Ethnic Tour

Upon arrival in Kathmandu at Tribhuvan International Airport, clients will be greeted by a Vistas Himalaya representative and will be transferred to hotel.
Rest of the day free. Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at the hotel

AM: Half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu also called the ‘City of Glory’. Visit includes, Durbar Square, Kasthamandap – said to be constructed from a single piece wood. KumariGhar – home to the world’s only living Goddess. Once a year, during IndraJatra festival, the King of Nepal seeks the Kumari’s blessing. A short visit to Bhairab – the God of destruction, Taleju Temple – built in 1549 AD and Hanuman Dhoka Palace. Thereafter visit Swayambhunath Stupa, said to be one of the oldest Buddhist Stupas in the World, which is majestically set high on a Hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley. It is nicknamed as the monkey temple after the tribe of monkeys that look after the hill and often amuses the visitors.

PM: Half-day sightseeing tour of Patan, the “City of Fine Arts”. Visit Durbar Square, Krishna Temple, built in 1637 AD, which holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan, it is the only temple in Nepal that has 21 spires and is entirely made of stone, Hiranyavarna Mahavira – the Golden Temple of Lord Buddha. Thereafter, visit Bungamati, a typical Newari village of 16th century situated in the foothills of the southern side of the valley, inhabited by Newari farmers, whose second occupation is wood carving, is still very far away from modern developments. An ideal location to see medieval village structure and lifestyle. Then continue the visit of another Newari town, Khokana, which is well known for the production of Mustard oil in traditional style.

Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at the hotel

AM: Half-day sightseeing tour of Dakshinkali, a shrine dedicated to the terrifying goddess Kali. Every Tuesday and Saturday thousands of people descends on the shrine to make offerings to the goddess. Though many people bring offerings of fruit, rice and flowers, Dakshinkali is better known as a place of animal sacrifices, primarily of goats and chickens. Thereafter, you will visit the self-emanating Tara in Pharping, which miraculously grows out of the rock face. Located at this site is the Gorakhnath cave that Buddhists believe a handprint and footprint in the cave were left by Padmasambava (monk who brought Buddhism to Tibet), though Hindus say it is the imprints of Goraknath, a famous Hindu believer. Just above the village stands the 17th Century VajraJogini Temple. Then continue visit Chovar Gorge from where water from Kathmandu valley drained.

PM: Half-day sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This massive temple complex sits alongside the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the courtyard of the temple, whereas tourists can see the temple from the eastern side of the Bagmati River. Afterwards, visit Boudhanath, a Buddhist Stupa said to be one of the largest in the world. This massive structure stands tall with four pairs of eyes each facing the four cardinal directions, watching for righteous behavior of mankind and for human prosperity.
Overnight at hotel

The breakfast at the hotel is followed by the transfer to the domestic airport for flight to Pokhara (30 minutes flight). Meet upon arrival in Pokhara and transfer to hotel.

The Pokhara valley is one of the most picturesque spots of Nepal. The beauty of the valley is enhanced by its lovely lakes Phewa, Begnas and Rupa, which have their source in the glacial region of the Annapurna Range of the Himalayas. The rest of the day is free to explore to the surrounding and lakeside area. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Early morning excursion to Sarangkot for the fabulous sunrise over the Himalayas from where one can witness mountains in the north and beautiful Phewa Lake in the south.

Sightseeing tour of Pokhara city, visit includes Devi’s Fall, MahendraGufa (cave), Bindhyabasini Temple, International Mountain Museum including 1-hour boating on Phewa Lake.Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Nagarkot via Kathmandu – 235 km (146 mi, approx. 7 hours) and check-in at hotel.

Rest of the day relax and evening magnificent sunset view from hotel premises.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning sunrise view from hotel premises followed by a walk to Nala for Dhulikhel, the interesting small town (approx. 4 hours downhill walk). Nala’sBhagwaati Temple dominates the central square of the town and is one of the very few four tiered temples in the Kathmandu valley. On the edge of the settlement is the Buddhist pagoda temple of Karunamaya, dedicated to Avalokiteshvara. From Nala, drive up to Dhulikhel. Check-in at hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, full day excursion to Namobuddha. The full day walk to one of the three main stupas visited by Tibetans is a pleasant hike through fields and villages. A short drive after breakfast takes you to Dhulikhel. From here you will walk about thirty minutes up to Devisthan; a small temple and excellent spot from where to view the Himalaya. After a short descent, a gradual climb of about ninety minutes brings you to Phulbari and picnic lunch with panoramic mountain views. Then it’s just a ten-minute walk to the legendary Namobuddha stupa.

Namobuddha, according to local legend, a prince discovered a starving tigress about to devour a boy. Out of compassion the prince offered his body to the tigress in the boy’s place. His remains are said to be enshrined in the main stupa, which is circled by pilgrims and gaily decorated with prayer flags. After exploring the area a walk about 2½ hrs takes you down to the charming medieval village of Panauti, a treasure house of ancient Newari architecture. From Panauti your vehicle will transport you back to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast pick-up from Dhulikhel and transfer to Kathmandu enroute visit the medieval city of Bhaktapur, also called the ‘City of Devotees’ where you will meander down narrow lanes past centuries old homes and temples. The tour will begin with a visit to Durbar Square, The Golden Gate, Places of 55 Windows, Lion’s Gate. The Nyatapola Temple, the tallest of its kind in Nepal, Bhairab Temple, the Pottery Centre and Dattatraya Temple.

Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Rest of the day free for individual activities or last minute shopping.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Free till departure transfer to international airport for onward flight.