On arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport, after clearing the visa formalities, and claiming the baggage. Head towards departure exit, where our staff receives you for a short transfer to the hotel. After getting refreshed join on the lobby with other members for Kathmandu and Pokhara with Ghandruk Tour for briefing. Provided by our guide or group leader, briefing includes full information of the tour of hotels in Kathmandu and beyond as well of local cultures with do’s and don’ts. Evening a lovely dinner introduction to Nepali foods with exciting cultural programs.
Morning after breakfast, our city / cultural guide takes you on a tour visiting world heritage sites around Kathmandu city. Includes Old Durbar Square / Palace Courtyard, residence of Living Goddess the Kumari; and to Swayambhunath Stupa with more 2,600 years of history. Then head towards holy Hindu temple of Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath a huge Buddhist Stupa. After an exciting and interesting tour back to hotel, preparation for journey to Pokhara and beyond.
Non-essential clothing and items not required for the tour, can be stored in the Hotel or with Everest Adventure Tour.
The tour of Kathmandu includes following world heritage sites:
Kathmandu Durbar Square:?Uncountable monuments around Kathmandu Durbar Square. ?The house of the Living Goddess (Kumari Ghar), ferocious Kal Bhairab, the red monkey god, and hundreds of erotic carvings are a few examples of the sights at the Square! The buildings here are the greatest achievements of the Malla dynasty. The Square teems with colorful life. Vendors sell vegetables, curios, flutes, and other crafts around the Kasthamandap rest house.
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): ?More than 25 Century old, stands as one of the world's oldest Buddhist Stupa. ?The Great Stupa of Swayambhunath is the wonder that was Nepal, the glory that was Nepal. A religious center, for faithful worship of Vajrayana philosophy in honor of Lord Adi Buddha, painted on four-sided based by spiral all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha, keeping an eternal watch on the Valley distinguishing between vice and virtue. A mere distance west of Kathmandu City, situated on a hillock, at about 500 feet above the level of the Valley. The whole hill is a mosaic of small Chaitiya and pagoda temples possessing great five Mahayana (Lamaism) and one Hinayana (Therbadist). On the hind hill is located another important Buddhist shrine; it is called Manjushree. This Chinese Buddha is the God of Knowledge.
Pashupatinath Temple:?A pagoda style Hindu temple with gilt roofing and richly carved silver doors dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated at the bank of the holy Baghmati River. One of the most sacred temples in the entire Hindu world, Pashupatinath Temple is the nerve center of pilgrimage on the day of Shivaratri.
Bouddhanath Stupa:?Largest Buddhist monument of South Asia. The ancient colossal Chorten built in 6th century A.D. by King Man Deb. It rests on a series of three terraces, relevant shape of a lotus flower. The Stupa surrounded by circular market, which forms a part of Tibet town. In this case, also the four pairs of the Buddha's eyes give a vivid flash to the four cardinal directions. The Stupa embraces authentic philosophy of Mahayana, faith known as Lamaism in Nepal, Sikkim, Ladakh, Bhutan and Tibet.
Morning an interesting drive to picturesque Pokhara, famous and popular touristic spot with its beautiful lakes. Located in the shade of massive Annapurna Himalayan range, an exciting and scenic drive through farm villages and towns.
The overland journey from Kathmandu of about six hours facing grand views of Nepal beautiful landscape scenery with snow peaks. After an exciting drive reaching Pokhara, and then check into a nice hotels by the lake Phewa.?Having time to get refreshed from the drive, enjoy short walks around the lakeside, where best shops, stores, restaurants and hotels located. ?Enjoy the views of Annapurna peaks with towering Machhapuchare Himal the famous Fish-Tail peak.
Early morning before breakfast, depart from the hotel for short drive to scenic Sarankot hill top. A great picturesque spot for stunning sunrise with grandeur vista of Annapurna Himalayan range, and Mt. Machhapuchare (Fish Tail).?Includes panorama of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal as far as Dhaulagiri range of peaks in the west. An awesome views of Pokhara city and the valley with Phewa Lake Phewa. Sarankot hill is also famous and popular for Paragliding, Zip-Line and other adventure sports activities.
From Sarankot after a refreshing cool morning back to hotel for breakfast, having rest. The tour continues visiting Pokhara’s natural wonderful sites and places of interest as follows.
Enjoy boat ride on calm Phewa Lake visit the island with temple of Barahi overlooking views of Annapurna Himalaya range.
Having lunch afternoon tour of natural wonders visit the Devi’s Waterfall and Gupteshwor Mahadev a large cave, from here tour of International Mountain Museum and the local market of Pokhara.
Morning enjoy the views of snow-capped mountain range, and then after a leisure time for breakfast. A scenic short drive of few hours to Ghandruk hill village beyond Pokhara Valley. Pokhara and Ghandruk is about 20 km / 13 miles aerial distance, but driving stretches to 54.8 km / 34 miles. An interesting ride facing views of Annapurna peaks and farm villages, as drive heads uphill to Nau Danda and Kande villages. Then heads downhill to Nayapul town, as our route diverts following the Modi River upstream past nice village of Bhirethati.
The drive leads on dirt rough road to Syali Bazaar amidst paddy fields, the leaving the river behind. The hilly tracks bends to winding up to Ghandruk village for lunch and overnight stop. Enjoy the comfort of a nice mountain lodge facing grand vista of surrounding green hills and valley with snow peaks.
Enjoy a leisure free day in Ghandruk around Gurung village, the main ethnic hill tribes of Annapurna region. Gurung traditionally a farmer and raising live-stock as cattle herders follows Buddhism religion, as well ancient cult of Bon. Worship of?nature and mountain spirits, where houses are adorned with prayer flags.
Explore around the old areas of Ghandruk where one can observe the typical mountain village. A short climb to the main old village built in a traditional style with glorious views of Annapurna peaks. Rest of the day marvel the views and visit a small Gurung museum for cultural and historical interest of the Gurung people.
?Morning enjoy the views of Annapurna Himalayas, after a good breakfast drive downhill on the same exciting route to Pokhara. On arrival check into respective hotels, with time for short walks around the lakeside or enjoy the boat ride.
Morning on leaving Pokhara back on the same interesting busy highway towards many farm villages and town. On reaching Mugling Bazaar the drive follows Trisuli River for few hour, and then on winding uphill towards Kathmandu valley.?As drive heads into the city and back to your hotel, afternoon free at leisure for individual activities and shopping souvenirs.
Final day in Kathmandu and Nepal, as time for your international flight for homeward bound or next port of call. Transfer to Kathmandu, Nepal international airport bidding farewell to your guide and staff. After a marvelous and enjoyable holiday on Kathmandu and Pokhara with Ghandruk Tour.
It all depends upon the trip cost as per the itinerary set by Everest Adventure Tour. Normally we accommodate trekkers on normal standard lodge having nice rooms with good foods. But if the clients request us to upgrade the standard of hotel accommodation, we will certainly comply with the request and need of our valuable clients. Where the cost will be slightly higher on Luxury types of hotels and lodges than budget or standard hotel accommodation.
?Travelers in Nepal, will be surprised to find good food menu of varieties, from Tibetan, Nepali, Indian and Chinese to Continental. Includes long list of snacks and drinks for the customer delights in all hotels lodges during the tour and designated overnight destinations.
The hotel accommodation are nice and lovely according to the choices of the visitors. From budget, standard to luxury accommodation, either attached or non-attached bath and toilets.
On tour in Kathmandu and beyond, travelers can find ATM and money changing station all over the towns and cities. Around all places in Kathmandu and at Pokhara. Where visitors will have the opportunity to change foreign currencies to Nepali Rupees as per the current rates.
Every town and cities on this tour can find facilities of ATM, as well banks and money change counters.
?The main religions of Nepal, as per the population wise is Hinduism, followed by Buddhism religion. Hinduism covers nearly 75 % and Buddhism of 20 % the rest?05 % are minority of Christianity, Islam, Jain and Sikh religions in Nepal.
As mentioned above in our itinerary text, the best time is spring from March to May. Including autumn / fall starts from September and end in November.
Spring season days are much longer with sunny days can get cool in the morning and night time. Depending upon various places and overnights stops, the season of autumn / fall one of the best time especially for Kathmandu, Pokhara and Ghandruk. Days are mild with sunshine, but shorter day time due to limited hours of sunshine. Much cooler morning and nighttime.
Interested people can visit on this tour in winter times of December to February, most days are full of sunshine and pleasant for tour. But cold morning and night time especially at Ghandruk village located on a high green hills.
