We Love —
- Travelling to this must-visit destination, home to rich and varied landscapes, countless mystical temples and an ancient way of life.
- Heading to the Himalayan hills and experiencing the unique culture of Nepal.
- Discovering some of the country's most breathtaking landscapes, most historical sites and most bustling streets on this impressive, immersive holiday experience.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Your Itinerary in Brief —
Our offer:
10-Night Tour
Day 1: arrival at Kathmandu Airport
Day 2: Kathmandu
Day 3: Kathmandu - Bhaktapur
Day 4: Bhaktapur
Day 5: Kathmandu - Gorkha
Day 6: Gorkha
Day 7: Gorkha - Pokhara
Day 8: Pokhara
Day 9: Pokhara - Kathmandu
Day 10: Kathmandu
Day 11: departure
Your Itinerary in Detail —
Day 1-3
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU
Upon arrival in Kathmando, hop onto your transfer to the hotel. Unpack your bags and rest until the evening.
In the evening you will visit the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu Temples in the world. This temple is among the five principle pilgrimage sites for the Hindus. On an annual pilgrimage during Shivaratri Festival, thousands of devotees of Lord Shiva from all the world’s Hindu communities pay their homage here. Pashupatinath is the reincarnation of Shiva in his most benevolent form as the shepherd of fertility thus there are no animal sacrifices in this temple, only fruit sacrifices. Flowers and vermilion are offered. It lies on the banks of the Bagmati river and for the Hindus, to be cremated at Pashupatinath means a direct passage to heaven.
Among many of the rituals practiced at Pashupatinath ‘Sandhya Aarati’ is often said to be one of the most soothing. It is practiced opposite the Pashupatinath temple on the banks of the Bagmati River.
Sandhya Aarati commences at approximately 6:30 in the evening. This daily, 1-hour long ritual is comprised of many facets. There are three priests who perform this ritual with a few helpers. It begins with spiritual songs and Bhajans- a devotional song. The music accompanies the entire ritual. Sandhya Aarati is well attended every day.
OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL IN BOUDHA
Day 2: KATHMANDU
Visit Budhanilkantha and some monasteries in Kapan. The Budanilkantha statue of the Hindu god Vishnu, located approximately 10 kilometres from the centre of Kathmandu at the base of the Shivapuri Hill, is the largest and arguably the most beautiful and enigmatic stone carving in all of Nepal.
Later in the day visit Kopan Monastery. Just north of Kathmandu, with the hill of Shivapuri in the background, stands the majestic monastery of Kopan. Built in 1969 by Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Lama Yeshe after they fled Tibet, this site is not to be missed. After having encountered many financial difficulties, the monastery decided to open up to Westerners. In the long term, the vision of the two lamas was to form human beings with good hearts and the wisdom necessary to help the rest of the world, a mission which is still pursued today by their disciples.
OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL IN BOUDHA
Day 3: KATHMANDU - BHAKTAPUR (905m): [30 km / 1 hour]
Visit Thimi and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Thimi's best known temple is the 16th century Balkumari Temple, dedicated to one of Bhairab's shaktis. The goddess Peacock Vehicle is depicted on a column in front of the temple, as well as on each corner of the temple. This is the main highlight of the Balkumari Jatra, a festival where Thimi welcomes the New Year (around mid-April) with moving scenes, as the 32 khats (palanquins) circle the temple as red powder washes them is thrown.
Continue on for a tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square and a tour of Bhaktapur city. The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is where the Kings of the Malla dynasty lived until 1769 and where some of the finest examples of the period’s architectural excellence remains. Known literally as the “City of Devotees”, it is renowned for its elegant art, enchanting culture, colourful festivals, traditional dances, and the traditional Newari lifestyle. Explore the Royal Palace, the Golden Gate, and the entrance to the Palace of 55 Windows, known as the most significant piece of art in Nepal. Visit the highest temple in the entire Kathmandu Valley- the Nyatapola Temple. Will fill find centuries-old pagoda styled constructions such as the Nyatapolo and Datta-Traya Temples Sight.
OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL IN BHAKTAPUR
Day 4-7
Day 4: BHAKTAPUR
After breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel and driven to Sanga, home to one of the tallest Shiva statues in the world. Following a steep ascent for about half an hour, the hike mostly flattens out and takes walkers along ridgelines with steep drops below, views of rice fields and farmland, the town of Banepa, and (on clear days) unobstructed views of the Himalayas. The paths are local, age-old village trails and the villagers unaccustomed to foreign hikers. You will follow tis less-travelled path that the villagers of this area have always used.
You will walk in the direction of the Panauti village, the ending point of the Sanga to Panauti Community hike. Take in the beauty of the quiet and lush green Panauti village from the hill, filled with ancient temples and paddy fields. Upon arriving in the Panauti village, the locals will welcome you, offering Tikas and garlands along with the traditional “Newari Dhime Baja.” Enjoy a delicious lunch in Panauti Community Homestay. These community homestays in Nepal are women-run and seek to bolster the local community and empower local women. You can enjoy a wide range of cultural and natural activities and if you Jatra (street festivals), and worship ceremonies if you hike to Panauti during the festive season.
This Sanga to Panauti Community hike – a one-day hike in Kathmandu is very easy, but a 10 km walk through the hills and ridges of Nepal certainly feels like exercise.
OVERNIGHT AT HOTEK IN BHAKTAPUR
Day 5: KATHMANDU–GORKHA 1135m. 200 Km
After an early morning breakfast, you will embark on your journey to Gorkha. On the way, you will stop at Manakamana Cable Car to visit the Manakamana temple; one of the highly worshiped and oldest temples of Nepal, venerated since the 17th century. It houses a goddess believed to grant the wishes of all those who make a pilgrimage to her shrine.
Gorkha Gaun is a less-traversed destination and ideal for those seeking to experience the simple bliss of relaxing in the natural village setting of Nepal.
The remainder of the day is free for independent activities.
OVERNIGHT AT GORKHA GAUN
Day 6: GORKHA
You will hike to a nearby village of Magar. This beautiful, unspoiled trail offers the opportunity to see beautiful landscapes and observe local people working on their fields and seasonal crops growing. The trail is mostly up-hill before the descent to the village. On your arrival, the villagers will warmly welcome you. You can explore and interact with locals. After a hike back to the hotel, relax and watch the sun set over the Himalayas.
OVERNIGHT AT GORKHA GAUN
Day 7: DRIVE TO POKHARA 118 KM
After breakfast, head to Gorkha Town, where the history of Nepal’s unification starts. This trip provides a unique opportunity to visit the famous and historical Gorkha Palace and Gorkha Museum.
You will visit the refugee settlement close to Hemj a. Meet the locals and enjoy a cup of Tibetan tea and then head to the Monastery to attend the prayers.
After driving to Pokhara you will have the opportunity to refresh yourself in the hotel before embarking on an enchanting boat ride on Phewa Lake.
OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL IN POKHARA
Day 8-11
Day 8: POKHARA (910 m)
After Breakfast, enjoy a 15-minute drive to Phewa Powerhouse. Cross the suspension bridge and walk through the small Damsadi Village.
Highlights of the Damsadi Village Hike:
- The longest suspension bridge in Kaski District (276meter Long).
- Enjoy the sceneries of Pardi River, Mt Annapurna, Mt Manaslu, Mt Dhaulagiri Himalayan range and entire
- Pokhara valley (subject to weather condition)
- Damsadi Bridge (224 metres Long)
In the late afternoon visit the Monastery Jangchub Choeling Tibetan Monastery. After the prayers, we will drive back to the hotel.
OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL IN POKHARA
Day 9: POKHARA – KATHMANDU 210 KM 1350 m 7 HRS
Breakfast at hotel Drive back to Kathmandu (210 Km 6~7 hrs)
Arrive and check-in to your hotel. Enjoy a day to yourself to explore Kathmandu at your own pace.
OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL IN KATHMANDU
Day 10: KATHMANDU
Today you will visit Swyambhunath, Kathmandu City & Patan Durbar Square
Swoyambhunath (UNESCO World Heritage Site) - Swayambhunath translates literally as 'Self-Existent One.’ It is believed to have been established more than 2,500 years ago. An inscription dated 460 A.D. states that the construction was carried out by King Manadeva. By the thirteenth century, Swoyambhunath had developed into an important Buddhist learning site. It is also known as the Monkey Temple as there are holy monkeys living in parts of the temple in the North West. Swayambhunath occupies a central position; one of the most sacred among Buddhist Pilgrimage sites.
Kathmandu Durbar Square is located in the heart of old city Kathmandu. There are around 50 temples in the vicinity. In this tour, we visit the 17th Century Durbar complex, Hanuman Dhoka, Paravati temple, great Bell and Drum, Bhairav and Taleju Temple. All around the splendour of historical monuments is the hustle & bustle of the marketplace. Vegetable vendors, trees of flutes, salesmen with their wares displayed on their person, souvenir hawkers, and street shops selling imported goods and tucked away in a quiet corner the glittering bead market for custom-made bead necklaces.
In Patan, the old Newar city, you will visit the historic Durbar Square, the Golden Gate, the sky piercing temple of Taleju and the statue of Yogendra Malla, Krishna Mandir, Sati Temple, Hiranya Varna Mahabiar (the golden temple), and Mahabouddha with views of old carved wooden windows through the streets, curios shop and Bazaars.
Head to Tibetan Singing Bowl & Healing Center, a local shop that specializes in sound healing therapy from handmade Tibetan bowls. The vibrations of the bowls are said to cure headaches, back pain, stress and insomnia!
OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL IN KATHMANDU
Day 11: Your trip has come to an end, it's time to head home!
END OF SERVICES
Your Hotels —
HAND-PICKED JUST FOR YOU
Maximum room capacity
Throughout your tour, you’ll stay in Standard Rooms in the following 4* or 5* hotels (or similar):
4*:
- Boudha: Hotel Dolmaling
- Bhaktapur: Hotel Heritage
- Gorkha: Gorkha Gaun
- Pokhara: Hotel Pokhara Batika
- Kathmandu: Kantipur Village
5*:
- Boudha: Hotel Tibet International
- Bhaktapur: Hotel Heritage
- Gorkha: Gorkha Gaun
- Pokhara: Bar Peepal Resort
- Kathmandu: Aloft-Kathmandu-Thamel
Your dining choices
This offer is based on a Half Board stay (breakfast and evening meal served in the main restaurant - excludes drinks). Please note: some dining outlets/menu items and premium, branded and international drinks may not be included in your board basis and may incur a surcharge payable locally. Meals, snacks and drinks may be available at selected times only.
Celebrate in style with a gorgeous Christmas Gala Dinner.
Celebrate in style with a Christmas Gala Dinner.
See out 2022 in style with this glitzy gala dinner!
Celebrate New Years Eve in style with this glamorous Gala Dinner!
Your Optional Excursions —
Dinner with Local Family at Bhaktapur
Interact and learn how to cook vegetables and meat following local and ancestral recipes, after which the father of the family will share his experience in woodcarving.
DAY 2 or 3 - Supplement for Mountain Flight to see Himalayas by plane
Explore more of the surrounding area by flying over the beautiful Himalayan landscape from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Your Optional Extras —
Accompanying guide for 04 days (French/English/Spanish/Italian)
Choose to be accompanied by a guide who speaks the language of your choice, for visits in complete serenity! The guide is included for your time in Kathmandu & Bakthapur, and stays with you for the four days.
French, English, Spanish or Italian speaking guides.
Your Journey —
Flights:
You may choose from Economy, Premium or Business class flights on sectors that they operate, at the next stage of the booking process. The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Your Destination —
Kathmandu
The magic of the Himalayas is condensed in Kathmandu. The capital of Nepal is a city with an undeniable charm that envelops its visitors, offering them unique memories. You will feel that time flies by on your walks through Kathmandu. In this city, the aroma of tradition, rich culture, and the lights of progressive modernization are mixed in a unique way.
Kathmandu is located in the centre of a valley where up to seven Unesco World Heritage sites are counted. These sites offer you the opportunity to observe, first-hand, the complex geometry, grandeur, and majesty of Nepalese art and architecture and the respectful simplicity of the two dominant religions in Nepal: Hinduism and Buddhism. Kathmandu is worth it!