Welcome to the Himalayan country of Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative will welcome you and assist you in transferring to your hotel in Kathmandu. After settling in, you will travel to a traditional Nepalese restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu for a welcome dinner.

Kathmandu, the largest city of Nepal, is the political as well as cultural capital of the country. Kathmandu is a city where ancient traditions rub shoulders with the latest technological advances. However, it is the grandeur of the past that enchants the visitor whose gaze may linger on an exquisitely carved wooden window frame, an 18th-century bronze sculpture, or the spiritually uplifting stupas. Like any big city, Kathmandu has seen rapid expansion in the last decade, but despite the hustle and bustle so typical of metropolitan cities, its people remain as refreshingly friendly as ever. Retaining its ancient traditions, Kathmandu is blessed by a Living Goddess and is enriched by endless ceremonial processions and events that take to the streets every now and then with throngs of devotees seeking blessings. These religious festivals are steeped in legend and are quite a spectacle, with chariot processions and masked dancers often possessed by the spirits of deities. Keep an eye out for these as you explore the city of Kathmandu today.

After breakfast, meet your guide at approx. 9 a.m. in the hotel lobby, from where you will start your Kathmandu tour. Your guide will provide an overview of the day's activities before you leave the hotel.

Today, travel to the oldest market of Kathmandu, Ason, where you can see the day-to-day life of the busy streets and market of Kathmandu. During the tour, you will also see a lot of century-old temples and monasteries. This market tour is one of the unique and off-beat tours offered in Kathmandu. 

After the market, head to the city of Patan, which is the second largest of the three major cities in the Kathmandu Valley. After a short stroll around Durbar Square, you will have an idea of the past regime and culture of the ancient Kingdom of Nepal. You will also visit several Buddhist shrines and monasteries founded in the ancient and medieval periods, some of which even date back to the B.C. era, including the Mahaboudha temple, Golden temple, Rudra varna maha vihara, Ashoka stupa, etc.

After lunch, drive to Boudhanath Stupa, which is known to be one of the largest Stupas in the world and the most important pilgrimage site for the followers of Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism. This Buddhist complex, which is in the form of a mandala when observed aerially, is adorned with prayer wheels on the outside and circumnavigated daily by visitors, religious and non-religious alike.

After breakfast, you will travel and explore the Kathmandu Valley's historical district, Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Bhaktapur is a living museum with fascinating palaces, courtyards, royal baths, sculptures, pagodas, temples in the Shikhara style, Buddhist monasteries, and exquisite architecture. In other words, this is the most stunning Durbar you will see while visiting Nepal.

The remaining monuments are still the best representations of medieval excellence, despite the bad luck the 1934 earthquake brought to their structures. You can visit the traditional painting school right by the square, where you can purchase the best souvenirs of Nepal. In addition to the palace complex, other attractions in Bhaktapur include the Pottery Square, Dattatraya Square, and Peacock Window, five-story temples with some of the city's most admired architectural features. Along the way, stop and visit the oldest temple in Nepal, Changunarayan, in the little hills of Bhaktapur (UNESCO Heritage Site).

This day provides a special opportunity to visit a social community support project under the NGO READI, Shree Krishna Primary School. Adventure Life's local partner, Mystic Mountain Adventures, practices sustainable and responsible travel and is part of Community Social Responsibility (CSR), supporting the community school at Changunaryan. It aims to empower people through education, raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and on-the-job training. At the local community level, mobilize local communities to enhance the people’s skill level through responsible and accountable technical training, communication, and computer education.

Before the day is done, hike from Changunaryan to Telkot, an easy climb between forest and villages (5 km, 2 hours, from 1500m to 1700 m, approx.). From Telkot, take a 30-minute drive to Nagarkot.

In the evening, you will stay at Nagarkot Farmhouse and experience a delicious farm-grown meal.

Leave early, around 5 a.m. this morning for a 15-minute drive to the top of viewpoint Nagarkot, where you can witness an incredible once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan sunrise. You will experience an ever-refreshing memory of the magnificent panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges from Dhaulagiri in the west to Mt. Everest in the east as you watch the sunrise from this hill.

After your breakfast, drive for 2 hours to Dhulikhel and visit the rural village of Badalgaun. Buddha is said to have fed himself to a hungry tigress with her three cubs in Namobuddha in one of his previous lives, as a prince overcome with compassion. The site houses an ancient monastery, Tharung Tashi Yangtse, of Karma Kagyu tradition, which is a peaceful viewpoint that offers a good range of panoramic views of the Himalayas.

In Namobuddha, you will stay at Namobudhha Monastery with the monks. Here you will observe the monk's prayer and eat together. Find yourself in solitude and peace of mind, and relax with the content and simplicity of the lives of Buddhist monks.

Take a one-hour drive back to Kathmandu after breakfast to catch a scenic flight to Pokhara that offers views of the Himalayas. The Pokhara Valley offers a variety of sights to see and things to do, such as lakes, some of which are canoe-able, breathtaking views of snow-white peaks, stupas, temples, viewpoints, etc. You can use your free day in Pokhara to paddle on Phewa Lake or stroll along its banks. This evening is yours to enjoy the nightlife of Pokhara. 

Head out early in the morning to experience the sunrise from Sarangkot (if weather permits). After breakfast, enjoy your free time. During your free time, you can choose activities in Pokhara, like paragliding, ziplining, ultralighting, wellness, cycling, canoeing, heli tours, etc., or walk and relax in the lake. In the afternoon, gather and take a boat ride on Phewa Lake, then hike to the World Peace Stupa.

The journey toward the southern belt starts early, and in approximately 4 hours, you will reach the jungle resort located in one of the buffer zones of Chitwan National Park. You will participate in a few jungle activities, like a birdwatching tour or jungle walk, at the discretion of the nature guide. After reaching Chitwan for lunch, you will head out to see the indigenous tribe of Chitwan village and a museum village. In the evening, you will be entertained by the traditional stick dance performed by native Tharu people who dwelled in the forest area even when it was uninhabitable.

Chitwan means “heart of the jungle.” In recent years, Chitwan has topped the list of things to do in Asia. It is a true wildlife adventure of a different kind: jungle safaris on jeeps, birdwatching, canoe rides, and jungle walks.

Asia's best-preserved conservation area, Chitwan National Park, is home to thriving wildlife and intact habitats. Only a half-hour flight from Kathmandu, the park lies in the Inner Terai lowlands and consists of Sal forests, tall elephant grasslands, hills, ox-box lakes, and flood plains of the Narayani, Rapti, and Reu rivers. The park covers 932 square km and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Natural) in 1984.
 

Today you have the chance to experience several adventurous jungle activities, including canoeing along the Rapti River, a visit to the elephant breeding center, a jeep safari, and many more. In addition to the one-horned rhinoceros, crocodiles and deer are typical sights in the national park. While traveling, you might even see a tiger, leopard, or python if you’re lucky. Besides animals, there are nearly 450 different species of birds in the park, which will make the forest safari colorful.

Take a drive to Kathmandu after breakfast. You are free to visit Pashupatinath, the most well-known Hindu temple, in the late afternoon and evening at dusk. Observe the Aarti, a song and ritual involving light and fire to worship God Shiva. It is regarded as one of the holiest temples for Hindus worldwide and is devoted to a manifestation of Shiva called Pashupati (Lord of Animals). The Pashupatinath Temple has existed since 400 AD. The ornamented pagoda houses the sacred Linga, or phallic system, of Lord Shiva. This temple, also known as "The Temple of Living Beings," is visited by thousands of pilgrims around the globe. In the evening, you will participate in a family-hosted cooking class and share your final meals with them.

After breakfast, transfer to the international airport to catch your flight to your next destination.

Goodbye, Nepal!