Compare Nepal Adventure by Intrepid Travel vs Historical City Tour by Glorious Himalaya Trekking
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Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 10 days | 5 days |
Price From | $ 1,775 | Check price |
Price Per Day | $ 178 | Check price |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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Countries Visited | ||
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
Description |
Capture the spirit of Nepal on a stupa-endous journey rich in history, culture, and spiritual exploration. Witness the wind catch prayer flags amid mountainous backdrops, trek through changing landscapes to beautiful Buddhist monasteries, explore ancient trading towns deep in the Kathmandu Valley, and relax in a village retreat surrounded by Himalayan vistas. Then, before you get too zen – experience the thrill of rafting down the Trisuli river and spend a night camping under the Nepalese stars. From the labyrinth of bustling bazaars that crowd Kathmandu to the tranquil ambiance that encircles hill-top temples, it will be hard not to feel enlightened on this breathtaking adventure, Namaste! |
Historical Tour of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur city takes you through landmarks of the oldest cities of Nepal, as well as to the richness of Nepal’s history, where you will be aware how the architectures of Nepal built such distinctive and magnificent monuments that come under the category of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visiting all the official sites known as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Swyambhunath, Bouddhanath, Pashupatinath, and Changunarayan temple, you will be mesmerized and retain their difference on the back of your mind that thinks beyond your limit and that loves to point out the difference between the Nepali historical monuments and the historical monuments that are in Egypt and Venice. Furthermore, historical tour of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur extends to include a viewpoint called Nagarkot, which offers a panoramic view of mountains, including Everest. In addition to this, it also offers a breath-taking view of sunrise and sunset. Depending on your needs, this viewpoint seems to be readily and naturally made for you to have an up-close view of lush hills, middle valleys, and snow-covered mountains. |
Day 1 Kathmandu
Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. If you arrive early today, why not explore Kathmandu – an incredible mixture of legend and modern development with a rich artistic and cultural heritage. Narrow lanes lead to small squares and courtyards where ornately carved balconies overlook shrines and temples. Buzzing markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life, where stalls and small hole-in-the-wall shops sell everything from bangles to Buddhas to beetroot. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After, why not get to know your new travel buddies over a plate of momo – Nepal’s answer to dumplings.
Day 2 Kathmandu
This morning, take a walking heritage tour of Kathmandu’s old bazaars – Hanuman Dhoka and Durbar Square. The labyrinth of backstreets and alleys leading from one bazaar, or ‘chowk’, to another is a true highlight of the city. Visit one of the holiest Hindu temples in the world – Pashupatinath – and let your leader bring the fascinating story behind this temple to life. Nearby is the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal. Follow the pilgrims' circle around the stupa, spinning the prayer wheels and if you like, take the opportunity to offer your prayers to Lord Buddha by lighting a traditional butter lamp at the main entryway. There may be the option for lunch at a rooftop restaurant with an enticing view over the stupa, followed by free time this afternoon to continue exploring Kathmandu at your own pace.
Day 3 Bhaktapur
Journey further afield from chaotic Kathmandu to the medieval town of Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur preserves the old-world charm of the Kathmandu Valley. Its timeless craftsmanship is evident in its temples and squares, and its people are still fiercely devoted to the ways of life and faith passed on from their ancestors. Enjoy an afternoon walking tour of the town, including the temples of Taumadhi Tole and Durbar Square, then spend the rest of the time exploring on your own. Tonight, you’ll stay in Bhaktapur.
Day 4 Balthali
Head to the fringes of the Kathmandu Valley, stopping at the ancient town of Panauti before reaching Khopasi. From here, you can stretch your legs on a 1-hour hike through the thick forest or continue by 4WD to the hill-top village of Balthali. A world away from the ‘Coca-Cola’ hub of Thamel, this peaceful community nestled within a setting of verdant hills and lush rice paddies remains largely undiscovered. Soak up the tranquil ambience as you relax in your accommodation for the night, with its commanding views of villages and farms and the mighty Himalayas rising on the horizon.
Day 5 Namobuddha
Pack a daypack ready for your hike today, while your main luggage is transported to your next destination – Namobuddha. Make your way off-road, cutting through the vast terraced fields, followed by a sharp descent. Continue along the trail bridge, where you’ll meet a steep, uphill winding track through open pastures and onto the dirt track that leads to Panauti. Pass a few villages, briefly entering a dense forest, then prepare to be wowed by the revered Buddhist pilgrimage site of Namobuddha. Visit the stupa and impressive Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery before settling into your accommodation for the night.
Day 6 Trisuli River
After breakfast, leave Namobuddha and follow Kathmandu Road to the Trisuli River – the launching place for your two-day rafting experience. Meet the crew who will run through the safety briefing and prepare you for the adventure. Trisuli River is an ideal introduction for first-time rafters, with reasonably calm waters and only minor rapids – meaning you can relax and really enjoy the ride! Soak up the scenery (and the splashes) as you traverse impressive gorges and beautiful valleys. Depending on the water conditions, you’ll be on the river for approximately 4 hours, with a stop for lunch. Tonight, you’ll stay in a permanent tented camp on the riverside and enjoy a group dinner.
Day 7 Trisuli River/ Chitwan
After breakfast, continue your rafting adventure and drift along clear Himalayan white water, occasionally battling the rapids (and maybe your fellow rafters). Your rafting experience will finish around lunch. Say goodbye to your crew and put on your safari hat as the group drives down to the lowlands and onto Chitwan National Park. UNESCO declared this park a World Heritage site in 1984, and it offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Asia. Look out for rhinos, deer, monkeys, beers and a wide array of birdlife here, including the infamous Nepalese wild chicken. Your accommodation here is a real treat – built in traditional Tharu village style, you’ll be surrounded by nature and the exotic sounds of the jungle.
Day 8 Chitwan National Park
Today is all about exploring Chitwan National Park and discovering the wildlife that lies within. After breakfast, hop aboard a jeep and take a 4-hour safari drive through the park – if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of one of the Shere Khan-esque Bengal tigers that call the park home. After your safari, you’ll float down the Rapti River in a dugout canoe, keeping an eye out for the great Indian rhino as well as deer, exotic bird life and the marsh mugger crocodiles that inhabit the riverbanks. A birdwatching walk through the forest and across the grasslands is also a great way to connect to the land. Later, you’ll attend a cultural performance before heading to your jungle resort for dinner.
Day 9 Kathamndu
After breakfast, this morning is free to explore the jungle or go birdwatching. This afternoon, take a transfer to Kathmandu. When you arrive, you can join a walk through the backstreets and the vibrant local markets of the city to Ashan Bazar and Indra Chowk near Kathmandu Durbar Square. See the old royal palace and numerous beautiful temples nearby, and browse the stalls of merchant's wares. Hunt for the perfect souvenir (Tibetan prayer flags, Thanka paintings, singing bowls and pashmina shawls are popular) and perfect your bargaining skills. Tonight, maybe grab your group for a farewell feast of momo (dumplings) to celebrate an incredible trip.
Day 10 Kathmandu
Your trip ends after breakfast today, and you can leave any time after checkout. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.
Day1 : Arrival in Kathmandu Airport(1360m)
After your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu city then you will be warmly greeted by our office representative and transfer to the Hotel. After check in and get some refreshment, our office staff will give a brief explanation about day to day historical city tour. Overnight at hotel included bed and breakfast.
Day2 : Bhaktapur sightseeing Tour and drive to Nagarkot
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of the important and highly visited UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One and half hour is enough to explore the attractions of this palace, such as 55 windows palace, golden gate, lion’s gate, Natyapola temple and Bhairava Nath temple. From here, you head towards Nagarkot which is a famous destination to witness the exceptional view of sunrise and sunset over mountains. Overnight at hotel with full board meals.
Day3 : Patan Durbar Square sightseeing tour
After observing splendid Mountain View, as well as sunrise early in the morning, you drive towards Patan. Patan Durbar Square is one of the important UNESCO world heritage sites. This square is an ancient royal palace of Lalitpur kings and is a marvel of Newari architecture. The main attractions of this palace are Krishna temple, Bhimsen temple, Taleju Bhawani temple and Bishwonath temple. Overnight at hotel inclusive breakfast.
Day4 : Pashupatinath/Swyambhunath/Kathmandu Square & Bouddhanath sightseeing tour
After breakfast, our city guide will take you to the monuments and places that come under the category of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu. You will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you might see "Kumari", the living goddess, as well as visit pagoda style temples. After that you will visit Pashupatinath temple, one of the biggest and popular Hindus temples of Nepal and thousands of devotees visit this temple every day. You might see cremation taking place on the bank of the Bagmati River. From here, you move towards Bouddhanath stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world where over 50 Tibetan Gompas or monasteries are located. Back to hotel for overnight with breakfast and farewell dinner.
Day5 : Deparrture Day
Our airport representative will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the airport in a private car. You will reach the airport before 3 hours of your departure time.