Cultural & Wildlife tour of Nepal

DAY 1: KATHMANDU
Namaste and Welcome to Nepal. Arrive Kathmandu and after having done all the formalities of immigration, baggage and customs as you exit the arrival halls, you will be greeted by an Affordable Luxury Travel representative waiting to receive you with a placard bearing your name. You will then be assisted & transferred to your hotel. Late afternoon set out to visit Boudnath. Bouddhnath Stupa, which is the largest Buddhist Stupa in the world just beyond the Pashupatinath temple. It is built on a flat surface on various levels of terraces and is painted in pastel adorned with prayer flags. You will be welcomed by the Lama with Khada and then visit the Monastery for prayers. Receive blessings by the Senior Lama and interact with him to know more about Buddhism. Enjoy Tibetan Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight is at the hotel.

DAY 2: KATHMANDU
After breakfast, proceed to visit Patan Durbar Square. In Patan, the old Newar city, you will see the historic Durbar Square, the Golden Gate, the sky piercing temple of Taleju and the statue of Yogendra Malla, Krishna Mandir, Sati Temple, Hiranya Varna Mahabiar (the golden temple), and Mahabouddha with views of old carved wooden windows through the streets, curios shop and Bazaars. Head to Tibetan Singing Bowl & Healing Center, a local shop that specializes in sound healing therapy from handmade Tibetan bowls. The vibrations of the bowls are said to cure headaches, back pain, stress and insomnia! The quick sound healing session is less than 5 minutes and free, followed by blessing tika by Kumari. Later, continue the drive to Swayambhunath Swayambhunath (UNESCO World Heritage Site) - Swayambhunath literally means 'Self-Existent One.' Swayambhunath is believed to have been established more than 2,500 years ago. An inscription dated 460 A.D. states that the construction was carried out by King Manadeva. By the thirteenth century Swoyambhunath had developed into an important Buddhist learning site. It is also known as the Monkey Temple as there are holy monkeys living in parts of the temple in the North West. Swayambhunath occupies a central position; it is probably the most sacred among Buddhist Pilgrimage sites. Afternoon visit Kathmandu Durbar square followed by walking tour of Bahal There are around 50 temples in the vicinity. In this tour, we visit the 17th Century Durbar complex, Hanuman Dhoka, Paravati temple, great Bell and Drum, Bhairav and Taleju Temple. All around the splendour of historical monuments is the hustle & bustle of the market place. Vegetable vendors, trees of flutes, salesmen with their wares displayed on their person, souvenir hawkers, and street shop selling imported goods and tucked away in a quiet corner the glittering bead market for custom made bead necklaces. As the name reads, “Hippy Trail”, or Bahal Tour we will be walking some area where hippy in late 50`s had their second home here. This short adventure is design to explore most of the parts of hippie hang out although some moderations is done to provide more fun. Moreover, today we will walk from Thaithy chowk to Kathmandu Durbar Square. Be aware, that the streets are narrow, so mind the vehicles and people walking around you and the narrow lanes that follow you all the way to Kathmandu Durbar Square. When you walk by the lanes, you will see small shops all the side of the lanes and alleys. Evening is at leisure. Overnight is at the hotel

DAY 3: CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK
Today you will be transferred in your private car to Chitwan (Approximately 06 hrs) On arrival at Chitwan, check-in at the hotel. Afternoon you will visit nearby Tharu Village. Explore the lifestyle of these tribes who are known as the people that are not affected by Malaria and that’s the reason, they have been able to sustain in this part of the world before Malaria was eradicated 1960’s. Evening you will see slide presentation. One of the jungle experts will introduce background data and history of the Royal Chitwan National Park as well as some other topics relating to wildlife. Your question will be most welcomed. Dinner & overnight is at the hotel.

DAY 4: CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast proceed for Jungle Activities. Enjoy shared Jeep safari, an unusual program, beginning as a jeep safari with an experienced driver at the wheel and an expert naturalist leading you deep inside the forests on motor able tracks, exploring the mystery and magic of the jungle from the comfort of your seat. This exciting activity lasts from 3 / 4 hrs in search of wild animals such as several types of deer (spotted dear, barking dear, hug dear), monkeys, wild boar, sloth bear, leopard and, if lucky, the Royal Bengal tiger. Apart from the wild animals, we would visit deep inside the national park where the Naturalist would brief you about the forest and its types, trees and its species, different species of birds etc. Lunch at Resort/ Lodge. In the afternoon, proceed for nature walk followed by bird watching and boating / Canoe Ride. Dinner & overnight is at the hotel

DAY 5: POKHARA
Early morning proceed for bird watching. Out of 519 species of the birds we have recorded 276 species in our area. You will be guided to identify some of the species of these birds. Return to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, you will be transferred in your private vehicle to Pokhara (Approximately 05 hrs). Nestled in the tranquil valley (827m) on the laps of the mighty Annapurna Himalaya Range. Pokhara is also known as vacationer’s paradise. En-route stop for lunch at a Local Restaurant on a direct payment basis. After lunch, continue the drive to Pokhara where upon arrival you will check in at the hotel. After refreshment we will board the vehicle and drive to Peace Stupa Basement (Parking Area). We have to climb up the steps for 100 m from Parking area. Shanti Stupa in Pokhara also called as Peace Pagoda is a stunning monument located on the Anadu Hill overlooking the mesmerizing Phewa lake with the charming Annapurna Mountain range in the backdrop. It is a popular tourist attraction and a striking landmark or a pleasant pit stop for the intrepid climbers. The surroundings have several trekking trails to cross to Phewa Lake and explore the Himalayas. One can either cycle through one of the tracks that lead to the top of the hill, take the road to the Stupa or enjoy a drive through the scenic location. The picturesque beauty is quite captivating, and the tranquil vibe of the monument is worth a visit for those seeking it. Standing on top of the Anadu Hill, Shanti Stupa adds beauty to the Pokhara Valley. It is a perfect holiday place providing a clear view of the Himalayan range, Phewa Lake and Pokhara City. The hilltop provides a splendid view of sunrise and sunset. Climb down to Parking and board the vehicle and drive back to hotel. Overnight is at the hotel

DAY 6: POKHARA
After breakfast, we will proceed to Phewa Power House (Approximately 15 min drive). Phewa Lake is the second largest lake in Pokhara, the lake bordering the forested hill. The view of Fishtail and other mountains reflected in the lake, the little island and the Tal Barahi temple in the middle, the white stupa on the top of the hill, the gliders jumping from Sarangkot, the Ultralight soaring up high and paralleled each other, buzzing, all at once can be seized in the mild breeze over the Phewa Lake. We start walk from Parking and after crossing the suspension bridge, walk through small Damsadi Village (20 min). 1st View Point enjoying the sceneries of Pardi River, Annapurna, Manaslu Himalayan range and entire Pokhara valley. Further, walk to Ambot Village (950M). (Gentle ascending walk – approx. 30 minutes) and walk back to Damsadi Village and cross the suspension Bridge and drive back to Pokhara. Highlights of the Damsadi Village Hike: • The longest suspension bridge of Kaski District (276meter Long). • Enjoy the sceneries of Pardi River, Mt Annapurna, Mt Manaslu, Mt Dhaulagiri Himalayan range and entire Pokhara valley (subject to weather condition) • Damsadi Bridge (224 metre Long) • Location: Southern Parts of Pokhara • Name of place Damsadi Village • Walking Distance: 05 KM • Walking time: approx. 03 Hrs (including driving but resting time is not included) • Highest Altitude: 950M (View from Ambot village Annapurna and Mt. Dhaulagiri) • Lowest Altitude: 800M (hike starting point Phewa Power House) After the hike board the vehicle and drive back to lakeside. Lunch at Lake side local Restaurant on a direct payment basis. On reaching the shores of the lake, embark on cruise on Phewa Lake. Free to stroll around lake side. Later return to hotel. Overnight is at the hotel

DAY 7: KATHMANDU
After breakfast, you will be transferred in your private vehicle to Kathmandu (Approximately 05 hrs). Enroute Lunch at Local Restaurant on a direct payment basis. On arrival in Kathmandu, check-in at the hotel. Evening is free at leisure. Overnight is at the hotel DAY

DAY 8: END OF ITINERARY
Today after breakfast, check-out of the hotel and you will be transfered in your private car to Kathmandu International airport to connect flight for onward destination.