Embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu.

Start by visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple. The temple is situated atop a hill offering panoramic views of Kathmandu valley. The large domed stupa is surrounded by a variety of small shrines and temples, each ornate and luxuriously decorated with gold and vibrant prayer flags and is considered holy to Tibetan Buddhists and Hindus. The site is believed to date back to 460 A.D. and was reconstructed by King Manadeva in the 13th century.

Visit Patan Durbar Square, also known as the city of artisans. The area is home to some of the finest artisans of Kathmandu Valley, who have preserved the cultural and ancient techniques of art and craft, such as wood, wax, painting and metal work. The former Royal Palace of Patan has been converted into a museum to display the unique crafts. Apart from the museum, Patan includes Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple), Golden Window, and Mahabouddha Temple and many other unique cultural attractions.

Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, an old royal courtyard with over fifty temples, including the temple of the titular deity, Taleju Bhawani. The Durbar has two courtyards; an inner section consisting of Hanuman Dhoka and the main palace. Some floors of the main palace have been converted into a museum dedicated to display the three generations of Shah kings of Nepal and also showcases some ornaments from the medieval periods. Thus, the palace is also known as “the Museum of Temples”. The outer courtyards have a Kasthamandap (was a three-storied public shelter), Kumari Ghar (which houses the Goddess Kumari), and a Shiva-Parvati Temple. The outer courtyards also have an abundance of handicraft shops, and a nearby Bazar and locals markets.

After breakfast, leave the valley and drive over the surrounding hills to reach Chitwan. After reaching Chitwan, relax before and afternoon guided walking safari (Jungle Walk).

Evening Tharu Cultural dance performance over dinner. and Power Point Presentation about CNP and flora and fauna by expert Naturalist will be offered from the house those staying on Jungle Plan

Chitwan National Park is the first established national park in Nepal (1973), located in the subtropical lowlands about 190 km southwest of Kathmandu. The National Park is home to about 68 mammal species, 544 bird species and 56 herpetofauna species. The park is especially renowned for its protection of One Horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger and Gharial Crocodile. Enlisted under the World Heritage Property, the park is also a Ramsar Site – Beeshazari Tal in its buffer zone.

Enjoy a morning sailing down the Rapti river on a boat safari to spot the crocodiles and wildlife up-close. Have a picnic breakfast, before returning to the hotel. After lunch, embark on a thrilling jeep safari through the dense jungle.

*Note: Jeep Safari is prohibited during monsoon season by the park authorities from June-September, and sometimes till October.

Enjoy breakfast before heading to Lumbini, a protected UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a rich cultural and spiritual experience. The Maya Devi temple nestled inside the protected Lumbini is the place where Queen Maya gave birth to the Buddha in 623 BC. The Lumbini Garden also serves as a spiritual center for an international community of Buddhist followers and has over twenty–five monasteries.

Explore the Sacred Maya Devi Garden in the afternoon and witness the exposed archaeological excavations, Asoke Pillar and Sacred Pond. Enjoy an evening discussion with a local monk and listen to stories relating to Lord Buddha’s teaching and way of life.

Maya Devi Temple:
Within the Maya Devi Temple lies the Marker Stone, which locates the exact birth spot of Lord Buddha, and the Nativity Sculpture, which depicts the birth scene of Prince Siddhartha. The temple retains structural ruins dating back to the time of Lord Buddha.

Ashoka Pillar:
The Ashoka Pillar was built by Emperor Asoka in 249 BC and is engraved with Pali and Brahmi script which is the first epigraphic evidence referring to the birthplace of Buddha.

The Puskarini Pond (Sacred Pond)
Believed to be the pond where Maya Devi gave Prince Siddhartha his first purification bath after birth.

A morning drive to the ancient palace Tilaurakot, the capital of the Shakya Kingdom where Buddha spent his 29 years of life as a prince. Stroll past excavated bricks to learn more about Siddhartha Gautama’s early years. Archaeologists are yet to dig deeper underground to reveal the palace built during the reign of Gautama, which is thought to have been made of organic elements like wood and clay. Visit the site of the Eastern Gate, where Gautama had left on his white horse one night renouncing the life of a prince in the quest for the purpose of suffering, a moment crucial to modern spiritual journeys.

Continue to visit Kundan, an ancient historical site with scattered ruins that was the place Lord Buddha first met with his father, King Suddhodhana after he achieved enlightenment. Buddha would reside at this place upon his return to the region, where he would preach and teach.

Return to rest, before a sunset stroll to Maya Devi.

An early breakfast before setting off on the mountain highway that twists and turns to reach the lakeside city of Pokhara. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and spend the afternoon at your leisure to stroll around the lake and charming stone-paved alley lined with cafés, restaurants and local shops.

Overnight at Pokhara hotel (B/-/-)

Take an early morning 2.5km cable car ride up to Sarangkot. Situated at 1,600m Sarangkot offers panoramic mountain views, such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu. Stroll around the area before returning to the hotel for breakfast.

Drive up to Pumdikot, a viewpoint located at an altitude of 1,500 m that offers views of Pokhara, the lake and the mountains strung along the horizon. The place has a distinguished 15m statue of Lord Shiva that is surrounded by 108 Shiva Linga.

On the way back, stop off at Shanti Stupa, the Peace Pagoda. The pagoda was built in the style of the Nihonsan Myoboji monks and represents world peace. Nepal has 2 of the world’s 8 peace pagodas (the other Shanti Stupa is located in Lumbini).

Optional add-on: Visit Sarangkot via Cable Car
Optional add-on: Helicopter tour of Pokhara valley and Annapurna Base Camp
Optional add-on: Pokhara Ultralight flight
Optional add-on: Visit International Mountain Museum
Optional add-on: Visit Davis Fall and Gupteswor Cave
Optional add-on: Bungee Jump
Optional add-on: Zip-lining

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before driving to the hilltop village of Bandipur. The quaint village retains the traditional Newari architectural style and is surrounded by pristine forests and many short walking trails, offering a rich hill culture, mountain scenery and hiking opportunities.

Return to Kathmandu Valley along the Prithvi highway that follows the Trishuli river. Rest at the hotel, before an evening visit to Pashupatinath, one of the most important holy sites for the Hindu religion and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River and is believed to date back to 400 BC.

If timing allows, witness the evening Aarati Puja, a sacred ritual performed by the pujaris offering light and singing bhajans along with Hindu devotees.

Leisure day in the city to explore by yourself. Enjoy a complimentary 45-foot massage to recover from your trekking excursion.

Optional add-on: Day sightseeing trip of Bhaktapur Dubar Square
Optional add-on: Day sightseeing trip to Pharping to visit Buddhist monasteries and/or rock climbing
Optional add-on: Cooking class
Optional add-on: Thankga class
Optional add-on: Singing bowel class

Transfer to the airport for your final departure.