A WEEK OF CULTURAL SPLENDOR OF NEPAL (BY AIR)

Kathmandu 

Meeting at airport upon arrival by TourGenie representative. Transfer to hotel. Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and the Kathmandu Valley is the political and cultural heart of the Kingdom. 

The urban sprawl that makes up modern Kathmandu is in fact two places, the city of Patan and Kathmandu.

Kathmandu 

This morning you will be taken for a visit to the most famous places showcasing Hindu culture in Nepal, Pashupatinath.  This is the place where holy saddhus pray. The Pashupatinath Temple is a famous, sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Pashupatinath and is located on the banks of the Bagmati River, 5 kilometres north-east of Kathmandu Valley in the eastern city of Kathmandu, which is the capital of Nepal. This temple complex is on UNESCO World Heritage Sites' list Since 1979. This "extensive Hindu temple precinct" is a "sprawling collection of temples, ashrams, images and inscriptions raised over the centuries along the banks of the sacred Bagmati river". We then continue to the holiest shrine for the Buddhist culture in Nepal, Bouddhanath, with its large stupa, this is the place where all devout Buddhists come for a pilgrimage.

Kathmandu 

Today you will be taken take you for a visit to Patan. Also known as  Lalitpur, this city is separated from Kathmandu only by the Bagmati River and is the second largest town in the valley. Lalitpur is fragmented from other cities due to its substantive architectural ancient masterpieces. Patan's central Durbar Square is absolutely packed with temples: Its an architectural center point with a far greater concentration of temples per sq. meter than in Kathmandu or Bhaktapur. Of all the places, the most interesting place within the city is the Tibetan refugee center, home to most of the valley's Tibetan population.  While technically refugees, the Tibetans are some of the wealthiest people in the valley because of the carpet industry they operate.  For those looking to bring home a fine Tibetan carpet, this is the place to shop. You will then go to Swayambhunath the golden spire of the 5th-century Swayambhu stupa is adorned with a colorful fluttering of prayer flags; it crowns a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley and offers fantastic views over the city of Kathmandu. Swayambhunath is one of the most recognizable places and symbolizes Nepal to the world through the painted eyes of Buddha that watch all who ascend the worn stone steps.

Kathmandu / Pokhara 

This day you will fly to Pokhara. Pokhara is 30 mins by flight from Kathmandu. Pokhara town (2,352 feet above sea level) is one of the places where in good weather you have splendid views of the Himalayan landscape. 

You shall be picked up from the airport upon arrival by the hotel coach in Pokhara and then transferred to Hotel. Evening will be at leisure. You are free to stroll around the lakeside. Overnight stay at hotel.

Pokhara 

 This morning you will go for a excursion trip to Sarangkot. Sarangkot is the most popular tourist destination from where the tourist can enjoy the great view of the Pokhara Valley and the magnificent view of the mountains. Sarangkot is only 13 kms from Lake Side, Pokhara. Sarangkot is the highest view point for a sunrise and it is just 1592m high. Sarangkot is cooler than Pokhara. Sarangkot can be reached easily in 45 to 60 minutes by a car ride to the top from Pokhara. Many tourists come to Sarangkot for sunrise view and go back. 

Paragliding can also be done from Sarangkot. From Sarangkot, on the northern direction we can see Dhaulagiri in the far west. Annapurna range is visible when the weather is clear on the same side. On the southern direction the village overlooks the city of Pokhara and its lake on the north-western outskirts of the city.

This afternoon you will visit Bindebasini Temple. This is one of the oldest temples in Pokhara was a part of Kaski Kingdom, the main deity of the temple, Goddess Durga, was brought from India . 

Apart from the peace and tranquility that can be felt in this region, the premises of the temple offers a good view of the Himalaya on a clear day. The temple is in the area of the bazaar, hence

a journey of the old bazaar can be combined with a visit to the temple. Sightseeing to Devi’s fall, also known as Patale Chango is an awesome waterfall lying 2 km southwest of Pokhara.

 During summer and rainy season, the waterfall takes its real form, with gushing water splashing and making its way through the rocks. Just opposite of Devi’s fall, on the other side of the road, 

there is Gupteshwor Cave. This cave is popular for the different natural forms made from limestone deposits. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the cave. Overnight at hotel.

Pokhara / Kathmandu / Nagarkot

Fly back to Kathmandu. Continue drive to Nagarkot. Nagarkot is situated 32 kilometers, 1.5  hrs drive east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2,175 meters. 

The panoramic view of the major peaks including Mt. Everest can be seen from here. This place is also famous for viewing sunrise and sunset. Overnight at hotel

Nagarkot / Airport

Drive straight to the airport which is 1.5 hours drive approx to board flight for onward journey.