Cultural and Wildlife tour in Nepal with Hiking

In the early morning we will go for a scenic Mount Everest flight. This amazing experience will take you over Sagarmatha National Park, over some of the highest peaks in the world, climaxing with getting up close to Mount Everest. Late in the morning, we start a guided tour to four of the historical and spiritual sites in Kathmandu which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites to provide you an insight on the history, religious significance, architecture, and culture of prosperous Kathmandu. Major sites we visit are Pashupatinath, Swoyambhunath, Bouddhanath and Durbar Square.

Pashupatinath, scared Hindu Temple of Pashupatinath dates back many hundreds of years and makes it one of the most important Shiva locations across the Indian subcontinent. Besides being a place of worship, it is also the most important cremation site for the Hindus in Nepal. Here you will see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing, and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats.

Durbar Square is a complex of historic palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece here is the 17th century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages.

Next we will visit Swoyambhunath Stupa, popularly known as Monkey temple due to abundance of monkey found in the shrine area is a 2000 years old stupa situated on a hillock. It is world’s most glorious Buddhist shrine and its main temple is capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt and is painted on the four sides with all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.

Next come Bouddhanath which is a Buddhist shrine and one of the large Stupas in the world.  You will visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where you can observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. The shrine has unique octagonal Mandala design with hundreds of prayer wheels and the 108 images of the Buddha are set into the niches around the huge structure.  The area of Bouddhanath is also famous for over 50 Tibetan monasteries, thus the area is also known as ‘Little Tibet’. As you wander round the shops surrounding the stupa, you will find yourself interacting with monks in their maroon and saffron robes, and traditionally dressed Tibetan refugees who live here at the religious center for Himalayan Buddhists. You can join the locals to circumambulate the stupa, bargain for handicrafts in the shops or sit on a rooftop restaurant and absorb the atmosphere. Accommodation: Kathmandu Hotel. Included Meal: B

After breakfast, we drive to the airport for the morning flight to Pokhara. We land on Pokhara after a 25 minutes pleasant flight over the Annapurna mountain ranges. Pokhara is a naturally beautiful city with lakes, snow capped mountain views. Pokhara is also a starting point to many adventure treks and climb, so we can say Pokhara is a natural and adventure hub. We drive to Nayapul for about an hour in a car/jeep. We start trekking from Nayapul. We start walking and we reach a large and flourishing town of Birethanti situated on the confluence of the Modi and Burundi Khola. We follow the main street going through bamboo forests and pass through a large waterfall and swimming fissure. Further we trek ahead, the path climbs gradually up the side of the valley taking us to Tikhedhunga.  Walking Time: 4-5 hrs. Accommodation: Local lodge. Included Meal: B, L, D

Today is a demanding day as you have to conquer 3300 stone stairs. First, the trail crosses a stream on a suspension bridge. We climb through the steep stone staircase to Ulleri, a prosperous village at 2080m inhabited mostly by Magar ethnicity. Past the village of Ulleri, the trail climbs gently through meadows, cultivated fields and rhododendron forests.  Further, after one hour’s gradual walk from Ulleri we come across two beautiful streams. If you are a keen birdwatcher, there is good chance of spotting different kinds of redstarts, varieties of kingfishers, dippers, forktails along the river, and magpies, treepies, parakeets, tits, many kinds of warblers, barbets, etc., around the cultivated areas. We further make a short climb to Nangethanti where we have our lunch. From Nangethanti we will climb to Ghorepani at 2850m. From Ghorepani we can see the magnificent panorama of Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Annapurna I (8091m), Tukuche, Nilgiri (6940m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Tarke Kang (7193m). Walking Time: 5-6 hrs. Accommodation: Local Lodge. Included Meal: B, L, D.

We get up early at dawn (one hour before sunrise) today as we have to reach Poon Hill before sunrise so that we do not miss the magical moment. It is a wonderful experience watching first ray of sun over the mountains. This is one of the best mountain vistas and is well worth the effort taken to climb to Poon Hill (45 minutes climb). Himalayan view from Poon Hill is indescribable when the rising sun’s rays gradually strikes the Himalayan giants including Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Mt. Annapurna I (8,091m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,040m), Annapurna south (7219m),Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Hunchuli (6441m), fishtail or Machhapuchhre (6,997m), Lamjung Himal (6,986m), Tukuche peak (6,920m), Dhampus peak (6,012m) among others. We spend some time picturing at Poonhill and return to Ghorepani, have a hot breakfast, and continue our trek to Tadapani through rhododendron forest. Specialty of this forest is that it hosts more than 15 species of rhododendron and if you are trekking in springtime the blooming colorful rhododendrons will fascinate you. We have our lunch at Banthanti and again continue through rhododendron forest. We have about thirty minutes climb before reaching Tadapani. From here we have great views of Annapurna South (7219m), Huinchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail 6993m). Walking Time: 6-7 hrs. Accommodation: Local Lodge. Included Meal: B, L, D

The trail starts descending steeply off from Tadapani. The first part of the trek today will be through a thick forest of old rhododendron trees. When the rhododendron trees are in bloom, these forests actually turn into gardens of dazzlingly beautiful flowers, mostly red and pink. By afternoon, depending upon the season of travel, we will be pleasantly surprised by the sight of some cherry blossoms in bloom on the slopes on the other side of the gorge. After trekking some more time, we enter the village of Ghandruk, an undulated settlement with stone houses mostly inhabited by the Gurung people. Along with enjoying the stunningly close-up towering views of Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli mountains, we also walk through the village and also visit the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk to acquaint ourselves with the simple but rich cultural traditions of the Gurung people. Walking Time: 3-4 hrs. Accommodation: Local Lodge. Included Meal: B, L, D

Today, we trek from Ghandruk to Naya Pul then drive back to Pokhara. The trek will be downhill all the way to Birethanti. We step onto a staircase paved with stone slabs, curving in and out of the village and then terraced farms. It keeps on going down almost without breaks from Ghandruk until Modi Khola river valley. By the time, we arrive at Birethanti, some of us would feel like having made a downhill marathon. But our marathon is not over yet. From Birethanti, a half-an-hour’s walk takes us into Nayapul. The journey on foot comes to an end at Nayapul. Then, we drive from Nayapul to Pokhara. We can hang around Pokhara lakeside at the evening time. Walking Time: 4-5 hrs, Driving Time: 1 hr. Accommodation: Hotel. Included Meal: B, L, D

Today you will spend the whole day sightseeing, relaxing, and hanging around the beautiful Pokhara city and lake side areas. We will take a boat ride across the lake (Phewa Tal), which is the second largest in Nepal. We can also visit the Peace Pagoda from where we will enjoy excellent views of the mountains including the Annapurnas and the famous fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare, along with views back across to Pokhara. We visit the fascinating International Mountain Museum, where you will learn some amazing tales, and hear about the exploits of the various climbing expeditions in the past – some ending in triumph and some in tragedy. Further exploration will be around Davi’s fall, Mahendra cave, temple and monastery. The lakeside area has great shopping opportunities and Internet cafés. Accommodation: Hotel. Included Meal: B

After breakfast we will start our journey to Chitwan National Park. Our drive is through villages, river side, forests, so you will enjoy the sceneries while on the drive too. After arriving and settling in, you will be introduced to the camp staff and resident naturalists who will discuss the program. In Chitwan there is some flexibility and activities may vary depending on the time of the year, and known wildlife movements and locations. You will visit the elephant camp to see how their handlers, known as phanits, care for these beautiful creatures. A late afternoon safari will take you through forests and across grasslands to observe the varied and exciting wildlife in the park. In the early evening the local Tharu dance troupe may perform a cultural program. You will then enjoy dinner and afterwards you will be free to relax in the bar and discuss the day’s sightings or listen to the exotic sounds of the jungle at night.

An early morning excursion will include either another safari to different parts of the park in search of the great Indian rhino, deer and exotic bird life, or joining one of several other activities such as a visit to the elephant breeding centre. Tiger sightings are rare these days, but these magnificent animals do inhabit the park, so you may sight them if you are lucky. After breakfast you will leave the lodge for a trip by dugout canoe on the Rapti River. This is an exciting trip with chances to view marsh mugger crocodiles and various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. A program will be organised for the rest of the day that will either include further excursions by jeep, or a visit to one of the nearby villages.

If you are an avid bird and wildlife lover, there is an optional early morning bird watching safari today, a worthwhile activity to your trip. After breakfast, we start our journey back to Kathmandu which is about 6 hours drive through interesting green mountains, lush valleys, villages, farmlands, riversides, etc.

After breakfast you will drive on to Bhaktapur, which was once the capital of Nepal and the Great Malla Kingdom during the 15th century. Its rich heritage, inspiring temples and artisanal history played a big part in Bhaktapur being named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend the day exploring Bhaktapur’s famous temples, starting at Durbar Square, which is reputed to be the most beautiful piece of art in Nepal. Durbar Square is home to the majestic Lion Gate and Golden Gate. You will also visit Patan Durbar square at the center of Latitpur city which is a marvel of Newari ancient architecture. Temple of Krishna, Golden Temple, Bhimsen Temple, Vishwanath Temple, etc. Patan is famous for arts and craftsmanship, so you might buy some beautiful souvenir from this city of artist. We drive back to Kathmandu and in the evening your will be free to explore on your own, soak up the incredible atmosphere in one of the local cafes, or just relax in your hotel.

Today your cultural and wildlife tour in Nepal with Trekking experience ends. If you have late flight you may explore around Kathmandu yourself or spend time shopping and strolling around the Thamel area. Finally, you will be transferred to International airport 3 hours prior to your flight time.