Day 1 : Kathmandu
You are welcomed at Kathmandu airport by our local agency representative or your French-speaking guide who will greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel we've reserved for two nights. Kathmandu, the capital and largest city of Nepal, is located in the heart of the country. Once considered the fabulous and inaccessible Shangri-La, Kathmandu is now a booming vacation destination accessible to all budgets. According to legend, the Kathmandu Valley was once a turquoise lake with a lotus flower floating on it. Manjushree (Padmasambhava), a Chinese saint patriarch, is said to have cut the valley wall with his flaming sword of wisdom at Chovar, allowing the dry land to appear. The lotus flower remained on the ground where Manjushree built the great stupa of Swayambhunath.
The Kathmandu Valley includes the three ancient royal cities: Patan, Bhaktapur, and Kathmandu, each with its own palaces, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You'll see alleys adorned with beautiful cobblestones, a fascinating labyrinth, temples, shrines, and lively markets.
Day 2 : Kathmandu
After breakfast, you depart to visit Kathmandu Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square. Kathmandu Durbar Square is located in the heart of the old city of Kathmandu, with its foundation dating back to the Licchavi period. The construction was progressively accomplished over several centuries thanks to significant renovations undertaken by the Malla rulers and later by the Ranas. There are no fewer than 50 temples in the vicinity. You will visit the 17th-century Durbar complex, Hanuman Dhoka, the Parvati temple, Great Bell and Drum, Bhairav, and the Taleju temple. A little further on is the temple of the living goddess, where you will likely take a photo of the Kumari from one of the windows overlooking the inner courtyard.
In the surroundings, you will have the opportunity to admire the splendor of historical monuments in the bustling market square. Vegetable vendors and souvenir hawkers abound. Nestled in a quiet corner, the sparkling pearl market allows you to buy custom-made pearl necklaces.
At the top of a verdant hill to the west of Kathmandu stands the grand Swayambhunath stupa, a site over 2500 years old marking the point where the legendary patriarch Manjushree discovered the lotus of the ancient lake of the Valley. Swayambhunath offers a splendid view of Kathmandu city. This massive stupa is one of the most sacred sites for Nepalese Buddhists and its establishment is linked to the creation of Kathmandu.
Patan, also known as Lalitpur or the "City of Fine Arts," is the oldest city in the valley and is said to have been founded by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. Patan, the cradle of the valley's arts and architecture, is both a major center of Newari Buddhist religion and traditional arts and crafts. The city counts no fewer than 136 baals and 55 major temples, the most well-known being Krishna Mandir and Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, the Golden Temple.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 : Kathmandu
After breakfast, you set out to visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Pashupatinath Temple is considered one of the holiest of all Hindu temples worldwide. The golden-roofed temple of Lord Shiva with its silver doors is known for its superb architecture. Entry to the temple is reserved for Hindus but you can see it from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River overlooking the cremation sites.
This magnificent golden temple with its four silver doors is a unique example of Nepalese temple architecture. It is one of the largest Hindu temples in South Asia, containing hundreds of Shiva lingams, shrines housing icons of numerous Hindu gods and goddesses. Boudhanath, the largest stupa in Nepal, is surrounded by vast houses and monasteries where Rinpoche resides. Also nicknamed "Little Tibet" due to its unique atmosphere akin to Barkhor Market in Lhasa, it is a place visited by many Tibetans as a pilgrimage and trade site. You have the opportunity to visit the surrounding monasteries to spend time with the monks and receive blessings. Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon, home of medieval art and architecture, is renowned for its pottery and weaving. It is the most charming and best-preserved village in the valley among the three cities.
You will visit the ancient gateway, the royal residential quarter of Bhupatindra Malla, the Batsala Temple, Bhairav Nath Temple, Dattatreya, Pujari Math, and a palace with 55 windows. You will walk to discover the famous Nyatapola Temple, a five-story temple built in pagoda style, guarded by a series of mythical animals and deities. You will also visit the Bhairav Temple dedicated to the tantric deity Bhairav.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 : Kathmandu / Pokhara (200 km / 6h40)
After breakfast, you head to Pokhara via a winding mountain highway. Pokhara, a city of natural beauty, is a remarkable place. Situated at 900m altitude and 200 km west of the Kathmandu Valley, this charming city boasts several lakes and offers a splendid panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks.
The serenity of the lakes and the resplendent beauty of the Himalayas create an atmosphere of peace and magic. Arrival and hotel check-in. In the evening, you'll stroll around Phewa Lake.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 : Pokhara
Early in the morning, you'll go on an excursion to Sarangkot mountain to watch the sunrise and enjoy a magnificent view of the mountains. Sarangkot is the most popular viewpoint in Pokhara. At an altitude of 1,592m, it offers a spectacular view of Mount Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna massif.
You can also get a good aerial view of the Pokhara Valley from here. After breakfast, you'll explore the city, visiting David's Falls, Gupteswar Cave, the old Bazaar, and Bindabasini Temple.
Locally known as "Patale Chhango," the charming David's Falls are about 2 km southwest of the center, on the Tansen highway. In July 1961, a Swiss couple was bathing in the tranquil waters of Pardi Khola, just above the waterfall, when a sudden flood swept Mrs. David away, mysteriously disappearing in the underground passages below the falls. This story gave the waterfall its name: David's Fall. Just across from the falls are the Gupteshwar Caves, which you'll visit before discovering the colorful old Bazaar of Pokhara.
You can glimpse the style of Newar craftsmanship expressed in the temples and windows, showcasing the richness of the past. Bindabasini Temple is the center of religious activities in the old bazaar.
Dedicated to the goddess Bhagawati, a manifestation of Shakti, people sacrifice their animals on Tuesdays and Saturdays, believing she will fulfill their desires and wishes.
You'll continue your day with a boat ride on Phewa Lake. The largest lake in the Pokhara Valley, Phewa Lake, measuring 1.5 km by 4 km, is perfect for boating, bird watching, and photographing the magnificent mountain views. This excellent setting, along with the reflection of the Annapurna mountains on the lake's calm waters, is something visitors wouldn't want to miss. Annapurna appears so close that it feels almost touchable.The afternoon is free.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 : Pokhara / Lumbini (200 km / 6h)
After breakfast, you depart for Lumbini. Lumbini, located in the center of the Terai in Nepal, lies at the foot of the Himalayan mountains. For millions of Buddhists around the world, this city evokes a sacred feeling similar to the significance of Jerusalem for Christians and Mecca for Muslims. Lumbini is where Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace and light of Asia, was born in 623 BC. Historically, the region is a precious treasure dating from the pre-Christian era.
Arrival and check-in at the hotel.
You will visit the half-buried Ashoka pillar, which stands 6m high. Excavations to find the birthplace of Buddha are conducted at the site of the former temple dedicated to his mother, Maya Devi. A sculpted stone found in the temple after its collapse represents the birth of Buddha. Lumbini houses Buddhist monasteries from China, Japan, Korea, Tibet, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Burma, India, and Nepal.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 7 : Lumbini
After breakfast, you discover the sacred garden of Lumbini. It was here, in the gardens of Lumbini, that Prince Siddhartha Gautam, who later became Buddha, was born in 623 BC. The birthplace is marked by a commemorative pillar erected by the Maurya Emperor Ashoka of India during his pilgrimage to the holy site in 249 BC.
In the afternoon, you visit the Maya Devi Temple and the sacred Pushkar pool, where Buddha's mother is said to have bathed before giving birth to him, as well as the numerous monasteries built by devotees from across Asia.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 8 : Lumbini / Chitwan (170 km / 6h)
After breakfast, you depart for Chitwan. Chitwan National Park is recognized as one of the best-managed parks in all of Asia. It counts no fewer than 50 species of mammals, 55 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 525 species of birds. The wildlife thriving here includes numerous species and it is also one of the last refuges of the Royal Bengal tiger.
In the afternoon, you go on an elephant-back safari to explore the jungle and wildlife within the reserve.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 9 : Chitwan
After breakfast, you will participate in several activities, including a jungle walk, a canoe ride, and a visit to a tribal village.The jungle walk allows you to explore various landscapes, ranging from flooded meadows to dense forests, where you have the opportunity to spot animals at your own pace.
During the walk, you will also have the chance to discover different types of plants and herbs. Naturalists will provide detailed descriptions of the park's wildlife and flora. Then, you will take a canoe ride. Floating on the river in a canoe is the best way to discover the habitat of the riverbank crocodiles.
It's a relaxing way to see different types of aquatic birds and wildlife that approach the riverbank to drink water. Lunch at the hotel.
You will then take a walk near the village of Tharu, where the inhabitants are an indigenous people of Terai. All the buildings have different architectural styles, constructed with natural materials found in the surroundings: straw, wood, and mud. The villages are often peaceful, non-industrial refuges, where the inhabitants engage annually in an agricultural cycle.
In the evening, you will attend a folk dance performance by a local tribe.The villagers from the surrounding areas will showcase their traditional and melodious tribal dance skills. Your participation is highly recommended.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 : Chitwan / Dhulikhel (210 km / 7h)
After breakfast, you will depart for Dhulikhel, an authentic town primarily inhabited by Newar people, renowned for its panoramic views of the Himalayas, Everest, and Langtang.
Once the district's capital, Dhulikhel is also the town of gods and goddesses, as evidenced by several surrounding temples dedicated to Harisiddhi, Vishnu, and Krishna. From the Bhagwati-Shiva temple on the hill overlooking the town, the panorama is splendid. You will witness the work of potter artisans installed under the arcades of the main square.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 : Dhulikhel / Panauti / Dhulikhel (22 km / 1h)
After breakfast, you will visit Panauti. Situated on a ridge, the town offers a magnificent panorama of the Himalayan range. The pink light of the morning rivals the beauty of the flamboyant sunsets against the backdrop of eternal snow. The magical spectacle of grandiose nature is offered to you in the crystalline silence of dawn or dusk.
You will discover Namo Buddha, a hill overlooking the small medieval town of Panauti. The Buddha himself is said to have appeared at this place to donate his flesh to a hungry tigress to feed her cubs. A massive statue and a stupa have been erected here to commemorate this episode of Buddha's life.
You will continue to the town of Panauti, a charming medieval city with a special charm where its 15th-century temple, built in pure Nepalese style, is listed as a UNESCO heritage site. The Brahma Yani temple, built in the 17th century, is also very interesting.
You will thus discover old houses with astonishing stucco decorations. Return to Dhulikhel.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 : Dhulikhel / Changu Narayan / Bhaktapur / Kathmandu (45 km / 2h)
After breakfast, you will depart for the village of Changu Narayan and its beautiful sanctuary with rich decorations.
The current temple building, perched on a rocky promontory, dates from 1702, but its foundation origins date back to the 4th century. Featuring rich decorations and dedicated to Vishnu, it is exceptionally beautiful with its double roof, goddess sculptures, guardian lions, and the god Garuda.
You will continue to Bhaktapur, a true city-museum. Alexandra David-Néel was fascinated by the beauty of the monuments in this medieval city:"There is something unreal about the buildings we find ourselves in. It feels like being on a theater stage, amid the scenery. One expects to hear a whistle and see stagehands suddenly remove these fantastic palaces and temples."
You will discover the fabulous monuments of Bhaktapur and stroll through the streets where each house offers some unusual detail. Arrival and check-in at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 13 : Kathmandu / Return flight
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kathmandu airport for your return flight.