Discover Nepal

Trip Facts
Destination:Nepal
Trip Grade:Easy

Nepal is a land where you can gaze at the wonders of the world’s tallest mountains whose beauty is a feast to behold, a place where exciting mixture of unique culture is proudly preserved and is the land blessed by the Lord Buddha. It is small and beautiful place where the brave Gorkhali resides. Nepal is a country with mind-boggling adventure and remarkable natural beauty along with its vast diversity of people, rich culture and art as well as distinctive architecture renders it ideal as the most amazing & interesting destination for sightseeing.

Purple Journeys’ Charms of Nepal packaged tour starts with the exploration of the cultural treasures of Kathmandu, capital and largest city of Nepal. Immerse yourself in the vibrant array of bustling streets, incomparable historic buildings and heritage, exquisite temples and religious sites. The ancient cities of Kathmandu Valley include Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur with evocative palace squares as their centre of attractions with age-old temples and shrines scattered along every nooks and crannies.

Leaving Kathmandu behind we drive to Kurintar and ride a cable car for a pilgrimage journey to the wish fulfilling goddess of ‘Manakamana’ situated atop hill nearby the historic town of Gorkha. We then experience the adrenaline rush by cruising down the liquid highway of the mighty Trishuli River for a rafting adventure.

Our next halt is the hillside medieval town of Bandipur with an en-route visit to Gorkha – the historic town from where the unification of Nepal took place.We continue the tour to the lakeside city of Pokhara and its spectacular beauty. Pokhara has the backdrop of a towering Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak) and an unbeatable sunrise view of the Himalaya from the ridge top of Sarangkot.

The next stop is Lumbini, birthplace of apostle of peace, Gautam Buddha. Lumbini is a major pilgrimage destination and we visit historical sites and elaborate temples from around the world. Our tour concludes with a visit to the natural beauty of Chitwan National Park, a rich habitat for a wide range of wildlife including tigers, rhinoceroses and elephants. The park is also home to more than 450 species of birds.

Day

1Arrival in Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal! A friendly representative from Purple Journeys will meet-and-greet you at the arrival area of the Tribhuvan International Airport with a flower garland – a tradition gesture of Nepalese hospitality. You will then be ushered to your pre-booked hotel. Unwind from your flight and meet us in the evening at a traditional Nepalese restaurant for a fine meal accompanied by folk music and a cultural program.

2Kathmandu Sightseeing

Embark on a guided tour of Kathmandu valley’s foremost attractions including UNESCO World Heritage Sites of historical and religious importance. The tour includes the Swoyambhunath Stupa also known as The Monkey Temple and the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square with ‘Kumari Ghar’ and other age-old monuments scattered around the vicinity. There will also be time to enjoy the sights, sounds and smell of the bustling city.

3Drive to Kurintar, cable car to Manakamana Temple and rafting: 90 km, 3 hour drive

Take an early morning drive to Kurintar to visit the temple of the wish fulfilling deity – Manakamana, situated on a ridge overlooking the Trisuli and Marshyandi River valleys. Access to the top is courtesy of Nepal’s only cable car, imported from Austria and inaugurated in 1998. Later enjoy an exhilarating trip of white water rafting on the Trishuli River through exciting rapids, scenic valleys and impressive gorges. As the rafting finishes at the beach just below our accommodation, those who do not wish to raft may relax by the hotel pool.

4Drive to Gorkha (40 km, 1 ½ hour drive) and then to Bandipur: 55 km, 2 hour drive

Drive to the historic town of Gorkha – that gave the feared Gurkha soldiers their name and is also the place from which King Prithvi Narayan Shah set out to unify Nepal in the 18th century. A walk up to the ridge on which stands his old palace fort is worth the climb. The view over the surrounding Annapurna and Manaslu ranges is spectacular. Later drive to the hill station of Bandipur.

5Sightseeing Bandipur and drive to Pokhara: 80 km, 2 hour drive

Embark on a guided tour of Bandipur – a picturesque Magar village famous for it’s preserved old time cultural atmosphere followed by a short drive to the lakeside city of Pokhara. Later in the evening explore around the lakeside and shopping areas.

6Pokhara Sightseeing

Embark on a guided tour very early in the morning with a drive to the ridge top village of Sarangkot for the unsurpassed panorama of the Himalaya and Pokhara Valley followed by a visit to Bindabasini Temple, Old Bazaar, Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, Seti Gorge and Tibetan Refugee Camps. Enjoy boating on Phewa Lake, the second largest lake of Nepal followed by an hour’s walk up the other side of the lake to the World Peace Pagoda.

7Drive to Lumbini via Tansen: 215 km, 5 hour drive

Take an early morning drive to the birth place of Lord Buddha through the romantic medieval hill town of Tansen, perched high above the Kali Gandaki River. We will visit the sacred Lumbini Garden where Princess Maya Devi gave birth to Buddha, the famed Ashoka Pillar along with various exquisitely built international monasteries.

8Drive to Chitwan: 175 km, 3 hour drive

Take a morning drive to Chitwan; hotel check in followed by lunch and briefing about the programs. Take a tour to Tharu Village and relax in the bank of Rapti River for a magnificent sunset view late afternoon.

9Wildlife Safari at Chitwan National Park

Enjoy the full day jungle activities including a jungle walk, canoe ride, Ox-card ride, and Elephant Back Safari. Enjoy your evening with cultural program performed by Tharu Community followed by dinner.

10Drive to Kathmandu: 185 km, 5 hour drive

Proceed for an early morning bird watching tour followed by a departure drive to Kathmandu. Rest of the day is left free for individual activities.

11Departure

Take care of any last minute souvenir shopping or sightseeing as time permits. We hope that you enjoyed your journey with Purple Journeys! Our representative will transfer you to the airport approximately 3 hours ahead of your flight time. We bid you farewell and hope to see you in Nepal again, soon.