Kathmandu & Pokhara: Nepal Delights

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Swoyambhunath Temple (the 'Self-Existent One'). Swoyambhunath was established more than 2,500 years ago by King Manadeva. By the 13th century, it developed into an important Buddhist learning site. It is also known as the Monkey Temple for the tribe of monkeys living in the northwest of the temple. Swoyambhunath is the most sacred among Buddhist Pilgrimage sites.

Continue the journey to Kathmandu Durbar Square in the heart of old city Kathmandu for a walking Bahal Tour in an area where hippies had their second home in the late 50s. The square is a maze of narrow streets lined by souvenir shops, vegetable vendors, and historical monuments. Visit the 17th Century Durbar complex, Hanuman Dhoka, Paravati Temple, Great Bell and Drum, Bhairav and Taleju Temple. Stop by the glittering bead market for custom-made bead necklaces. Head to Thamel through a narrow alley and encounter local shops selling Nepali spices and souvenirs. The place becomes vivid to see pious people revering to the deities and others involved in selling fresh fruits & vegetables, homemade pie, etc.

In the evening, visit Patan Durbar in the old Newar city of Patan. Explore the historic Durbar Square, the Golden Gate, the towering temple of Taleju and the statue of Yogendra Malla. Prominent sights in the square include Krishna Mandir, Sati Temple, Hiranya Varna Mahabiar (the golden temple), and Mahabouddha. Observe the old carved wooden windows, curios shops and bustling bazaars. Then head to the Tibetan Singing Bowl & Healing Center for a short sound healing therapy session using handmade Tibetan bowls. The vibrations of the bowls are said to cure headaches, back pain, stress and insomnia. Receive blessings from the House of Kumari, The Living Goddess, a chosen virgin manifesting the divine female energy or Shakti.

A Fascinating Walk-Through Kathmandu's Historic Bazaars

Optional

Breakfast at Everest Base Camp

Optional

Cycling Tour of Kathmandu

Optional

Kathmandu Heritage Walk

Optional

Khukuri Making (Learning to Craft the Iconic Gurkha Blade)

Optional

Kumari the Living Goddess

Optional

Learn Thangka Painting

Optional

Meet Himalayan Shawl Weavers

Optional

Nepalese Cooking with a local Family

Optional

Stone Carving with Jaya

Optional

Villages of the Valley

Optional

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Pokhara, a remarkable place of natural beauty. It is a centre of adventure, situated at an altitude of 900m from the sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu Valley. The enchanting town has beautiful lakes and stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. After check-in at the hotel, drive to Phewa Lake, the second-largest lake in the Kingdom. Sail or row a hired boat across the water or visit the island temple in the middle, then enjoy shopping in the lakeside market. 

Cooking class with Rekha

Optional

Crop to cup coffee

Optional

After breakfast, drive to the hiking start point and begin a gradual uphill trek through the chestnut forest with views across the Hemja and Mardi valleys. After arriving at the village of Jijharka, stop for refreshments at the local store. The hike continues for another hour till Astam. Soak up 360-degree views of the entire Pokhara, Hemja, and Mardi Valley with majestic views of the Annapurna Range. This place is known for its spectacular Himalayan sunsets and sunrises. It also provides a great insight into the village life of Adhikari Brahmins. At Hananoie, you can witness the lifestyles of locals, including Nepali cooking.

After breakfast, walk gradually to Dhampus, passing through small villages and terraced farms. Inhabited by various ethnic groups, including Gurungs, Brahmins, Chhetri and Dalits, this village offers spectacular mountain views of the Annapurna Range. Enjoy a cup of masala tea, meditate and be inspired by the snow-capped Himalayas. Dhampus is also famous for spectacular sunsets and sunrises. After approximately 3 hours of walking, stop for lunch and resume trekking for 1.5 hours through lush mid-Himalayan forests till you reach Australian Camp. Spend the night here surrounded by breathtaking views of the Annapurnas, Machhapuchhare and the Lamjung Himal.

Wake up early to view a glorious Himalayan sunrise. After an early breakfast, start trekking to Kande via Australian Camp for approximately 3 hours. Arrive in Kande, situated west of Pokhara, high up on the ridge north of Phewa Lake. Board the vehicle and drive to Pokhara. Check-in at the hotel and enjoy the free time for the rest of the day.

Arrive in Kathmandu and check in at the hotel. Spend the day at leisure or go shopping at Thamel.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight.