Kathmandu-Nagarkot-Dhulikhel-Chitawan-Pokhara-Kathmandu (15 Nights / 16 Days) Tour Code: NEPAL/PTT/TR/021

Within the mountain Kingdom of Nepal, Buddhism and Hindusm have always flourished and evoked together side by side for hundred of years. The evolution of such important religious and dynasties have made much contribution towards the beautiful monuments and temples within the valley capital of Nepal- Kathmandu where we get to explore in depth the culture and history of an ancient city.

Pokhara,This important industrial and tourist town provides fantastic views of the Annapurna mountains to the north and is the obvious place to organize your Annapurna trek; find travel companions and guides and buy equipment. Once the trek is finished spend a few days resting here as the list of hotels and restaurants is endless. At 780 meters above sea level, April through September can be very hot but one can always cool off in the beautiful Phewa Taal (Phewa Lake) or spend time in one of nearby Sarangkot's hotels (at 1500 m.a.s.l). Most tourist activity takes place around the lake, at Damside (Pardi), the southern-most tip of the lake or at Lakeside (Baidam), further north. These are actually suburbs of Pokhara as the town center itself lies three or four kilometers further northeast. The shops in the main shopping area of Mahendrapul are well stocked and you'll find just about anything you may need here. Unless you are planning some more obscure travel activity, outside of Kathmandu this is the place you'll probably spend most time

Lumbini is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha where the apostle of peace, compassion, non-violence and universal brotherhood was born in 624 B.C. It is the most sacred place of Buddhism and lies in the Terai about 250 km south west of Kathmandu , the capital city of Nepal .

Lumbini remained neglected for centuries. Further exploration and excavation of the surroundings area revealed the existence of a brick and sandstone sculpture within the temple itself, which depict the scenes of Buddha? birth.

Very recently, several Buddhist countries have built several beautiful shrines in Lumbini. An international committee has also been set up for the development of this sacred historical place.

The visit to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, the realm of the Shakya is not only for spiritual enlightenment but also for solace and satisfaction that one normally gets in a calm and peaceful place like it

Day 2 Kathmandu Sightseeing of Pashupatinath Temple- the most sacred of the Hindu temples in Nepal dedicated to lord Shiva, built in 1696. Boudha Nath Temple- the worlds largest stupa; a sight of great reneration to the Buddhist., Swayambhunath temple - the oldest Buddhist shrine. Looking east from here, one can see the entire Kathmandu valley spread out below. and lunch break in Kathmandu durbar square. – the temple of the Living Goddess and the old Royal Palace . Finally, visit Kasthamandup – a temple built from a single tree from which the Kathmandu derives its name.And then transfer to Hotel

Day 03: Full Day tour of Patan & Bhaktapur . Sightseeing tour of the Patan- A city of architecture and fine arts. Sometimes known as "Town with a Tousand Golden Roofs". Visit Tibetan Handicraft center at Jawalakhel to watch carpet weaving. Bhaktapur city- Kathmandu valleys most medieval city also known as Bhadgaon and was one of the three Kingdoms of Mallas. It is famous for Lion gate, the picture gallery, the Golden gate and palace of 55 windows. Lunch break in Bhaktapur before sightseeing and finally transfer to Hotel

Day 04 Kathmandu ( Drive)-Sankhu-Nagarkot(Trek) Half an hour drive to the trek starting point Sankhu- An old Newari settlement lying 12 km east of Kathmandu . We proceed for 4 hours of most easy and pleasant trek. The trail follows the ridgeline eastwards with pleasant walk through the scattered villages. Our first camp at Nagarkot- east of Kathmandu situated at an altitude of 2175 m above sea level. The panorama of the major peaks of most of the eastern Nepal Himalayas including mount Everest can be seen from here. Best at sunset and sunrise. O/N at Camping/resort

Day 05 Nagarkot –Dhulikhel – Trek The trail follows towards south-east crossing over two ridges lying east-west. Bit of ups and downs but easy and pleasant . Today we walk for about 5 hours reaching another Newari town known as Dhulikhel lying 30 km east of Kathmandu . Another spot for viewing sunset. O/N at Hotel.

Day 06 Dhulikhel-Kathmandu Drive to Kathmandu O/N at Hotel

Day 07 Kathmandu-Rafting Early morning breakfast is served and take 2 hours of drive to the raft put in point. White water rafting in Trishuli river- over crashing waves and swirling rapids for the excitement of a lifetime. O/N at river bank in tents accommodation

Day 08 Rafting-Jungle Safari Rafting is continues after breakfast till the lunch time, we end up with raft and proceed to Royal Chitawan National park for exclusive jungle safari. Upon arrival meet by the naturalist and transfer to the jungle resort. The manager will brief the guests about the activities. In the late afternoon, the guests will be taken for a jungle safari on elephant back so that they can penetrate deep into the jungle for viewing and photographing wildlife or a jungle walk is organized to experience the abundant bird life and the flora & founa for the park. If you are lucky, you may see the elusive Royal Bengal tiger both on nature walk as well as on elephant safari. A hearty meal of continental or Nepalese cuisine will be served in the evening around the campfire. O/N at jungle resort

Day 09 Jungle Safari Early morning guests will be mounted on Elephant back and taken for a Jungle foa a 2-3 hours penetrating through dense grassland to view wildlife. This grass commonly known as Elephant grass is dense and grows to a height od 18-20 ft.. It is the favoriote habitat of the rhinoceros and other mammals. After breakfast , the guests are taken to our elephant stables where the senior naturalists will give a talk about the habitates of the elephant. Here one may witness the rare scene of the elephant at bath.Afternoon free to relax. Evening dinner served around the camp fire followed by Tharu stick dance. O/N at Jungle lodge.

Day 10 Jungle Safari-Pokhara After breakfast, guests will be transferred to waiting vehicles for drive to Pokhara-one of the most picturesque valley in Nepal, 125 mile west from Kathmandu and under the shadow of the Annapurna Himalayan range. A rare combination of snow-clad mountains, crystal clear lakes, streams, villages inhabitated by friendly ethnic tribes. Over night at Hotel in Pokhara

Day 11 Pokhara Full day sight-seeing of Phewa lake- the second biggest lake in Nepal . On an island in the middle of the lake is a shrine for Goddess Barahi. Seti river – with breathtaking rush and the bridge over it. Patale Chhango( Hell's fall) known as Devi's fall and Mahendra cave- a large limestone cave full of stalactites makes a good destination for about 2 kl. O/N at Hotel

Day 12: Drive to Lumbini via Tansen Drive 15km approx to Lumbini- Lumbini is birth place of Lord Buddha. We stop at Bhairahawa for overnight

Day 13: Lumbini-Kathmandu In the morning drive Lumbini from Bhairahawa( 29km) and sightseeing of birth place of Buddha,different monasteries and more… and then drive straight to Kathmandu for overnight.

Day 14 Day at leisure in Kathmandu Free day on your own to go for last minute shopping or to do something of your interest. Evening dinner followed by Nepali cultural program. O/N at hotel.

Day 15 Day at leisure in Kathmandu Optional program can be one hour mountain flight in the morning and day rest. It cost Usd 125 per person in addition

Day 16 Breakfast & final departure transfer