Discover the magic and mystery of Kathmandu - its historic, cultural and religious sites and the color and vibrancy of its busy streets.

From the hills surrounding the Kathmandu Valley wake up to the incredible vista of a Himalayan dawn and make a short trek to one of the most sacred Buddhist shrines in the Kathmandu Valley.

Fly deep into the Annapurna Himal for an incredible close-up view of the Himalaya - the short trek to Kagbeni offers a glimpse toward the forbidden kingdom of Mustang and you may encounter yak caravans trading goods with Tibet.

Seek out the elusive Bengal Tiger and bathe with the elephants in Royal Chitwan National Park before continuing to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1
Flying into Kathmandu is an unforgettable experience with the Himalaya spread out before you. You will be met at the airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel.

Days 2-3
A sightseeing program that includes the major historic, cultural and religious sights of the three Newari cities of the Kathmandu Valley – Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur.

Day 4
Namobuddha is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Valley, particularly significant to Tibetan Buddhists. It is associated with one of the Jataka Tales, which recount the previous lives of the Buddha.
Colorful prayer flags and pilgrims surround the white stupa and a carved stone slab recounts the tale. The 2-hour walk through fields, plantations and small villages is extremely pleasant and offers an excellent glimpse of rural life. There is also time to visit the lovely nearby Newari village of Panauti.

Day 5
Get up early for a Himalayan sunrise, before the drive to Pokhara - a place of remarkable natural beauty. The enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks - creating the ambience that has made it such a popular place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Pokhara lies on a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya.

Day 6
The early morning flight to Jomson is followed by a short trek (approx 2 hours) along the Kali Gandaki which reveals the life of the Thakhali who make this area their home. From Kagbeni peek north towards the long-forbidden Kingdom of Mustang.

Days 7-8
Intersperse relaxing at the Jomson Mountain Resort with excursions into the surrounding villages. Here houses are flat-roofed in the Tibetan style and it is not uncommon to fine ammonite fossils along the river.

Day 9
Fly back to Pokhara with time to continue exploring the city or relax by the lakes.

Days 10-11
Royal Chitwan National Park is home to the royal Bengal tiger, onehorned rhino, sloth bear, langur monkeys, wild boar, numerous species of deer, leopard and other jungle cats. Elephant back is a fantastic way to explore the jungle and offers the possibility of close-up views of rhinos in their natural habitat as well as many of the park’s other inhabitants. With over 400 species as either permanent residents or migratory visitors Chitwan’s bird life is generally viewed on foot as you walk through jungle and open grasslands. Boat along the Narayani River on the park’s western boundry - it shelters a quarter of the world's remaining gharial population. This fish eating crocodile has long been hunted for the supposed aphrodisiac qualities of its snout.

Days 12-13
Situated in the Terai of southern Nepal, Lumbini is the place where Siddhartha Gautam, Buddha of this era, was born in 623 BC. This sacred place is marked by a stone pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka of India in 249 BC, is listed as a World Heritage Site and is being developed as a place of pilgrimage and symbol of world peace. Many countries have built shrines and monasteries here reflecting the architectural traditions of their respective cultures.

Day 14
Return to Kathmandu

Day 15
Depart

Tour cost includes
»All accommodation (twin share)
»Breakfast daily
»All domestic transport as listed in itinerary
»Sightseeing entry fees as per itinerary
»National Park entrance fees
»Permits as required
»Guide

Not included in the tour cost
»Personal expenses such as drinks, postage, laundry and souvenirs.
»Meals
»International flights and departure taxes
»Visa and passport fees
»Travel insurance
»Emergency evacuation
»Tips and gratuities
»Costs arising from unforeseen events outside the control of Shiva Outdoors (eg. Landslides)

Note
Please note that the published itinerary is a statement of intent and to be used as a guide only. The guide in charge of your trip will alter the schedule if conditions necessitate and any/all such alterations are at the discretion of Shiva Outdoors and your guide.