Discover Nepal – 12 Days

Arrive Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met and welcomed by our representative. Please look for signage of Natraj Tours with your name once you come out of Arrival Terminal Hall after collecting your luggage. You will be escorted by our representative to the hotel

Kathmandu, capital of the ancient Mountain Kingdom of Nepal, has the air of a medieval city with a maze of narrow streets, wooden temples and beautifully decorated palaces.

Upon arrival at the hotel, guest will be provided welcome drinks along with the room key

In the evening we will organize a Welcome Dinner at a traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine Nepali local meal.

Overnight at the hotel

Meals included: Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel

Morning visit Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa

You will be taken on a sightseeing tour Kathmandu Durbar Square in the heart of the city. Many of Kathmandu’s most historic and important temples are located here. Interesting things for visitors to see are Taleju temple, gigantic figure of Kalbhairav (the god of destruction), Basantapur Durbar, and Temple of Kumari (living goddess)

Visiting Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple) The world’s most glorious Buddhist Chaityas built 2000 years ago situated on a hillock about 77 m above the level of the Kathmandu valley. Visitors will also have a grand view of the valley from this spot.

Afternoon visit Patan Durbar Square

Next you will drive to Patan, a beautiful city in its own right which rivalled Kathmandu in terms of the splendor of its temples and squares and is now better preserved, less polluted and less crowded. You cross a bridge over the Bagmati River that links Kathmandu with the city of Patan, its neighbour to the south.

Patan boasts of many famous sites and unique architecture. Krishna Mandir in this Square was built to honor an incarnation of Vishnu. One of the best examples of stone architecture in the world, scenes from Mahabharat, Asia’s greatest mythological war, are carved on the temple’s walls.

Overnight at the hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we start our journey early in the morning and drive to historic village of Bandipur, situated astride a ridge in the Mahabharat range of hills (Approx 4 hrs drive- 143 km to the west of Kathmandu).

Bandipur is a picturesque town nestled in the Himalayan foothills of Nepal, a land as famous for its natural beauty as for the hospitality of its people. One can enjoy a spectacular panorama of the entire Annapurna Range plus the peaks of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Langtang from here. Visit to this town is an opportunity to get a close look at Newar cultural life.

Arrive Bandipur, check in at the hotel
Afternoon walking tour of Bandipur Village & Bazaar

Visiting Bandipur Village, you will be greeted by a neighborhood lined with historic Newar houses. This is the main Bandipur Bazaar. Modern, but with its traditional values still intact, it presents a potpourri of old houses, temples of great religious significance and historical architecture. This medieval-looking quarter is the heart of Bandipur.

Overnight at the hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will visit Thani Mai Temple for stunning mountain views in the morning before we head to Pokhara. Stretch your legs with the short but steep walk from Bandipur to visit the Thani Mai Temple. The architecture around the preserved Newari village is stunning. Equally impressive are the Himalayan views. (Approx 1 hrs 40 minutes walks roundtrip). Then, it will be approx 2 hrs drive to reach Pokhara

Arrive Pokhara, check in at the hotel

Afternoon, you will be taken to Phewa Lake for boat ride (approx 1 hr) including visit of Barahi Temple

Phewa Lake, the second largest lake in the country, is the center of all attraction in Pokhara. It is the largest and most enchanting of the three lakes that add to the resplendence of Pokhara. The Barahi Temple is the most important monument in Pokhara; built almost in the center of Phewa Lake, this two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protector deity representing the female force Shakti.

Free time or walking around lakeside market

Lakeside-The eastern shore of Phewa Lake, popularly known as lakeside or Baidam, is the favorite home base for travelers and is where most of the hotels, restaurants and handicraft shops are located.

Overnight at the hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 05 In Pokhara

An early morning, you will drive to Sarangkot for sunrise view over the western Himalayas (weather permitting)

Sarangkot is the highest point on the Pokhara valley rim. It is located an altitude of 1592 m above sea level. This place provides the best view of Pokhara Valley, Phewa Lake and beyond to the main spine of the Annapurna ranges (Annapurna South 7195, Annapurna I 7647, Machhapuchhre 6997, Annapurna III 7555, Annapurna II 7937, Annapurna IV 7525, Lamjung Himal 6986.).

Drive back to the hotel for breakfast

Afternoon breakfast, we’ll visit the Mountain Museum housing expedition memorabilia and information on ethnic groups, flora and fauna. We’ll also visit Tashiling, a long established settlement of Tibetan refugees. We spend some time here watching wool being sorted, dyed and eventually made into Tibetan carpets which are exported all over the world.

Overnight at the hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Drive to Tansen (approx 4 hrs drive)

After breakfast, we will drive to Tansen- an ancient hill town Tansen at 1350 meters above sea level and it lies in Lumbini zone of Nepal. It is a typical Nepali town with numerous fairs, festivals, religious and cultural events and spectacular mountain views

Arrive and check in at hotel
Overnight at the hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel

Leave Tansen for Lumbini (approx 1 ½ hr drive)

Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace, compassion and non-violence. The broken Ashoka pillar remnant of an old monastery, images of Buddha’s mother Maya Devi, etc, are preserved in Lumbini.

Arrive Lumbini and check in at the hotel

This afternoon, we start our day with site seeing tour of Lumbini including various sacred places accompanied a local guide by rickshaw. We will have the opportunity to visit the birth place of the Buddha Peace lamp and the monastery of peace pagoda.

Overnight at the hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we drive to Chitwan which takes approx 3 hour enjoyable and scenic drive through the Tharu Villages of Chitwan. The ethnic tribe of the Tharu’s is the local inhabitants of Chitwan and is agriculturists by profession. Then drive finally brings you to the lodge.

Upon arrival at lodge, you will be met and briefed by the Guest Relation officer regarding the park and the programs available.

Lunch will be followed by a choice of activities arranged for you.

Chitwan National Park is the home of the great one horned rhinoceros, sloth bear, wild boar, Gaur (bison), 4 species of deer, 2 species of monkeys, 2 species of crocodile, the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, over 450 species of birds and various other reptiles.

Later in the afternoon, the guests will be taken for elephant safari or nature walks depending on the time of arrival at the resort.

In the evening before dinner, the slide presentation about the flora and fauna of Chitwan national park will be organized by our well trained senior naturalists. This will be time when the guests can gather more information about the flora and fauna of Chitwan National Park.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Early morning guests will be mounted on elephant back and taken for a jungle safari for 2‐3 hours penetrating through dense grasslands to view wildlife in their natural habitat. This grass commonly known as elephant grass is dense and grows to a height of 18‐20 ft. It is the favorite habitat for rhinoceros and other mammals.

After breakfast, you are taken to our elephant stables where a senior naturalist briefs about the interesting and unbelievable habits of elephant. Here one may witness the rare scene of the elephants at bath.

Lunch at the lodge

In the afternoon you may choose to relax around the resort or take a drive through the jungles for a canoe ride down the Rapti River. The river ride provides opportunity of viewing the gharial crocodiles as well as the mugger crocodiles, fresh water dolphins, otters and varieties of water birds. OR, You may also feel like going for a nature walk or birding with one of our naturalists to know more about the flora of the Chitwan National Park. Those on canoe ride are taken back to the resort four wheel drive jeep from the end‐point.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Breakfast at lodge

After breakfast in the morning, since Chitwan is a bird paradise of resident and migratory birds, making it a delightful and educational experience for every bird watcher. Special bird watching tour can be arranged too.

You will be transferred to Bharatpur Airport for flight back to Kathmandu (it will be a just 20 minutes flight). Upon arrival Kathmandu you will be transferred to Nagarkot (Approx 35 km and 1 hour 30 minutes drive)

Nagarkot is situated on top of a ridge at an altitude of over 2000 meters above sea level. It is renowned for sunrise and sunset views along with majestic peaks of the Himalayas including Mount Everest.

Arrive Nagarkot, check in at the hotel
Evening sunset view (weather and time permitting)
Overnight at the hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

Early morning sunrise view over the Eastern Himalayas (weather permitting)

After breakfast, there will be guided easy hike around Nagarkot Village

Hill villages in Nepal present a picture of the bygone era. Guests will witness villagers working in the field and carry daily activities in the most natural setting. Villagers still use pre historic technology to plow their fields and carry other activities in agriculture sector. For Western technologically advanced civilization, the village tour would be one of the most exciting aspects on their Nepal visit.

Then, you will drive back to Kathmandu, one the way visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur is perfectly preserved Newari town of Bhaktapur in the eastern corner of the Kathmandu Valley. Also know as Bhadgaun or the City of the Devotees, Bhaktapur evokes the feel of a medieval village, a snapshot of a time when the city lay along the prosperous trade routes between Tibet, China and India. The ancient centre of the town is a dazzling collection of temples, palaces that has earned it a place on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Arrive Kathmandu and recheck in at the hotel
Overnight at the hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

Optional Tour – Everest Flight (Mountain flight) -In the morning there is the opportunity to take a flight to Everest. Mountain flight appeals to all categories of travelers. For those who are restricted by time or other considerations from going trekking, these flights offer a panoramic view of the Himalaya in just one hour. Even those visitors who like the rigors of a trek still don’t miss the opportunity to “conquer” the mountains in one fell swoop.

Mountain flight in Nepal is to be “Once in a life time experience”

Note: If your international flight from Kathmandu in the morning, this tour can be organized on day 02.

Breakfast at the hotel
Free time till departure
Transfer to airport for final departure

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 we expect that you plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal again.
Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight time, a representative from Natraj Tours will transfer you to the airport.

Meals included: Breakfast

Notes about your Accommodation
Although accommodation choices in Nepal are expanding and overall standards improving, please note that whatever the level, from basic guesthouse to high end city centre hotel, you should always be prepared for standards to be different than in the West. For example, even in the best hotels, plumbing and electricity supplies can be somewhat erratic and although the welcome is always warm, service levels may be less efficient than you may be used to.

Natraj Tours will be pleased to welcome all category of clients, hence, we have categorized package trip as Standard, Superior and Deluxe as per the categories of hotel (e.g. 3, 4, 5 star hotels at each place). Please note that our ground services are same either client chooses Standard or Deluxe package but hotels will be different (as per the category). Our selection of hotels to be used for any category are chosen based on standard of hygiene, standard of service and food, location, etc

Booking a Single Room
All of our tours are planned and operated on a twin-share basis, meaning that the standard cost is based either on individual travellers sharing accommodation with another group member of the same sex, or people who book together sharing accommodation.

On this particular tour we are pleased to be able to offer customers the option of pre-booking a guaranteed single room for each night of the tour. Please refer prices section for single room option prices for this tour.

Personal Expenses
You will need some extra money to cover meals and drinks not included in the tour price, any optional sightseeing, souvenirs and items of a personal nature such as laundry.

Please be prepared to pay for non-included meals. Please note that costs for drinks and meals can vary depending on location and the prices below are given as a rough guide for budgeting.

Foreign Exchange
Local Currency: Nepali Rupee.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: US$, GBP, EUR, CHF & AUD.

ATM Availability: Although you may occasionally find cash machines these are very unreliable – do not rely on plastic!

Credit Card Acceptance: Credit cards are not generally accepted except in larger establishments in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Travellers Cheques: In Kathmandu and Pokhara only.

Best Season
Autumn (mid Sept to mid Dec) and spring (February to April) are the best seasons for the Discover Nepal tour. However, this tour can be organized throughout the year.

What to Wear
Light weight clothing is recommended from May through October. Warm garments are required in October- March. An umbrella or a raincoat is a must for the rainy season (May to August)

Packing for your trip
Here we make a few specific recommendations with regard to your tour. Please use this list as a guideline. Adjustments to the list can be done according to your needs, interests, duration of your trip, season of your trip, etc.

Luggage: One main piece of baggage and a daypack. You will find it more convenient to travel light when outside Kathmandu. Any extra luggage can be stored in Kathmandu hotel. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs.
Clothing: You can expect to wear short sleeved shirts and t-shirts during the day in the Spring and Autumn months but it does get cool in the evening, so bring some warmer clothing as well (especially in Dec/Jan as these are the coldest months). It’s worth bringing a good quality waterproof. No bright coloured clothing for Chitwan. Do not wear lycra tights or leggings or very short shorts as the Nepalese find these offensive.

Footwear: Comfortable shoes (eg. trainers) and sandals, plus lightweight boots if you wish to take part in any walks.

Equipment: A torch. Binoculars for animal & bird watching in Chitwan National Park, a universal bath plug and antibacterial hand wash, are useful to have along.

Recommend clothes for Chitwan Visit
A jacket or sweater from November through February. Lightest clothing with sunglasses and hats from April onwards. Pants should be worn during elephant rides. Bright colours such as red and white should be avoided since these colours have been known to upset the rhinos. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Please carry only the bare necessities but not jewellery and valuable items. During the warmer months swimming suits are recommended

Electricity in Nepal
Nepal’s Electricity is 220-240 Volts and 50 MHZ (some countries like U.S and Canada are 110-120 volts/60 MHZ).

 In Nepal electric Plugs are of two or three round prongs, but not flat prongs as found in use in the United States or in other countries.

 If your appliance’s plug doesn’t match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance’s plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it’s crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for both types.

 If you are planning on taking a hair dryer, electric shaver, curling iron, laptop computer or other electrical devices on your travels, in these cases, you will need to obtain either a voltage adapter (electrical converter) or a plug adapter for your travels, most often both. Most voltage adapters for travel convert 220-240 to 110-120, usable by your American and similar appliance. A plug adapter, on the other hand, allows you to plug into a foreign outlet.

Note on Itinerary
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, Discover Nepal tour itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control including unexpected weather and terrain conditions.

Meeting and greeting in Kathmandu
You need to pass on your International flight details to us for a ‘meeting and greeting’ service at the Airport. You just pass through the Customs and come out of the Terminal building where you will see our representative standing with a placard that states either Natraj Trekking’ or your own name.

Nepal Visa
All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points. It can be extended at the Department of Immigration, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fee. People willing to get entry Visa at the air port or any of the land entry points are required to fill a visa form with passport photograph.

If you are obtaining Nepal Visa upon arrival. Please be noted that Visa Application Form can be received through us by e-mail. Two passport size photo graphs are required and following visa fee to be paid at the airport as per your stay in Nepal

Tourist Visa

Visa Facility Duration Fee
Multiple Entry 15 days US$ 25 or equivalent
convertible currency
Multiple Entry 30 Days US$ 40 or equivalent
convertible currency
Multiple Entry 90 Days US$ 100 or equivalent
convertible currency

Note: Please note that visa fees and rules are subject to change.

Responsible Travel
The beautiful environment of the Himalayas is also an extremely fragile one. At Natraj Trekking, we are extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize the detrimental impact on the environment as much as possible.

Insurance
It is recommended of joining any of Natraj Tours trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we do not arrange or sell insurance.

Custom formalities
All baggage must be declared and cleared through the customs on arrival at the entry. Personal effects are permitted free entry. A tourist may bring in dutiable goods, such as tobacco and liquors, within the prescribed quantity free of duty. Carrying narcotics, arms and ammunition are strictly prohibited (Tel: 00977 1 4470110/ 4472266). Visitors can export souvenirs to their respective countries. The export of antiques, however, requires special permission from the Department of Archaeology, National Archive Building, RA.

Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships.

Why with Natraj Tours
Natraj Tours is the one of the leading and oldest tour operator in Nepal since 1967. We organize tour for Tibet and Bhutan as well. We excel in this field because we genuinely love what we do and are committed to providing you with the best services as we commit you.

Tipping
Tipping is the accepted way of saying ‘thank you’ for good service. Tips do not form part of the wages of your guides, porters and trek crew but they are very much appreciated. It is important to remember that tipping is voluntary and should be dependent on good service. Normally the tips are given at the end of the trek and this is best done as a group. Most groups will give the tips with a bit of ceremony (or sometimes a party) on the last evening, to mark the end of the trip. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work.

Price Includes

Transport, Entrance Fee, Guide, etc
 Welcome with flower garland by our representative upon arrival
 All tours and transfers in a private vehicle as per the program
 Services of an English speaking guide in Kathmandu
 Services of a local station English guide in Pokhara
 Services of a local station English guide in Lumbini
 Monument entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary
 One hour boat ride at Phewa Lake in Pokhara
 Rickshaw Tour in Lumbini
 One bottle of mineral water per person per day

Accommodations
 3 nights accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu
 1 night accommodation with breakfast in Bandipur
 2 nights accommodation with breakfast in Pokhara
 1 night accommodation with breakfast in Tansen
 1 night accommodation with breakfast in Lumbini
 2 nights accommodation with all meals in Chitwan
 1 night accommodation with breakfast in Nagarkot
 24.3% VAT and Service Charge

Airfare
 Chitwan/Kathmandu by flight

Price Excludes

 International Airfare
 Nepal Visa Fee
 Personal expenses (Tips, beverage, laundry, telephone call, etc)
 Travel Insurance/ Emergency Evacuation Cost
 Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, Bandipur, Pokhara, Tansen, Lumbini and Nagarkot

Note: The price does not include: undue escalation in fuel prices, new taxes levies on hotels and transportation services or any hikes in entrance fees. Any large tax hikes and new levies shall be payable extra and shall be billed accordingly with prior notice.