Classical Nepal

One of the representatives from the Black Diamond Expeditions will receive you at the TIA bearing a placard with your name upon your arrival and then you will be transferred to your hotel. After you check into the hotel, our representative will explain you briefly about the program. Depending upon your arrival time, the evening is free for you to explore the streets of Kathmandu where you can sightsee ancient architecture and modern development, rich artistic and cultural heritage as well as crowded markets and bazaars. Your leader will usually organise an optional dinner at one of Kathmandu’s fine Nepali restaurants.Overnight in Kathmandu.

Dinner

Today you will explore Kathmandu on an organised sightseeing tour. In the morning after your breakfast, you will have an extensive pilgrimage tour of Durbar Square, visit Kasthanadap temple, Taleju temple, Kamasutra temple, Palace complex and Living Goddess Kumari. You will also visit Swayambhunath Stupa, where you will enjoy the bird’s eye view of Kathmandu Valley and mountains. Later, you will visit two world Heritage sites . First, you will be taken to Bouddhanath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world. You will have lunch in one of the restaurants here. After lunch, you will visit Pashupatinath temple, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. You will witness “cremation” on river banks. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast you will be driven towards Pokhara. After a five hour scenic drive, finally you will reach Pokhara and check into the hotel. Late afternoon you will enjoy boating on Fewa Lake with a marvelous view of Mt. Fishtail and Annapurna. Evening is free and you can stroll along the streets on your own provided you can find the hotel. Overnight in Pokhara.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is the day to explore Pokhara valley. Early morning, you will have an excursion to Sarangkot hill to witness sunrise view over Annapurna Range. If the weather supports you, you will witness the mesmerizing sunrise. Afterwards, back to hotel for breakfast. Rest for few hours. Afternoon, visit Bindhyabashini Temple, Seti Gorge, Davi’s Fall, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave and Refugee Camp. in the evening, you are free for personal activities like shopping, traditional massage or just relax in the lakeside. Overnight in Pokhara.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning you will drive to beautiful Bandipur (approximately 2 hours). You will fully explore this incredible settlement and take the many opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture of Nepal as it once was. Enjoy the spectacular views, the incredibly maintained architecture and nice walking trails. This traditional Nepalese settlement is a natural treasure and one of the country’s true hidden gems.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a day of free time to further explore Bandipur. The surrounding hills are ideal for hiking along trails that will take you through tribal villages, verdant forests, ‘power places’, and hilltop shrines that once doubled as fortresses. As you explore the area you may feel as though you’re stepping back in time; though development increases, the aura of this place has been beautifully preserved. As tourism in Nepal developed along the main roads and airports, for over 30 years there simply was no road linking Bandipur to the main infrastructure, leaving it almost untouched by touristic influence. The village is saddled on a high ridge above Dumre, 700 metres beyond the Marsyangdi River Valley, making for an exceptional view of the Himalayan panorama.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast you will be picked up and driven to Chitwan National Park (approximately 4 hours). After arriving and settling in, you will be introduced to the camp staff and resident naturalists who will discuss the program. There is some flexibility, and activities may vary depending on the time of the year, and on wildlife movements. A late-afternoon safari will take you through forests and across grasslands to observe the varied and exciting wildlife in the park. In the early evening the local Tharu dance troupe may perform a cultural program. You will then enjoy dinner and afterwards you will be free to relax in the bar and discuss the day’s sightings or listen to the exotic sounds of the jungle at night.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Embark on an early-morning excursion. This could include either another safari to different parts of the park (in search of the great Indian rhino, deer, and exotic bird life) or joining one of the other activities available in the park. Tiger sightings are rare these days, but these magnificent animals do inhabit the park. After breakfast you will leave the lodge and go on a dugout canoe adventure on the Rapti River. This is an exciting trip with chances to view marsh mugger crocodiles and various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. A program will be organised for the rest of the day, and may include further excursions by jeep or a visit to one of the nearby villages.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

If you are an avid wildlife lover, there is an optional early-morning birdwatching safari available today – a worthwhile addition to your trip. After breakfast you will drive on to Bhaktapur (approximately 4 hours), which was once the capital of Nepal and the Great Malla Kingdom during the 15th century. Its rich heritage, inspiring temples and artisanal history played a big part in Bhaktapur being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy an evening of exploration on your own, soak up the lovely atmosphere in one of the local cafes, or simply relax in your hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend the day exploring Bhaktapur’s famous temples, starting at Durbar Square, which is reputed to be the most beautiful piece of art in Nepal. Durbar Square is home to the majestic Lion Gate and Golden Gate. You will also visit the Pashupati Temple, a replica of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu. This will be an enlightening morning of discovery and enrichment, as you delve into all Bhaktapur has to offer. In the afternoon, drive to Kathmandu (approximately 2 hours). The evening will then be free, however the group leader will usually organise an optional evening meal at another of Kathmandu’s great restaurants.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, rest of the time is at leisure until we pick you up at the hotel and then transfer to airport for your next stop.

Breakfast