WINTER SPECIAL TOUR - Cultural & Hiking

OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu (1400m)
Day 02: Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu & Patan
Day 03: Drive to Sundarijal (1460m); Hike to Chisapani (2340m)
Day 04: Hike Chisapani to Nagarkot (2175m)
Day 05: Drive Nagarkot - Bhaktapur (sightseeing) - Kathmandu
Day 06: Depart Kathmandu

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu (1400m)
It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities.

Day 02: Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu & Patan
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significances. There will be a guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the Monkey Temple or Swoyambhunath and Patan Durbar Square.

Day 03: Drive to Sundarijal (1460m) & trek to Chisopani (2340m)
After breakfast at the hotel, we take drive to 15 kms north- east to Sundarijal. En route we stop by Budhanilkantha or the temple of the ‘Reclining Vishnu’ that lies at the bottom of the Shivpuri Hill. The temple has a fifth century stone sculpture of Lord Vishnu, reclining amidst coiled serpents in the middle of a pond. Nepalese royalty were barred from entering the temple because of an oracle of 17th century Malla king , Pratap Malla. According to the oracle any member of the royal clan would die if he/she gazed on the face of the reclining Vishnu. We continue driving uphill through a dense forest of oak, pine and rhododendron till we reach the Sundarijal. We get down at Sundarijal and trek to the village of Chisopani or cold water. During the trek you get panoramic views of the surrounding hills and undulating Himalayan ranges like the Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, Dorje Lhakpa and Annapurna.  We stay overnight at a lodge.

Day 04: Trek Chisopani to Nagarkot
After a hearty breakfast, we continue with our trekking adventure. From Chisapani we trek downhill to Nagarkot.
Nagarkot, at 2100m is a hill resort located thirty kilometers away from Kathmandu. From here we get breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Manaslu and Gauri Shankar. We stay overnight at a resort.

Day 05: Drive Nagarkot - Bhaktapur - Kathmandu
Do wake up early to catch the sunrise. The colourful spectacle of dawn breaking over the snowy peaks has been termed nothing less then heavenly. People from far-off places come to Nagarkot to witness this magical experience.
From Nagarkot we drive to the ancient city of Bhaktapur. We explore Bhaktapur city’s Durbar Square, Dattareya Square and Taumadhi Square. Attractions include the Palace of 55 Windows, Golden Gate, Nyatapole Temple and several temples. Bhaktapur is also famous for its pottery. One can witness potters busy at their work at the Pottery Square.
After our sightseeing tour is over we drive to Kathmandu. On the way, we pass through picturesque villages Newari villages and farmsteads.

Day 06: Depart Kathmandu
Our Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for your flight home. (Or stay longer for short tours such as game drive at National parks, rafting, Tibet tours, and mountain biking, etc. - ask us).