Trip Dossier

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

Transfer from airport to hotel. A representative from our office will be there to receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport. At the hotel, you will be briefed on your itinerary. 

Day 2: Full day sightseeing at Bouddhanath Stupa & Namobuddha

After an early breakfast we visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. A protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, Boudhanath Stupa is regarded as the most important centre of Tibetan Buddhism outside Tibet. Buddhists believe that the remains of Kasyapa Buddha (Lord Buddha’s previous incarnation) were interred at the spot where the stupa is built.  Light butter lamps and visit the nearby Tibetan monastery. 

After lunch, we visit Namo Buddha, a hilltop Buddhist shrine located about 40km from the city. Legend has it that Lord Buddha in his previous birth saved a dying tigress and her cubs from starvation by offering to feed them with his own flesh. According to local legend his bones are enshrined in an old Buddhist stupa that lies at the top of the hill. We visit this stupa, circumambulate around it and light incense and butter lamps. Take pictures and enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. Visit a Tibetan monastery (Thrangu Tashe Yangste Monastery) located nearby. 

Day 3: Drive to Pokhara  (6-7 Hours drive)

After an early breakfast, we drive to Pokhara. It takes about 5-6 hours to reach Pokhara by road. At Pokhara we check into our hotel and call it a day.  Enjoy a leisurely evening stroll by the lakeside (Phewa Lake) if you are not too tired. 

Day 4: Drive to Tatopani by jeep (4-5 hours drive)

From Pokhara we drive on pitched road to Tatopani a village lying on the banks of Kali Gandaki, well-known for its thermal springs. Tatopani means ‘Hot Water’ in Nepali. The mineral rich hot-springs at Tatopani is said to be have medicinal and healing properties. If you feel like it you can enjoy a dip at a hot-spring and relax your aching muscles.

Day 5: Tatopani to Jomsom by jeep (2743m) 

Enjoy some adventurous ride on a rough jeep track with stunning mountain scenery all the way. Breathtaking views of Himalayan giants Dhaulagiri and Annapurna will leave you awe struck. As we gain altitude and ascend higher, the landscape changes dramatically. Green hills give way to barren mounds – characteristic of Mustang’s landscape. On reaching Jomsom, we check into your hotel and take a well deserved rest.

Day 6: Drive to Muktinath(3710m) and back to Jomsom by (4 Hours drive)

We wake up early and drive to Muktinath or Chummig Gyatse(Hundred Waters in Tibetan). Sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, this spot is one among the 24 important Tantric Sites. The site is believed to be the home to Dakinis or celestial sky dancers. While ‘Muktinath’ is Lord Vishnu for Hindus, for Buddhist the shrine is dedicated to Avalokiteswara- Boddhisattva of Compassion & Virtue. The idol of Buddhist deity Chenrezig is also placed inside the temple’s sanctum. Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche) meditated at this site on his way to Tibet. A statue, believed to be made by his own hands is enshrined at Marme Lakhang Gompa (near Muktinath Temple). We visit the Jwala Mai Temple(Temple of Fire Goddess) and witness the sacred flames burning continuously fueled by natural gas. Traditional caretakers of Muktinath shrine are the Chummig Gyatse Buddhist nuns, headed by the abbot known as Muktinath Lama. After paying obeisance at all the shrines we return to Jomsom.

Day 7: Drive to Beni  

After an early breakfast, we leave Jomsom and head to Beni by road. En route we drive across dry river beds, picturesque villages and trails filled with herds of goat and sheep. In the distant horizon snowy Himalayan peaks rear up. It is an adventurous ride filled with amazing views. We stay overnight at a local lodge.

Day 8: Drive back to Kathmandu

After an early breakfast we make take the Prithvi Highway to Kathmandu. It is a long drive filled with fascinating sights (traditional villages, pristine rivers and verdant mountain scenery). We drive on pitched road for almost nine hours before reaching Kathmandu valley. 

Day 9: Half day sightseeing at Pharping ( Asura cave/Upper Yanglesho Cave)

After an early breakfast we head south to the medieval town of Pharping. After about an hour’s drive we reach a shady wooded hill. We get down and climb up to explore the meditation cave of Guru Rinpoche or Padmasambhava. Known as Asura Cave or Upper Yanglesho, Guru Rinpoche is believed to have attained ‘Mahamudra’ while meditating at this cave. Buddhists living in the Himalayas worship Padmasambhava as the ‘Second Buddha’. We also visit the Yanglesho Cave. After exploration and prayers (offering of incense and butter lamps) we return to our hotel. Evening, enjoy a complimentary dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant.

Day 10: Depart Kathmandu 

Our representative will drop you at the airport on time to catch your return flight. 

Cost Inclusion/Exclusion

Cost Inclusion

• 4N Hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis in BB plan at Kathmandu
• 1N Hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis in BB plan at Pokhara                 
• 4N accommodation at a normal lodge/ home stay 
• One English speaking guide 
• 3 meals (Breakfast, Lunch & dinner) as specified in itinerary 
• National park fees
• TIMS
• Farewell dinner with Nepali cultural dance program 
• All ground transfer as per itinerary ( Public jeep and Tourist coach)

Cost Exclusion

• International Air Fare
• Domestic Air Fare 
• Daily Meals (Lunch & Dinner) during Kathmandu & Pokhara 
• Tips to Guide & Driver
• Bar Expense
• Telephone, Laundry and Internet
• Personnel Insurance
• Emergency Evacuation
• All other personal expenses
• Nepal visa fee