Stopover in Nepal (11 DAYS)

Stopover in Nepal (11 DAYS)

Discover a charming country, a crossroads of Buddhist and Hindu religions, and the peoples of the Indian peninsula and the Himalayas. You’ll be dazzled by the abundance of palaces, pagodas, stupas, sanctuaries, and beautifully preserved villages. The inhabitants are legendary for their kindness, and a guaranteed change of scenery is guaranteed in the magnificent setting of the Himalayas. Enjoy the good life in the resort town of Pokhara, on the banks of its peaceful lake, where the peaks of Annapurna are reflected, and discover an extraordinarily diverse flora and fauna in Chitwan, one of Nepal’s richest national parks.

 

Day 1: KATHMANDU

First contact with the city located in an exceptional setting at an altitude of 1,400 meters, surrounded by mountains at the confluence of two rivers, the Bagmati and the Vishnumati. Despite the late but thunderous eruption of modernism, Kathmandu, often considered the ‘Florence of Asia’, allows you to imagine what a city was like in the Middle Ages. It hasn’t completely forgotten its crazy hippie era either. Night in a charming hotel in Patan

 

Day 2: KATHMANDU / BHAKTAPUR / NAGARKOT

An unusual visit to Pashupatinath, departing from Kirant Mandir, leads to the ghats, crossing the forest where ascetics and yogis meditate. It is one of the oldest sites in Nepal and one of the most famous Hindu pilgrimages. Continue to the ancient Newar capital of Bhaktapur. Discover the medieval city of Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon, the city of devotees. It was the true center of influence of the valley during the period of the three kingdoms, between the 14th and 16th centuries. It is considered an open-air museum where each street is more astonishing than the last. Temples follow one another with ornate facades, carved wooden balconies with brick pediments. Visit Samata Sikshya Niketan (closed on public holidays and Saturdays), the bamboo school. Popularly called “bamboo school”, in reference to its structure made of bamboo, the school offers courses providing access to education to children from disadvantaged families. Discovery of the potters’ district and visit of a tangkas ritual painting workshop. Continue to the village of Changu Narayan and its beautiful sanctuary with rich decorations, one of the oldest in the valley, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then arrival at the high altitude station of Nagakhot (around 2000m), on the foothills of the Himalayas, where you will spend the night. The spectacle that awaits you tomorrow at sunrise will likely be memorable. Subject to favorable weather conditions, you will be able to see 7 peaks over 8000m including Everest, the roof of the world which culminates at more than 8848m above sea level. Overnight in a hotel

Day 3: NAGARKOT / KATHMANDU

Sunrise over the Himalayas (subject to clear weather). Walk to the village of Nala through forests and terraced crops (approximately 2.5 hours). Continue to the village of Banepa and visit the Chandeshwari temple built in the 17th century. Then discover the village of Panauti. In the 13th century, Panauti was the seat of an independent principality, some remains of the princely palace of which remain visible in the center of the city. Return to Kathmandu and meet Maya Sherpa, the first Nepalese woman to have climbed K2 (8611m) in Pakistan in 2014. A seasoned mountaineer, she has conquered numerous peaks in the Himalayas, including Everest, which she has reached three times. She is currently the president of the Everest Summiteers Association. Overnight stay in a hotel

 

Day 4: KATHMANDU / PATAN / PHARPING

Morning dedicated to the discovery of Patan, especially known as “The city of a thousand golden roofs”. The historic heart of the city is a tangle of small alleys with theatrical decor: brick houses with carved wooden balconies and bronze decorations, courtyards and backyards housing oratories, temples etc….Continuation to Pharping, a traditional Newar village well preserved despite its proximity to Dakshinkali where Nepalese and tourists flock on days of sacrifices. Visit the monastery of Neydo Tashi Choeling. Meditation session with the monks then if you wish, walk to the sanctuary of Vajra Yogini.

Day 5: PHARPING / RAMKOT / BANDIPUR

Morning drive (approximately 3.5 hours) to Dumre. Then departure by jeep for the village of Ramkot populated by Tamangs, a mountain community present in the foothills of the Nepalese Himalayas close to the culture of the Tibetans and the Sherpas. Due to its isolation and the absence of motorable roads, the way of life of the inhabitants has remained very traditional. The population is mainly engaged in agricultural activities, livestock breeding and small crafts. Then walk of approximately 2.5 hours without difficulty through the mountain to Bandipur, one of the most beautiful Newar villages in the valley. This ancient prosperous city offers a panorama of Langtang, the Ganesh Himal, Manasulu and the Annapurna range.

Day 6: BANDIPUR / BEGNAS / POKHARA

Drive to Begnas Lake (approximately a 2-hour drive). Easy walk along the lakeshore. The southern shore is densely forested and home to a rich fauna including numerous birds (notably the cormorant and the kingfisher), colonies of monkeys, and it is not uncommon to hear the roar of leopards at night. Continue to Pokhara, whose Pokhara Valley is one of the most picturesque in the country. Overnight in a hotel

Day 7: PHOKARA

Morning transfer to Sarangkot to admire, after a short walk of about 2 hours, the sunrise over the Himalayan range (subject to weather conditions) from the ruins of a kot (fort) located on a ridge above the village of Sarangkot. Then discovery of the Devi waterfall, the Gupteswore cave dedicated to Shiva and the impressive Seti gorge partly underground. In the afternoon, discovery of the city of Pokhara. Initially a small provincial town and commercial center, Pokhara has become an important tourist destination since the advent of trekking in Nepal. Night in a hotel.

Day 8: POKHARA / CHITWAN

Morning drive to Chitwan National Park (approximately 4.5 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the former hunting reserve of the kings of Nepal. It is home to the famous one-horned rhinoceroses, deer, antelopes, monkeys, tigers, leopards, bears, crocodiles, and more than 300 species of birds. A varied program of activities will be offered to discover the riches of the reserve (elephant safari and canoe excursion – the program of activities is at the discretion of the Lodge). Stroll through the villages of the Tharu community. The Tharus are perhaps the first inhabitants of Nepal. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 9: CHITWAN

Day dedicated to exploring the park (elephant safari, jeep safari, canoe ride). In the evening, Tharu dance show. Night at the lodge

Day 10: CHITWAN / KATHMANDU

Early morning walk of about 1 hour in the jungle. Dawn is particularly good for birdwatching. Then drive to Kathmandu (approximately 5h30). Discovery of the Swayambhunath stupa, one of the most famous and venerated stupas in the world, dating back in all likelihood more than 2000 years. The site rises on a hill overlooking Kathmandu and from where one can enjoy, on a clear day, a panoramic view of the city. In the evening, dinner of Newari specialties at the Bhojan Griha restaurant with traditional Nepalese dances. Night in a hotel

Day 11: KATHMANDU

Discover the Boudhanath stupa, a major center of both Nepalese Buddhism and the Tibetan world. This pilgrimage site attracts millions of devotees from all over Asia. Its immense white stupa, nearly 40 meters high, adorned with the “eyes of the Buddha,” is a striking sight. Meet the monks. In the afternoon, enjoy free time in the Thamel district, where you can do some last-minute shopping. Transfer to the airport. Assistance with check-in formalities.

 

This price includes:

Accommodation in double rooms in 

Breakfasts

Full board at the lodge in Chitwan

The services of a local French-speaking guide throughout the itinerary

English-speaking naturalist guide in Chitwan

Entrance fees to the sites

Travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle with driver

This price does not include:

International flights

Meals not mentioned

Visa fees for Nepal

Beverages, personal expenses and tips