Kathmandu- Pokhara- Chitwan – Lumbini (Heritage, Nature, adventure, wildlife, philosophy, peace of mind, 

Kathmandu: Pilgrimage, Scenic beauty, Culture, Ways of Life, and facets of development!

The capital city of Nepal Kathmandu is the political, commercial, and cultural hub of Nepal. Kathmandu is an exotic and fascinating showcase of rich culture, art, and tradition. Kathmandu Valley is roughly an oval bowl surrounded by forested hills with terraced agriculture farming. The Mystical Kathmandu Valley as a remarkable legend says that the valley was once a big lake until the Bodhisattva Manjushree raised his wisdom sword to slice a passage through the valley walls, draining the water and creating the first settlements. Newahs, the multi-ethnic people who settled in this remote Himalayan valley over the past two millennia are the indigenous inhabitants and the creators of the valley’s splendid civilization with a distinct language and cultural practice. 

Over the year Kathmandu was developed as a unique urban society with the world's craftsmanship of brick, stone, timber, and bronze. The coexistence and union of Hinduism and Buddhism with animist rituals and Tantrism is very unique and different.

The cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley is illustrated by seven groups of monuments and beliefs that show diversity and cultural tolerance and respect displaying historical and artistic masterpieces for which the Kathmandu Valley is known as the World Heritage site of cultural importance with The Durbar (Palace) Squares of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur (these are also known as the City of Joy, City of Craft, and City of the Devotee), the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhu ('Self-Existent One') and Kasti Chaitya-Baudha (largest), and the Hindu temples of Pashupatinath (Lord Shiva, Lord of all) and Changu Narayan (Double roofed Vishnu temple).

Besides these world heritage sites, Kathmandu Valley is composed of several Tangible and intangible monuments, buildings, and structures showcasing an exceptional testimony to the traditional civilization of the Kathmandu Valley. These tangible and intangible heritages, knowledge craft, art, and architecture are now a source of inspiration, knowledge center, and wonder that attracts tourists, researchers, and wanderers from around the world to come to witness and learn. 

Pokhara: "Mystical Pokhara" is a magical city and an adventure hub of Nepal.

Pokhara is 900 M above sea level yet you can see 8000 M Mountains from your balcony (Mt Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu). Pristine air, a spectacular backdrop of snowy peaks, blue lakes, and surrounding greenery make it ‘the jewel in the Himalayas’, a place of remarkable natural diversity. The beauty of Pokhara has inspired many artists, writers, and musicians. where one can enjoy the amazing mountain views of the Fishtail, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri ranges; fly like an eagle by paragliding; boat at Phewa Lake with mountains all around; explore the amazing Seti River; hike around the Pokhara valley; enjoy Gurung and Magar culture; and witness a. And much more.

In 2010 Cluster of 9 lakes in Pokhara Valley was listed as a Ramsar site for wetland importance to conserve and promote …...    With the magnificent Annapurna range forming the backdrop and the serenity of the Cluster of 9 Lakes Phewa Lake is the most famous Lake Side tourism hub. Begnas Lake is another famous lake in Pokhara, which is known for fresh fish.

Pokhara is a great destination for a weekend getaway as well as a long relaxing holiday. Pokhara is the gateway to different treks to the Annapurna conservation area, this Shangri-La, is one of the most visited destinations in Nepal. Pokhara is the gateway to different treks Pokhara once lay on the important trade route between India and Tibet via Mustang

These are different activities and highlights of Pokhara:

• Explore the amazing Seti River, which flows  100 M below the surface inside the city
• Boating in Phewa Lake in the backdrop of majestic mountains.
• Trek to scenic viewpoints and explore the cultural diversity of Gurung and Magar, who has earned worldwide fame as fierce Gurkha warriors.
• Rafting in Seti and Gandaki River.
• Canoeing and bungee jumping.
• Paragliding, hot air balloons, and ultra-light aircraft flights.
• Thakalis, indigenous of the Thak Khola region of Mustang, are known for their entrepreneurship and food 
• Splendid sunrise view
• Hiking trails for all age groups and physical abilities 

Chitwan 'Heart of Jungle'

Chitwan National Park was the first national park of Nepal established in 1973 with an area of 932 km2. In 1984 UNESCO declared Chitwan National Park a World Heritage Site of natural importance.

The world heritage site of natural importance Chitwan at the foot of the Himalayas is the heart of jungle undisturbed vestiges of the 'Terai' region, extending over India’s foothills. The spectacular landscape, covered with lush vegetation and the Himalayas at the backdrop makes Chitwan have exceptional natural beauty. The forested hills and changing river landscapes wedged between two east-west river valleys at the base of the Siwalik range of the outer Himalayas make Chitwan one of the most stunning and attractive parts of Nepal’s lowlands.

Chitwan National Park is a unique ecosystem consisting of a diversity of ecosystems including the Churia hills, Ox-bow lakes, and the flood plains of the Rapti, Reu, and Narayani Rivers. The Churia hills rise slowly towards the east from 150 m. to more than 800 m. The western part of the park comprises the lower but more rugged Someshwar Hill. The Chitwan Valley consists of tropical and subtropical forests. Sal forests cover 70 percent of the park. Grasslands cover 20 percent of the park. More than 50 different types of grasses, including elephant grass, are renowned for their immense height, which grows up to 8m in height. The park is home to more than 50 mammal species, over 525 birds, and 55 amphibians and reptiles. The endangered fauna found in the park is the One-horned rhinoceros, Gaur. Royal Bengal tiger, Wild elephant, Four-horned antelope, Pangolin, Golden monitor lizard, Python, etc. Bengal florican. Lesser florican, Giant hornbill, Black stork, While stork, etc. 

Chitwan offers unique biodiversity, and natural and cultural experiences to each visitor. Canyoning in misty Rapti sighting Ghoral and different varieties of birds, flora and fauna, jeep safari and nature walk in the tropical jungle for sighting of the exclusive Royal Bengal Tiger and one-horned Asiatic rhinoceros to chirping birds to other different wildlife. The nature walks/jeep safari will bring you close to nature and its surroundings. The early morning cannoning at Rapti River will bring joy along with bathing with elephants. The excursion around Bishajahari (20,000) Lake, a Ramsar site will bring you close to bird’s paradise.

Another major highlight of the Chitwan Safari is the indigenous ethnic Tharu Community.  Tharu has a distinct language, culture, rituals, and lifestyle. The hard-working farming and fishing community, Tharu is rich in folklore, literature, and language. Tharu is known for their living in harmony with nature. Their innocence and simplicity, costume, cuisine, and way of life, are very integrating and inviting to join foot-tapping music, music beats will inspire you to dance together under moonlight till the wee hour. Maghi, in mid-January, is celebrated with fanfare as the festival of the New Year. The day is also celebrated as liberation day (Mukti Diwas) as previously they used to be bonded laborers (Kamaiyas and Kamlaris) in different masters’ homes.  

Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha

"After I am no more, O Ananda! People of belief will visit the place with faith, Curiosity, and devotion… Lumbini, the place where I was born. The path to ultimate peace is a spiritual discipline. “- Sakyamuni Buddha

The birthplace of Lord Buddha is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is a pilgrimage to devotees, explorers, wanderers, researchers, and peace lovers from around the world

Lumbini, located at the base of the Chure range in the Tarai region of Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, as testified by the inscription on the pillar erected by the Mauryan Emperor Asoka in 249 BC. The erection of this Pillar by Emperor Asoka was also described by early Chinese travelers Hiuen Tsang (636 AD) and Fa-Hsien (399-413 AD). The archaeological remains of the Buddhist Vihar (monasteries) and stupas (memorial shrines) from the 3rd century BC to the 15th century AD, provide important evidence about the nature of Buddhist pilgrimage centers from a very early period. 

Mayadevi Temple is the heart of Lumbini, the maker stone points to the exact location of the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Located 25 paces southwest of the Marker Stone is the Sacred Pond, where Mayadevi is believed to have had a bath before giving birth to Prince Siddhartha. The infant prince was also given the first purification bath here. The Sacred Garden is one of the holiest sites with archeological remains and shrines of high religious and spiritual value. Major monuments in Lumbini include age-old religious and spiritual structures, construction of which commenced immediately after the Mahaparinirvana of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha and continued over the centuries. 

Among many one of the interesting features of Lumbini and these surrounding villages is that the majority of the population are Hindu and Muslim who are safeguarding and promoting the Buddhist heritage sites. Lumbini is the perfect example of inter-faith tolerance. 

In addition to embracing peace, contemplative values, and spirituality, Lumbini also attracts naturalists, botanists, and zoologists with its rich natural biodiversity. There are 27 species of mammals, 44 types of fish, and herds of blue bulls in the area.  The Important natural landscapes and biodiversity in and around Lumbini include the serene natural environment, Lumbini Crane Sanctuary, which has several natural wetlands, rivers, and farmland for bird watching. The most iconic among them is the Sarus Crane, the tallest flying bird in the world which holds a special place within the ancient culture of Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha. the Lumbini Crane Sanctuary in Lumbini works as a biodiversity conservation and learning center working with the local communities to conserve cranes and the ecosystems, wetlands, and watersheds, and protect the natural diversity of the Greater Lumbini Area's landscape. 

The sight of the blooming lotus flower is another major attraction linked with Lord Buddha. 

Day 1: Arrival (sightseeing if early arrival)

Day 2: Pashupatinath, Swayambhu, Kathmandu Durbar Square, 

Day 3: Patan and  Boudha 

Day 4: Drive to Bandipur/Pokhara

Day 5: Sunrise from Sagrankot: An hour before sunrise we will drive/ride the cable car to enjoy the Sunrise from Sagrankot. The sunrise from Sarangkot is septuple with moving clouds, the golden sunrays awakening beautiful mountains of different sizes and shapes. The excitement of people traveling from around the world creates a happy moment.

After Sunrise we will return to the hotel for breakfast and refreshment. From Hotel we will drive to the world peace stupa and Shiva shrine to enjoy 360 views of Pokhara Valley. 

Day 6: Explore Cultural sites/adventure activities / Hike /community visit

Day 7: Drive to Chitwan: Evening walks around the riverside, community exploration 

Day 8: Jungle Safari visit Hatishar (Elephant breeding center and

Day 9: Rapti river boating in a traditional wooden boat to enjoy scenic beauty, birds, and animals in Bishazari Tal, Tharu culture. After Lunch drive to Lumbini

Day 10: After breakfast, we will travel to Lumbini  At Lumbini, after checking in at the hotel in the evening we walk around the Maya Devi temple. 

Day 11: Explore Lumbini Pilgrimage Sites (Meditation). In the morning, we will visit Maya Devi Temple, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Here, within the peaceful surroundings, we will meditate for self-awakening, better health, and world peace.

In the afternoon, we will visit and explore different sites connected with Lord Buddha (Tilaurakot, Gotihawa, Kudan, Niglihara, Sagarhawa, Peace Pagoda, and International Monastic Zones).

Day 12: Visit Lumbini Crane Sanctuary and Visit Religious and archaeological sites in Lumbini and Kapilavastu.

"LIFE BELONGS TO THOSE WHO WISH TO SAVE IT, NOT TO THOSE WHO WISH TO DESTROY IT."

The above words are believed to have been famously uttered in support as young Prince Siddhartha tried to rescue an injured Sarus Crane. Later, as the young prince came to be known as the Buddha, these words became the epitome of the Buddhist viewpoint on nature conservation.

The 256-hectare Lumbini Crane Sanctuary works with local communities as a biodiversity conservation and learning center. The area provides a peaceful environment to witness and enjoy the birds and people working on the farmland. Creating a magical atmosphere.

Day 13:  After breakfast, We will fly back to Kathmandu.

Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu. End of one beautiful journey.

Note: The days of this tour are adjustable as per the client’s request. Please also note that taking a flight will save you a day's worth of time rather than taking road transport.