Experience Nepal with Soft Adventure Tour

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,600 ft)

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our representative from Namaste Nepal Trekking & Research Hub will pick you up from the airport. He will be displaying a NNTR sideboard outside the airport terminal. Transfer to the selected hotel. In the afternoon pre-trip meeting will be holding at our office. During this meeting we will introduce your trek and or tour leader/guide, so please make sure that you ask all the questions and concerns. For the meeting please make sure you bring your passport,2 copies of passport size photos and your travel insurance policy copy (if you haven’t sent by email before).  And sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer.

sightseeing of Kathmandu valley and drive to Nagarkot (2,175m 7,135 ft)

After breakfast, your sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley will start. You will have a professional tour guide with a private vehicle. Today you will visit the following cultural wonders of Kathmandu valley:

Swambhunath Stupa/Monkey temple:

Is an ancient religious architecture atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhunath is among the oldest religious sites in Nepal. The Swayambhunath consists of a stupa and a variety of shrines and temples. A Tibetan monastery, museum, and library are more recent additions. And we can see the 360-degree view of Kathmandu valley. This will be a good way to start your day with

Pashupatinath Temple:

 Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most important and significant Hindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world. Located at the bank of Holy Bagmati River near the Airport. The major temple is strictly for Hindus only even though you are not allowed to go inside the main temple you can clearly see the temple and the activities from the other bank of the river. 

Boudhanath Stupa: 

Another UNESCO World Heritage site; Boudhanath another holiest site of Kathmandu valley. It was built in the 5th century with pairs of eyes in all 4 directions keeping an eternal watch over the people and their doings.

Changunarayan Temple: 

The temple is situated on a ridge overlooking the Kathmandu valley, about 12 km to the east of the city. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. It is one of the finest and oldest specimens of pagoda architecture built in 323 AD by King Hari Dutta Verma. The temple is richly decorated with sculptures and carvings, and its position above the Kathmandu valley affords a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square:

The city of devotees, one of the most beautiful and historical city of Kathmandu valley. Bhaktapur Durbar Square stands for peace and harmony. As you walk in, you will feel a sense of inner harmony. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a collection of pagoda and shikhara–style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The attraction of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the Lion Gate, the Golden gate, the Palace of fifty-five windows, art galleries, and the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla.

Later in the evening, we will drive to Nagarkot which takes about one hour from Bhaktapur.

Nagarkot

Nagarkot is a popular location for tourists and a favorite weekend getaway among those seeking mountain views in comfort and quiet. The overwhelming panorama of the major peaks of eastern Nepal’s Himalayas including Mount Everest, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Choba Bhamre, Gauri Shankar, and Number can be seen from here. At sunrise, the Himalayan range, stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west all the way past Everest to Kanchenjunga in the east, emerges from the darkness to greet the happy visitors with its awe-inspiring majesty & beauty.

Drive to Chitwan (415m / 1,362 ft)

We wake up early today to catch a glimpse of the spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas. Endless Mountain appears in the north, while the Kathmandu valley can be clearly seen to the west, what a wonderful Morning! 

After breakfast, you will drive towards Kathmandu valley again to Chitwan National Park. On the way enjoy the great view of the different Himalayas, the Countryside of Nepal, lower alpine forests, many green hills, and Riverside. On reaching the hotel in Chitwan, you would be briefed by our Jungle Safari Guide about your jungle activities.

After lunch you will be doing the following activities:

Village Tour and Visiting Elephant Stable

Of all the animals, elephants are probably the most graceful. Our naturalists will take you to show Elephant Stable. They will explain the nature and habits of elephants. The unique Center was established in 1985 for the captive breeding of domesticated elephants trapping for domestication.

Dinner: Meanwhile the dinner would be ready by the time you return to your hotel.

Tharu Cultural Program

In the evening you will walk to see Tharu cultural program where they will be performing the Stick Dance, Peacock Dance, Tharu cultural Dance, etc with traditional music, costume and instruments.

Full day Jungle activities in Chitwan (415m / 1,362 ft)

Wake-up calls followed by tea or coffee and then proceed for canoeing/jeep safari. A traditional dug-out canoe takes you on a silent trip down the Rapti River; it is an excellent opportunity for Bird Watching and seeing the 2 rare species of crocodiles; the Marsh Mugger and the fish-eating Gharial. You can do Jungle Walk and on the way back to your Hotel for lunch, you can enjoy the elephant bathing View if you are interested you can try elephant bathing as well.

After lunch, you will set up for another ride deep inside the National park. Elephant/Jeep safari covering the distance of about 10 km, with chances of seeing rare wildlife. An excellent opportunity to see four different kinds of deer, 1 Horn Rhino, rhinoceros, wild boar, monkey, leopard, sloth bear, the Royal Bengal Tiger, Many Birds, flora, and Fauna. You will also encounter many other smaller mammals that have made Chitwan National park their home.

Drive to Lumbini (150m / 490 ft)

Early in the Morning after the wake-up tea you will up for the Bird Watching; this is the best time of the day to watch the birds. Then you will be back for breakfast.

After the morning activities, we will start our journey towards the most spiritual land of Buddhism, the birthplace of Lord Buddha and one of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage site of Nepal.

This pilgrimage site in southwest Nepal attracts devout Buddhists from around the world, who arrive to pay homage at the Sacred Garden where the ‘Enlightened One’ was born. A famous landmark is the Ashoka Pillar raised by the great Emperor who converted to Buddhism. Today Lumbini has been enlivened by the multitude of architecturally beautiful temples, stupas and monasteries built by various international Buddhist communities.

Upon arrival in Lumbini, in the evening we will drive to the birthplace of god Buddha to join the evening ceremony with the monks. What a blissful evening to end your day!

Drive to Palpa after Half day Sightseeing of birth place of Lord Buddha (1,350 / 4,430 ft)

Today we will visit pilgrimage sights of Lumbini, Mayadevi Temple, Ashoka Piller, The remains of many ancient stupas and monasteries and many other new monasteries build by various international Buddhist communities. Like Buddha’s Birthplace – Mayadevi Temple

• Korea Temple
• Chinese Temple
• Singapore Temple
• Japan Temple
• India Temple
• French Temple
• Sri Lanka Temple
• Thai Monastery
• Vietnam Monastery
• Nepal Monastery and etc

Later in the afternoon drive to Tansen, Palpa for about 3 hrs.

Tansen is a small ancient hill town situated 4,300 meters above sea level. It is located on the way from Pokhara to Lumbini. Major attractions here are the ancient culture, excellent mountain views, serene atmosphere, and friendly people. The weather here makes it a pleasant place to visit in any season. On clear days Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, Gauri Shankar and other peaks can be seen. Dhaka – the most popular handwoven cloth of Nepal comes from this region. The Nepali topi (national cap) is made of Dhaka and you can see the weavers at work on their looms or visit a bazaar of Dhakas in Tansen.

Drive to Pokhara (822m / 2,697 ft)

We wake up early today to catch a glimpse of the spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas. Endless Mountain appears in the north, while the southern valley can be clearly seen to the west, what a wonderful Morning! 

After the warm breakfast, we will start our journey to wonderful Pokhara. On the way catch the great view of the Himalaya, the countryside of Nepal, cross allot of alpine forests, many green hills and riverside. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, Annapurna and Lamjung Himal. In the evening boating in the Fewa lake and hike up to world peace Stupa for Sunset view over the Pokhara valley and the beautiful Annapurna massif.

A perfect ending for your day!

Sightseeing tour of Pokhara (822m / 2,697 ft)

Visit Sarangkot for Sunrise.

You wake up early in the morning and head to Sarangkot. About 45-minute drive brings us to the viewpoint of Sarangkot at an elevation of 1592m, which is probably the most popular short excursion from Pokhara. The panoramic views include a glimpse of Annapurna South, Himchuli, Annapurna I, II, III,IV,  Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchre /Fishtail, Lamgung Himal, Manaslu and many more including views of the beautiful Pokhara Valley and Phewa lake in another side. Sarangkot is one of the best Mountain View spot in entire Pokhara reason. After the beautiful sunrise view you will drive back to your hotel via Bindhabasini temple for breakfast. 

Bindhabasini Temple

It lies in the center of an old bazaar. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, yet another manifestation of Shakti. The park grounds offer a fine picnic and relaxing area. Later in the day we visit:

Davis Falls

Locally known as Patale Chango and in the southern flank of the Pokhara valley is where the stream flowing from Phewa Lake collapses and surges down the rock into a deep gorge, leaping through several potholes. This is hugely popular with tourists and locals alike.

Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

The revered Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is situated 2 km from Pokhara airport. The entrance is right across from Davis Falls and the cave is almost 3 km long. It has some big hall-sized rooms and some passages where you have to crawl on all fours. This cave holds special value to Hindus since a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva is preserved here in the condition it was discovered.

Phewa Lake and Barahi Temple

Situated at an altitude of 800m above sea level, it is the second-largest lake in Nepal. With the Barahi Island Temple in the middle of the lake, it is the most important religious monument in Pokhara. Built almost in the middle of Phewa Lake, this two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the female force Shakti. The reflection of Mt. Machhapuchhare and Annapurna can be seen in its serene water. Thick forest lies on the adjoining southern slopes of the lake.

Seti River Gorge

Carved by Seti-Gandaki, the gorge is one of the natural wonders of Pokhara. K.I. Singh bridge at Bagar, Mahendrapool & Prithivi highway Bridge near bus park, provides a perfect view of the river’s dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by the turbulent flow of white water.

Tibetan Refugee Camp

The Tibetan village Tashiling in the south and the Tashi Palkhel village in the north of Pokhara are renowned for the production and trade of woolen carpets and other handicrafts. The original Tibetan settlers in this region migrated to Nepal in the ‘50s.

Drive to Nayapul and Trek to Tikhedunga (1,550m / 5,085 ft)

After morning Breakfast we will start your journey to the mystical land of the Annapurna massive. Drive 1.30 hours from Pokhara will bring us to Nayapul; a Trekking starting point. After a short 15-20 minute walk along the banks of the Modi Khola, we reach Birethanti (1,015m) a large village with many shops and hotels. From there, the trail continues through the village and follows the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola valley. The trail climbs steadily up the side of the valley to Hille at 1,495m and after a short climb, we reach Tikhedhunga at 550m / 5,085 ft. Today’s walk is relatively short and easy.

Trek to Ghorepani2,850m / 9,351 ft

Our second and interesting day of the trek! We move on towards 3500 stone steeps climbing to Ulleri, a large Magar and Poon village at an altitude of 2,070m. The trail ascends more gently from this point, we will walk through a ulleri village to get Banthanthi for a nice cup of tea and again walk through fine forests of oak and rhododendrons to Nangathanti for fulfilling Lunch. 1:30 hours from nangathanti we will reach Ghorepani. Ghorepani is popular for the Poonhill hike which presents a spectacular view of the sunrise and a superb panoramic view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain range

Hike up to Poon Hill (3,210m / 10,531 ft) and trek to Tadapani (2,700m / 8,859 ft)

Today one of the most special day of your trek. Very early in the morning, we hike up to Poon hill about an hour for the sunrise view. Poon hill offers a wide range of Himalayan panorama of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, lamjung Himal and Manaslu. The most impressive Mountain View spot in Nepal. It will worth an early morning hike, The expensive mountains view encompasses Himchuli in the east to Dhaulagiri Range on the west these mountains have about a 150Km aerial distance between them and we will be seeing them in front of us. After enjoying the sunrise view we will trek back to Ghorepani for our breakfast. Then we make a climb along ridges and through pine and rhododendron forests to Deurali (2,960m). After that, we descend to the Banthanti for lunch, then turning off to Tadapani.

Trek to Ghandruk (1,950m / 6,397 ft)

Also, a good place to have a closer look at the Annapurna massive with a hot cup of tea in the morning. Leaving Tadapani, we descend steep downhill through the rhododendron forests and then the trail eases as we reach Ghandruk village the capital of Gurung people, this none of the biggest village of Annapurna reason. Slate roofed houses beside paddy fields with beautiful mountain views and people with full of culture the major highlight of the Ghandruk village.

Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara (822m / 2,697 ft)

From Ghandruk we trek along village down to the right side of Modi River for few hours to Birethanti which can be considered one of the best and the most relaxing trek of the entire trek. We reach Nayapul then a 1:30 hour drive will take us back to Pokhara.

Drive back to Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,600 ft)

We will take our private tourist vehicle to Kathmandu. On the way enjoy the great view of the different Himalayas, Countryside of Nepal, lower alpine forests, many green hills and Riverside.

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, Transfer to the selected hotel. In the evening to celebrate the successful completion of our journey, the farewell dinner will be served in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances

Final departure

Your Journey to Nepal comes to the end today! It’s time to say goodbye to Nepal until the Next Time! Enjoy your last moments in Kathmandu, a city stroll, and-or souvenir shopping. NNTR representative will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport for your return flight home. On the way to your home, you have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful land of the mystic Himalayas.