Sightseeing Bhaktapur Durbar Square with Pottery making session.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bhaktapur is a brilliant illustration of Newari architectural skills, a city of pagoda roofs and harmonious blend of wood, mudbrick and copper with many locals continuing to practice these crafts. Bhaktapur is also legendary for its colorful festivals and its delicious and unique cuisine.

Although the town was damaged in the 2015 earthquake, there has been a lot of work to repair the old buildings. You will explore the magnificent Golden Gate in Durbar Square, the Palace of 55 Windows, the Nyata Pola Temple, Newar houses and pottery square. 

Handicrafts are still made here the old-fashioned way, by hand, and you will be shown traditional pottery making processes, from forming the pots with a wooden paddle to drying them. To make your visit complete, why not try your hand at pottery – bowls, vases, piggy banks

Kathmandu to Nagarkot via Changu Narayan Temple.

From Bhaktapur, Changu Narayan is a steep drive towards the north. Perched at 1700m, Changu Narayan Temple is one of Kathmandu’s oldest sanctuaries built during the 6th century, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Adorned with wonderful golden doors, wooden sculptures and intricate stone carvings, it is one of the seven monuments that became UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1979. 

From here drive to Nagarkot. Perched on a hilltop Nagarkot is famed as a viewpoint for watching the sunset and sunrise and provides magnificent views of the majestic Himalayan peaks including Everest.

Nagarkot to Kurintar. Relax in the Afternoon.

Admiring the sunrise is a primary attraction of Nagarkot so, get up early and walk a short way up to the viewpoint where you can admire the sun rise over the Himalayas. Here too is a fascinating little temple where you will see local people coming to worship.

            
The drive from Kathmandu to Kurintar offers incredible views of this diverse country and you pass tiny settlements of various tribal groups like Chepang, Dorai, Magar, and some Brahman and Chhetri people who eke out their subsistence from foraging in the forests, trapping the odd small animal or wildfowl, and cultivating wheat, rice, maize and vegetables. 

Located above the sandy banks of the Trishuli River, Kurintar is the perfect setting to spend the afternoon relaxing, exploring the village or taking a half day rafting trip – Kurintar is a popular spot for rafting trips and offers easy options for beginners.

Kurintar to Pokhara.

Drive along the Trishuli River and head into the beautiful Pokhara valley. Pokhara, also known as “lake city”” is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal.  Well-known as the starting point for numerous treks, it is also renowned for its natural beauty and majestic mountain views. 

The afternoon is free for your own explorations. The serene Phewa lake offers an excellent boating experience. Lush green forest surrounds the lake and a visit to Barahi Temple situated in the small island of the lake is equally rewarding.

Pokhara to Galeshwar; Trek to Banskharka.

Starting from Pokhara, you are driven to Galeshwar via Beni where you start your trek. As you head up to Bas Kharka, climb through forest and then orange groves, passing scattered farmhouses on the way to this attractive village. You have time to explore this Magar village, maybe visit the school or health post and, in season, enjoy the sweet oranges that grow on the hillsides here.

Trek from Banskharka to Nangi.

Hike up through the forest to Danda Katteri where you stop for lunch. Sitting overlooking the valley is a great place to meet some of the local people and admire the views. After lunch, it is a leisurely walk to Nangi (2300m), the village where you will spend the night. 

Here you may visit the school and observe the activities of the students (from outside the classrooms). You can also visit local cottage industries including villagers making paper from locally grown plants and also visit some income generating projects.
(please note: these visits depend on weather, seasonality and local holidays).

Trek from Nangi to Mohare Danda.

Climb through the forest with stunning views of the mountains. From the top of Mohare Danda, you can see the Himalayas stretching as far as the eye can see, with close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail Mountain) and Dhaulagiri. Surrounded by forest, do not be surprised if you meet yaks grazing nearby. There is no village here, but here is the highest the wireless internet relay station in Nepal, providing internet to the remote villages for schools and health posts that use tele-medicine, linking up with hospitals in Kathmandu to provide better healthcare in the villages.

Trek from Tikot to Beni. Beni to Pokhara transfer.

From Tikot descend a steep path down to Beni, with amazing sheer views down to the Kali Gandaki river below. After about two hours of descent, at Beni, you are met by your driver and transported back to Pokhara.

Free day in Pokhara.

Pokhara is well known as a base for all sorts of adventure activities including paragliding, ultralight flights, hiking as well as just relaxing and enjoying being in the beautiful city that sits alongside Phewa Lake. There is never a dull moment when you are in Pokhara. Check our day tours section for more options and details.

Jungle Activities: Jeep Safari, Nature Jungle Walk, Tharu Cultural Stick Dance.

Jeep Safari: Scheduled morning and afternoon safaris are organized in the core area of the National Park using lodge’s own 4X4 vehicles. Jeep Is one of the best ways to experience the dense flora and diverse wildlife of Chitwan as we pass through various habitats.
Nature Jungle Walk: Nature walks are a unique highlight of Chitwan. Exploring on foot helps you to be into the shoes of naturalists who explore study and unravel the hidden secrets of the park. The jungle walk offers a great chance of spotting wildlife and is quite adventurous. 

There are well-defined circuits based on animal movements in different habitats of the park and the walks length and difficulty will be adjusted to suit you.

Both jeep and walking safaris are led by experienced naturalists and nature guide – routes will be based on current wildlife activity and weather conditions.

Evening Tharu Cultural Dance Program: Watch traditional Tharu stick dances at the cultural centre. These dances are performed by the local Tharu people with long and short sticks. They represent the different festivals and ceremonies and are often quite war-like.

Jungle Activities: Boat safari in the morning, Tharu village walk.

An early morning (pre-breakfast) boat safari will show a different aspect of the river and wildlife activity than seen at sunset.
One of the largest indigenous ethnic groups living in the Terai (Lowland) are the Tharu. They usually live beside rivers close to the heavily forested regions along the southern base of the Siwalik Mountain range.

You can take a village tour visiting various settlements seeing how they comfortably combine modernity and tradition. Or spend a full day visiting their settlements and immersing yourself in the culture. Many still live in the earthen, thatched-roof huts and cottages that are the traditional village architecture of the Tharu people, surrounded by gardens, domesticated animals and farmland.

Transfer from Chitwan to Kathmandu.

Returning to Kathmandu you will leave the lowlands, climbing into the Central Hills to join the Prithvi Highway at Mugling. It is then a slow journey towards east for approx. 6.5 hrs along the busiest highway in Nepal. It is however a scenic route with steep rice terraces making a dramatic back drop to the river, funeral pyres, suspension bridges and villages.

You will still have some free time for souvenir shopping or just relaxing. Maybe visit Thamel, the major tourist hub of Kathmandu where you can shop, visit cafes and restaurants.

Free Day in Kathmandu.

International Airport Departure transfer.