Nepal UNESCO Heritage Sites Tour

Welcome to the land of Himalaya! On arrival in Kathmandu Airport, you will be met by our representative who will be waiting with an Icicles Adventure sign. Upon meeting our company’s representative at arrival terminal at the airport, you will be transferred to your respective hotel in our private comfortable vehicle. Accommodation: Kathmandu Hotel. Included Meal: B

In the early morning we will go for a scenic Mount Everest flight. This amazing experience will take you over Sagarmatha National Park, over some of the highest peaks in the world, climaxing with getting up close to Mount Everest. Late in the morning, we start a guided tour to four of the historical and spiritual sites in Kathmandu which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites to provide you an insight on the history, religious significance, architecture, and culture of prosperous Kathmandu. Major sites we visit are Pashupatinath, Swoyambhunath, Bouddhanath and Durbar Square.

Pashupatinath, scared Hindu Temple of Pashupatinath dates back many hundreds of years and makes it one of the most important Shiva locations across the Indian subcontinent. Besides being a place of worship, it is also the most important cremation site for the Hindus in Nepal. Here you will see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing, and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats.

Durbar Square is a complex of historic palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece here is the 17th century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages.

Next we will visit Swoyambhunath Stupa, popularly known as Monkey temple due to abundance of monkey found in the shrine area is a 2000 years old stupa situated on a hillock. It is world’s most glorious Buddhist shrine and its main temple is capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt and is painted on the four sides with all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.

Next come Bouddhanath which is a Buddhist shrine and one of the large Stupas in the world.  You will visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where you can observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. The shrine has unique octagonal Mandala design with hundreds of prayer wheels and the 108 images of the Buddha are set into the niches around the huge structure.  The area of Bouddhanath is also famous for over 50 Tibetan monasteries, thus the area is also known as ‘Little Tibet’. As you wander round the shops surrounding the stupa, you will find yourself interacting with monks in their maroon and saffron robes, and traditionally dressed Tibetan refugees who live here at the religious center for Himalayan Buddhists. You can join the locals to circumambulate the stupa, bargain for handicrafts in the shops or sit on a rooftop restaurant and absorb the atmosphere. Accommodation: Kathmandu Hotel. Included Meal: B

Early in the morning after breakfast, we set off for Chitwan National Park, which is natural UNESCO world heritage site of Nepal. Driving today is adventurous and pleasant as it winds down hugging the mountain side through terraced fields. Following the side of Mahesh River we come to the Trishuli River. We follow Trisuli River side all the way up to Mugling where Trisuli River confluences with the Marshyangdi River. The road deviates to the south towards Chitwan. If you are on the right pane of your vehicle the journey today provides plenty of opportunity to view cultivated terraced fields, rivers, streams, green valleys, rocky gorges, farmlands and typical rural life of Nepal. We take lunch break in a restaurant along the way. . After arriving and settling in, you will be introduced to the camp staff and resident naturalists who will discuss the program. In Chitwan there is some flexibility and activities may vary depending on the time of the year, and known wildlife movements and locations. You will visit the elephant camp to see how their handlers, known as phanits, care for these beautiful creatures. 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.  Driving Time: 6 hrs. Accommodation: City Hotel. Included Meal: Breakfast

An early morning excursion will 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 several other activities such as a visit to the elephant breeding centre. Tiger sightings are rare these days, but these magnificent animals do inhabit the park, so you may sight them if you are lucky. After breakfast you will leave the lodge for a trip by dugout canoe 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 that will either include further excursions by jeep, or a visit to one of the nearby villages.

If you are an avid bird and wildlife lover, there is an optional early morning bird watching safari today, a worthwhile activity to your trip. After breakfast, we start our journey to next UNESCO world heritage site, Lumbini about 4 hours drive through interesting lush valleys, villages, farmlands, riversides, green mountains, etc. As we get closer to Lumbini, the mountainous landscape turns into flat plains and you will feel more tropic climate. Upon arrival in Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha which is now listed as UNESCO world heritage site we observe the place and in the evening go to our hotel.

The morning is spent exploring Lumbini again. Late morning we set off on our journey to Pokhara. We again drive through the plains first and gradually come through mountainous landscape. Upon arrival in Pokhara, the naturally beautiful city with many crystal clear lakes you may take time to spend leisurely at Phewa lakeside or just hang around the market. Driving Time: 5 hrs. Accommodation: City Hotel. Included Meal: Breakfast

Today you will spend the whole day sightseeing, relaxing, and hanging around the beautiful Pokhara city and lake side areas. We will take a boat ride across the lake (Phewa Tal), which is the second largest in Nepal. We can also visit the Peace Pagoda from where we will enjoy excellent views of the mountains including the Annapurnas and the famous fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare, along with views back across to Pokhara. We visit the fascinating International Mountain Museum, where you will learn some amazing tales, and hear about the exploits of the various climbing expeditions in the past – some ending in triumph and some in tragedy. Further exploration will be around Davi’s fall, Mahendra cave, temple and monastery. The lakeside area has great shopping opportunities and Internet cafés. Accommodation: Hotel. Included Meal: B

Early morning we set off on our journey to Kathmandu.

After breakfast you will drive on to Bhaktapur, 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. 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 Patan Durbar square at the center of Latitpur city which is a marvel of Newari ancient architecture. Temple of Krishna, Golden Temple, Bhimsen Temple, Vishwanath Temple, etc. Patan is famous for arts and craftsmanship, so you might buy some beautiful souvenir from this city of artist. We drive back to Kathmandu and in the evening your will be free to explore on your own, soak up the incredible atmosphere in one of the local cafes, or just relax in your hotel.

Today your cultural and wildlife tour in Nepal with Trekking experience ends. If you have late flight you may explore around Kathmandu yourself or spend time shopping and strolling around the Thamel area. Finally, you will be transferred to International airport 3 hours prior to your flight time.