Itinerary
Day 1 • Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu, meet with our representative and transfer to hotel. After check in, sightseeing of Pashupatinath Temple, the most sacred of the Hindu temples in Nepal, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Boudha Nath Temple, the world’s largest stupa (collection of Buddhist relics) and a place of great veneration to Buddhists. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 2 • Kathmandu
After breakfast, sightseeing at Swayambhunath Temple, the oldest Buddhist shrine. In Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, visit the temple of the Living Goddess and the old Royal Palace. Visit Kasthamandu, a temple built from a single tree. After lunch in local restaurant, sightseeing tour of the Patan, a city of great architecture and fine arts. Visit the Tibetan Handicraft Center at Jawalakhel to watch carpet weaving. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Days 3–8 • Chhahari Orphanage
After breakfast we move to the Chhahari Orphanage, a non-profit home for 24 at-risk and orphaned children. We encourage travelers to spend time volunteering at the home and their local school. Here the simplest acts are received with joy and profound thanks, for these children—used to bathing in cold water, washing clothes by hand, a daily diet of dal and rice and few hours of controlled electricity a day—expect little and ask for nothing. Nights will be spent at the orphanage in simple private rooms with baths. During your stay Dawa, the founder, will take you to discover all the Buddhist places and monasteries of great local interest. During these 6 days we will participate in an interfaith dialogue with local representatives of the Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Christian communities. This special moment of connection and prayer will make a stay in Nepal unforgettable.
Day 9 • Chitwan (Jungle Safari)
After breakfast we leave the orphanage and we drive to Chitwan National Park for a jungle safari to get in touch with local fauna and flora. Upon arrival you will be meet by a naturalist with a drink and arrangements for accommodation. After lunch we will go on the Village & Museum Tour. Evening cultural program and overnight at the hotel in Chitwan.
Day 10 • Chitwan
After breakfast, take an hour-long ride aboard an elephant to the jungle, where we will travel through dense grassland to view wildlife. We are taken to the elephant stables where the senior naturalists give a talk about the habitats of the elephant. Here one may witness the rare sight of elephants bathing, and the gentle way in they care for one another. After the elephant safari, we will take a canoe trip. Dinner and overnight in Chitwan.
Day 11 • Pokhara
After breakfast, bird watching and a four-hour drive to Pokhara, one of the most picturesque valleys in Nepal, under the shadow of the Annapurna-Machhapuchhre Himalayan range. A rare combination of snow capped mountains, crystalline lakes, rushing streams and rustic villages await discovery. Upon arrival in Pokhara, check in and free time: you can boat in Fewa Lake, walk along the shore, or visit the market. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
Day 12 • Pokhara
Early morning hike to Sarangkot Mountain’s famous viewing spot. After marveling at the beauty of the sunrise, we make our way back to the hotel for breakfast. Half-day city tour, including a visit to Bindhabasini Temple, Devi’s Fall, and the Gupteshwore temple and cave. Rest of the day is free. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
Day 13 • Pokhara to Kathmandu
After breakfast we will drive to Kathmandu, passing through places of unparalleled beauty on the six-hour trip. There may the option of visiting Manakamana temple on the way to Kathmandu, depending on travel conditions. Rest of the day is free for exploration. Evening dinner followed by Nepali cultural program. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 14 • Departure
After breakfast, we will transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for the journey back home.
The order of events and visits may be subject to change .
