Jewels of Nepal: A 12-Day Cultural And Himalayan Escape - 11 Nights / 12 Days

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our English-speaking representative will greet you and provide seamless assistance with your luggage and immigration process. You will then be transferred to the Marriott Hotel, which is located approximately 5 kilometers from the airport with a driving time of about 20 minutes. Please note that the standard check-in time is 14:00, and early room entry depends on availability upon arrival. 

After settling into your spacious room, you can relax and recover from your international flight in complete comfort. The remainder of the evening is yours at leisure to explore the vibrant local neighbourhood or indulge in the fine dining facilities available at the hotel. 

Overnight stay at Kathmandu.

After enjoying a fresh and hearty breakfast at the hotel, you will begin a comprehensive full-day cultural exploration across the Kathmandu Valley. The morning commences with a visit to the sacred Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath Temple, followed by a peaceful walk around the massive white dome of the Boudhanath Stupa. 

Later, you will travel to the historic city of Bhaktapur, covering a distance of 15 kilometers with a driving time of approximately 45 minutes. In Bhaktapur, you can admire the exquisite ancient wood carvings, brick-paved courtyards, and traditional Newari architecture that define this renowned UNESCO World Heritage site. You will return to your hotel in the late afternoon to unwind after a rich day of discovery. 

Overnight stay at Kathmandu.

Your third day begins with a delicious breakfast before you head out to discover the historic heart of Kathmandu City and its rich cultural heritage. You will visit the ancient Swayambhunath Stupa, famously known as the Monkey Temple, perched high on a hill overlooking the urban landscape. From this lofty vantage point, you can take in panoramic views of the entire Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding mountain ridges. 

In the afternoon, the excursion continues with a visit to the impressive reclining stone statue of Lord Vishnu at Budhanilkantha, a sacred site that offers deep insight into local spiritual traditions. The day concludes with a scenic return drive to your hotel, leaving you with an evening free to relax. 

Overnight stay at Kathmandu.

Following breakfast, you will depart the central city to visit the traditional Newari village of Kirtipur, located roughly 10 kilometers away with a 30-minute drive. This historic hilltop town is famous for its narrow cobblestone streets, ancient shrines, and authentic glimpse into traditional Nepalese life. 

Afterward, you will proceed to the cable car station and enjoy a scenic ride up to the mountain peak where the Chandragiri Hills Resort is situated. Upon arrival at the top, you will check into your mountain accommodation and breathe in the fresh, crisp alpine air while taking in sweeping vistas of the surrounding terrain. The peaceful environment provides a delightful contrast to the bustling valley below. 

Overnight stay at Chandragiri.

Start your morning with a tranquil breakfast while taking in panoramic views of the majestic Himalayan range visible from the resort grounds. After breakfast, you will visit the sacred Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple located at the summit, which stands as a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

The remainder of the day is deliberately unstructured, allowing you full leisure to immerse yourself in the natural serenity and clear mountain air. You may choose to take gentle walks along the surrounding nature trails or simply relax on the resort terrace while observing the shifting clouds over the distant peaks. This dedicated day of rest ensures you feel thoroughly recharged amidst stunning natural high-altitude landscapes. 

Overnight stay at Chandragiri.

After breakfast, you will ride the cable car down to the base station and drive 12 kilometers to the artistic city of Patan, a journey of about 40 minutes. You will explore Patan Durbar Square, renowned for its incredible collection of ancient royal palaces, intricate metalwork, and classic stone architecture. 

Following your tour, you will be transferred to Kathmandu Airport for a brief 25-minute domestic flight to the scenic lake city of Pokhara. Upon landing in Pokhara, a short 15-minute drive covering 5 kilometers brings you directly to your lakefront hotel for check-in. The evening is yours to stroll along the tranquil lakeside area and enjoy the magnificent reflection of the mountains on the water. 

Overnight stay at Pokhara.

Your exploration of Pokhara begins right after breakfast with a visit to the revered Bindebasini Temple and the extraordinary natural phenomenon of the Seti River Gorge. You will also venture into the mysterious Gupteshwor Sacred Cave and visit a local Tibetan refugee settlement to learn about their carpet weaving traditions and vibrant culture. 

In the afternoon, you will head to the shores of Phewa Lake to board a traditional wooden boat for a relaxing one-hour excursion across the water. This peaceful boat ride includes a stop at the picturesque Tal Barahi Temple, which rests on a small island in the middle of the lake. The day concludes with a stroll through the bustling lakeside market before returning to your hotel. 

Overnight stay at Pokhara.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will set off to visit the towering statue of Lord Shiva at Pumdikot and the iconic World Peace Stupa. Both viewpoints provide spectacular elevated panoramas of Pokhara, Phewa Lake, and the towering snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna massif. After taking in these majestic sights, you will be driven 15 kilometers over approximately 45 minutes to the Sarangkot Mountain Lodge. 

Sarangkot is internationally renowned as one of the finest vantage points in Nepal for watching breathtaking Himalayan sunrises and sunsets. After checking in, you can spend the evening relaxing on your private balcony while enjoying the peaceful mountain atmosphere and cool evening breeze. 

Overnight stay at Sarangkot.

This entire day is devoted to absolute leisure and uninterrupted relaxation at your mountain lodge following a sumptuous breakfast. You can spend your hours reading, practicing photography, or simply marveling at the unhindered views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak) and the vast Annapurna range. 

For those who wish to stay active, there are several gentle walking trails winding through the nearby village that offer varied perspectives of the valleys below. It is an ideal opportunity to slow down, disconnect from daily routines, and appreciate the incredible natural scale of the Nepal Himalayas. The quiet surroundings and pleasant climate create an unforgettable mountain refuge experience. 

Overnight stay at Sarangkot.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the lodge before taking a 45-minute drive over 15 kilometers back down to Pokhara Airport. You will board a 25-minute flight back to Kathmandu, where our local team will welcome you upon landing. 

From the airport, you will embark on a scenic drive of approximately 30 kilometers taking 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach the luxurious Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort in Dhulikhel. Tucked away in a peaceful countryside setting, this resort offers superb modern amenities and panoramic vistas of the eastern mountain ranges. After checking into your luxurious accommodation, the evening is yours to enjoy the spa facilities or dine with a view. 

Overnight stay at Dhulikhel.

Today’s cultural excursion begins after breakfast with a scenic drive to the sacred Namobuddha Monastery, one of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal. Afterwards, you will proceed to the ancient heritage town of Panauti, located 15 kilometers away with a driving time of 35 minutes, famous for its beautifully preserved traditional wooden houses and riverside temples. 

Your route also takes you through the historic hillside center of Dhulikhel, offering magnificent glimpses of the eastern Himalayan range and rural farmland. You will return to your luxury resort in the late afternoon with ample time to relax before dinner. The tranquil rural atmosphere makes for a memorable final full day in Nepal. 

Overnight stay at Dhulikhel.

Enjoy a final delicious breakfast at the resort while taking in the morning mountain views. Following check-out, you will be picked up for your private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for your flight home. The drive from Dhulikhel to the airport covers a distance of 30 kilometers and typically takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes depending on morning traffic conditions. 

Our representative will assist you with your luggage and guide you to the departure terminal for your final check-in procedures. We trust you will carry wonderful memories of your journey through the landscapes and culture of Nepal as you board your flight.