Pokhara and Lumbini tour

On arrival at Kathmandu, Nepal International Airport our guide and staff will meet you with traditional welcome. After knowing the staff of Himalayan Forever Treks, a short drive to your hotels. Located in the heart of a city within an exciting Thamel area, an interesting place where most good hotels and restaurants situated. Reaching at the hotel, check your lovely rooms, after getting refreshed join in for group briefing. Provided by your guide or Group Leader, offers useful and important information of the tour, hotels. Includes details of the local culture with do’s and don’ts, evening a group welcome dinner in a nice Nepali Restaurants.

Morning after breakfast, our city and cultural guide receives you at the hotel for exciting tour. The drive leads in the heart of Kathmandu city, where interesting historical Durbar Square / Palace Courtyard located. The right spot to observe Nepalese cultures. Tour of ancient monuments listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, next tour takes you to old Swayambhunath Stupa of more than 2,600 years history.  A Buddhist monument situated on a hillock west of Kathmandu city outskirt, the famous landmark of the country.

Kathmandu Durbar Square:

Kathmandu Durbar Square, also known as Hanuman Dhoka Square, stands as a testament to the city's royal history. Surrounded by ancient palaces, courtyards, and temples, this UNESCO World Heritage Site encapsulates centuries of Nepalese architecture. The square served as the royal palace for the Malla kings and later the Shah dynasty.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the magnificent Hanuman Dhoka Palace, a complex adorned with intricately carved wooden windows and doors. The Kumari Ghar, home to the living goddess Kumari, adds an air of mystique to the square. The Kumari, a prepubescent girl chosen as the living embodiment of the goddess Taleju, occasionally makes appearances at her window, captivating onlookers.

Exploring the narrow alleys surrounding the square reveals hidden courtyards, shrines, and vendors selling traditional artifacts. The combination of historical charm and vibrant street life makes Kathmandu Durbar Square an unforgettable destination.

Pashupati Nath:

A short journey eastward leads to the sacred grounds of Pashupati Nath, one of the holiest Hindu temples in the world. Nestled on the banks of the Bagmati River, Pashupati Nath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and draws pilgrims from across the globe.

The main temple, adorned with intricate wood carvings and golden spires, stands as the focal point of the complex. Only Hindus are allowed into the inner sanctum, but visitors can witness the rituals and ceremonies from the eastern bank of the river. The atmosphere is infused with spirituality as devotees perform rituals, sadhus (holy men) meditate, and the scent of incense wafts through the air.

Pashupati Nath is not only a religious site but also a reflection of Nepal's rich architectural heritage. The surrounding area, with its ancient statues, shrines, and ghats, provides a serene backdrop to this spiritual haven.

Boudha:

Heading northeast from Pashupati Nath, the journey culminates at the iconic Boudha Stupa, a symbol of Buddhism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The colossal white dome, adorned with the watchful eyes of the Buddha, dominates the landscape, creating a serene and contemplative ambiance.

The Boudha Stupa is encircled by a bustling market, where locals and tourists alike peruse a plethora of shops offering Tibetan artifacts, prayer flags, and traditional handicrafts. The rhythmic prayer chants, the spinning of prayer wheels, and the fluttering of colorful flags create a mesmerizing atmosphere.

The stupa itself is a marvel of symmetry and symbolism. Pilgrims circumambulate the structure, spinning prayer wheels and offering prayers, while monks in nearby monasteries engage in their daily rituals. As the sun sets, the stupa is illuminated, casting a tranquil glow that adds to the spiritual aura. Completing the tour back to hotel, afternoon at leisure and preparation for the tour beyond Kathmandu.

An exciting morning and interesting day, transfer to a private coach or in a regular Tourist Bus for Pokhara.

Traveling overland is interesting to observe the country’s rural farm life, as the drive leads beyond Kathmandu valley. Facing views of snow peaks along the drive, as the drive reach low warm farm villages and towns. The main highway follows Trisuli River for few hours, then heads west with great views of Manaslu and Annapurna Himalayas. Then finally ending the journey at beautiful city of Pokhara where all good hotels located by the serene Phewa lake side.

(Options by air to Pokhara from Kathmandu a short half hour flight)

Morning as early as possible before breakfast, a short drive to Sarankot hill top a famous view-points. Offers stunning sunrise wide range of Himalayan peaks, from Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna to Mt. Manaslu. Includes panorama of Pokhara green valley and the Lake Phewa. Sarankot Hill, a popular spot for Para-Gliding, Zip-Line also. After enjoying the brilliant views of snow peaks and sunrise, drive back to hotel for breakfast. The tour continues around natural wonders of Pokhara, tour leads to Seti Gorge, David’s / Devi or Patale Chhago Water Falls- visit Peace Stupa and around Pokhara local markets away from main touristic area.

An enjoyable drive to Nepal Far Mid-Southern low land to Lumbini, morning depart from the hotel. As drive heads south on winding road past nice farm villages and towns, reaching Syangja and Butwal city near Tansen, Palpa district.

The drive continues leaving the hills for flatland of Terai belt, slowly the drive ends reaching Lumbini. Staying in the best hotels, close around the premises of Buddha birth site, on arrival transfer into a nice hotel. Having time to get refreshed and explore around the town of Lumbini and observe the local culture quite similar to Indians, due to close border with India.

Buddha’s birth places and its historical sites, Lumbini a traditional birthplace of Gautama Buddha. The founder of Buddhism, born in the 6th century B.C. In the month of May 642 BC. The exact spot where Lord Buddha had announced, "This is my final rebirth" as he entered the world.

In 249 BC, the Buddhist convert of Northern India, Emperor Asoka visited Lumbini and constructed four stupas and a stone pillar. Asoka’s Pillar bears an inscription that translates as: "King Piyadasi (Asoka), beloved of devas, in the 20 year of the coronation. The king himself made a royal visit and proved that Buddha Sakyamuni was born in Lumbini. Where he built a stone pillar. As time went by and most people thought Buddha was born in India. Until the site was rediscovered in 1895, when a German archaeologist came upon Asoka’s Pillar.

Then identified by its inscription as well from early records made by the Chinese pilgrim Fa Xian. Were also used in the process of identifying the religiously acclaimed site. Lumbini was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

After an interesting tour back to hotel with time to stroll around the street and market at Lumbini.

Morning as time for the flight to Kathmandu, get transferred to Bhairawa city airport, name Siddhartha Gautama Buddha International Airport.

A scenic flight of less than hour, facing superb panorama of Himalayan peaks till it land at Kathmandu airport. On arrival at Kathmandu air terminal transfer to your hotel, with afternoon free to enjoy personal activities.

Last day in Nepal and at Kathmandu, get ready for final departure as per your international flight time. Himalayan Forever Trek guide and staff transfer you to the airport. Bidding farewell to the guide and staff as you depart for homeward bound flight, after a wonderful experience on Pokhara and Lumbini Tour.