hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley. You’ll see Pashupatinath Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and located alongside the holy Bagmati River. Boudhanath is also on the tour. This is a Buddhist stupa, known to be one of the largest in the world.
You’ll drive to Bandipur, a living museum of Newari culture that features stunning 18th-century architecture. Take short hikes to the area’s villages, temples, viewpoints, and mysterious caves.
After breakfast in Bandipur, you’ll take in scenic views of the hilly countryside on the drive along the Trishuli River.
At dawn you’ll hike up to the Sarangkot viewpoint to see the magnificent sunrise over the Annapurna range, turning the peaks from white to gold. After breakfast you’ll visit the deep and narrow gorge of the roaring Seti River and then drive to Devi’s Falls, Gupteswar Cave, and the Bat Cave. In the evening you’ll relax by Phewa Lake and go for a leisurely row on its sparkling waters.
From Pokhara the tour continues on to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. The spiritual heart of Lumbini is the Maya Devi Temple where the Buddha was born under a Bodhi tree. Other sights here include the Ashoka Pillar, Buddhist monasteries, the World Peace Pagoda, and the Lumbini Crane Sanctuary.
From Lumbini you’ll head to Chitwan National Park, one of the most famous wildlife-viewing parks in Asia and listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO. You’ll have an excellent chance of spotting 1-horned rhinos, deer, monkeys, leopards, wild elephants, royal Bengal tigers, and as many as 450 species of birds.
For watching wildlife, birds, and the rare species of flora and fauna you can take a 4WD jungle safari deep into the park, relax on a canoeing trip on the Rapti or Narayani rivers, or ride on an elephant, which is more thrilling than comfortable. You’ll also have a chance to explore the Tharu villages surrounding the park.
Enjoy the early morning drive to Nagarkot village that sits on a ridge and is just 32 kilometers from Kathmandu. This point offers one the broadest possible views of the Himalaya.
Watch the sun rise in Nagarkot and then take in the panoramic views from Dhaulagiri in the west to Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga in the east, on the drive to Kathmandu. The route takes you by Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, Shisha Pangma, Dorje Lakpa and Gauri Shanker. You’ll enjoy a farewell dinner and be dropped off at the airport in time for your departing flight.
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Getaway Nepal Adventure (P.) Ltd.
Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 98510 38 908
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