Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 02: KTM Sightseeing Tour: Kathmanu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Swayambhu, Boudhanath
Day 03: Sightseeing Tour: Patan, Bhaktapur & Nagarkot
Day 04: Dhulikhel & Panauti
Day 05: Drive to Daman
Day 06: Drive to Bandipur
Day 07: Drive to Pokhara & Pokhara Sightseeing
Day 08: Explore Pokhara
Day 09: Drive to Kathmandu
Day 10: Farewell Friend
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (TIA) you will be greeted by a representative from Snow Leopard Trek. After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Snow Leopard Trek display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to hotel. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 02: KTM Sightseeing Tour: Kathmanu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Swayambhu, Boudhanath
Today, after breakfast, we start a guided tour to four of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the palaces of the medieval Kings who ruled over the then Kathmandu Kingdom. Pashupatinath houses a sacred lingum, or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. The Aryaghat alongside Pashupati and on the banks of the Bagmati River is a famous funeral site for the Hindus. The Buddhists shrine of Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world, and one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage and tourist destinations in Kathmandu. The area of Boudhnath is also famous for over 50 Tibetan Gompas or monasteries. Swayambhu meaning the “the self-existent” is popular among the foreigners as the Monkey Temple owing to the large number of monkey population residing in the area. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 03: Sightseeing Tour: Patan, Bhaktapur & Nagarkot
We start our tour of two more UNESCO World Heritage Site cities adjacent to Kathmandu: Patan & Bhaktapur. Patan is also known as The City of Fine Arts. Patan Durbar Square is one of the places in the Kathmandu Valley where the medieval arts and architecture still remain in its original state. The Durbar Square is full of ancient places, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings, mostly the Hindu and Buddhist monuments. Similarly, the medieval town of Bhaktapur, or the Town of the Devotees, preserves medieval arts, architecture, culture, and lifestyle to this date. One is sure to feel like travelling back into the past while walking along the Bhaktapur thoroughfares, squares and streets. In the afternoon we head for Nagarkot for the mesmerizing sunset views of the Himalayan Range. Overnight at Nagarkot.
Day 04: Dhulikhel & Panauti
After enjoying the sunrise views from Nagarkot and taking our breakfast, we head for Dhulikhel – about 30 Km southeast of Kathmandu – on the outer edge of Kathmandu valley. The medieval Newari town of Dhulikhel lies on the highway connecting Kathmandu with Tibet’s border town of Kodari. Dhulikhel is also famous for the views of more than twenty mid-eastern Himalayan peaks including Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Ganesh Himal, Mt. Langtang, Mt. Gaurishanker, Mt. Lhotse and many others. The medieval town of Panauti is famous for the Triveni Ghats, and the Makar mela celebrated once a 12 year. The town consists of a variety of Buddhist and Hindu religious monuments and is considered to be the most artistic town after Kathmandu. Overnight at Dhulikhel.
Day 05: Drive to Daman
Drive to Daman, 80 kilometers south from Kathmandu and about three hours drive deep into the mountains through sparse settlements and Rodhodendron forest. Daman is a popular resort town at an altitude of about 2400 meters above sea level and known for the wide range of Himalayan views seen from there including Mount Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Shankar, Cho Oyu. The view tower at Daman offers the views of an amazingly large section of the Himalayan range stretching from Mt. Everst in the East to Mt. Dhaulagiri in the West. Enjoy hiking around the villages that offers an opportunity to connect with the local life. In the evening, dinner with traditional Nepali cultural program. Overnight at Daman resort.
Day 06: Drive to Bandipur
Bandipur is located at an elevation of 1030m on a mountain saddle 143 km to the west of Kathmandu on the way to Pokhara. An 8 km access road links Bandipur with Dumre on the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway. The hill top settlement offers a great treat to the urban eyes hungry for nature’s company, especially the panoramic views of the Annapurnas. The town is a living museum of Newari culture with more than 70% of the buildings being Newari style houses – carved wooden windows and overhanging slate roofs. There is also a famous cave called Siddha Cave. Enjoy the great hikes and fantastic views of the surrounding Himalayan mountains and have a nice breakfast out on the back patio of the resort overlooking the corn and rice fields. Walk around admiring the vistas, chat with the friendly local people, and admire their local way of life. Overnight at Bandipur.
Day 07: Drive to Pokhara & Pokhara Sightseeing
Today, we get out of Bandipur and take a 60 kilometer drive to Pokhara. Pokhara, also nicknamed as the Lake City, is not only Nepal’s but one of the most beautiful places on earth. The town offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara’s numerous lakes, known as ‘Tal’ in Nepali, offer fishing, boating and swimming. Pokhara is also the gateway for trekking in the Annapurna Region. After arriving Pokhara, we make a sightseeing trip to some of Pokhara’s marketplaces, old bazaars, and landmarks. In the evening, explore the surrounding lakeside areas. Overnight at Pokhara.
Day 08: Explore Pokhara
Early morning we drive to the Sarangkot Hill to have a sunrise views over the Himalayas. After breakfast, we make a full day sightseeing of Pokhara. Enjoy walking along the bank of Phewa Lake, admiring the stunning reflection of the Fish Tail Peak in the blue Phewa Lake waters. We also take a boat around the Phewa Lake which is the second biggest lake of Nepal. We take the boat across the lake and take an hour’s walk to the World Peace Pagoda. We make a short visit to the limestone cave of Mahendra Gufa. Some of the other places that we visit today include the Seti River Gorge, Devi’s Fall and the mountain museum etc. Overnight at Pokhara.
Day 09: Drive to Kathmandu
After breakfast, we start our 200 kilometers drive back to Kathmandu. Better to hold on the left pane of the vehicle to enjoy the sceneries through the route. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred hotel. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 10: Farewell Friend
You are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We hope you enjoyed the tour with us, and are sure you will be back in your trip somewhere in the Himalaya again. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Snow Leopard Trek will transfer you to the airport. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.