Kathmandu and Pokhara with Rafting

It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from Yeti Holidays will meet you at the airport and escort you to your designated hotel. The representative will help you check into hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities.

Check In at Hotel.

Evening: Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city and Swayambhunath.

KATHMANDU CITY: Kasthamandap, the source of the name Kathmandu means ‘made from the timber of a single tree’. Also known as Kantipur, the capital Kathmandu is the hub of Nepal's art and culture. It is a place for rest, relaxation and easy-day sightseeing of historic and artistic temples and monuments. Kathmandu Durbar Square with its arrays of temples, Seto Machhindranath and the ancient palace of the former Nepali Royals enriches your experience of the centuries old civilisation.

SWAYAMBHUNATH STUPA:Said to be around 2000 years old, this Buddhist Stupa sits atop a hill. The main stupa is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire crowned by a pinnacle of Copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. The hill of Swayambhunath is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples. You’ll get a scenic view of Kathmandu city from there.

Overnight at Hotel.

Meals: None

After weak up at the hotel drive to Nagarkot for sun rise view [pack breakfast will be carried from the hotel]. Nagarkot is a village located about 25 miles east of Kathmandu, Nepal. It is located on the northeastern rim of the Kathmandu Valley at an elevation close to 6,800 feet above sea level. It is one of the most scenic spots in the region, renowned for its sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas. You can pick Mount Everest out with its snow-topped peaks on a clear day as there is an observation tower at the very top of the village’s hills.

Leave Nagarkot for Telkot for short trek with a pack lunch will start from Telkot to Changu Narayan Temple (2-3 hrs). Pick up from Changu Narayan Temple and drive to Kathmandu continue sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath temple and Boudhnath stupa.

PASHUPATINATH: Pashupati Temple stands in the center of the town of Deopatan, in the middle of an open courtyard. It is a square, two-tiered pagoda temple built on a single-tier plinth, and it stands 23.6 meters above the ground. Richly ornamented gilt and silver-plated doors are on all sides.

On both sides of each door are niches of various sizes containing gold-painted images of guardian deities. Inside the temple itself is a narrow ambulatory around the sanctum. The sanctum contains a one-meter high linga with four faces (chaturmukha) representing Pashupati, as well as images of Vishnu, Surya, Devi and Ganesh.

The priests of Pashaputinath are called Bhattas and the chief priest is called Mool Bhatt or Raval. The chief priest is answerable only to the King of Nepal and reports to him on temple matters on a periodic basis.

Pashaputi Temple's extensive grounds include many other old and important temples, shrines and statues. South of the temple, for instance, is Chadeshvar, an inscribed Licchavi linga from the 7th century, and north of the temple is a 9th-century temple of Brahma. On the south side of Pashupati temple is the Dharmashila, a stone where sacred oaths are taken, and pillars with statues of various Shah Kings.

The Bagmati River, which runs next to Pashaputinath Temple, has highly sacred properties. Thus the banks are lined with many ghats (bathing spots) for use by pilgrims. Renovating or furnishing these sites has always been regarded as meritorious.

Arya Ghat, dating from the early 1900s, is of special importance because it is the only place where lustral water for Pashupatinath Temple can be obtained and it is where members of the royal family are cremated. The main cremation site is Bhasmeshvar Ghat, which is the most-used cremation site in the Kathmandu Valley. The preferred bathing spot for women is the Gauri Ghat, to the north.

BOUDHANATH:The world’s largest stupa. It is a site of great reneration to the Buddhists. Bouddhanath is the center of Tibetan culture in Nepal. The 36-meter-high stupa of Bouddhanath is one of the largest stupas in South Asia. Bouddhanath Stupa was renovated by Licchavi rulers in the eighth century. The mandala design in Bouddhanath is a copy of the one in Gyangtse in Tibet. The stupa is located in the area of ancient trade route to Tibet where Tibetan merchants rested and offered prayers for many centuries. When refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many decided to live around Bouddhanath. Hence, a complete township has developed around Bouddhanath. The stupa is said to entomb the remains of a Kasyap sage venerable both to Buddhists and Hindus. Smaller stupas are located at the base. Gompa monasteries, curio shops, and restaurants surround Bouddhanath.

Overnight at Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel commence the sightseeing tour of Patan city, Bhaktapur and Pashupatinath. After breakfast at the hotel commence the sightseeing tour of Patan city and Bhaktapur.

PATAN CITY:Located about 5 km south of Kathmandu, Patan is one of 3 royal cities in the valley. A destination for connoisseurs of fine arts, Patan is filled with wood and stone carvings, metal statues, ornate architecture, including dozens of Buddhist and Hindu temples, and over 1200 monuments.

Patan is believed to have been built in the third century B.C. by the Kirat dynasty later expanded and enriched by the Licchavi and the Malla rulers in the medieval period. Patan Durbar Square, like its counterpart in Kathmandu, is an enchanting mélange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. The former Royal palace complex is the centre of Patan’s religious and social life, and houses a beautiful museum.

BHAKTAPUR CITY:Also known as city of devotees, Bhaktapur is the home of medieval art and architecture. Lying 14 kilometres/9 miles east of Kathmandu City, this place was founded in the 9th Century and is shaped like a conch shell. The city is at the height of 4,600 ft. above sea level. In Bhadgaon, you will visit the Durbar Square with the Palace of 55 windows built by King Bhupatindra Malla. The famous five-storied Nyatapol temple on the terraces of which stands a pair of figures - two goddesses, two strong men, two elephants, two lions and two griffins is the tallest temple in the valley and was also built by King Bhupatindra Malla. It is one of the best examples of Pagoda styled temples.

Overnight at Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel drive to raft put in point.

Rafting on the Trishuli River is an excellent opportunity to observe the diversity of demography, landscapes, and cultural heritage and the flora and fauna. You can experience the thrills of white-water on the course of three days trip. This can be degraded as per your interest and time.

The Trishuli River is the most easily accessible from Kathmandu, Pokhara and Royal Chitwan National Park by far a trip on this river can be made for a varied duration, depending upon the availability of time and interest. Scenic valleys and impressive gorges, exhilarating rapids and easier sections as well as the right amount of time all make it the perfect trip for first-time or experienced rafters.

During the monsoon, Trishuli River promises a more challenging ride, with powerful rapids and whirlpools. When the river is running high and wild, there are hardly any rafters around, and rafting on the Trishuli River is without a doubt the most exciting thing you can do in Nepal during monsoon and quite possibly one of the best two days big water rafting trips offered anywhere. There are numerous exciting rapids as the name of Snail's nose, Teendevi, Malekhu rapid, Monkey rapid, Upset, Surprise, Monsoon, Cotton Pony, Ladies Delight, S-Bend, Highway, Monsoon and Pinball Rapid. This makes your fun more challenging during high flows with a good mixture of continuous rapids and pleasant calm water.

Kuringhat, a small and picturesque village is an ending spot from where you can drive to Pokhara to continue your adventure in the Himalayas.

For a country known for its beautiful mountains, the gigantic flat lands of Terai that stretches throughout the southern part of Nepal; provide a wholly different experience section on the Terai.

After lunch at the river bank we drive to Pokhara -180kms (approx. 05/06 hrs).

Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty. At an elevation lower than that of Kathmandu, it has much more tropical feel to it; a fact well appreciated by the beautiful diverse flowers that prosper in this environment. The enchanting city with a population of around 95,000 has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panaromic views of Himalayan peaks. The valleys surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forest, gushing rivers, emerald lakes and of course, the views of world famous Himalayas. The serenity of the lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic.

Pokhara is the most popular destination for visitors to Nepal. The city is also known as the center of adventure. There is little in its past by way of neither history nor culture impact and the only important role that the old Pokhara played was that it was along the route of trade between India and Tibet. Today it is one of the fastest developing cities of Nepal, mainly due to tourism.

The natural beauty of its lakeside location and its proximity to the mountains has made it the natural choice for trekkers and adventures. Pokhara is also the base for some of most famous trekking circuits of Nepal. By itself surrounding area provides ample scope for short walk and day trips, suitable for children or weary trekkers, which can be made around the valley.

Overnight at Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast at the hotel, commence the sightseeing tour.

Bindabasini temple or Bindhyabasini Mandir is of great religious importance to Hindus living in the Pokhara region. It is a vital hub of religious fervor. The temple itself is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga, who is Pokhara's chosen guardian deity. Durga, also known as Shakti or Kali has numerous manifestations and at the Bindabasini temple she is seen as Bhagwati, a blood-thirsty aspect of the goddess. Durga appears in the form of a Saligram. A Saligram, according to Hindu mythology is an propitious stone. It is said that the temple was created after the goddess ordered king Khadag Bum Malla to set up a her statue here. The Bindabasini temple was then founded in BS 1845. Since its establishment, Bhagwati has been an object of worship here on a daily basis. Animal sacrifices are typically presented at the temple on Saturdays and Tuesdays.

Devi's fall : Locally known as Patale Chhango (Hell's fall), Devi's fall is an amazing waterfall lying about 2 km south-west of Pokhara airport on the highway to Tansen. It was named after Devi, a Swiss lady who was swept away when the floodgates were accidently opened, never to be seen again.

Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is probably the longest and attractive cave in south Asia which is located at the pristine location of northwestern part of Pokhara, a world famous tourist destination in Gandaki zone and Kaski district.

Ancestors called this place as desolate Khatri Tara. At that time water steam used to come out from this place and some courageous youngsters used to go inside and catch fishes. In 1970, 1980 and 1982 a British Expedition Organization named British course Research Cave Expedition expatiated this cave and published about it in The Atlas Great Cave of the World. This cave was formally established in 1994-01-01 which is a religious and touristic destination and called as Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave.

Annapurna Museum: Also known as the Natural History Museum, it is located at Prithivi Narayan Campus east of the old bazaar. Managed by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the museum has an exceptional collection of butterflies, insects, birds, and models of wildlife as well as samples of various precious and semi-precious stones and volcanic rocks.

Hike upto World Peace Stupa: World Peace Pagoda, a massive Buddhist stupa is situated on the top of a hill on the southern shore of Phewa Lake. Besides being a impressive sight in itself, the shrine is a great vantage point which offers the spectacular views of the Annapurna range, Phewa Lake, and the Pokhara city. We Climb the Raniban forest crossing the suspension bridge. After the 2 hours of walk we reach stupa and enjoy the spiritual and scenic beauty. Climbing down from Pagoda is more enjoyable with the view of Phewa Lake and the mountains.

Boat ride at Phewa Lake: Spend a quiet time boating in the ultimate lake where the reflections of Mount Annapurna and Macchapuchare range falls. You will also see a variety of fishes while boating. An island temple is located at the middle of the lake. Thick forest lies on the adjoining southern slopes of the lake. It’s hard to escape the draw of Phewa Lake and any visitor with even a few spare minutes should endeavour to take a boat out on the water to fully experience the wonderful views of the reflected mountains.

Overnight at Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will drive to Naudanda. The drive will take about an hour. From here, you will begin your hike to Sarangkot. You first walk past some villages inhabited by the Chhetri and Brahmin communities. After a steady walk for about 3 hours, you can reach Sarangkot. Sarangkot offers breathtaking views of mountain peaks like the Annapurna, Himalchuli, Machhapuchhre, and Lamjung Himal. You will halt overnight at a lodge in Sarangkot.

The hill of Sarangkot is perched high above the valley of Pokhara, and it commands an astounding view of the Annapurna (8091m/ 26,545ft), Manasalu (8165m/ 26,781ft), Ganesh Himal (7446m/ 24,422ft), Dhaulagiri (8167m/ 26,795ft), Machhapuchare (the sacred mountain) and 25 other mountains over 6000 meters (19,680ft) high. There are also great views of the Pokhara valley from here. Naudanda offers the dramatic view of the twin tails of Machapuchhre (Fishtail) and the Dhaulagiri massif. We walk through the villages of Kaskikot, Naudanda and the culturally rich area, where the view of the Annapurnas seems very close and we can really feel the cool, fresh air of the mountains.

We will have hot lunch at Sarangkot.

After completing the day hike we drive back to Pokhara.

Overnight at Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast,Lunch

Drive back to Kathmandu (approx. 06/07 hours).

Check in at the hotel.

Evening free time, so you can have a great shopping experience at the local tourist market- THAMEL.

Thamel is a popular tourist destination in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is a full Wi-Fi zone in Nepal. Thamel has been the centre of the tourist industry in Kathmandu for over four decades starting from the hippie movement when many artists came to Nepal and spent weeks in Thamel. Even though Thamel has been referred to as the "ghetto" by some, most low-budget travelers consider it a tourist heaven.

Its concentration of narrow streets are lined with small shops selling everything from food and provisions to clothes, walking gear, cakes, pastries, music, DVDs, handicrafts, travel agents and budget hotels.

The area has some very good restaurants. Although prices tend to be significantly higher than non-tourist areas, food hygiene is generally a lot better too.

Thamel also acts as the pre-base camp for mountaineers. It boasts a wide range of mountaineering gear shops, foreign money exchange booths, pubs, clubs and nightlife along with the numerous travel agents, and guest houses. All in all, Thamel is home to a wide range of audience of the Nepalese population for entertainment and employment purposes. On Wednesday, 28 September 2011, Thamel was declared a full Wi-Fi zone in Kathmandu.

Overnight at Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

We ensure that you will leave Kathmandu with cherishing memory and an experience of a lifetime. Our representative from Yeti Holidays will drive you to the airport in time for your flight back home.

Meals: Breakfast