Nepal Photography Tour

Early in the morning: Optional Mountain flight to see Mt. Everest

AM: Half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square & Swayambhunath

PM: Half day sightseeing tour of Patan city

Kathmandu Durbar Square: Kathmandu’s number one tourist attraction swarms with life. 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, a manifestation of the great goddess Durga. Nearby the former Royal Palace is a Malla 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.

The 14th century Jagannath Mandir is the oldest temple in the area, its steps carved with inscriptions in many languages, nearby Taleju Mandir is one of the largest and finest temples in the Valley. It is dedicated to the patron deity of the royal family, Taleju Bhawani, a wrathful form of Durga who once demanded human sacrifices.

Also visit, Kumari Temple, sightseeing tour of the abode of the Living goddess.

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.

Patan City: Patan is one of the most historically important cities of the Kathmandu valley. It is known as the centre of fine arts and for the superb craftsmanship of its artisans. Essentially a Buddhist city, historic inscriptions establish Patan as an important town from early times (said to have been founded by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century B.C., although no historical proof exists).

The Patan Durbar Square has been acclaimed as one of the finest urban streetscapes in the world. Most of the monuments seen today were built between the 16th – 18th centuries

Nagarkot: Nagarkot is situated about 32 km east of Kathmandu and from here one can see beautiful view of Himalayan peaks (subject to weather permit). It is located between Kathmandu valley in the west and Indrawati in the east. The top of Nagarkot commands accelerating views in all direction. The altitude of Nagarkot is 2195 meter above sea level.

Overnight at Hotel in Nagarkot

Early in the morning view the wonderful view of changing colors of the Himalaya at the time of sunrise.

Later transfer for a sightseeing tour of Changu Narayan Temple and continue drive to

Changunarayan: The temple of Changunarayan, located at a distance of 14 km from Kathmandu is universally acknowledged as the stately example of Pagoda style in Nepal. It is considered to be one of the greatest artistic legacies of the Lichhavian era. Changu is one of the ancient historical places situated on a hillock with conical shape. It is said to be the oldest pagoda style temple in the valley from early 3rd century AD.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square: As you walk in, you cannot but be overcome by a feeling of inner harmony. Such is the art and architecture and the special layout here. The Palace of 55 Windows built during the period of King Bhupatindra Malla in 1754 situated to the left as you enter through the city gate, inspires admiration. The National Art Gallery is also housed inside. The palace entrance, the Golden Gate known as Sunko Dhoka in Nepali is a masterpiece in repousse art. In front of the palace building is a medley of temples of various designs. Amongst the three Durbar Squares in the Valley, the Durbar Square in Bhaktapur is the best preserved one.

After a sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square drive to Dhulikhel

Dhulikhel: Dhulikhel is a scenic and ancient town situated 30 km east of Kathmandu valley and 5500 ft above sea level. From here one can have a panoramic view of the Himalayan range. It is very popular for viewing sunrise and sunset.

Overnight at hotel in Dhulikhel

Early in the morning after sunrise view from hotel, transfer to Pokhara.

Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of the lakes and the magnificence of the Himalaya rising behind them create the ambience that has made Pokhara such a popular place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Tourism focuses on the districts of Damside and Lakeside (or Pardi and Baidam, in Nepali, respectively). These two areas, packed with hotels and restaurants, are a few kilometers southwest of the main Pokhara bazaar.

Evening: Walk around lakeside at own.
Overnight at Resort in Pokhara

Early morning excursion trip to Sarangkot to view sunrise over Himalaya (Subject to weather condition) back to hotel to take breakfast

From Pokhara, Sarangkot is the most popular tourist destination from where the tourist can enjoy the great view of the Pokhara valley and the magnificent view of the mountains. Sarangkot is only 5 km from Lake Side. Sarangkot is the highest view point for a sunrise and it is just 1592m high. Sarangkot is 5 degrees cooler than Pokhara.

The Old Bazaar + Bindyabasini Temple

Pokhara’s traditional bazaar is colorful and so are its ethnically diverse traders. In its temples and monuments can be seen ties to the old Newar Architecture of the Kathmandu valley, Located about 4 km from Lakeside, the market S original charm is still evident. This area is strewn with shops selling commodities ranging from edibles to and cloth to cosmetics and gold is a pleasant and shady spot to stroll around.

The old Bazaar is also home to one of Pokhara’s most important shrines. Locally called the Bindhyabasini Mandir, this white dome- like structure dominates a spacious stone – paved courtyard built atop a shady hillock. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhgwati, yet another manifestation of Shakti. The park – like grounds offers a fine picnic area, and on Saturdays, and Tuesdays when devotees flock there to offer sacrifices, it takes on a festive flavor.

Later sightseeing tour of Pokhara city & one hour boating at Phewa Lake;

Devi’s fall: Locally known as Patale Chango (Hell’s Falls) also know as Devins and Davids is a lovely Waterfall is about 2 km south West of Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway. Legend has it that a trekker by the name of Davy was washed away by the Padi Khola and mysteriously disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the fall.

Tashiling Tibetan Refugee Camp: It is located at the south past Patale Chhango also knows as Devi’s fall. The Tibetan people living in this city keep themselves busy by producing and trading in woolen carpets and other handicraft items. They also run souvenir shops around lakeside. Some of them work like hawkers selling souvenirs at bargaining prices.

Overnight at Resort in Pokhara

Drive to Chitwan from Pokhara via Bandipur. After arrival in Chitwan, you will be transfer to the hotel.

Bandipur: Located on a 1000m ridge in Tanahu district some140km west from Kathmandu and 60km east from Pokhara, Bandipur’s hallmark is its beautiful scenery. At the eastern part of the town is the pagoda-roofed Bindabasini temple which houses goddess Durga, Bandipur’s guardian deity. The rich wooden carvings and details brass-work that adorn the temple are replicas of those found in the many old pagoda structures of the Kathmandu valley. The other important temples and shrines in the vicinity include the Mahalaxmi temple with its exquisite woodwork and Khadga Devi temple which comes alive once a year during the Dashain festival.

After some beautiful snaps of a traditional Newari Village, continue drive to Chitwan

Chitwan National Park is one of Asia’s richest and the most spectacular National Park. It is situated 75 air miles southwest of Kathmandu. Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world’s remaining jungles. Here, you will discover a lost world of towering trees and twisting vines, of pre-historic rhinos and lumbering elephants, of crocodiles, pythons and deer, of brilliantly colored birds and if you are fortunate – the superb Royal Bengal Tiger.

Overnight at Resort in Chitwan

Jungle activities in Chitwan National park (i.e. Elephant Safari, Canoe ride, Village Walk, Jungle Walk including visit to local Tharu tribal communities).

Overnight at Resort in Chitwan

Drive to Kathmandu and then transfer to the hotel

Rest of the day at leisure

Nepalese dinner with traditional dance and overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu

Later transfer to airport to board the flight for onward journey