Day 01: Pick up at Gorakpur and drive to Chitwan. Enjoy some of the jungle activities. Stay overnight at lodge in Chitwan.
Day 02: Full day of jungle activities. Stay overnight at lodge in Chitwan.
During your stay in National Chitwan Park you will enjoy the following activities:
Bird Watching: For the bird watchers, it is Paradise Island with over 450 species of exotic birds of domestic as well as migratory birds. Many are threatened, e.g. the Great pied hornbill, Bengal Florican, Peregrine falcon, lesser adjutant storks, etc. A bird watching trip will be a memorable experience.
Jungle Drive: A tour by four wheel drive in the less distributed areas of the park to track the rarer species. You will visit Ox-bow Lake and museum of historic interest relating to the park. However during this period we will visit 20,000 areas which afford a varied experience of birds and mammals.
Nature Walk: Our experienced naturalists will accompany you to the more specialized habitats. This is the ideal opportunity to explore and experience at closer quarters and beauty of the flora and fauna. The authority of the naturalist must be closely observed to obviate any risks from wildlife attacks.
Elephant Breeding Centre: This is the first Elephant breeding centre in Asia. You can see baby elephants socializing with their parents and other babies. This centre is government owned and its purpose is to raise the young elephants, and to train them to convey tourist around the region.
Village tour: Excursion in Tharu village will grant you an exhilarating experience. Tharus are the indigenous inhabitant of the Terai. We offer guided cultural tours to meet the people and experience their traditional self-sufficient way of life.
Cultural Program: In the evening you will get an opportunity to be a part of Tharu folk dance. The drummers and symbolic stick dancers perform traditional movements and invite guests to join them in this rhythmic display. Such cultural shows performed by Tharus will be an unforgettable experience. The Tharus in traditional colorful costumes are sure to captivate you.
Elephant safari: On elephant back you can view the wild life of the area in their natural habitat.
Elephant Bathing: Your guide will take you to the specific place where you can observe elephant bathing.
Crocodile Walk: One more option is to go for crocodile walk. It goes through grassland and forest along the bank of Rapti / Narayani river.
Day 03: Enjoy some jungle activities in the morning and later drive from Chitwan to Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 04: Full day of sight seeing in Kathmandu valley. The places of visit this day are Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath , Swayambhunath, Patan and Bhaktapur. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Brief description of the places:
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the most popular tourist destinations as enlisted in World Heritage Sites. Clustered around the central Durbar Square are the old Royal Palace (Hanuman Dhoka), numerous interesting temples, the Kumari Chowk or Kumari Bahal (House of the Living Goddess) and the Kasthamandap (House of Wood) from which Kathmandu derived its present name. An exquisitive exploration in the Durbar Square reveals the ancient art and architecture of Nepal.
Pashupatinath Temple
Situated 5 kilometers east of Kathmandu City, Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river, the temple built in pagoda style has jilted roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors are permitted to view the temple from the east bank of Bagmati River, as entrance into the temple is strictly forbidden to all non Hindus. Pashupatinath is the centre of annual pilgrimage on the day of Shivaratri which falls in the month of February/March.
Boudhanath Stupa
This Stupa, situated 8 kilometers east of Kathmandu city, is one of the biggest stupa in the world. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping watch for righteous behaviour and human prosperity. This Buddhis Stupa was built by King Man Deva at the advice of the Goddess Mani Jogini. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. The shrine is encircled by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priest.
Swayambhunath Stupa
Swayambhunath is located approximately 4 kilometers and this Buddhist Stupa is said to be 2000 years old. The Stupa which forms the main structure is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square, like its counterpart in Kathmandu, is an enchanting mélange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the former royal palace complex is the center of Patan’s religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. One remarkable monument here is a 17th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna, built entirely of stone
The main attractions in Patan:
Besides above mentioned places to visit, there are other significant sites to be explored:
a) Golden Temple
b) Kumbheshwar
c) Krishna Mandir
d) Jagat Narayan
e) Mahaboudha
f) Ashokan Stupa
g) Machchhendranath Temple
h) Tibetan Refugee Camp
Bhaktapur (1,401m) covers an area of four square miles. Bhaktapur which means the city of devotees still retains a medieval charm and visitors to this ancient town are treated to myriad wonders of cultural and artistic achievements. The past glory of the Malla rules continues to be reflected at the Durbar Square. Pottery and waving are its traditional industries. Bhaktapur is famous for woodcarving and the traditional topi or cap. The city lies about 14 km east of Kathmandu. The places of interest include Bhaktapur Darbar Square, the National Art Gallery, Nyatapola Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, Dattatreya Temple and Dattatreya Square.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural wonders such as lion gate, the golden gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, Dattatraya Temple etc.
A magnificent statue of King Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is placed on a column facing the palace. It was listed in the UNESCO world Heritage Monument List in 1979.
Palace of 55 Windows Being built by King Yaksha Malla in 1427 A.D. and remodeled by King Bhupatindra Malla in the 17th century, the balcony and the windows are intricately carved is a masterpiece of wood carving.
Nyatapola Temple This five storied Pagoda Style temple was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1708 A.D. is well known for its massive structure and subtle workmanship. It is the tallest pagoda structure in the Kathmandu.
Day 05: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m.) takes about six hours.
This drive will take most of the morning, leaving much of the afternoon to fall in love with its beauty. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
Day 06: Drive from Pokhara (915 m.) to Phedi (1130 m.) and trek from Phedi to Pothana (1990m.)takes about five hours. From here you begin your trek to Pothana (1900m.). The trail ascends all the way to Pothana through forests till you reach the village called Dhampus. It is a Gurung village which gives you an opportunity to look at the magnificent views of Annapurna ranges, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu. The ascent trail follows to Pothana through the forests. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 07: Trek from Pothana to Ghandruk(1950m.) takes about seven hours. Initial part of your trek from Pothana to Deurali gradually ascends. From Deurali your trail descends to Bheri Kharka. From then on the path is flat till Landruk. The trail from Landruk is a steep descend till you reach Modi Khola. Now the trail ascends all the way up to Ghandruk village. Ghandruk is a big Gurung village from where you can enjoy the mountain views of mount Annapurna and Fishtail. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 08: Trek from Ghandrukto Nayapul via Birethanti takes about six hours. You begin your trail following gentle flat path passing through forests, rocks and terraces. After Kimche (1638m.) the trail descends through human settlements and terraces up to Seuli Bazaar. From here, the trail moves along the bank of Modi Khola to Birethanti. En- route, you pass through forests, rice terraces, waterfalls and green scenarios. Birethanti is a small town with few lodges, shops and human settlements. Now, you walk for almost twenty minutes through flat path up to Nayapul (New Bridge). Here you board vehicle to drive back to Pokhara takes approximately one and a half hour. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
Day 09: Drive from Pokhara to Gorakpur for final departure.
The total price for the above mentioned 09 days Nepal program (Kathmandu + Chitwan + Ghandruk trek) is US$575 per person based on budget hotel (non star hotel but good hotel) and US$675 per person based on 2 star category hotel.
Note: The above mentioned price is quoted on the assumption that there are 12 persons in a group.
The price includes the following services:
a) Chitwan (jungle safari)
2 nights accommodation in lodge at Chitwan with private bath based on stay outside the National Park (Sauraha)
Tour guide
All meals during the Chitwan tour
Entry permits in Chitwan
All jungle activities
Transportations from Gorakpur to Chitwan and from Chitwan to Kathmandu by private vehicle (Hiace)
b) Kathmandu:
2 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
1 day of sight seeing in Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur with 1 English
speaking guide and private vehicle
Entrance fees while sight seeing in and around Kathmandu valley
c) Ghandruk trek
A guide
Porters (1 porter carries up to 25 kgs of 2 participants)
Entry Permit for Annapurna conservation Area
Trekkers' Information Management system (TIMS) card
All land transportation (from Kathmandu to Pokhara, from Pokhara to Nayapul, from Nayapul to Pokhara and from Pokhara to Gorakpur by private vehicle)
All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Accommodation in teahouses (lodges) during the trek
Sleeping bag & down jacket if required
Rescue assistance
First aid kit
Insurance and equipment for the Nepali staff
2 nights hotel accommodation in Pokhara at lake side on breakfast basis
