Compare Extension: The Splendor of Nepal by Road Scholar

Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu, Transfer to Dhulikhel, Explore Dhulikhel

This program is an extension to program # 22519 (Highlights of India: Discover Delhi, Agra, Jaipur & Varanasi). Early morning flight from Varanasi to Kathmandu via Delhi. Flight time from Varanasi to Delhi is 1.5 hours and from Delhi to Kathmandu is 2 hours. Once in Kathmandu, the drive to Dhulikhel is approximately 1.5 hours. The walk around Dhulikhel is less than ½ mile on paved roads with occasional uphill and downhill sections.

Upon arrival in Dhulikhel we check in to our hotel. Our Group Leader will then conduct a program orientation to go through the itinerary, review safety guidelines and answer any questions. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. During this program extension, our field trips will be led by our Group Leader unless specified otherwise. Please be aware that indicated times are approximate and that program activities and schedules could change due to local circumstances such as weather, traffic conditions, etc. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We board our motorcoach and ride to the old town of Dhulikel, were we can lose ourselves in time exploring cobbled lanes, ancient houses with sagging wooden frame works, intricate carvings, hidden temples and thriving market squares. Dhulikhel was once a major trading hub between Kathmandu, Tibet and India. Historically Dhulikhel was a Newar settlement, one of the major ethnic tribes in the Kathmandu Valley. Newars are the oldest and the most traditional of Nepal's ethnic groups and have a culture strongly based on religion, celebrated with a calendar of festivals. After discovering the old town, we board our motorcoach and transfer back to the hotel.

Enjoy the sunset view of the Himalayas from our hilltop resort. Settle in and get a good night’s rest for our day ahead.

Welcome Dinner with complimentary welcome drink. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Day 2 Morning Hike, School Visit Dhulikhel

Morning hike is approximately 2 miles/2 hours over mainly level dirt paths with some uneven terrain and a few small ascents and declines. Comfortable walking shoes required. If normally used when hiking, a walking stick would be helpful.

We set out with our Group Leader and take a short hike around Dhulikhel to view traditional Brahmin and Tamang Villages with a view of Panchkhal Valley and the surrounding landscape. The Tamang villagers still closely follow their traditional lifestyle and beliefs. We return to the hotel for a presentation on the religion and culture of Nepal, led by our Group Leader.

We board our motorcoach and set off to visit a local school. Here we learn about the Nepalese educational system. During our visit we will meet and interact with local students (visit subject to change based on school holidays and exam schedules).

At leisure.

We have an early morning start for those who wish to see sunrise over the Himalayas. At the hotel, we will have a buffet featuring a variety of hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.

At the hotel. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

At the hotel. Family-style meal. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Day 3 To Kathmandu, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhnath Temple Kathmandu

Walking approximately 2 miles over paved surfaces, a few uneven surfaces and some stairs.

We check out of our hotel and transfer to Kathmandu, arriving mid-morning. Once in Kathmandu we explore Pashupatinath, one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world. During the annual Shivaratri pilgrimage, thousands of devotees of Lord Shiva come from Hindu communities around the world to pay homage here.

After lunch, we explore Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated just beyond the Pashupatinath temple, it houses 108 Buddha images and 147 prayer wheel insets. The settlement of Boudhanath his home to a large community of Tibetans. We transfer to our Kathmandu hotel to check-in and relax. We come together in the early evening for a presentation on contemporary issues in Nepal, given by a local expert. Afterwards, we enjoy tea with university students to learn more about higher education in Nepal.

At leisure.

At the hotel. Buffet.

At a local restaurant. Family-style meal. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

At the hotel. We continue our conversations with university students over dinner. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Day 4 Swoyambhunath Stupa, Hanuman Square Kathmandu

Please note that in Durbar Square, some of the original shrines and monuments within the Square received significant damage during the earthquake of April 2015. Repairs are ongoing. Walking today for up to 2 miles on paved surfaces with a few uneven surfaces and some stairs at the sites.

Thsi morning we explore one of the icons of Kathmandu. Swayambhunath, the oldest Buddhist stupa — a place of meditation — was established more than 2,500 years ago and is also known as the Monkey Temple. With our Group Leader, we explore the stupa and learn about Nepalese Buddhism. Perched high on a hilltop, Swayambhunath commands a superb view of the entire Kathmandu Valley. Swayambhunath is also known as Sengu and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We transfer by motorcoach to Kathmandu Hanuman Dhoka (Kathmandu Durbar Square). Here we explore the many temples and monuments. With its old temples and palaces, Durbar Square epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that the kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Among the sites we visit are Taleju Temple, built by King MahendraMalla in A.D. 1549; the Temple of KalBhairav, the God of Destruction; Nasal Chowk; the GaddiBaithak; the statue of King Pratap Mallal; and the Jagannath Temple.

At leisure.

At the hotel. Buffet.

At a local restaurant. Family-style meal.

At own arrangements. This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on our own to enjoy what we like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Day 5 Patan Square, Patan Museum, Free Time Kathmandu

Walking up to 2 miles, mostly on paved paths with some uneven surfaces. For those participants intending to organize their own Mount Everest scenic flight, before breakfast this morning is the time to take this flight. This flight is not included in our program. Please refer to the Free Time section in your first Information Packet.

We transfer by motorcoach to Patan City, renowned for its marvelous monuments. Patan displays the sacred art of Nepal in an illustrious architectural setting. With our Group Leader, we explore Patan Square which is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings. We view Krishna Mandir, the only temple in Nepal having 21 spires and completely made of stone. We also visit Mahabouddha, a Buddhist temple made of clay bricks in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha are engraved. We also visit the Patan Museum. Here we can view exhibits that cover a long span of Nepal's cultural history, as well as the rare objects and cultural treasures for which Patan is famous.

We return to Kathmandu on our motorcoach. Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer other suggestions.

At leisure. Say farewell to new Road Scholar friends. Pack and prepare for departure tomorrow.

At the hotel. Buffet.

At the Patan Museum café. Family-style meal. The café has been crafted to complement the superb period ambience achieved by the architects and builders of the museum itself.

At a local restaurant. Family-style Farewell Dinner with complimentary farewell drink. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional drinks available for purchase.

Day 6 Free Time, Program Concludes In Flight

Hotel check-out 11:00am. Refer to the program’s travel details regarding transfers.

Free Morning. Hotel check-out 11:00am. Program concludes. Those who have booked their airfare through Road Scholar transfer by motorcoach to the airport for flights home. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

At the hotel. Buffet.

Day 7 In Transit From Program In Flight

Arrive North America.