NEPAL
JOURNEY INTO THE SUBLIME - 11 DAYS
A dream itinerary between the green valleys and the highest peaks in the world. No problem with the altitude. The maximum that will be reached will be 1,350 meters, but it will go down to 300 meters above sea level in Chitwan. The mystical charm of Kathmandu valley with its temples, lush nature and animals of Chitwan National Park and Pokhara. A journey that combines culture and nature in a mix suitable for everyone.
Day 1: Italy – Kathmandu
Arrival at the airport, meeting with the assistants and transfer to the hotel, overnight at the hotel. Depending on the flight arrival time, a first visit can be made (otherwise it can be planned on the evening of the 2nd day, upon returning from Patan): You will be able to attend the evocative Aarti (or Aarati) ceremony at the ghats of the Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River (see description in the 3rd day program): its magic that will never leave your hearts again. I’m going back to the hotel. Overnight.
Day 2: Kathmandu – Patan – Kathmandu
Departure, after breakfast, to discover the city: the visit starts from Durbar Square, a monumental complex made up of three different connected squares and a maze of lively and colorful alleys. There are numerous wonderful pagoda temples (built between the 17th and 18th centuries) dedicated to various deities including Ganesh, Shiva, Parvati, Visnu, Krishna; the “Hanuman Dhoka” Royal Palace, the very ancient Kasthamandap (ancient building with 3 roofs dating back to the XIII century), the “Kumari Ghar” Palace, residence of the only existing Living Goddess (a few girls aged 4-7 are selected among thousands according to precise astrological parameters as well as 32 attributes of perfection including the color of the eyes, the shape of the teeth and even the tone of the voice; among these, the chosen one is the one who will overcome the encounter with the deity, which takes place in a dark room where terrifying tantric rituals are celebrated. The “Kumari” deity then enters the body of the little girl who will live locked up in the building, looking out every day from time to time, in the presence of the crowd of faithful waiting for a blessing. During the Kumari Festival she is carried in a procession on a sedan chair and blesses the pilgrims. The first menstruation, or any wound she may get, determine the exit of Kumari from the child’s body and a new Living Goddess is chosen), but also “freak street” (whose name derives from the hippies who lived there in the 70s Today it has been dethroned by another district of the city: Thamel). Everywhere stalls selling Nepalese and Tibetan handicrafts, fruit, masala tea simmering over incandescent braziers. The visits continue in the southwest area of the city, where “Swayambhunath” stands on a hill, one of the most important religious sites in Nepal associated with the civilization of the Kathmandu valley: legend says that the hill now surmounted by the temple had emerged from a lake that filled the valley (Swayambhunath means “arisen by itself”) and that the emperor Ashoka, maximum diffuser of Buddhism, had visited the temple in the III Century BC It is a large Stupa surmounted by a golden dome on which are painted the eyes of the Buddha and surrounded by many Buddhist and Hindu temples. It is commonly called the Temple of the Monkeys due to the innumerable monkeys that crowd the impressive staircase that pilgrims walk up to reach it. From the top you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city and the Himalayan range. In the afternoon visit of Patan, one of the three main cities of the valley together with Bhaktapur (today practically united with Kathmandu, on the south bank of the Bagmati river) and the first settlement of the valley dating back to the 3rd century BC. Patan’s Durbar Square (one of the 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites), with its royal palace and its 1,000 temples and monuments (dedicated to a unique mix of Hindu and Buddhist deities in the world), constitutes perhaps the most extraordinary collection of Newari buildings from all over Nepal. I’m going back to the hotel. Overnight. on the south bank of the Bagmati River) and the first settlement in the valley dating back to the 3rd century BC. Patan’s Durbar Square (one of the 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites), with its royal palace and its 1,000 temples and monuments (dedicated to a unique mix of Hindu and Buddhist deities in the world), constitutes perhaps the most extraordinary collection of Newari buildings from all over Nepal. I’m going back to the hotel. Overnight. on the south bank of the Bagmati River) and the first settlement in the valley dating back to the 3rd century BC. Patan’s Durbar Square (one of the 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites), with its royal palace and its 1,000 temples and monuments (dedicated to a unique mix of Hindu and Buddhist deities in the world), constitutes perhaps the most extraordinary collection of Newari buildings from all over Nepal. I’m going back to the hotel. Overnight.
Day 3: Kathmandu – Bhaktapur – Kathmandu
Breakfast and continuation of the visits of Kathmandu: this morning a visit to the fantastic complex of Pashupatinath is scheduled (one of the seven monuments of the valley as a Unesco World Heritage Site). This is the most important temple in Nepal, dedicated to Pashupati (the God Shiva in the form of the “lord of animals”), with a typical pagoda shape, on the banks of the Bagmati river (sacred river, corresponding to the Ganges for Varanasi). Built in 1696 (however the place has been sacred to Hindus and Buddhists since much earlier: there are inscriptions dated to the year 459 AD) it houses the sacred Jyothirlinga (Lingam, phallic sculpture representing Lord Shiva), the only existing one that legend has it having “self-created”, and the four-headed black representation of Pashupati. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the main temple: the unmissable show, however, is the glance of the whole by climbing the suggestive steps surrounded by a multitude of small temples. The ghats crowded with pilgrims, the funeral pyres that follow one another (even royalty were cremated in this place), the sadhus (santons, shamans) who roam among the sacred monuments, the religious ceremonies: the environment is pervaded with mysticism and sacredness. The best times to visit are early in the morning or 6.00pm, during the evening prayers: Aarti Ghat (or Aarati) which takes place on the main ghat where 7 Brahmin priests by the riverside perform in unison a hypnotic ritual (i.e. the “puja”, offering ritual), ringing bells, shaking braziers containing the sacred fire and scattering flowers as a propitiatory offering: from sunset and for 45 minutes this magical dance is accompanied by the clapping of hundreds of pilgrims and faithful. Every day of the year this enthralling and mystical rite that touches the heart is repeated! We entered this experience on the evening of the 1st day (flight arrival time permitting, otherwise on the 2nd day, upon returning from Patan). The visits continue with the nearby Boudhanath (also part of the Unesco World Heritage monuments), the largest Stupa in all of Asia (sacred Buddhist monument in the shape of a large dome, surmounted by a golden conical tower with drawings huge eyes of the Buddha oriented towards the 4 cardinal points, originally created to house the relics of the Buddha). For the perfection of its forms this stupa has no equal, the pilgrims and the many Tibetan monks with their purple robes go around it clockwise by turning the prayer wheels arranged along the circumference of the monument: all around there is the village inhabited by Tibetan refugees with their craft activities but also many small temples and monasteries where the monks live. It is a place of enormous suggestion to explore far and wide! After lunch visit Bhaktapur. This is the third medieval city-state of the valley (together with Patan and Kathmandu), called by the inhabitants with the ancient name of Bhadgaon or with the Newari name Khwopa, which means “the city of devotees”. It is a small jewel with three squares occupied (Durbar Square) by imposing and marvelous temples which boast the most extraordinary sacred architecture in Nepal. You will be speechless admiring the eighteenth-century Temple of Nyatapola (dedicated to Siddhi Lakshmi, bloodthirsty manifestation of the goddess Durga, in turn manifestation of Parvati, consort of Shiva), but also the temple of Bhairabnath (dedicated to Bhairab, fierce reincarnation of Shiva ), of Til Mahadev Narayan (dedicated to Vishnu, with the statue of Garuda, his vehicle, in front of the entrance. It is the oldest building in the city, dating back to the year 1,100 AD) and many many others. Splendid is the royal palace, the golden gate and countless amazing monuments and statues that we are not going to list. Bhaktapur is also famous for its handicrafts, from clay artifacts (Potter’s Square) to wooden inlays. Wandering around the surrounding streets is a unique pleasure and a succession of beautiful views. Return to Kathmandu and hotel accommodation. Overnight.
Day 4: Kathmandu – Chitwan National Park
Breakfast and departure for Chitwan National Park. Arrival at the lodge, accommodation and lunch. Chitwan (literally “heart of the jungle”) is one of the main attractions of Nepal: about 940 sq km of forest, swamps and grasslands that host a great variety of flora and fauna: you can spot Indian rhinoceros, deer, monkeys, Indian bison, bears labiates, hyenas, wild crocodiles, freshwater dolphins, 450 species of birds and 67 species of butterflies (the time to travel to Chitwan NP is from October to March). With a little luck, even the elusive leopards, wild elephants and Bengal tigers. The Park, established in 1973, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. During your stay you will try all the main exciting experiences that the reserve offers: elephant back safari in the afternoon, penetrating into the thick of the forest and through the prairies where rhinos and tigers roam protected by the tall grass up to 8 meters (!!!). Return to the lodge for dinner, followed by a presentation of the park by the nature guides with slide projections. Overnight.
Day 5: Chitwan National Park
Sunrise elephant back safari in the area between Kasara and Sukhebar, the best for observing bison, antelope and (if luck is with us) tigers. Beyond the emotion inherent in the experience of swinging on an elephant in the jungle, the elephant is the safest “vehicle” and which guarantees maximum observation of animals in nature: the smell of the pachyderm masks that of man and its dimensions protect it from possible (although very rare) attacks by possible predators, from the height of its back it is also possible to dominate the prairie allowing you to observe the animals that are hidden there. Return to the lodge for breakfast, followed by a visit to the elephant farm used for nature activities accompanied by your naturalistic guide who will explain the ethology of these wonderful mammals. Free time for a little relaxation or to discover the surroundings in complete freedom. Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon jeep-safari followed by canoeing to observe crocodiles and freshwater dolphins. Return to the lodge. Dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Chitwan National Park – Lumbini
After breakfast walk in the jungle escorted by the guide to discover the abundant flora and fauna of the Park. This is followed by departure for Lumbini (176 km / 5 hours approximately). Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. In Lumbini, in 563 BC was born one of the men who have marked the history of humanity and revered throughout the world: Siddhartha Gautama, known as BUDDHA. It is a universal pilgrimage destination and a religious site of primary importance in the world. Declared a Unesco World Heritage Site, it preserves artifacts dating back to at least 2,200 years ago and is dotted with monasteries built by Buddhist nations from all over the world. There is a unique atmosphere of absolute peace in the spirit of non-violence at the base of Buddhist philosophy. In the afternoon visit to the Sacred Gardens: hundreds of purple and saffron robes animate this place of meditation and gather under the bodhi tree, covered with prayer flags. Here is the sandstone column of Ashoka, built by Emperor Ashoka (main architect of the spread of Buddhism in the world) who went there on pilgrimage from India in 249 BC. All around are the ruins of ancient Stupas and small lakes. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 7: Lumbini
The day dedicated to visiting this sacred place starting from its spiritual heart the Mayadevi Temple, built on the exact spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama. Inside there is a sandstone sculpture depicting the birth of Buddha, placed by King Ripu Malla in the 14th century, when Maya Devi was worshiped by Hindus as the reincarnation of the mother goddess. The visits continue with the “Lumbini Development Zone” where there are many monasteries of different schools built by the faithful from all over the world: the western monastic area is reserved for monasteries of the Mahayana school, where the monks wearing purple robes sing prayers to the sound of horns and cymbals. The eastern monastic area is dedicated to the monasteries of the Theravada school, widespread in southeast Asia and Sri-Lanka: the monks wear saffron-colored robes. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 8: Lumbini – Pokhara
Breakfast and departure for Pokhara (199 Km / 6 hours approximately). Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Free time followed by an excursion to enjoy the sunset with a view of the Himalayas at the beautiful “Peace Pagoda” (Shanti Stupa) on the top of Anada Hill. Overnight.
Day 9: Pokhara
Although it is the second largest city in Nepal, you can breathe the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere of a mountain village: its position is unique, nestled between the very high peaks of Annapurna (from 6,000 to 8,000 meters above sea level) which on the placid lake “Phewa Tal” is also the starting point for trekking on the Himalayan peaks. An exciting day awaits you which starts before dawn: you will be taken to the mountain village of Sarangkot, a wonderful observation point of the main Himalayan peaks of the Annapurna complex. A hot tea in one hand, a camera in the other and the spectacle of the snow-capped peaks that catch fire in the first rays of the sun will suddenly wake up even the sleepiest spectators! From Sarangkot you can overlook the whole Pokhara valley with the Seti River gorge that crosses it: the Seti is called the White River due to its milky color caused by the load of limestone coming from the mountains and is considered sacred. Return to the hotel for breakfast. The visits continue with the Bindhyabasini Temple, near the Bag bazaar. Many small temples and a coming and going of the faithful who bring offerings, ring the bells, caress the statues of the divinities; under the imposing gaze of the sacred mountain of Machhapuchhare (the only one in the Himalayan range that is not allowed to climb as it is sacred). With this marvel still in the eyes, the visits continue with the “Devi’s” waterfalls stuck in a very deep gorge which, tumultuous, they sink into a natural tunnel to form an underground river (they owe their name to the Swiss Devi family who donated the money to create the current paths and make the area safe, after their son was overwhelmed by a flood wave who overwhelmed him and drowned him). Not far away is the village (there is more than one to tell the truth) of Tibetan refugees, with the adjoining monastery inhabited by Buddhist monks and the handicraft center where splendid carpets are woven by hand. The exposure of the photographs of the “disappeared” Tibetans following their participation in the protest marches against the oppressive Chinese government is striking (in Tibet the roundups and extermination of the Tibetan people by the Chinese government continue with perseverance). In the afternoon, a relaxing 1-hour boat trip awaits you on Phewa Tal Lake: ask your boatman to disembark you, for a few minutes, on the islet in the center of the lake where the Varahi Temple, built in the 18th century, stands. The rest of the afternoon is free, which can be dedicated to a nice walk along the lake where there are countless local craft shops, bars and inns.
Day 10: Pokhara – Manakamana – Kathmandu
Breakfast and departure for Kathmandu. Seven hours by car to travel 200 km of pure wonder. The winding road (Prithvi highway) crosses mountains and valleys, splendid panoramas of the Himalayas and ancient villages, gorges along which the Trishuli river runs fast (if enthusiasts can add a night to experience the thrill of rafting) crossed by suggestive suspended Tibetan bridges on the rapids, shining rice plantations on terraces that look like paintings. About halfway, a beautiful and atmospheric experience awaits you. A cable car designed by Austrian engineers goes up for 3 km with a vertical drop of 1,000 meters (!!!) up to the Manakamana Temple, dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati, the incarnation of the goddess Parvati. It is one of the most important temples in the region: “Mana” means “heart” and “katana” means “desires”, pilgrims go there to request the fulfillment of their wishes and there are many spouses who pray for the goddess to grant them sons. As a votive offering, many bring animals that are sacrificed: the cable car has a special shuttle for the transport of pigeons, hens, and goats whose blood dyes the pavement of the temple red. The Manakamana Manir, built in the 17th century, has the typical multi-story pagoda structure. From the temple, you can enjoy a wonderful panorama. Upon arrival in Kathmandu check-in at the hotel and overnight. hens and goats whose blood dyes the pavement of the temple red. The Manakamana Manir, built in the 17th century, has the typical multi-story pagoda structure. From the temple, you can enjoy a wonderful panorama. Upon arrival in Kathmandu check-in at the hotel and overnight. hens and goats whose blood dyes the pavement of the temple red. The Manakamana Manir, built in the 17th century, has the typical multi-storey pagoda structure. From the temple you can enjoy a wonderful panorama. Upon arrival in Kathmandu check-in at the hotel and overnight.
Day 11: Kathmandu – Departure
Breakfast at the hotel. Time is available until the transfer time for the departure of your flight to Italy.
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We inform you that all our trips can be modified, on request, according to your needs
