Kathmandu Chitwan Pokhara Tour -9 days

You will be received at Kathmandu airport by our representative holding your name plate. After formal meeting,and welcome with a traditional flower garland and transferred to your hotel. There is an option of familiarization walk to the old Kathmandu in the suburb of tourist center of Thamel.

Rise early this morning to join the one hour optional flightseeing of Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world. Breakfast and visit Swayambhunath, crowning a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley with its golden spire adorned with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. This World Heritage Site is one of the most recognizable symbols of Nepal; the painted eyes of Buddha follow all who ascend the worn stone steps. Crowds of pilgrims and red-clad monks circle the complex, spinning the prayer wheels while scores of monkeys prance about in irreverent groups.

Continue to Durbar Square, an amazing cluster of ancient temples and palaces that symbolize the country's religious and cultural life, including sprawling Hanuman Dhoka, ancient palace of Nepalese Royalty and the Temple of Kumari, home to the Living Goddess. See the stone carved statue of ferocious KalBhairav, a colorful memorial to the Hindu God of Destruction and the Temple of the Goddess Taleju.

Afternoon visit to Boudhanath, the largest stupa of its kind in the world. Participate in a prayer ceremony and receive blessings from the Holy Lama at this extraordinary Buddhist monument. After an outstanding day, return to the hotel.

An excursion takes you this morning to the medieval city of Bhaktapur called the "City of Devotees," a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lined with palaces, temples, statues and squares connected by a maze of pedestrianized streets. The 14th century Dattatreya Temple and the world famous Peacock Window at Tachapal keep visitors spellbound. Marvel at the intricately carved deities of the richly molded Golden Gate and enter the Palace of Fifty-Five Windows with its exquisite wood carvings. See the Lion's Gate with its guarding statues, Nyatapola, the five-storied temple in Taumadhi Square and the astonishing Bhairab Temple, dedicated to Lord Buddha. Then, you visit the Pottery Center where you watch a demonstration of this fine craft by skilled potters.

After a lunch, tour to the World Heritage Site of Pashupatinath, one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world. On the banks of the holy Bagmati River, this temple is renowned for its beautiful architecture along with its cremation platforms spread along the river. You’ll see throngs of devotees meditating and praying on the steps throughout this sacred temple.

Drive to Chitwan National Park past small villages and terraced rice fields to the Tharu villages of Chitwan. Arrive at Resort, nestled on the banks of the Narayani River and Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meet your naturalist guide for a refreshing Welcome Drink and briefing about the park and the many different activities available during your stay. No doubt you'll enjoy this memorable experience in the midst of one of the world's most beautiful nature centers. Time to settle in and savor a leisurely lunch before this afternoon's very special adventure. Begin with an exciting Jungle Safari that penetrates the dense grasslands to view wildlife in their natural habitat.

Your day is filled with wonderful adventures starting with a morning Elephant Safari. Afterward, you can choose to board a boat or paddle a canoe down the Narayani River. There'll be plenty of opportunities to view the Gharial or Mugger crocodiles as well as a variety of water birds. Then, travel a short distance by jeep inside the park stopping for a picnic lunch in this lush natural oasis. A nature walk with a trained naturalist introduces you to some of the wildlife and the huge species of birds. You'll learn more about Chitwan and its conservation efforts during your discussion with the guides. Later, an ox-cart ride to an authentic Tharu Village where you visit the museum and the homes of some of the indigenous people.

Depart the National Park and transfer to the Bharatpur Airport for your flight to Pokhara, the second largest city of Nepal. Arrive in scenic Pokhara, home to three of the highest mountains in the world. Lunch is at the hotel. Afternoon tour of some of the Pokhara Valley's natural wonders including cascading Devi's Falls, (Hell's Falls) which drops out of sight and is hidden in an underground gorge and the Seti Gandaki River, that flows throughout the city. Visit Gorkha Memorial Museum before continuing to the diverse Old Bazaar with its ethnic traders and stalls selling everything from edibles to gold, it's definitely an interesting place to stroll. Here, you also see the white domed Bindhyabasini Mandir, one of Pokhara's most important shrines, dedicated to the Goddess Bhagwati. The rest of the day is at leisure in Pokhara.

Early morning hike to the viewpoint at the Peace Pagoda; see the unforgettable sunrise over the mountain peaks. The Annapurna mountain range dominates your northern view while the sweeping expanse of the Pokhara Valley looms over the south and east. This is a not-to-be-missed experience! Return to the hotel for breakfast, followed by a visit to the International Mountain Museum. View the many exhibits focused on technique, equipment, and materials for hiking, of great interest in a country that is dominated by hikers and trekkers. The museum is in a perfect location, surrounded by the stunning Annapurna mountain range - a favorite place for adventurers.

Return drive/flight to Kathmandu for an excursion to the ancient city of Patan, known as the "City of Fine Arts." Your tour begins at the main square, filled with breathtaking Hindu temples and striking Buddhist monuments. See the old Royal Palace, dominating all others in grace and grandeur and the 16th century stone Krishna Mandir, with its 21 pinnacles dedicated to Lord Krishna. Other landmarks include the Golden Temple, and the terracotta temple of Mahabouddha.

Your morning is free for last-minute exploration. As you depart your hotel, a "khada" will be placed on you, symbolizing a safe journey back home.