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A Taste of Nepal - 2007 dates to be announced

Detailed Itinerary

Ap 3 Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu Transfer to Yak & Yeti Hotel.

Ap 4 Day 2 : After breakfast orientation, tour Kathmandu City, Pashupatinath and Bodhnath. Afternoon visit Patan.

Kathmandu City
Visit Durbar Square with it's array of temples centralized around the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the ancient seat of royalty. Visit the Jagannath Temple with itÕs erotic carvings, the Kal and Seto Bhairav temples, the Temple of the Living Goddess, the big bell and the Kasthamandap Pavilion, said to have been built out of timber of a single celestial tree and from which the city of Kathmandu derives itÕs name.

Pashupatinath
The holiest of the Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer of the Hindu Trinity; entrance is prohibited to all non-Hindus. You will be able to view the temple from the east bank of Bagmati River overlooking the cremation grounds.

Bodhnath
One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, the stupa is built around a plinth resembling the holy Mandala. The Stupa is famous for it's eyes painted in all four cardinal directions which is supposed to represent the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha-- keeping an eye on human behavior and righteousness. The area is surrounded by monasteries which gives the place it's nick name of "Little Tibet."

Patan
Originally known as Lalitpur, Patan is situated on the southern bank of the Bagmati River and is 5 Km southeast of Kathmandu. Its' Durbar Square is an enchanting melange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the former royal palace complex is the center of Patan's religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. One remarkable monument here is a 17th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna, built entirely of stone instead of the usual brick and wood used for temples in Nepal. WeÕll also visit the Golden Temple, the Mahabouddha Temple (also known as the temple of the thousand Buddhas due to the carving of Buddha on each brick), Uku and Kwa Bahal.

Ap 5 Day 3 : After breakfast morning excursion to Dakshinkali + Kirtipur; afternoon visit Sankhu.

Dakshinkali & Kirtipur
Located in a small gorge on the bank of a stream, Dakshinkali is dedicated to Goddess Kali, a Hindu goddess of power. A chief center of tantric worship, animal sacrifices are held every Tuesdays and Saturdays. The temple itself is located in a forested canyon and lies 19km/12miles from Kathmandu City. We proceed to Kirtipur via Shesh Narayan Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu Trinity. The temple is accessible by climbing a short flight of stairs and overlooks fish ponds. Kirtipur, 6 km southwest of Kathmandu and said to be situated on a single rock, was the only town that resisted the Gorkha Invasion for 17 times in the late 18th century. The ancient township of 35,000 people, is a natural fortress thus having proud and courageous history. Built on a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, Kirtipur was once an independent kingdom. Perhaps as a result of Kirtipur's legendary stubbornness, the town has been unaffected by the development of Kathmandu and Patan. Here you will visit Uma Maheswore Temple and the Bagh Bhairav Temple as well as small lesser known shrines, The tour of Kirtipur town is to be conducted on foot. The people are known for their skill in building and weaving.

Sankhu
A small village 20km/12miles northeast of Kathmandu, Sankhu village was the last stop for the traders going to Lhasa from 7th till 19th century AD. The village is a legend in itself. The town is famous for itsÕ small shrines and the Vajrayogini Temple, a Buddhist goddess of power, located on a hillock and reached by a flight of stairs taking about 30 minutes.

Ap 6 Day 04 : After breakfast, visit Changu Narayan; afternoon briefing on soft trek, then independent time.

Changu Narayan
The temple of Changu Narayan, located 14km/9miles from Kathmandu, is the oldest in the valley and represents Lord Vishnu. Located on a hillock which at one time doubled as a small fort , is considered to be one of the greatest artistic legacies of the Lichhavian era. The courtyard of the temple is a virtual museum of ancient stone carvings.

Ap 7 Day 05 : After breakfast, full day of sigtseeing, culminating in arrival at Dhulikhel.

Bhaktapur
The third city of the valley Bhaktapur is a store-house of medieval architecture. Completely renovated by the Germans a few years back, the city reflects the medieval look. It was founded in the 9th century and shaped like a conch shell. Located 4,600 above sea level, the city boasts an array of temples overlooked by the Palace with its 55 windows built by King Bhupatindra Malla. Here you will visit the Golden Gate at the Palace of 55 windows, the Pashupatinath temple famous for itÕs erotic carvings, the Nyatapole temple-- the tallest in the country Š best example of the Pagoda style, the Dattatreya temple and Pujari Math with itÕs uniquely carved wooden windows. Panauti An ancient village, 32 Km/20 miles south east of Kathmandu, is situated on the banks of Punyamati River. A leisurely walk through this tiny village will reveal itÕs antiquity to the visitors, a must in Panauti is a visit to the 14th century AD Hindu temple of Shiva locally known as Indreshwor Mahadev. The wooden struts supporting the temple are splendid example of wood carving of that era, which till date remain unchallenged in the entire Kingdom.

Nala
A small isolated village, 27km/17 miles east of Kathmandu, Nala is situated on the southern slope of a mountain overlooking the beautiful green valley. The whole village has a mystical atmosphere due to itsÕ location and a temple of Bhagawati, a classic example of pagoda architecture.

Transfer to Dhulikhel , Dinner and overnight at Mirabel Resort.

Dhulikhel
Situated at an altitude of approx 1600 m/5500ft above sea level and 32 km/20 miles east of Kathmandu City, it is famous for its vantage location in viewing the Himalayan ranges from Cho Oyu in the east to Himalchuli in the west. Dhulikhel is very popular for viewing sunrise and sunset.

Ap 8 Day 06 : River Raft Excursion to Pokhara
Early morning sunrise viewing ( weather permitting) then after breakfast transfer to raft put in point (Charaudi or Fishling) . We float down the river for 3-4 hours, stopping mid-way for a lunch along the river banks. Our vehicle will be waiting to pick us up and transfer to Pokhara (approx 3 hrs drive). Upon arrival in Pokhara, check in at Fulbari Resort ( 5 star situated on the gorge Š Mountain/Canyon or Garden view).

Pokhara
The rare combination of snow clad peaks and snow fed lakes and rivers has helped to make the Valley of Pokhara (210Km/131 miles from KTM) one of the most picturesque natural attractions in the Kingdom.

Ap 9 Day 07 : Independent day to enjoy the resort, stroll the village, boat ride on the lake etc . Overnight at Fulbari Resort.

The Trek

Ap 11 Day 08 : Pokhara Š Nayapool - Ghandruk (1950m) 5 hrs walk
We take a one hour scenic drive to Nayapool from where the trek starts. In the beginning there is a one hour pleasant level walk through rice fields following the Modi river. We pass by the beautiful village Birethanti Š the gateway of the Annapurna Trek. We ascend stone steps to Ghandruk. Ghandruk is one of the most beautiful Gurung villages of Nepal. A spectacular close-up view of Annapurna South, Himalchuli and Machhapuchre can be seen from Ghandruk. Camp.

Ap 10 Day 09 : Ghandruk Š Tokla ( 1810m) 5 hrs walk
From Ghandruk we descend through terraced fields to Modi River. Crossing the suspension bridge on Modi River, the trail ascends to another picturesque Gurung village, Landruk. There is a pleasant level walk with several switchbacks and a short ascend to Tolka, a quaint village with a great view of the valleys and mountains. Overnight Camp.

Ap 11 Day 10 : Tolka Š Dhampus ( 1750m) 5 hrs walk
From Tolka, the trail ascends through forests to Duerali (2150m), atop a hill. From here it descends through rhodhodendron forests to a enchanting settlement, Pothana, where there are several Tibetan souvenier shops and a spectacular view of Machhapuchre can be seen. Again the trail descends through forests to Dhampus, on top of the ridge with a great view of entire Annapurna and Manaslu ranges and several other peaks.

Ap 12 Day 11 : Dhampus Š Phedi Š Pokhara (2hrs walk )
From Dhampus we descend all the way through terraced fields to Phedi, then return to Pokhara and enjoy the facilities at Ful Bari Resort.

The Wildlife Safari

Ap 13 Day 12 Pokhara Š Chitwan (3-4 hrs drive)
The drive to Chitwan offers a great opportunity to see several small towns along the highway. Upon arrival in Chitwan transfer to Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge. Choice of stay in lodge or deluxe tents. Lunch at Tiger Tops. Evening briefing . Dinner and overnight.

Chitwan
The Royal Chitwan National Park, in the lush valley of Chitwan situated in the foothills of Churia Ranges, 75 miles southwest of Kathmandu, is the first National Park of the Kingdom. The National Park is famous for itÕs variety of wildlife especially the Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros and the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.

Ap 14 Day 13 : Partake in jungle safari activities including: elephant safari, boat safari, jungle walk, jeep safari, bird watching etc. Overnight at Tented Camp or Lodge. B/L/D

Ap 15 Day 14 : Morning jungle walk , then transfer to the airport for flight To KTM ( (YA 172 12:30/1300). Upon arrival in KTM transfer to Htl Yak & Yeti . Relax and freshen up. Evening farewell dinner at the Wunjala Moscova Restaurant. ( Russian and typical Nepali cuisine with cultural dance.)

Ap 16 Day 15 : Check-out 12 noon. Transfer to airport for flight home.

NOTES
In Chitwan you have the choice of deluxe tents or a room at the lodge. The tents have western toilets, running water and shower.

Pre-Post Tour Extensions to Agra (Taj Mahal) available

Prices: this is a ballpark estimate and subject to change
$3550 (lodge at Tiger Tops), single supplement $880; $3070 (deluxe tents at Tiger Tops), single supplement $770

Includes

• accommodations, dble occ
• land transport & transfers
• daily breakfast
• all meals at Tiger Tops
• all activities at Tiger Tops
• day rafting with lunch
• 4 days trek with all camping arrangements, sleeping bags, tents, toilet tents, kitchen tents, dinning tents etc, porters, cooks, sherpa guides, permits
• all internal flights
• entrance fees to monuments farewell dinner at Wunjala Moskva with cultural show
• professional Nepali guide throughout the journey
• trip cancellation/travel insurance

Does not include

• Nepal visa
• departure tax
• tips

All Prices Subject to Change

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