~$3050
19 Days/18 Nights Cultural Tour
KATHMANDU, THE TERAI AND THE ANNAPURNAS
19
days
DESCRIPTION:
We have developed this cultural tour for those of you that have more time dream to discover one of the richest cultures and some of the highest summits in the Himalayan belt.
Stretching over a period of three weeks, you will have a chance to explore the splendor of the Kathmandu valley with its ancient squares and fabulous architecture, the exotic jungles and wildlife of the Terai plains, the profound spiritual and religious tradition of Buddhism in Lumbini, and the Annapurna area, with its scenic lakeside town of Pokhara and its high-altitude temple complex of Muktinath where the mighty giants will lie before your eyes.
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Because we know that Nepal is a most beautiful Himalayan
region that is best discovered on foot, part of this itinerary will include gentle hikes. Some of the highlights of this journey will include marveling at the extraordinary Newari architecture of Patan and Bhaktapur, standing on front of the very site where the Buddha was born, riding atop an elephant spotting tigers in Chitwan National Park, relaxing on a boat atop the calm waters of Phewa Tal with Mount Machapuchare (6993m) towering above and watching the sunset over the pristine valley of Muktinath.
PRICE INCLUDES:
Twin sharing accommodation in government approved hotels
All meals (except dinners in Kathmandu)
All transport within Nepal
All domestic flights
Airport transfers
Entrance fees
All permits
PRICE EXCLUDES:
All international airfare
Any expenses of personal nature
Personal Medical Insurance
Travel insurance
Visa Fee
Airport Taxes (if applicable)
Tips to local staff
BEST TIME TO VISIT:
The best seasons to visit Nepal are Spring and Autumn. During the months of March till May, the country enjoys beautiful days and moderately cold nights. Flowers are in full bloom and it is a perfect time to go trekking in the Annapurna and Everest regions. The months of September till the end of November are equally sunbathed. The autumn light is particularly clear compared to the Spring and offers a photographer’s paradise.
Although the weather can be cold in the winter, with snow in upper valleys, the winter months can prove to be the best time for a cultural tour of Nepal with the Kathmandu and Pokhara valleys enjoying mild weather. If you plan to visit the southern Terai plains in Chitwan or Lumbini for example, then winter will be an ideal time to go.
Summer corresponds to the monsoon season in Nepal. Although the days are often cloudy and rainy, summer provides an excellent opportunity to see the exceptional fauna and flora of the country in full bloom. For exceptionally high altitude trekking such as Upper Mustang, summer is the only season possible. Adding to this, as Spring and Autumn can often be a little crowded with tourists, Winter and Summer can provide a much more peaceful and exclusive journey.
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu – visit of Swayambhunath
Day 2: Visit of Pashupatinath and Boudhanath
Day 3: Visit of Patan and Baktapur
Day 4: Visit of Changunarayan and Nagarkot
Day 5: Visit of Dhaulikhel
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Day 6: Visit of Namo Buddha
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Day 7: Drive to Chitwan National Park
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Day 8: Visit of Chitwan
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Day 9: Drive to Lumbini
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Day 10: Drive to Pokhara
Day 11: Morning flight to Jomsom and walk to Kagbeni
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Day 12: Visit of Muktinath
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Day 13: Walk to Jomsom
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Day 14: Morning flight to Pokhara
Visit of Pokhara
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Day 15: Visit of Pokhara
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Day 16: Visit of Pokhara
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Day 17: Drive to Kathmandu
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Day 18: Exit to onward destination