Nepal Round Tour

Our Nepal Round Tour is an incredible opportunity for all travellers because it includes an opportunity for people to Nepal’s diverse cultures, religions, and the warmth of Nepal’s multiple ethnic groups. This tour offers visits to the country UNESCO sites, and numerous historical cities. These include the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur, Patan, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Pokhara Valley, Palpa Tansen, Chitwan, Lumbini, Gorkha, Manakamana, and Daman. As with all of Himalayan Joy Adventure’s trips, we will design a trip that meets your needs and dreams but all trips are sure to include Nepal’s incredible natural beauty. From towering mountains, sunsets, and temples, our Nepal Round Tour will provide our travellers with an opportunity to see the incredible diversity of Nepal. 

Each region and city in Nepal are unique. The Kathmandu Valley is not only the capital city of Nepal but a place full of temples and historical sites, including seven UNESCO world heritage sites. These include Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and much more. Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha provides an opportunity to explore Nepal’s religious history. Pokhara situated on the calm Fewa Lake, offer travellers with places to relax and unwind while taking in views of the Himalayas, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchhre, Lamjung Himal and many others. Pokhara is also found in the international mountain museum, Seti River, and Mahendra Cave. Chitwan is the oldest national park of Nepal and offers traveller’s a wide array of jungle activities, including elephant safaris, jeep safaris, nature walks, bird-watching, and boating. 

Himalayan Joy Adventure’s Nepal Round Tour is a rare opportunity for travellers to experience the many regions of Nepal.

DAY 01: ARRIVAL AT AIRPORT IN KATHMANDU THEN, TRANSFER TO HOTEL

A Himalayan Joy Adventure representative will greet you at the Tribhuwan International Airport upon your arrival and provide transportation to your hotel. After checking into your room and refreshing, our HJA representative will describe the details regarding your tour. Then, you can visit the tourist hub in Thamel. There are many places to shop for trekking/tour gear and souvenirs. In the evening, Himalayan Joy Adventure will host a welcome dinner at the typical Nepali restaurant with a Nepali cultural dance. After dinner, you will be dropped off at your hotel.

DAY 02: SIGHTSEEING IN KATHMANDU VALLEY

Kathmandu durbar square: - Kathmandu Durbar Square duly recognised as a world Heritage site by UNESCO this particular area lies in the heart of this city. The locals know this area by its old name ‘Hanuman Dhoka’ palace square; an ancient seat of the Nepalese Royalty.The name Hanuman Dhoka Durbar came from the statue of Hanuman established by King Pratap Malla at the entrance of the royal palace in 1672 A.D. The nine - storey residence (which was destroyed by the last earthquake) built by King Privithivi Narayan Shah in 1770, is called Basantapur Durbar Square.The whole complex is known as Kathmandu Durbar Square. The palace complex was originally founded during the Lichchhvi period, but as it stands today most of it was constructed by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century. The Durbar Square area is actually made up two sub-areas. The outer complex is renowned for numerous interesting temples as Kumari Ghar, Kasthmandap, Shiv-Parvati temple, Jagannath Temple, Big Bell etc. While the inner complex comprises the old palace area, Hanuman – Dhoka and its courtyards as Nasal chowk, Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, Lohan Chowk, Mohan Chowk, Basntapur and other notable being the Taleju Temple dedicated to the female royal deity. The site is enlisted in the World Heritage Site of UNESCO along with other six monument zones of the Kathmandu valley in October 1979.Besides the magnificent temples and shrines, other interesting aspects are various festivals, cultural activities and traditions people are following from centuries, which are presented in the Durbar Square. The major festivals including Indrajatra, Dashain, Gaaijatra, Machchhindra-nath Jatra etc

Swayambhunath:- Swoyambhunath lies three-kilometer west of Kathmandu city. It is one of the best known Buddhist shrines. It is said to be 2000 years old. It is also known among visitors aa ‘monkey temple’. The main structure of the stupa is made up of brick and clay which supports a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. There are all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha on the four sides of a spire. Being situated seventy meters above the level of the valley, the hill of Swoyambhunath is a mosaic of small Stupa and pagoda temples. Aside, in front of the temple, one of the famous goddess with the shrine of Ajima called ‘Harati mata’. This temple of goddess believes to be famous in the way of tantric. Both the stupa of Lord Buddha and temple of a goddess are surrounded by other temples and Tibetan monasteries.

Pashupatinath Temple: - Pashupatinath temple is one of the famous Hindu temples in the world. The temple is situated 5 kilometres east from the heart of the Kathmandu, on the banks of sacred Bagmati River. Being one of the most important Hindu temples, this is a centre of annual pilgrimage. From the time immemorial, the Pashupatinath area contains numerous temples, stupas, monasteries, images and inscriptions. The area is not only a pilgrimage site for the Hindus but also an important cultural treasure for the whole world. However, only Hindus are permitted to enter from the main gate.

Boudhanath: - Bouddhantha Stupa is one of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal. Boudhanath is an imposing structure standing some 36 meters. The Stupa stands on the massive three level Mandala style platform surrounded by colourful private family houses. The basic feature of this great stupa is very much like that of Swoyambhunath stupa except its final displaying. It is much bigger than Swayambhunath Stupa. This stupa is said to have been built in 5th century AD. Boudhanath stupa has been rebuilt which was damaged by a devastating earthquake in 2015. 

Day 03: SIGHTSEEING IN PATAN THEN DRIVE TO NAGARKOT

Patan Durbar Square: - Patan Durbar Square is located on a lovely little plateau across the Bagmati. It is situated 7 kilometre south-east of Kathmandu. This city is roughly inhabited by some 1.2 million people. It is considered to be the oldest of the city in Kathmandu valley. This city was founded in 3rd century AD. This is known to be the city of fine arts having hundreds of fascinating Hindu and Buddhist monuments scattered in and around. The most important monument no doubt is Patan Durbar Square, recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The square has been described as one of the most picturesque collections of buildings that have been set up so small place by the piety of oriental man. Most of the monuments in this square date back to the medieval Malla period 15th to 17th century, known to be the golden period of Nepalese art and architecture. The important things to be seen in this area include the golden gate and the golden window of the old palace, the beautiful piece of traditional metal crafts, the famed Krishna temple with 21 golden pinnacles, the Royal bath of Sundari chowk, a perfect piece of the classic work in stone. Royal Taleju temple, Viswa Nath temple and Char Narayan temple are the finest examples of the unique craftsmanship in wood; the temple of Bhimsen with the magnificent golden balcony overlooking the square outside plus many other shrines and sculptures scattered in and around the square.

Nagarkot: - There are various places around the edge of the Kathmandu Valley offering great mountain views. One of such areas is Nagarkot. Whereby, it does not only provide magnificent views of Himalayas but also the resort village of Nagarkot. It is generally held to be the best mountain watchers makes their way up to the village, stays overnight in one of Nagarkot's lodges or hotels than rising at dawn to see the sun appear over the Himalayas. Nagarkot is popular tourist resort of Nepal. It is situated some 32 Kilometres east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2175m above the sea level. The panorama of the major peaks of eastern Nepal Himalayas including Mt. Everest can be seen from here. Himalayan peaks like Manaslu (8463m) Ganesh Himal (7111m) Langtang (7246m) Gaurishanker (7134m) can also clearly seen from Nagarkot. A motorable road links Nagarkot with Bhaktapur. 

Day 04: HIKE TO CHAGUNARAYAN AND SIGHTSEEING IN BHAKTAPUR THEN DRIVE TO DHULIKHEL

Changunarayan Temple: - The temple of Changu Narayan is situated on the hillock of Dolagiri on the northern part of Bhaktapur. It is one of the oldest temples in Nepal situated at an altitude of 5000 ft. This temple has its distinct historical and architectural significance. The most authentic and oldest ever inscription is located in the precinct of Changu Narayan. The oldest inscription dated 464 AD is a credited to have been set up by Lichchshavi King Manadeva. The erection of Garuda Piller by Manadeva is an expression of his devotion and reverence to Chang Narayan as learnt from the inscription, points that the temple of Changu Narayan was built sometime before 464 AD.

Bhaktapur: - Bhaktapur Durbar Square is situated at an altitude of 1,401 meters above sea level. Bhaktapur is a unique and old town in the valley. This city is divided into 24 traditional localities covering an area of 5 square kilometres. Founded by King Anand Dev in 889 AD Bhaktapur is said to have been built in the shape of conch shell a sacred symbol of Lord Vishnu. The word Bhaktapur means the city of devotees. Before the unification of Nepal, Bhaktapur was an independent principality ruled by the Malla Kings, who were very much devoted to religion, culture and art. During the period many magnificent temples and mansions were built. This period is remembered as the golden period in the Nepalese art and remains a unique example.

Dhulikhel: - Dhulikhel is an ancient town located at 30 km east of Kathmandu along the Kathmandu - Kodari or Arniko Highway (way to Tibet).  It is famous for its scenic beauty and tradition-- a lovely place. From this place, one can have a complete panoramic view of the snowy ranges of the Annapurna range, Langtang, Choba Bhamre, Gaurishanker, Number Karyolung among others. From Dhulikhel, you also can have a good view of the sunrise. 

DAY 05: SIGHTSEEING IN NAMOBUDDHA AND PANAUTI THEN DRIVE BACK TO KATHMANDU

Namobuddha: - Namobuddha is situated on the hill above Panauti. It is especially famed for hiking and meditation. Whereby situated of Buddhist monastery called ‘Namobuddha’. There is an amazing story concerning Buddha being commemorated by an ancient stone slab and a stupa with the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is an ideal place for in meditation. It is located about two and a half hours north of Dhulikhel on foot, near the tops of jungle ridge. During February-March Tibetans and Bhotias arrive here for praying. A trial leads up to a bigger Tibetan gompa on the top the hill of the Namo Buddha. According to the fable Buddha, in one of his previous lives as a hunter, encountered a starving tigress and her cubs here, and moved by compassion, offered his own flesh to her, a sacrifice that helped pave the way for his eventual rebirth as the historical Buddha. The stupa is supposed to contain the hunter's bones and hair.

Panauti: - Panauti is a Valley about 36km away from Kathmandu; the small town sits at the junction of the Roshi Khola and Panauti Khola. Like Allahabad in India, a third invisible river, the Padmavati is said to join the other two at the confluence. A popular tradition asserts that the entire town is built on a single piece of solid stone, making it resistant to earthquake.

Panauti once stood at the junction of important trading routes and had a royal palace in its main square. Today it’s just a quiet backwater, but is all the more interesting for that. The village has retained and restored much of its traditional architecture and has a number of interesting temples, one of which may be the oldest in Nepal. After every 12 years, there held a big festival known as “Makar Mela” which festival is celebrated for a month. There are some interesting temples such as Indreshwar Mahadev Temple, Krishna Narayan Temple and the 17th-century Brahmayani Temple, which is the chief goddess of the village and her image is drawn around the town each year in the town’s chariot festival.

DAY 06: DRIVE TO MANAKAMANA THEN POKHARA

Manakamana Temple/ Cable car: - Manakamana Temple is one of the most important temples in Nepal. It is a tiny hamlet, an Austrian-engineered cable car sweeps up an almost impossibly steep hillside. This temple is dedicated to goddess Bhagwati. Hindus believe the goddess Bhagwati, an incarnation of Parvati, has the power to grant wishes and newlyweds flock here to pray for male children. Pilgrims seal the deal by sacrificing a goat or pigeon in a gory pavilion behind the temple. There’s even a dedicated carriage on the cable car for sacrificial goats.

The temple was built in the tiered Pagoda style of the Kathmandu valley, the temple dates back to the 17^th century and the atmosphere is electric, particularly on feast days, when Manakamana almost vanishes under a sea of pilgrims, pigeons and sacrificial goats. For a view of the Himalayas, continue uphill for about 3km past the small Shive temple to Lakhan Thapa Cave, a sacred cave offering uninterrupted views of the mountains.  

Pokhara: - Pokhara is the paradise for everyone, as one can see its heavenly surroundings with beautiful snow capped mountains, a magnificent lake of crystal-clear pure Himalayan water.  Pokhara is situated 200 kilometres west of Kathmandu, at an altitude of 827 meters from sea level. This is one of the picturesque spots in Nepal. Pokhara offers magnificent views of the mountains namely-- Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Manaslu, five peaks of Annapurna among others. This is one of the few places in the world that provides such a dramatic view in a sub-tropical setting. The lakes around the valley offer tourists various activities like fishing, boating and swimming. Therefore, the tour in Pokhara is to have fond in life. Pokhara is the second largest valley after Kathmandu in Nepal. It is famous for its lakes and views of the magnificent Himalayan peaks similarly, many temples and stupas around.

DAY 07: SIGHTSEEING IN POKHARA VALLEY 

The following places are the main sights in Pokhara.

World Peace Stupa, International Mountain Museum, Davi’s Fall, Sarangkot For sunrise & and sunset, Binadabasini Temple, Taal Barahi Temple, Tibetan Refugee camp, Old Market, Seti George and Bat Cave.

DAY 08: DRIVE TO PALPA TANSEN

Palpa: - Palpa is located on the highway between Butwal and Pokhara (129km away from Pokhara), on the crest of the Mahabharat Range or slighter Himalaya overlooking the valley of the Kaligandaki River to the north. The highway bypasses the town centre on the west, protecting walker facilities in the central maze of steep, narrow, winding alleys lined with Newari shop-Houses and temples. Palpa is famous for the textiles, Karuwa (bronze pot), historic durbar (palace), biggest entrance gate of Asia and local Newari culture.

Nearby Srinagar Danda (hill) offers a panoramic view of the high Himalayas. From west to east, Kanjiroba, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Mansiri, Ganesh and Langtang groups are in sight. Other nearby attractions include Ranighat, a Rana palace next to the Kaligandaki River, and Ridi Bazaar, a major Hindu pilgrimage destination at the auspicious confluence of the Kaligandaki and Ridi Rivers. A large mela is held there on Maghe Sankranti.

DAY 09: DRIVE TO LUMBINI

Lumbini: - Lumbini is popular among Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal.  Lumbini package tour offers incredible lifetime experience for pilgrimage travellers. Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha is not only famous for Buddhist pilgrimage travellers alone but also popular for having views of the beautiful architecture namely of Maya Devi temple, Ashok stupa, Lumbini Buddha garden, more than 22 countries’ monasteries. Lumbini is listed in the World Heritage Monument List by UNESCO. Lumbini holds the historical and religious significance of Nepal.

Ashoka Pillar-built in the year 259BC, this pillar was built by King Ashok, who was Buddhist. When he constructed this pillar, the King exempted the villagers from paying tax and gave out 100 golden coins to the people. In the seventh century, the pillar was struck by lightning and split into two parts. The site was lost for six centuries and covered with dense forest before being re-found in 1895. The place was cleared and the pillar reconstructed. Maya Devi Temple-This temple is supposed to be dedicated to Maya Devi, who is Buddha’s mother, which seems natural as Lumbini in famed as the birthplace of Buddha. The temple was built during the 2nd century. Next, to the temple, there is a pool where Maya Devi used to bath. The Crane Sanctuary - a sanctuary is being built for the protection and breeding of endangered cranes in this area. It’s an interesting place to visit. The Sacred garden - is the beautiful area around the Asoka pillar where you can spend sometimes, relaxing and wondering around.

The most important Buddhist celebration at Lumbini is the annual Buddha Jayanti festival in April or May when many Buddhists come here to celebrate the birth of the Buddha. Pilgrims also come here to worship each Purnima (the night of the full moon) and Ashtami (the eighth night after the full moon).

DAY 10: DRIVE TO CHITWAN

Chitwan National Park: - Chitwan National Park is located in the subtropical Inner Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal in the Chitwan District. It is the first national park in Nepal established in 1973 and listed in a World Heritage Site in 1984.Chitwan means literally the heart of Jungle.The Chitwan National Park offers a wilderness of rich ecosystem that includes mammals, reptiles, birds and many others. This is one of the most popular and most visited oldest national parks in Nepal. There are about 526 birds, 600 plants species, 49 amphibians, reptiles and 50 mammals inside the park. The park is famous for one-horned rhino and royal Bengal tigers, which are endangered species animals. Besides that, wild dogs, wild cats, languor, monkey, deer, leopards and wild boar. The endangered amphibians Gharial, Mugger crocodiles and different kind of reptiles including python can be seen in the park. The forest is alive While winter birds include waterfowl, Brahmi ducks, pintails, bar- headed geese, cormorants and migratory birds from Siberia, during summer with the arrival of migrated birds paradise flycatcher, Indian pina and parakeets.

Chitwan National Park offers many different activities such as jungle walk, jeep safari, canoeing, elephant safari, elephant bathing, bird watching, sunset from the Riverbank, Tharu cultural walk etc. The Tharu cultural dance is very knowledgeable and meaningful while showing their typical stick dance, Jhamta dance, Peacock dance and more.

Day 11: CONTINUE PROGRAMS IN CHITWAN

DAY 12: DRIVE TO SINGBHANJYANG 2478M, DAMAN

Daman: - Daman is a small hilly tourist attraction place on the Tribhuvan Highway in central Nepal, about 77 kilometres (48 mi) south-west of Kathmandu, at an elevation of 2,322 meters. Daman has spectacular views of the entire Himalayas range, extending on a good day from Dhaulagiri in the west to Mount Everest in the east. During winter, snowfall occurs in the hills, augmenting the beauty of the village. Since the village lies on the outskirts of Kathmandu, it provides a great opportunity for the trekkers residing in Kathmandu to observe its beauty and use it for means of recreation. Different varieties of Rhododendron are available here.

There are several sights to detour, the tiny Shree Rikheswar Mahadev Temple, sacred to Shiva. On the way, one can drop into a gorgeous little Gompa (Buddhist monastery) in an open space of trees draped with thousands of prayer flags. There is a Botanical garden in Daman and different varieties of Rhododendron are available around here.  

DAY 13: DRIVE TO KATHMANDU

You will drive back to Kathmandu through the village of Palung and enjoy the view of cultivated fields along the roadside. The road descends to Naubise where you will catch the Prithivi highway then continue on to the Kathmandu valley.

DAY 14: FINAL DEPARTURE 

Himalayan Joy Adventure will drop at the Tribhuwan International Airport terminal with sufficient time to check in for your flight. We hope that you had an incredible time during  13 days Nepal Round Tour and please share your experiences with us on Trip Advisor or email. We always welcome all feedbacks and hope that you had an experience of a lifetime with us! Have a safe flight!