Nepal Safari Highlights 6 Days

At the foot of the Himalayas, Chitwan is one of the few remaining undisturbed vestiges of the 'Terai' region, which formerly extended over the foothills of India and Nepal. It has a particularly rich flora and fauna. One of the last populations of single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros lives in the park, which is also one of the last refuges of the Bengal tiger.

It was declared a national park in 1973. In 1984, UNESCO designated it as Natural World Heritage Site. The park offers protection to 56 species of mammals including the one horned rhinoceros, Bengal Tiger, leopard, sloth bear, wild elephant, striped hyena, and wild bison. There are an estimated species of birds, 126 species of fish, 590 species of butterflies and 47 species of reptiles in the park.

Chitwan National Park is Nepal's third biggest attraction after trekking and the Kathmandu Valley. Chitwan national park area is 932 sq. km and located in the lowlands of the kingdom. The forest cover is predominantly sal, interspersed with tall grasslands, small hills, ox-bow lakes and flood plains.

Day 01 Kathmandu
Upon arrival warm welcome to our guests, transfer to hotel. After reach hotel free of the day.

Day 02 Kathmandu - Chitwan (B/L/D)
After breakfast pleasant 5 hours drive to Chitwan National park. Pick up from arrival point. Reception, escort guest up to the room. Fresh up.

13:30 Lunch
16:00 Cultural Tour (visit to Tharu Village)
18:00 Slide show Program / Tharu Stick Dance
21:00 Dinner

Day 03 Chitwan with activities (B/L/D)
6:30 Breakfast
8:00 Canoeing, Elephant ride, Visit to Elephant Breeding centre
13:00 Lunch
15:00 Elephant back Safari.

Day 04 Chitwan -Kathmandu

/6:00 Wakeup call
6:30 Tea / Coffee
7:00 Bird watching
8:30 Breakfast
9:30 Departure

After breakfast depart to Kathmandu. After reach Kathmandu day free is your own, shopping or relax.

Day 05 Kathmandu (B)
After breakfast drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square in the heart of old Kathmandu city in Basantapur never fails to impress first time visitors with its intricate wood carvings and rich history. Surrounded by concrete buildings, the complex is an oasis in a fast developing, chaotic modern city. Once the residence of Nepal's Royal family, all coronation ceremonies were held here. The palace is an amalgamation of eastern and western architecture with additions by Rana and Shah rulers over the centuries. An unbelievable 50 temples lie within the vicinity including the temple of the titular deity, Taleju Bhawani. The Durbar is divided into two courtyards, the outer Kasthamandap, Kumari Ghar, and Shiva-Parvati Temple, and the inner section consisting of Hanuman Dhoka and the main palace. Some floors have been converted to museums dedicated to three generations of Shah Kings. Most parts of the palace premises are open to tourists throughout the week.

After Kathmandu Durbar square we will be visiting Swoyambhunath Stupa. (UNESCO world heritage site in 1979) Swoyambhunath Stupa is believed to have been established more than 2,500 years ago. According to translations from an inscription dating back to 460 A.D., it was built by King Manadeva and by the 13th century, Swoyambhunath had developed into an important centre of Buddhism.

Legend has it that Swoyambhu was born out of a lotus flower that bloomed in the middle of the lake which the Kathmandu valley once was. The largest image of the Sakyamuni Buddha in Nepal was recently built on the western boundary of Swoyambhu. Behind the hilltop is a temple dedicated to Manjushree or Saraswati - the Goddess of learning. Chaityas, statues and shrines of Buddhist and Hindu deities fill the stupa complex. The base of the hill is almost entirely surrounded by prayer wheels that were recently installed. Devotees can be seen circumambulating the stupa at all times.

The stupa sits atop the hill and the exceedingly steep stone steps leading up to the shrine is quite a challenge. However there is also a road going up almost to the top and you can drive up. A large numbers of Buddhists and Hindus alike visit Swoyambhunath throughout the day. Swoyambhu is perhaps the best place to observe religious harmony in Nepal.

Our next destination is Patan Durbar square. Patan Durbar Square complex is perhaps the most photographed of the three durbar squares. Located in the heart of Patan city, this was once the palace of the kings of Patan. The square is a display of Newari architecture that had reached its pinnacle during the reign of Malla kings who were great builders and patrons of the arts. The palace has three main courtyards: the central and the oldest is Mul Chowk. To the west of the complex are a dozen free standing temples of various sizes and built in different styles. A masterpiece in stone, the Krishna Temple, Bhimsen Temple, the Golden Temple of Hiranya Varna Mahavira and Sundari Chowk mark the artistic brilliance of the Newar craftsment of that era. The Sundari Chowk with the sunken bath of Tusha Hiti showcases exquisite woodcarvings, stone and metal sculpture.

Day 06 Kathmandu-Departure home (B)
Departure - Transfer to airport for your flight back home with lots of memories.

A walk in the clouds - so magical, so majestic and so exotic Nepal! Nepal was my second trip with my girl friends after Kashmir in Mar 06. A lot of people had been telling me that Nepal was one of most beautiful places on earth.