JUNGLE AND MOUNTAIN ASSOCIATED WITH THE FESTIVAL OF TIHAR - FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
KATHMANDU VALLEY, MOUNTAINS AND NEPALI CULTURE WITH TIHAR FESTIVAL
An eclectic mix of city, countryside and mountains gives you a broad picture of what Nepal is all about. A hectic sightseeing schedule in the vibrant capital city with marvelous monuments and rich culture; lazy days in lakeside Pokhara for a relaxing time in a peaceful ambiance; a spiritual high, get up close with the snow-capped mountains!
This mystical trip takes you on a whirlwind journey from the bustling city of Kathmandu to the relaxing lakeside Pokhara, to laid back villages high up in the Himalayas with close-up views of mountains. Take part in an important Newari festival and gain insight into the mysterious culture of the valley; then let your hair down to go on a mountain bike ride and float down the raging river on a raft. Do it all, don’t hold back!
We first set out to explore Kathmandu valley’s monuments and hidden treasures: visit revered Swoyambhu and Boudha (the two oldest Buddhist stupas in the valley) and go on to Pashupatinath (a 12th century Hindu site dedicated to Shiva). These two important religions have existed side by side in perfect harmony for centuries. Then visit a different world altogether: Bhaktapur, the city that refuses to change with time with its brick-paved roads and traditional red-brick architecture. Then experience the colorful Tihar festival in Panauti, a charming old settlement where traditions seem cast in stone. Spend a comfortable night in a homestay.
Then for the final leg of the journey, we head for Pokhara. The two days in the lake town will be full of fun and excursions in the villages in the shadow of Mt. Machhapuchhare!
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley.
- Country walks to discover inner Nepal.
- Views of the Himalayas from Luwang, Dhulikhel, Pokhara and Bandipur.
- Tihar, the festival of lights.
- Homestays in Panauti and Luwang.
Gallery
Itinerary
For your next trek with us in the Himalayas, travel light and aware: Base Camp offers you a biodegradable soap made in Nepal, to leave no trace ...
- Accommodation: Nepali Ghar Hotel on BB Plan
- Meals on your own
- Accommodation: Same as the previous day.
A day of enchantment as you walk through the corridors of time, admiring the architectural gems that take you back centuries into Kathmandu’s past. The first stop is at the great stupa of Boudha, a famous pilgrimage site surrounded by numerous Buddhist monasteries. Not far from here we visit Pashupatinath, one of Hinduism’s holiest Shiva shrines dating back to the 12th century. This is where Hindu cremations take place and pilgrims flock to bathe in the holy Bagmati River.
- Accommodation: Same as the previous day
- Meals on your own
In the evening, participate in the ceremony of Mha Puja (worship of self) with one of the local Newar families. This is Tihar, the ‘festival of lights’ and a time for rejoicing and receiving blessings. It always coincides with the new moon of Kartik (Nepali month) and ushers in the Newari New Year according to the old Nepal Sambat calendar. Tihar is celebrated for five days.
- Accommodation: Homestay with full board
These five days of rituals are undertaken to avoid being called back by Yama (the god of death) during the new year. This coincides with the harvesting of rice. Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune is worshipped and is welcomed into each household during the day of Laxmi Puja (one day in the five-day festival). The first day of the New Year begins with the cleansing of the body during a ceremony where the gods are thanked. Then each individual asks that all his/her organs continue to function well.
Traditional dinner with the family and overnight at homestay.
- Accommodation: Homestay with full board.
Sightseeing of Panauti in the morning. At noon, we drive down to Bhaktapur to enjoy the sights and sounds of a city that refuses to change with time. Only 15 km away from Kathmandu, it is a world apart with brick-paved roads and traditional red-brick buildings, the most beautiful of the three imperial cities of the valley. Visit and overnight in Bhaktapur to savor the tranquility when other visitors have left the city!
- Overnight in Khwopachen on half board.
- Duration of drive: 3 ½ hr
- Accommodation: Old Inn on Half Board
- Duration of drive: 2 ½ hr
- Duration of hike: 3 hr
- Accommodation: Lake Side Retreat on BB Plan
Morning transfer (45 min.) to Khoramukh (1000 m.). From the bridge, we take a short nature walk climbing up the steep steps to reach this beautiful Gurung village of Luwang (1,460 m.). The village specializes in tea culture and also enjoys superb views of the valley and surrounding villages. You are also rewarded with a north-facing panorama of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhare and Annapurna III.
- Ascent: + 460 m.
- Duration of hike: 1 ½ hr
- Accommodation: Homestay
- Ascent: + 200 m.
- Descent: - 520 m.
- Duration of hike: 3 hr
- Accommodation: Lake Side Retreat on BB Plan
Morning flight to Kathmandu. Free day
- Accommodation: Nepali Ghar on BB Plan
Transfer to TIA (Kathmandu Airport) for your return flight.
End of our services.
What's included
- 5 nights at Nepali Ghar Hotel on a B&B basis in Kathmandu
- 2 nights at Lake Side Retreat in Pokhara on a B&B basis
- 1 night at Khwapa Chen on half board in Bhaktapur
- 1 night in Panauti homestay with full board and participation in the festival of lights
- 1 night at the Old Inn in Bandipur with half board
- Trek of 2 half days full board at homestay
- Staff Insurance
- Annapurna National Park Permit (ACAP and TIMS)
- Domestic airport taxes
- Entrance tickets according to Kathmandu visits
- 1 h of boating on Phewa Lake in Pokhara
- French-speaking tour guide during the whole trip
What's not included
- Meals in Pokhara and Kathmandu
- Visa for Nepal to get at the airport
- Flights
- Compulsory repatriation insurance
- Paragliding in Pokhara, rafting (optional activities)
- Tips, personal expenses, drinks, sleeping bag, hot shower during the trek, etc.
Suppliments
> Single room supplement: $.375 / single room
> Trishuli rafting supplement option : ($.35) / person (on the way from Katmandu to Bandipur)
