Nepal Heritage Tour

<p>A Himalaya Heart representative will welcome you at the airport and take you to your hotel where we will go over your tour in more detail and answer any questions you may have.The rest of the day is free to explore around bustling Kathmandu.</p>

<p>A cultural exploration day is due in Kathmandu today. We will take you for a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley. You will explore the amazing historic and cultural sites during the full day exploration of the Kathmandu. While driving to different parts of Kathmandu valley, you will learn something about the life in the capital city. The tour today mixes culture, history and spirituality together to give you an exceptional city touring experience.</p><p></p><p>The sites you will visit today are as listed below.</p><p></p><p>Swoyambhunath – This ancient Buddhist site is the oldest of all sites within Kathmandu. Situated on a hillock it is a giant white dome with containing a golden shrine on top of it. The stupa is one of the most important spiritual sites in Kathmandu valley.Popularly known as the monkey temple because of the presence of monkeys around the site.There are some splendid views of Kathmandu and the valley with the mountain peaks on a clear day from the top.</p><p>Kathmandu Durbar Square- held the palaces of the Malla and Shah kings who ruled over the city. Along with these palaces, the square surrounds quadrangles, revealing courtyards and temples. It is known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, a name derived from a statue of Hanuman, the monkey devotee of Lord Ram, at the entrance of the palace.</p><p></p><p>Patan Durbar Square –Is a medieval royal palace square. Of the three medieval royal palace squares in the Kathmandu Valley, this one is the royal palace of the medieval kingdom of Patan. Known for its medieval art and craftwork and the pagoda architecture. The palace square is an excellent hub to enjoy the skills of the artisans. The surrounding locality of the square gives an excellent idea of local lifestyle and culture.</p><p></p><p>Boudhanath – The biggest Buddhist of its kind, Bouddhanath is the most important Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage site in the country. It is also one of the UNESCO’s heritage sites. The beautiful square and the giant shrine in the middle of it provide a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere around.</p><p></p><p>Pashupatinath – This Hindu temple area provides you with an opportunity to observe the Hindu death rituals and cremation on an open platform on the banks of the River Bagmati. A chance to experience the culture and tradition within the Hindu faith system in contrasts to the majority of other systems around the world.</p>

<p>Today we take a private car to Chitwan, Nepal's best known National park, it is less than 150 kms away from either Kathmandu or Pokhara. Covering an area of 932 sq km.the park is home to many animals among the more notable are Royal Bengal tiger freshwater dolphins, One horn Rhinoceros and Grey leopard. We reach our lodge soon after midday take a refreshment break followed by lunch. In the evening we make a, slow walk to visit the indigenous people (Tharu) of the National park with their native, unspoiled tradition and customs.</p><p>Overnight Safari lodge.</p>

<p>A full day of jungle activities.</p><p>Activites include</p><p>Elephant Back Safari:</p><p>Seated high on the back of a trained elephant exploring the grasslands and core area of the park, you become an integral part of the life of the Chitwan National Park. The elephant safari, though not the most comfortable rides,it is an amazing experience and it doesn’t take long to spot at least a rhino in these forests.If you would prefer to walk with the elephant instead of riding please let us know.</p><p></p><p>Jungle / Nature Walk:</p><p>Take an exciting and invigorating walk through the lush sub-tropical jungles of Chitwan. Our trained naturalists take you to prime spots to view deer, rhinos, sloth bears and other wildlife. They will also give you interesting information about the various plants and animals of the jungle throughout your walk.</p><p></p><p>Bird Watching Tour:</p><p>Chitwan is a great destination for bird watching. The birds found here are Cormorants, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Blue Indian Roller, Hornbills, Stor k billed Kingfishers, Grey headed Eagles, Ruby Cheeked Sunbird, Bengal Florican, Largetailed Night jar, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Beaters & Lesser Florican etc. More than 500 species have been recorded only in Chitwan.</p><p></p><p>Boating / Canoeing Trip:</p><p>Canoe Ride trip along the Rapti river,an excellent opportunity for Bird Watching and for spotting the 2 rare species of crocodiles; the Marsh Mugger and the fish eating Gharial.</p><p></p><p>Elephant Breeding Center:</p><p>Of all the animals, elephants are probably the most graceful. Our naturalists will take you to the Hattisar to domonstrate how elephants’ meals are prepared and how they eat in the Elephant Breeding Centre. They will explain the nature and habits of elephants. The unique Centre was established in 1985 for the captive breeding of domesticated elephants,</p><p></p><p>Elephant Bathing:</p><p>Cool off on one of the scorching summer days by taking a refreshing dip in the waters of the Rapti River –You can help bathe the elephants, and get a unique “shower” as well! This activity is only offered in the warmer months (March to July, please inquire), as it is too cold for the elephants in winter.</p><p></p><p>Elephant Briefing:</p><p>Learn more about this gentle giant during our daily elephant briefing. Our expert naturalists will inform you of various facts about the life and habits of the wild and domestic pachyderms, enlighten you as to the differences between the African and Asian elephants, and other interesting titbits. You can also request to learn how to ride one of these magnificent beasts during the briefing.</p><p></p><p>Tharu Village Tour:</p><p>Tradition has it that the Tharus of Nepal came all the way from Rajasthan, driven off by fear as the Moghuls invaded India. These colourful, fun loving, extremely hospitable people offer a peek into their lives at the Bhada Homestay Village, where we can tour the village on bullock carts, and eat local delicacies while enjoying a cultural show.</p><p>Tharu Cultural Show:</p>

<p>After breakfast, we say goodbye to Chitwan for the drive to drive Lumbini then check into our hotel.Up on arrival to Lumbini, check in to the hotel. </p><p></p><p>In the afternoon we visit visit Lumbini Garden. </p><p>The main attraction at Lumbini remains the Sacred Garden, which is spread over 8 sq.km. and possess all the treasures of the historic area. Inside this sacred garden, we will be focusing on Ashoka pillar, Mayadevi Temple which houses a bas relief depicting the nativity. </p><p></p><p>Recent excavations have turned up a stone bearing a "foot imprint", indicating the exact place of birth. The Puskarni pond, where Queen Mayadevi, the Buddha's mother, had taken a bath before giving birth & many other monasteries like Myanmar, Combodia, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, China, Korea & many more. </p><p></p><p>Overnight in Lumbini</p>

<p>We drive to the beautiful lake town of Pokhara today and settle into our hotel.The afternoon is at leisure time to relax perhaps in a lakeside restaurant or do some boating. </p><p>Overnight in Pokhara</p>

<p>Early morning, we drive to Sarangkot for the sunrise. From Sarangkot, one can enjoy clockwise view of snowcapped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, streams and gorges, picturesque villages inhabited by friendly smiling Gurungs, Magars and other ethnic tribes. </p><p>In the afternoon a sightseeing tour is arranged including visits to the nearby Tibetan villages, David's Fall, Mahendra Cave,Seti George Bindhabasini Temple and Pokhara Museum. </p><p>We finish the day with boating on Phewa Lake.</p><p>Paragliding and Zip lining can be arranged but this is not included in the tour cost.</p>

<p>Today we fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel with the rest of the day free.In the evening we often arrange a farewell meal.</p>

<p>Today its time to move on we hope you have had a great time with us and we would like to meet again in the future. If you are flying today.we will drop you at the airport as per your flight schedule or assist you with any other move.</p>