Signature Nepal – Golden Triangle

Duration: 9 days

Highlights: Kathmandu, Chitwan National Park, Pokhara, Dhulikhel

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you are met by your Guardian Angel and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in Kathmandu, where you are assisted with check-in.

This afternoon, enjoy a walking tour from Thamel to Durbar square and proceed on a tour of the capital. Visit Durbar Square with its old temples and beautifully carved exteriors. Later, visit Kumari Temple, home to the world’s only living Goddess.

Meals: D

Overnight: Kathmandu

Day 2 – Kathmandu

Set out on an early morning mountain flight to view Mt. Everest (NOTE: The flight operation is subject to weather conditions). The one-hour flight will take you within camera range of some of the highest peaks in the world.

Then, head to Swaymbhunath, a 2000-year old Buddhist shrine. Marvel at the sheer size of the stupa and take in the many facets of the history and architecture.

Attend a Nepalese cooking class in the home of a local.  

From here, continue to Boudhanath Stupa, built in 5th century A.D. It is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and its base is decorated with four pairs of eyes that signifies Lord Buddha keeping an eye out in each of the four directions.

Later, visit Pashupatinath temple, perhaps the largest temple in the world that is dedicated to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva.

Meals: B

Overnight: Kathmandu

Day 3 – Kathmandu

After breakfast, you will visit Bungamati and Khokna villages.

Bungamati, a traditional Newari village, still retains vestiges of the bygone eras. Wood-carving, sculptures and other handicrafts of the region are popular. Although the beautiful village saw collapse of many historical sites during the 2015 earthquake, some monuments still stand and some are being rebuilt.

Later visit Khokana, another Newari village situated just north of Bungamati, known for its mustard oil and historical buildings. Some of these too were destroyed by the earthquake and some are being reconstructed.

Proceed to the famous city of Patan which is known for its fine craftsmanship. Often referred to as Lalitpur, Patan was built in the shape of the Buddhist Dharma Chakra, or Wheel of Righteousness. Patan Durbar Square is filled with Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments.

Meals: B

Overnight: Kathmandu

Day 4 – Kathmandu - Chitwan National Park  

After breakfast, take a short flight (approximately 25 minutes) to Bharatpur; then drive for one hour and a half to the resort in Chitwan National Park.

Nepal is a country of geographic juxtaposition. There are stupendous mountains, beautiful valleys, and it is also adorned with the gigantic flat lands of Terai that stretches throughout the southern part of Nepal. Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, provides a great wildlife experience with its rich flora and fauna.

Meals: B

Overnight: Chitwan

Day 5 - Chitwan National Park

Today is filled with a variety of wildlife activities.

A safari along the park trails enables you to gain a unique viewpoint of the jungle.

Visit the Gharial Hatchery Farm where you learn about crocodile's eggs, how they are collected, the hatching process and how the juvenile crocs are sent back to the river. You may like to embark on a full-day game drive on board a jeep to explore the wildlife.

Otherwise, head out on a river safari in a traditional dugout canoe along the Rapti River. From here you are likely to spot crocodiles and other reptiles sunning themselves on the riverbanks, as well as some of the 500+ species of avifauna found in the region. The best time for such activities is from October to mid-March only, when the water level in the Rapti is neither too low nor too high.

Conclude the  day with a stroll through the lush, sub-tropical jungles of Chitwan. Here you can discover deer, rhinos, sloth bears, royal Bengal tigers and more with trained naturalists as they give you interesting tit-bits about the jungle and its inhabitants.

Late evening, enjoy a Tharu Stick Dance by the local villagers.  

Meals: B

Overnight: Chitwan

Day 6 – Chitwan – Pokhara

After breakfast, transfer to Pokhara.

Reach the Lake City late afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Meals: B

Overnight: Pokhara

Day 7 – Pokhara

After breakfast, enjoy a full day tour of the city.

Take a short hike to the World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) that overlooks the awe-inspiring Annapurna range. Later, continue to Devi's Fall, Gupteswor Mahadev Cave and International Mountain Museum.

Visit some of the Tibetan villages in the region.

Meals: B

Overnight: Pokhara

Day 8 – Pokhara – Kathmandu – Dhulikhel

Enjoy an early morning trip to Sarangkot to watch the breathtaking sunrise over the snowy mountain peaks. After that, return to Kathmandu by flight.

Upon arrival, enjoy an hour’s drive to Dhulikhel.

Check in to your hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure.

Perhaps enjoy a Sundowner while viewing the stunning panorama.

Meals: B

Overnight: Dhulikhel

Day 9 – Dhulikhel – Kathmandu

Early morning, bask in the joy of an inspiring sunrise.

After breakfast, enjoy activities like birdwatching, meditation, yoga, painting and pottery.

Later, transfer to the International Airport for your onward journey.  

Meals: B