Introduction to Kathmandu

Kathmandu(1400m) history dates back an impressive 2000 years. It is located centrally in Kathmandu Valley with its metropolitan area consistings of three cities: Kathmandu (Kantipur), Patan and Bhatapur. Thamel the old part of the city with quaint short and narrow streets, numerous nooks and crannies contains hotels, restaurants, offices and shops. Durbar Square, world heritage site, is important and fascinating place to visit, containing numerous Hindu temples, statutes of various Hindu deities and the palace of Kumari, the living goddess. Other important place is Pashupatinath, the biggest Hindu temple in the world, considered the most significant for Hindu followers attracting numerous pilgrims and colourful Sadus; for many Hindu it is a preferred cremation site on banks of Bagmati River. There are two significant Buddhist Gompas in Kathmandu Swayambhunath and Baudhanath, and also world heritage sites. Nagarkot, the highest hill in the range surrounding Kathmandu Valley, some 35km from the city centre offers unprecedented view on Langtang range and some of the giants beyond the range such as Annapurna, Manaslu, Cho Oyu and Shishapangma.

Introduction to Pokhara

History of Pokhara is linked with an important old trading route between China and India. In 17th centaury Pokhara was a part of very influential Kingdom of Kaski ruled by Shah Dynasty. Pokhara Valley is a home to ethnic groups of Brahmin, Gurung and Newar who are predominantly Hindu with a minority of Buddhists in particularly of Tibetan origin. It is one of the most spectacular valleys in Nepal, where two 8000m peaks Annapurna(8091m) and Dhaulagiri(8167m) raise up dramatically within 30km from Pokhara(1000m) forming incredibly picturesque vista over the Phewa Tal (lake). At Sarangkot (1680m) you will experience the golden sunrise view of Annapurna and magnificent vista of Lake Phewa and city of Pokhara. There will be optional activity of paragliding back to Pokhara on 45 minutes para-flight tandem. We also visit the amazing Bidubashini temple complex, Old Market, David’s Fall with Hindu Grotto Temple and the cave and Tibetan Buddhist monastery.

Introduction to Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park the first national park in Nepal formerly called Royal Chitwan National Park it was established in 1973 and granted the status of a World Heritage Site in 1984. It covers an area of 932 sq km and is located in the subtropical Inner Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal in the Chitwan district. In altitude it ranges from about 100 metres (330 ft) in the river valleys to 815 metres (2,674 ft) in the Churia Hills. The park contains rich fauna and flora including exotic and endangered Bengal Tigers, Crocodile spices, Indian Rhino and Elephants. The stay and activities inside park are organised and controlled by the rangers to ensure safety of visitors and environmental protection and include elephant bathing rituals and safaris, bird watching, jungle walks and canoeing. The park also offers informative slideshow, introduction to local culture with the Tharu traditional dance shows. The rivers feeding to Chitwan allow a number of options for spectacular rafting adventures on Seti and Treshuli Rivers.

Introduction to Lumbini

Lumbini a small town in Western Terrai plains, the birthplace of Lord Buddha has been declared by UNESCO a world heritage site due to its historical, archaeological and cultural significance. In Lumbini you will experience Buddhist spirituality and see 2500 years old archaeological site; you will travel on rickshaw to see amazing monastic area funded by Buddhist communities from many countries in the world. In accordance to Buddhist tradition Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama in 563BC, who as Buddha Gautama founded Buddhist tradition. You will see well preserved archaeological ruins under the Maya Devi temple including the marker of exact spot of Buddha’s birth as designated by Buddhist scholars. You will also see the pond next to the temple where accordance to Buddhist believes Queen Maya Devi took a ritual bath before giving birth. During times of Buddha Lumbini was a garden area, where Buddha conducted his teachings. The garden area has been restored and the antiquities have been dutifully preserved.