BEST OF THE HIMALAYAN KINGDOM A 10 day journey through Nepal KATHMANDU/CHITWAN/POKHARA/KER & DOWNEY TREK/KATHMANDU A Safari Overview: Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu, Nepal - 2 nights Dwarika s Hotel Day 2 Kathmandu Day 3 Dive to Chitwan - 2 nights Barahi Jungle Lodge Day 4 Chitwan Day 5 Dive to Pokhara - 1 night Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge Day 6 Drive to Annapurna Region Trek Starting Point 3 nights Ker & Downey Lodges Day 7 Trek Day 8 Trek Day 9 Trek Pokhara and drive to Kathmandu - 1 night Dwarika s Hotel Day 10 Depart Kathmandu
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu, Nepal Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport. Kathmandu : Locked between India and Tibet the tiny kingdom of Nepal, a country full of diversity and fascination. It is a hidden Kingdom of great beauty embracing eight of the world's ten highest mountains including Everest, Annapurna and Kangchenjunga. The scenery is stupendous, from the highest point on earth (Mount Everest) to the fertile jungle lowland. Although its people are predominantly Hindu, there is a considerable overlap with Buddhism, and it is this vibrant mix of religion and culture which characterises the allure of Nepal and, in particular, its capital Kathmandu. It has an artistic and architectural tradition that rivals anything you will find in the great cities of Europe. Beyond the temples and bustle of the towns of the Kathmandu Valley rise the mountains of the Nepal Himalaya - the 'Abode of Snows'. Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by our representative who will present you with a welcome pack including all necessary documentation and arrange your transfer to Dwarika s hotel for check-in. No activity is scheduled today. Dwarika s Hotel --- This heritage hotel has been beautifully constructed from carefully restored old Nepalese buildings. The lovely grounds and large outdoor pool are the perfect places to unwind after a busy day exploring the city. Dine in the hotel restaurant, which is reputed to boast some of the best Nepalese food in Kathmandu, or relax with a drink at the poolside bar. No one room is the same, each is unique and designed using local materials and fabrics, with drapes and bedspreads all bearing the colours of the Nepalese flag. Day 02: Kathmandu This morning you are collected from your hotel for a full day tour of Kathmandu. The morning tour includes a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square - a number of interesting pagodas and Indian style temples (Sikhara), the House of Kumari (the living Goddess) and the Kasthamandap (or wooden house which is the origin of the word Kathmandu) and many more things to see. Soyambhunath - The monkey temple, with its commanding views of Kathmandu, its whitewashed stupas and its unique synthesis of Buddhist and Hindu religions. Hanuman Dhoka - a temple complex in the middle of the old city. Built
during the Malla period, the area consists of a number of different monuments & image of Lord Hanumana. Later excursion to Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur - Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon is a storehouse of medieval architecture founded in the 9th century. Here you visit the Golden Gate at the Palace of 55 windows; the Nyatapole temple, the tallest in the country and best example of the pagoda style; the Dattatreya temple; and Pujari Math, with its uniquely carved wooden windows. Day 03: Kathmandu Chitwan This morning drive to Chitwan National Park (180 kms/6 hrs). Royal Chitwan National Park Nepal's first and most famous national park is situated in the Chitwan Doon or the lowlands of the Inner Terai. Covering an area of 932 sq km. the park includes hilly areas of the Siwalik Range covered by deciduous sal forest. One fifth of the park is made up of the floodplains of the Narayani, Rapti, and the Reu Rivers and is covered by dense tall elephant grass interspersed with riverine forests of silk cotton (kapok), acacia and sisam trees. This ecologically diverse area is the last remaining home in Nepal for more than 300 of the endangered Asian onehorned rhinoceros and harbours one of the largest populations of the elusive and rare Royal Bengal tiger. Besides rhino and tiger, Chitwan also supports a great variety of flora and fauna. There are four species of deer, including the spotted chittal, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, rhesus monkey, grey langur monkey, wild dog, small wild cats, the white stockinged gaur (the world's largest wild cattle) and many other smaller animals. The swampy areas and numerous oxbow lakes of Chitwan provide a home for marsh crocodiles. In a stretch of the Narayani river is found one of the few remaining populations of the rare and endangered fish-only eating gharial, or Genetic crocodile. Here also is found one of the world's four species of freshwater dolphins. For the ornithologist and the amateur bird-watcher the park offers excellent possibilities with more than 450 species recorded. Some of the resident specialities are several species of woodpeckers, hornbills, Bengal florican, and red-headed trogons. Winter birds such as waterfowl, Brahminy duck, pintails and bareheaded geese, amongst many other cold weather visitors are drawn by the sanctuary of the park's rivers. In the summer the forest is alive with nesting migrants such as the fabulous paradise flycatcher, the Indian pitta and parakeets. Upon arrival check-in to the Barahi Jungle Lodge.
Barahi Jungle Lodge -- Barahi Jungle Lodge is situated along the banks of the Rapti River and across the river lies Chitwan National Park - A World Heritage Site.The lodge is nestled in a forested patch of 12 hectares and the construction is inspired by the local Tharu villages. It blends effortlessly with the surrounding environment and sets a high standard in eco operations. The lodge has an in house experienced team of naturalists, 4 private elephants and a fleet of jeeps & boat. The lodge is strategically located in Meghauli, west Chitwan considered the best area for viewing wildlife. Overnight at the lodge. Day 04: In Chitwan Early morning & evening game safaris into the Chitwan National Park. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight at the Lodge. Day 05: Chitwan Pokhara This morning drive to Pokhara Pokhara --- The rare combination of snow-clad peaks and snow fed lakes and rivers has helped to make the valley of Pokhara one of the most picturesque natural attractions in the kingdom. It is located virtually in the geographical center of Nepal. Located on the main road between Kathmandu and Bhairawa, there may be no other place in the world from where Great Himalayas peaks can beadmired from such a close distance. The Bindhyavasani Temple on its well-kept platform overlooks a modest amusement park. Phewa Lake, skirted by a large numbers of unpretentious lodges and simple restaurants, is the most congenial spot for visitors. Upon arrival check-in to the Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge. Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge is located a half hour drive from Pokhara, set high on a hillside above the town. The main lodge has a cozy central fireplace with comfortable sitting areas and a bar, arranged around a typical Nepali-style courtyard. Other facilities include a small library, pretty outdoor pool and a restaurant serving tasty meals prepared with locally grown produce. The charming rooms are set in stone bungalows scattered throughout the lovely grounds, each with a veranda from which to enjoy the view. With no televisions or telephones in rooms, this lodge offers a wonderful, relaxing retreat. Later half day sightseeing tour of Pohkara. Sightseeing includes visits to nearby Tibetan villages, Davis Fall, Mahendra Cave, the famous Seti George and some beautiful temples like Bindhabasini Temple and Pokhara Museum.
Evening one hour boat ride on lake Phewa -- Phewa Lake is the center of all attraction in Pokhara. It is the largest and most enchanting of three lakes that add to the resplendence of Pokhara.The boat ride gives you the opportunity to marvel at the picturesque mountain peaks surrounding Pokhra and also gives you the opportunity to visit the Barahi Temple,the most important monument of Pokhra, that is situated in the middle of the lake. Day 06 : Pokhara Annapurna Region Trek (approx 3 hrs trekking) Depart Pokhara and transfer to the start point of the trek (approx 1 hr drive), where you will be met by a local English Speaking Guide who will assist with the preparations for your trek and give you a full trek briefing. Your trek begins by following a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurna Range. With the beautiful Pokhara Valley as a backdrop, today is relatively easy walking through scenic unspoilt villages and terraced farmland. The route then drops down to the Modi River valley, arriving at the Sanctuary Lodge in time for lunch. The afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure. Overnight at the Ker & Downey Sanctuary Lodge (1150m). Day 07 : Annapurna Region Trek (approx 5 hrs trekking) Walk through Ghandruk village and out over the surrounding fields. Today s trek follows the traditional route to the Annapurna Base Camp so you may well pass expeditions coming down or heading up to the mountains. The first part of the route is a downhill trek. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river before a steady climb up to Gurung lodge. Located on the edge of Majgaun village, in the foothills of the Annapurna, this lodge boasts spectacular views of the surrounding valley and mountains. Overnight at the Ker & Downy Gurung Lodge (1400m). Day 08 : Annapurna Region Trek (approx 5 hrs trekking) A scenic walk through sub tropical forests as you follow the trail which is lined with colourful tree orchids, rhododendrons and magnolias. Pass through the village of Pothana, home to many Tibetan traders and a good place to pick up some souvenirs, before stopping for a picnic lunch. Upon reaching Basanta Lodge, you re greeted with a spectacular sweeping view of the entire Annapurna Range. Overnight at the Ker & Downey Basanta Lodge (1525m). Day 09: Annapurna Region Trek Pokhara (approx 1½ hours trekking) Kathmandu The last stage of the trek is a downhill walk through woods and terraced
farmland to the valley floor. Bid farewell to you porters and transfer back to Pokhara (approx 30 minute drive). Arrive Pokhara and drive to Kathmandu (200 kms/07 hrs). Upon arrival check in to the Dwarika s hotel. Day 10 : Depart Kathmandu Today you will be transferred to the Kathmandu International airport in time to board flight home.