NEPAL – Shangri La Tour

Nepal combines Himalayan views, golden temples, charming hill villages and jungle wildlife. A landlocked country between India and China, contains eight of the 10 highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga — the world’s tallest and third tallest respectively and houses seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the valley. Nepal is one of the countries where globalization or modernity have not easily affected their ancestral culture. A multicultural territory where its ancient religions, its extensive nature and its gigantic mountains have contributed to Nepali traditions much of this currently is the main nation attraction for all visitors.

OTHER NEPAL TOUR OPTIONS:

Mystical Himalayan Kingdoms (Bhutan and Nepal)

Your Tour of Nepal begins-

DAY 1 (SAT) – ARRIVE KATHMANDU

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, you will be met by A Classic Tours Collection representative and transfer to your hotel. Once known as Kantipur, the city is named after Kasthamandap, an imposing pagoda near Hanuman Dhoka and Old Palace. The rest of the day is at leisure. HOTEL

DAY 2 (SUN) – KATHMANDU TOUR

Embark on a city tour, including the Durbar Square with its pagoda-shaped temples, bazaars and the Royal Residential Palace, and the temple of the Living Goddess Kumari, worshiped as a deity by all devout Nepalese. Bodhnath is the home of the largest Buddhist stupa in the world, and Pashupatinath, is the most sacred of Lord Shiva’s shrines in Nepal on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. The afternoon is free to explore on your own. Enjoy a festive Welcome Dinner with Nepalese dances and music. HOTEL (B, D)

DAY 3 (MON) – PATAN / BUNGMATI & KHOKANA Excursion

Explore Patan, called the “City of Beauty” for its many palaces and temples embellished with intricately-carved gods and goddesses in erotic poses. Visit the sculpture foundry to meet a master sculptor of sacred images. For centuries, the Nepalese have been world- famous for their statue making, and after a visit to the foundry, you’ll know why. Follow your guide for an insider’s tour of the Buddhist temples in Patan.

Continue to the typical Newar village of Bungmati. Founded in the 7^th century, Bungmati is home to one of the most important gods of the Kathmandu Valley: Matsyendranath, the God of Rain and Compassion, worshipped equally by Hindus and Buddhists. He is credited by the local people for the introduction of rice plantations in the valley. The rich heritage and relatively unchanging lifestyle of the Newar people is clear in Bungamati and in the village of Khokana, which we also visit. On the southern edge of the Kathmandu valley, the mighty Lichchhavi rulers of Nepal established Khokana in the 7th century –  it remains relatively isolated from modern Nepali life.

Optional: Take an early morning one-hour flight over the Himalayas to view Mount Everest.

HOTEL (B, L)

Day 4 (TUE) – BHADGAON & NAGARKOT Excursion

Enjoy a drive through the terraced rice fields to the primitive city of Bhadgaon. The Durbar Square includes the Big Bell, once rung to usher in curfew; the Bell of the Barking Dogs; the Lion Gate; the Picture Gallery; and the famous Golden Gate. Continue to Nagarkot, east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2,175 meters above sea level. Nagarkot is a popular destination to view the sunrise and sunset, and the panoramas of the Himalayas and Mount Everest. HOTEL (B, L)

DAY 5 (WED) – KATHMANDU / POKHARA

Travel to Pokhara, renowned for its setting rather than its historical or cultural endowments. The scenic valley is an enormous sunlit playground covered by green-forested hills, waterfalls and terraced fields. Its three lakes – Phew, Begnas and Rupa – further enhance the beauty of the valley. You’ll be swept away by the panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Himalchuli and the five peaks of Annapurna and Machapuchare. HOTEL (B, D)

DAY 6 (THU) – POKHARA TOURING

Rise early to witness the spectacular sunrise over Himalayas. Visit the lakeside, on the shores of Phewa Lake, and the center of all tourist activities in the town. Barahi temple is the most important religious monument in Pokhara. Built in the middle of Phewa Lake, the two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protectress deity representing the female force Shakti. Visit Begnas Tal and Rupa Tal. Seti Gandaki, flowing right through the city, is the boisterous river that runs completely underground in several places. Mahendra Pul, a small bridge provides a perfect view of the river’s dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by its powerful flow. Devi’s fall, locally known as Patale Chhango (Hell’s fall), is an awesome waterfall. Your last stop is at World Peace Pagoda, a massive Buddhist stupa situated on top of a hill on the southern shore of Phewa lake. The shrine provides a great vantage point for spectacular views of the Annapurna range and Pokhara city. HOTEL (B, L)

DAY 7 TO 10 (FRI TO MON) – Choice of option A or B

OPTION A: WILDLIFE SAFARI AT CHITWAN OR BANDIA NATIONAL PARK

Travel to Asia’s richest and spectacular wildlife sanctuary, home to the great one-horned rhinoceros, several species of deer, sloth deer, wild boar, fresh water dolphin, leopard, marsh mugger, gharial crocodiles, over 450 species of birds and the elusive, nocturnal Royal Bengal Tiger. Enjoy excellent game viewing facilities with accommodations at treetop lodges, bungalows, long houses, and tented camps. Activities at most lodges include nature walks, game viewing by elephant’s back and land rover, boat trips, jungle treks, bird watching excursions, wildlife viewing and photography from machans (blinds). All meals and game drives are included. LODGE (B, L, D)

OPTION B: FOUR-DAY TREK TO REMOTE VILLAGES OF GURUNGS AND CHETTRIS

Spend your first night at Dhampus, offering spectacular views of the Annapurna range. Trek through the villages, offering ample opportunities to take pictures, and get acquainted with village life, meet school children and watch the villagers working in the terraced fields. Overnight camps are at Langdrung and Ghandrung villages, home to the world-famous Gorkha soldiers. Your trek includes all camping equipment, trekking staff (guides, cook, kitchen helpers, porters), and all meals during the trek. LODGE AND / OR CAMP ACCOMMODATIONS (B, L, D)

DAY 11 (TUE) – CHITWAN or POKHARA/ KURINTAR

Travel today from Pokhara or Chitwan to Kurintar, a small village located on the sandy banks of the Trisuli river. Rest or take a walk through the village, market etc. This evening board a modern cable car to visit Manakamana Temple, a 17th century pagoda-style sanctuary dedicated to one of Goddess Parvati’s incarnations– Bhagwati. After an exciting ride up with stunning views of the mountains and green valley, admire the red and black colored and lavishly decorated temple standing 1,302 m (4,270 ft) above sea level. Feel the holy ambiance and enter the small dark chamber displaying ancient ornaments covered in dust and ashes. Many pilgrims come to worship here and often sacrifice animals—in fact there is a cable carriage for animals just for this purpose. Absorb the breathtaking views of the Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Annapurna mountains to the north & sunset (weather permitting). Chance to grab some souvenirs from the nearby street vendors. Return back to Hotel in time for dinner. HOTEL (B, D)

DAY 12 (WED) – KURINTAR/ KATHMANDU

After leisurely breakfast, travel to Kathmandu. Check in at Hotel and the rest of your day is at leisure to explore, shop or relax. Enjoy farewell Dinner this evening. HOTEL (BD)

DAY 13 (THU) – DEPART KATHMANDU

Board your flight home with fond memories, sights and sounds of Nepal or extend your stay in India, Bhutan and more. (B)