CELESTIAL NEPAL

Optional: Early morning Mountain (Everest) flight (subject to good weather conditions)

Also known as the ‘roof of the world’, Mount Everest is the world’s highest peak. Standing majestically among the other impressive peaks of the mighty Himalayas it is a special privilege to be able to scale this particular peak for any climber. Fortunately for you, you do not have to make the actual trek. This morning, you take instead a comfortable mountain flight up into the mountains and get a glimpse, up close and personal, of the Himalayas and of course Mount Everest.

After the flight, return to your hotel for breakfast.

Later proceed for sightseeing tour of Patan City.

Once a fiercely independent city-state, Patan is now almost a suburb of Kathmandu, separated only by the murky Bagmati River. Many locals still call the city by its original Sanskrit name of Lalitpur (City of Beauty) or by its Newari name, Yala. Patan’s spectacular Durbar Square – even after the 2015 earthquake, remains the finest collection of temples and palaces in the whole of Nepal.

One of the sights you see today is the Golden temple. Untouched by the earthquake, this unique Buddhist monastery is just north of Durbar Sq. It was allegedly founded in the 12th century, and it has existed in its current form since 1409. The temple gets its name from the gilded metal plates that cover most of its frontage and it is one of the most beautiful in Patan.

Manga Hitti, a sunken area of the square where locals collect water from three beautiful carved stone spouts makes for a good photo stop. Directly across from the water conduit was the three-tiered pagoda style Bhimsen temple, dedicated to the god of business and trade, currently undergoing renovations. Beside the Bhimsen temple is another wooden pagoda style temple, this time only two tiered. This, the Vishwanath temple, is dedicated to Shiva and is guarded by two huge stone elephants on the eastern side, while on the western side sits Shiva’s mount Nandi the bull, ready to take Shiva where he needs to go.

Wandering on through the square, the hugely impressive stone temple of Krishna Mandir, in the Northern Indian style, grabs your attention more than the rest. Two large stone columns stand in the square each approximately twenty feet high. On one sits a Garuda (half man, half bird) and on the other sits a brass statue of King Yoganarandra Malla’s statue, who conquered Patan in 1597, uniting the valley.

On your walk you will also come across two wooden pagoda style temples and one fine stone Krishna temple before passing the giant Taleju Bell, used by the people of the time to alert the king of their grievances. And of course, it is hard to miss the Royal Palace of Patan. The red-brick, three-story building is striped with lines of ornate mahogany windows which look onto the square outside and the courtyards within the palace grounds.

The museum in the Royal Palace is your last stop. Depending on your interest you can spend as much or as little time meandering your way through the exhibits.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

For dinner this evening we recommend Krishnarpan (on direct payment basis). The dinner at this restaurant takes you on a journey through the culinary cultures of Nepal. The diversity of the food across the various communities and regions is celebrated with pride through the intricately carved menu.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel

Today morning you set out for a tour of Kathmandu city including Boudhnath

Begin at Kathmandu Durbar Square, Kathmandu’s number one tourist attraction. Though a few of the square’s 50-plus monuments date from the 12th century, most are from the time of the Malla Kings. Probably the most famous building here is the Kumari Bahal, a building richly decorated with beautiful woodcarvings, which is home to the Royal Kumari, the Living Goddess, and a manifestation of the great goddess Durga. Nearby the former Royal Palace is the Mall Dynasty dwelling, once considerably more extensive than today. Within, the courtyard Nassal Chowk, originally hosted dramatic dance performances, now it is the coronation site of the Shah kings and contains some of the finest wood carvings you will see anywhere in the kingdom.

After a tour of the Square, your next stop is Boudhnath.

This great stupa is one of Nepal’s most distinctive monuments and one of the most important Buddhist sites in Nepal and, with a diameter of over 100 meters, amongst the largest in the world. There are a number of legends accounting for the Stupa’s construction, but it is generally believed to date from the 5th century. All Stupas contain holy relics and Buddha is said to contain the remains of the past Buddha Kasyapa. Buddha is a particular focus for Kathmandu’s Tibetan community and throughout the day there is a constant stream of people circling the stupa spinning prayer wheels and reciting mantras. Surrounding the stupa are six major monasteries and a host of smaller ones as well as cafes, restaurants and shops selling Tibetan carpets and Newari silversmiths.

In the afternoon you have lunch at a Newari home. Your lunch will be a set menu designed to showcase the best offerings from this cuisine.

After lunch you set out by road to Dhulikhel (approximately 01 hour and 30 minutes’ drive).
On arrival, you transfer directly to your hotel.

All meals are at the Resort.
The evening is at leisure.

Overnight at Resort.

Early breakfast at Resort.

It is an early departure this morning; start at 0730 hrs and drive to Kathmandu airport (approximately 01 hour and 30 minutes’ drive) for your flight YT 173 for Bharatpur (1030 / 1050 Hours)

Upon arrival, you will be assisted and transfer by road to your jungle lodge (approximately 01-hour drive).

All meals are included at the Lodge.

The afternoon is at leisure.

In the evening, a short walk from your rooms takes you to the river where a traditional Patela boat will be anchored for you. You gently float downstream the Rapti River towards the western boundary of the park formed by Himalayan Narayani looking out for crocodiles and several Wetland Species, migrants and residents and if lucky get a closer view of the Rhinos wallowing in water. Disembark at a preselected spot and another short walk gets you to a view point where chairs and a BBQ are set up. Over chilled sundowners and hot snacks enjoy the sunset and soak in the lovely views.

Jeeps parked nearby are on hand to drive you back to the Lodge.

The rest of the evening is at leisure.

This evening there is a Cultural Performance at the Lodge that is worth attending.

Centuries old culture of ostensible survivors in Nepal, Tharu Dance is an amazing way of expressing the significance of festivals, farm land and the tradition of united families in the life of Tharus. The cultural performances are organized at the lodge after sunsets. We encourage guests to interact and join them in the performance.

Overnight at Lodge.

Start the day with an Elephant Safari.

Elephant safaris are conducted in morning (0600 hrs.) and evening time in the community forest attached to the lodge. This Riverine forest is dominated by Silk Cotton trees and Grassland along with three natural watering holes, shelters a good population of Rhinos and is a spot for occasional visits of the ace predators. It is a one and a half hour comfortable ride which can bring you with some close wildlife encounters that are watched sitting on elephant’s back.

After you return to the Lodge.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight at hotel.

After leisurely breakfast drive to Pokhara.

A nature’s gem and one of Nepal’s most spectacular locations, Pokhara seduces with its amazing mountainous surroundings and the charming Lake Phewa. Amongst the many activities that Pokhara has to offers, such as fishing, paragliding, or walking around, admiring the mountain peaks mirrored in the calm waters of Phewa Lake, is simply an unforgettable experience.

Upon arrival at Pokhara, you are assisted with your transfer to your hotel.

The evening is at leisure.

Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast transfer for a 2 hours hike to Kalabang Village situated on a hilltop at 1500 m above sea level.

The village is a place of full serenity and peace and it offers a stunning panorama of the snow – capped mountain ranges, lush vegetation, shimmering water of Lake Phewa and beautiful Pokhara valley. Kalabang is mainly inhabited by Gurungs, Brahmins and Dalits. They will offer you a very warm welcome and you will have the chance to interact with them and get a glimpse of their ancient culture and traditions. You also have the opportunity to visit the village, community school and its own income-generating coffee farm. This afternoon explore some of the sights around Pokhara.

Visit the Bindabasini Temple, a striking temple that looks calmly over the bustling city of Pokhara.

David’s Fall is a scenic water fall which lies about 2km south west of Pokhara city. It was named after a foreigner David who was swept into an underground passage beneath the fall while swimming in the Pardi Khola. The Gupteshwor Temple situated across the road is a beautiful temple built inside the cave. It holds an auspicious value among the Hindu pilgrims because inside the cave is a well preserved shivalinga (phallic form of Lord Shiva) where people come and worship Lord Shiva.

The International Mountain Museum is a popular museum that maintains a systematic record of all the successful eight thousand, geographic flora and fauna and all the major human activities in the range.

And of course, the highlight is a cruise on Fewa Lake.

Fewa (Phewa) Lake is the second largest lake in Nepal. The wooden boats at the lake with the endless book shops, lodges and restaurants along the lakeside make the whole environment vivid and vibrant. In the middle of the lake stands the famous Barahi temple. The reflection of the Fishtail Mountain in the crystal clear and serene water of Phewa Lake is something not to be missed.

Overnight at hotel

Wake up early morning to watch the sunrise from Sarangkot and capture the changing colors of the Himalayan peaks. It is a spellbinding experience.
Return to your hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel to fly back to Kathmandu.

Upon arrival at Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel.

In the evening you visit Swayambhunath.

The most ancient and enigmatic of the Valley’s holy shrines, the golden-spired stupa of Swayambhunath tops a wooded hillock. Records of its history date as far as the 5th century but its origins are believed to be older. It is the Kathmandu Valley’s most sacred Buddhist shrine and whilst its worshippers include the Vajrayana Buddhists of northern Nepal and Tibet, Newari Buddhists are the most fervent devotees.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast in the Hotel.

In time, transfer to Kathmandu International Airport to board flight for onward journey (Flights booked directly and details to be advised)