Nepal Buddhist Tour

This fourteen-day trip is an intensive tour of Nepal, which offers an insight into its rich ancient cultures and ethnic diversity. Explore the different areas and combine it with the simple pleasures of hiking through scenic countryside and the thrills of viewing the mighty Himalayan peaks from dose quarters. There are many country trails of which several of them are old trade routes or pilgrimage paths which lead through terraced hillsides, forested ridges, river banks, paddy fields; connecting picturesque hamlets and mountain villages. The most rewarding way to see Nepal and her people, their culture and rich heritage by walking or hiking like the traders or pilgrims. Outside the Kathmandu valley accommodation will be in small but comfortable country style hotels/lodges.

Day 01 : Kathmandu
Arrival in Kathmandu. Meet and greet assistance at the airport and transfer to your hotel.

Day 02 : Kathmandu
Morning take a walking tour of old Kathmandu city following the old path across Vishnumati river to Swayambhunath. Afternoon visit the low-tiered golden temple -Pashupatinath, the holiest of Hindus temple and Bodhnath -the largest Buddhist Stupa.

Day 03 : Kathmandu
Drive south to Dakshinkali. Visit Pharping village and continue on to the old Newari villages of Bungmati and Khokana. Newars are inhabitants of a Tibeto-Burman origin and are among the largest indigenous groups of Nepal. They are usually inclined towards commerce, trade and farming and follow Buddhism as well as Hinduism.

Day 04 : Kathmandu - Pokhara
Morning drive to the most scenic Himalayan destination -Pokhara (200km/6hrs) in the centre of Nepal. Afternoon free.

Day 05 : Pokhara
A Day hikes to Begnaskote or Sarangkote village.

Day 06 : Pokhara
Sightseeing tour of Pokhara City and its bazaars. Afternoon take a boat ride on Phewa lake.

Day 07 : Pokhara - Tansen
Drive to Tansen (80km/4hrs) a typical small hill town in western Nepal. Check-in at hotel.

Day 08 : Tansen
Full day hiking trip to Ranighat built on the banks of Kaligandaki river or a day tour of Tansen town and its colourful bazaars.

Day 09 : Tansen - Lumbini - Chitwan
Morning drive to Lumbini (105kms/4hrs) the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Visit Lumbini on own. Later continue on to Royal Chitwan National Park (75kms/4½ hrs) and check in at the jungle lodge. Dinner and overnight at the jungle lodge.

Day 10 : Chitwan
Full day jungle activities including elephant back safari, nature walk, canoe ride, bird watching, elephant briefing, Tharu stick dance, slide presentation etc.

Day 11 : Chitwan - Nagarkote
Drive back to Kathmandu (145kms/4½ hrs) from where you continue on to Nagarkote (Alt 2100-m (34 kms/1½ hrs) set on a ridge above Kathmandu with a panoramic view of the great Himalayan peaks including Annapurna, Fishtail, Everest and Kanchendzonga.

Day 12 : Nagarkote - Dhulikhel
Visit Nagarkote and continue on to Changunarayan temple, the oldest and finest pagoda architecture in the world. Commence walking through paddy fields and typical farming villages to Bhaktapur. Late afternoon drive to Dhulikhel.

Day 13 : Dhulikhel
Magnificent sunrise views from your hotel. After breakfast, commence a full -day hike to Namoboudha carrying lunch boxes. Walk through scattered huts and farms to Panauti, an old and interesting village. Drive back to Dhulikhel in time to see a colourful sunset.

Day 14 : Dhulikhel - Kathmandu
Drive back to Kathmandu (35kms/1½ hrs) and transfer to connect your outbound flight.