Travel in ancient Kingdoms

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Duration: 13 Days | 14 Nights

Location: Kathmandu - Patan - Pashupatinah - Bodhnath - Nagarkot - Bhaktapur - Bandipur - Pokhara - Sarangkot - Darjeeling - Pemayangtse - Gangtok - Kalimpong

Highlights of the programme :
  • Visit of the three historical cities of the Kathmandu Valley
  • Pokhara, the city of lakes surrounded by Himalayan peaks
  • Darjeeling surrounded by tea plantations
  • The monasteries of Kalimpong

Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport. And transfer to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Located at 1365 meters altitude, Kathmandu, the “City of Glory” was still the capital of Nepal kings and reached the peak of his artistic development in the late 18th century. The very religious character of the people favored over the centuries the construction of many religious monuments of all sizes. Morning tour of the old city of Kathmandu Hanuman Dhoka, the former Royal Palace, Durbar Square, the historic Place Royale. The residence of the child goddess Kumari, the wooden building is one of the finest in the city. Then, drive to the stupa of Swayambhunath Buddhist shrine located on the heights of the city. 2500 years old, it is one of the oldest stupas in the world. In the afternoon, drive to Patan, ancient city called the city of Fine Arts, with its medieval streets, strewn with palaces and red brick pagodas. Continue to the Tibetan refugee camp and craft center where you can admire the art of weaving and carpet factory. Back in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

Morning drive to the Pashupatinath Hindu site five kilometers away. His templededicated to Lord Shiva, the roof covered with gold and finely crafted silver doors is famous for its beautiful architecture. Then towards Bodhnath and huge white stupa, a center of Tibetan Buddhism, the second after Lhasa attracts believers worldwide. Built in the 7th century, the stupa is surrounded by countless prayer flags shimmering and about 650 prayer wheelsDeparture for Sankhuone of the oldest villages Newar of the Kathmandu Valley, whose natural environment is more preserved. Continue to Changunarayana, located on a hill also known as Changu or DhaulagiriThe small village of Changu houses a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and especially revered by HindusThis temple is considered the oldest temple in Nepal, its origin dates back to the 4th century, and reveals splendid sculptures. Then towards Nagarkot, a small town perched at 2190 meters, which is by far the site that offers the most breathtaking view of the majestic surrounding mountains because of its exposure300 km of snow-capped peaks of sight during nice weather. Overnight at hotel.

Route the morning around Bhaktapur. Along the way, stop at Nala. Nala has one of the oldest temples in all of Nepal. It is a small attractive village which was once an outpost in Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon, located at an altitude of 1400 meters, is one of the three main cities of the Kathmandu Valley. It is actually a medieval city where the Newar, the main inhabitants still follow ancient traditions and customs. Founded around the 9th century, Bhaktapur is known for its fertile land and it was still a small farming village where Patan and Kathmandu cities were already well established. The picturesque Bhaktapur, the city of Devotees, shaped like a conch, is considered an open air museum where all the streets are amazing as each other. A stroll through its streets is needed to discover monuments and live workshops of pottery, weaving and woodcarving. Overnight at hotel.

Bandipur, located halfway between Kathmandu and Pokhara, has many benefits for tourism includes a rich history, architecture, incredible views and unspoiled landscapes. At an altitude of 1030 meters, the city is described as a natural viewpoint offering spectacular views of the entire chain of Annapurna, the peaks of Dhaulagiri and Manaslu and the valley below. Overnight at hotel.

In the morning, en route towards the famous city of Pokhara, one of the most scenic places in Nepal. The scenery along the route are spectacular succession of deep valleys, terraced rice fields, gorges and torrents. Arrived in this city famous for its enchanting views of the Annapurna range just 40 kilometers as the crow fliesHere is the land of the Magar, farmers working tirelesslyand Gurungbrave warriors recognized throughout the countryThe city is magnified by its majestic lakes PhewaBegnas and Rupa that have their source in the glacier region of AnnapurnaLakeside around Lake Phewais the most picturesque place of the city‘s most vibrant neighborhood. Ride an hour in a small rowboat (Doonga) on the lake, one of the most extensive of Nepal. Overnight at hotel

Early Sunrise and management Sarangkot to attend the magnificent spectacle of the sunrise. The view around is superb mixing mountains, snowy peaks, sunken villages and lakes scattered throughout the landscape. The ridge, you can see all the Pokhara Valley and Lake Phewa. In the afternoon, visit Pokhara and its surroundings. The cascade of Davy, Bindebashini the temple, one of the oldest temples in Pokhara, Gupteswor Mahadev Cave, one of the most extensive in the country and the beautiful cave Mahendra, also one of the main attractions of Pokhara. Overnight at hotel.

Transfer to the airport for flight to Kathmandu Bagdogra. Welcome on arrival and departure to Darjeeling via traditional tea road that climbs the high pre-Himalayan hills. Darjeeling is an enchanting resort created in the 19th century by the British who were looking for softness and cool climate where the heat and the monsoon raged in Calcutta. These are developed the most famous tea gardens of the world. The city has kept its British side with its beautiful colonial houses. By late afternoon, stroll through the bustling picturesque Chowk Bazar to take the pulse of the city and get to know the main ethnic groups of the region: Lepcha, the oldest inhabitants of the region, Bhotias from Tibet, Nepali, Bengali and Tibetan refugees. Overnight at hotel.

Rising early to admire the sunrise from Tiger Hill on the Himalayan chain dominated by the third highest peak in the world, Mount Kanchenjunga, which rises to 8597 meters. Then excursion to Ghoom where resided Alexandra David-Neel, and discovery of the monastery affiliated to the “Yellow Hats” and the famous statue of Maitreya, the Buddha of the future time. The monastery contains Buddhist manuscripts of great rarity. Then, on the Observatory Hill, visit the High Mountain Institute that shows the first Himalayan expeditions. Back to Darjeeling and visit the city that was the summer residence of the viceroys of India when Calcutta was the capital. Overnight at hotel.

Leave for Pemayangtse on the side deep valleys. During transit, walk in the famous tea plantations that cover the sides of the mountains. On arrival at Pemayangtse, site visit and Tantric Monastery Ningma, the sublime Lotus of the sect of “Red Hats”. The monastery is dedicated to the great initiator of Buddhism in Sikkim. Pemayangtse is the second oldest monastery in the state and was built for the monks of pure Tibetan lineage, single, no physical abnormality and this practice is still in force today. The monastery walls are embellished with frescoes and murals of rare refinement and an extraordinary symbolic profusion. Overnight at hotel.

Gangtok, capital of Sikkim, is home to the Institute of Tibetology, which contains beautiful thangka painted canvases of beauty. Visit the monastery of Enchey, then direction Phodong to visit his monastery which stands in beautiful scenery. His special decorations describe the Buddhist hell. Overnight at hotel.

Morning drive through the hills where grow lush rhododendron bushes to reach the market town of Kalimponga major center of flower cropsThe city has a number of old houses tell their past life and show the legacy of decades. Arrive Kalimpong and visit Thongsa Gompathe oldest monastery in the region. Then, the Monastery of Durpin DaraZong Dong Pho-Brang Palari built on the highest point of the city where the view is superb. Then walk in the picturesque market Kalimpong which also assumes the role of floral nursery where no fewer than a dozen institutions produce and export these exotic flowers found in all markets of the world: amaryllis, lilies, anthuriums orchidsVisit a farm of orchids. Overnight at hotel.

Morning drive to Bagdogra and flight to Delhi.

SUGGESTED HOTELS

You will find below our selection of hotels for this trip. Hotels indicative subject to availability. The choice of the class of accommodation to you. You will be able to specify it in your quote.

Hotel Friend’s Home – Kathmandu

Centrally located, just minutes from great shopping malls and restaurants. Very welcoming and helpful staff. The rooms are comfortable and well equipped. Breakfast is fantastic. A good 3 * + to stay in Kathmandu.

Club Himalaya Resort – Nagarkot

Nice hotel with a magnificent view of the Himalayan chain. The rooms are large and comfortable and also being luxurious. Friendly restaurant with good quality food. Pool and jacuzzi facility with a very effective massage parlor, all in a relaxed atmosphere.

Heritage – Bhaktapur

A hotel with the charm and beauty of Nepalese art. Excellent service, spacious rooms and beautiful, tasty cuisine. Bar, restaurant and roof terrace. Beautiful authentic decoration with old materials. Located at the entrance of the old town.

Country Club Wild Life Resort – Bandipur

Resort located in the middle of the forest in the Bandipur Park. Cozy and comfortable accommodationSmiling staff. A return to nature with deer as neighbors.

Fish Tail Lodge Resort – Pokhara

Calm and serene idyllic location with nature setting. At the foot of the mountains, on an island . Crossed by boat to the hotel. Spacious rooms elegantly decorated. Warm welcome and excellent service. Swimming Pool.

Mayfair Darjeeling – Darjeeling

Hotel with the charm of yesteryear. Enjoy sublime views of the mountains and the valley. Place surrounded by flowers. Friendly and helpful staff. Spacious and comfortable rooms. A beautiful place.

The Chumbi Mountain Retreat & Spa – Pemayangtse

Beautiful spa, sauna and steam room. A beautiful library. Friendly staff. Great location with on one side the Kanchenjunga and other Pelling city.

Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino – Gangtok

At 10 kilometers from the city, beautiful complex with large rooms with balconies. Excellent spa. A wonderful place to relax.

Elgin Silver Oaks – Kalimpong

Lovely hotel with a very nice garden, spacious and beautifully decorated rooms. Friendly and helpful staff. Good location near the city center.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES

You will find below our suggestion for activities to do throughout your journey. Do not hesitate to contact an advisor Aryavrit Travels for any specific request.

Horseback ride

Expect a complete change: in the saddle on the beautiful Marwari horses with amazing earrings shaped like a crescent moon, discover the breathtaking surroundings and go out to meet the locals. A walk to discover treasures, off the beaten path.

Bike ride

We invite you to immerse in unusual: a bike ride on the roads of India, Nepal and Bhutan. Cycling is a way to meet people, a tool to reach out to the population, which allows you to be closer than at the window of an air conditioned car. Let yourself drift along with your meetings, you will appreciate the paths which reserve surprises, all more enjoyable than the other.

Ballooning

Take a step back to admire the pink city Jaipur, it is possible. Climb aboard the platform of your balloon and fly over the capital of Rajasthan and the impressive Amber Fort which is necessary not far from it. In the early morning light, the emotions are at their peak by the glipse by the history of vastness and beauty which has exisred here for last many centuries.

Polo match

Polo on horseback or elephant, a unique show in Jaipur, Jodhpur or Delhi. Sport in vogue in India, polo on horseback is still today one of the spearheads of the sport in the Indian aristocracy. Polo on elephant back, meanwhile, is not a sport as such. Nevertheless, it attracts large crowds because of the originality of a rapid game with elephants struggling to move on the ground. Very entertaining!

Cricket match

Catch a game of cricket, a sport that is truly thrill the crowds in India. Unknown in France, cricket crystallizes all the passions in the Indian subcontinent, where millions of fans follow live matches of their national team. The best players are idolized as real stars, like Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev considered one of the best cricketers of all time.

Vintage car

Experience the charm side with a vintage ride in Rajasthan. These old cars of the maharajahs take you as a prince through the main streets of the cities. A timeless adventure not to be missed.

Local family

What could be more authentic than sharing a moment with a local family? An opportunity to understand the Indianess from very close which is worth reading several books on India. A unique opportunity to learn about the customs of your hosts, with whom you share a traditional meal. A moment of conviviality, memorable exchanges that will only add magic to your stay.

Film show

Indians like to say that what unites them is a passion for cricket and love of cinema. India is the largest film industry in the world in terms of production and the number of entries. Attend the screening of a film, it’s a unique experience and share a moment of jubilation.

Yoga

Immerse yourself in the practice of Yoga and meditation which helps you to know your body and mind. An experienced yoga teacher will teach you the various techniques of “pranayama” (breathing), “asanas” (positions) and ‘dhyana’ (meditation). A unique opportunity in the purest tradition.

Henna session

Mehndi usually refers to the art of drawing with henna on the skin. It is an ephemeral equivalent of tattooing. In Rajasthan, mehndi is an fplk art and it is common for women to get as sophisticated as those of newlyweds drawings. Attend a session to decorate your hands with henna and why not take the opportunity to keep track of your visit!

Cooking lessons

You fell for tandoori chicken, Kerala fish curry, samosas, the thali, the dal, biryani? Do not leave without having learned to cook these dishes. We offer courses in vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. At the end of the session, you are invited to examine and taste your own the prepared dishes.

Ayurveda massage

Ayurveda invites us to stay in harmony with nature, in touch with the elements of nature by practicing yoga and meditation which help us to purify and nourish our body and mind. A massage on the eye helps to rebalance the body and its functions. Enjoy your visit to the birthplace of Ayurveda to experience a massage in the purest tradition.

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