Day 1: Kathmandu
Kathmandu, capital and largest city of Nepal, is located in the heart of the country. Long considered as the fabulous and inaccessible Shangri-La, Kathmandu is today a holiday destination in development and on all budgets.
According to the legend, Kathmandu Valley was once a turquoise lake on which a lotus flower floated. Manjushree (Padmasambav), a Chinese holy patriarch would have cut the wall of the valley with his sword of flamboyant wisdom in Chovar in order to let the dry land appear. The lotus flower would have remained on the ground where Manjushree made build the great stupa of Swayambhunath.
The Kathmandu Valley includes the three ancient royal cities: Patan, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu, each with their own Palaces and all protected by UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In this Palace, you will be able to see alleys adorned with magnificent cobblestones, a fascinating labyrinth of temples, sanctuaries and markets full of life.
One of our representatives will be there to greet you at the airport and you will be transferred directly to your hotel.
You will discover the great stupa of Swayambunath, which stands on top of a green mound. It is a site of more than 2500 years marking the point where the legendary Patriarch Manjushree discovered the lotus of the ancient Valley’s lake. Swoyambhunath offers a splendid view of Kathmandu city. This huge stupa is one of the most sacred sites of Buddhists in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of Kathmandu.
After, You take a walk in the lively Tibetan neighborhood before visiting Durbar Square, the monumental center of Kathmandu.
It includes the former royal palace, the house of the living goddess Kumari, pagodas, temples and old quarters where it is pleasant to stroll through the alleys to houses adorned with magnificent windows and carved doors.
You stroll through the narrow streets to see Tibetan or Nepalese jewelery, clothes, supplies for hikers and trekkers, tangkas, trinkets of wood or bronze, local crafts and pottery, art gallery, small restaurants and cafes ... A true lifetime is organized in these small colored and encumbered streets.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Kathmandu
After breakfast, you visit Patan, 'The City with Golden Roofs'. Former royal capital and city of medieval art, Patan was once a great Buddhist teaching center, as evidenced by the many monasteries scattered around the city. Lalitpur was chosen by Emperor Ashoka, who according to certain traditions, would be the founder of the city, to raise one of the four greatStupas that surround it, located at the cardinal points, and would thus be the oldest Buddhist city in Asia.
You visit the palace and the temples as well as the museum.
You continue with the visit to Pashupatinath, one of the most sacred Hindu centers of the country (entrance reserved for the Hindus), located on the lush banks of the sacred Bagmati river.
After, you discover Bodnath, one of the main Buddhist sanctuaries in the country and one of the Nepal’s ten sites listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This stupa of the fourteenth century, which dominates the horizon, is one of the largest in the world and is endowed with 108 niches each containing a statue of Buddha. The influx of many Tibetan refugees from Tibet to Bodnath in 1959 resulted in the construction of some fifty gompas (monasteries).
They testify to the religious importance of this site, closely linked to the founding of Lhasa.
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 3: Kathmandu - Pokhara
In the morning, you take the road towards Pokhara passing by the mountain road winds (200Kms / 6Hrs).
Pokhara, a city of natural beauty, is a remarkable place. Located 900m above sea level and 200km west of the Kathmandu valley, the attractive town has a number of lakes and offers a splendid panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks. The serenity of the lakes and the resplendent beauty of the Himalayas which can be seen creates an atmosphere of peace and magic.
You get transferred to the hotel.
In the evening you stroll around Phewa Lake (on your own).
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 4: Pokhara
Early in the morning, you leave for an excursion on the Sarangkote Mountain and thus witness the sunrise and a magnificent view of the mountains (if the weather allows it).
Sarangkote is the best known Pokhara point of view. Located at 1592m altitude, you will be dazzled by the view you will have on Mount. Machhapuchhare and the Massif Annapurna (if weather permitting). At this location you will also have a beautiful view of the Pokhara valley.
After breakfast, your morning is spent exploring the city, David Falls, the Gupteshwor Cellar, the Old Bazaar, the Bindhyabasini Temple, etc.
Nicknamed "Patale Chhagho" by the locals, the enchanting David falls are about 2kms south-west of the center, on the Tansen highway.
In July 1961, a Swiss couple was bathing in PardiKhola quiet waters, just above the waterfall when a sudden flood swept Mrs. David who mysteriously disappeared in the underpasses below the falls. This story gave the name of this woman to the waterfall: David's fall.
Just opposite the falls is the Gupteshwor cellars that you visit before discovering the colorful old bazaar of Pokhara. You can guess the style of the architecture of Newar craftsmanship expressed in its temples and windows that show the richness of the past. The Bindhyabasini temple is the center of the religious activities of the old bazaar. Dedicated to the goddess, Bhagawati and a Shati demonstration and Tuesdays and Saturdays, people sacrifice their animals thinking that it will help them fill with desires and wishes.
You continue your day with a boat ride on Phewa Lake. Largest lake in the Pokhara valley, Phewa Lake, 1.5 km by 4 km, is perfectly located if you want to go boating, to admire the various birds there and to photograph the magnificent view of the mountains. This excellent setting as well as the reflection of the Annapurna Mountains on the calm waters of the lake is something that visitors won’t miss for anything during this ride. Anapurna seems so close that it almost feels like you can touch it.
The afternoon is free.
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 5: Pokhara - Kathmandu
After breakfast, you return to Kathmandu by the same road. You are then transferred to the hotel.
The rest of the day is free for shopping.
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 6: Kathmandu/Dhulikhel (30km-1h)
You take the road to reach Changu Narayan village and its beautiful sanctuary with rich decorations.
The temple, which Hungs on a rocky promontory, dates from 1702 but the origin of its foundation dates back from the 4th century. Dedicated to Vishnu and equipped with rich decorations, you will discover the exceptional beauty with its double roof, its sculptures of goddesses, its guardian lions, and its god Garuda.
You continue to Bhaktapur, a true city-museum.
Alexandra David-Néel, who was fascinated by the beauty of the monuments of this medieval town, said:
"There is something unreal in the buildings in which we find ourselves. One has the impression of appearing on the stage of a theater, in the middle of the sets. One expects to hear a whistle and to see machinists emerge who will suddenly remove these palaces and these fantastic temples”
You will discover the fabulous monuments of Bhaktapur and stroll through the alleys where each house offers some unusual details.
You attend craftsmen potter’s work installed under the arcades of the great place.
You continue on the road to Dhulikhel, an authentic village mainly inhabited by newar populations, and renowned for its panoramic views on the Himalayas, Everest, Langtang, etc.
Chief town of the district, Dhulikhel is also the city of gods and goddesses. There are several nearby temples dedicated to Harishiddhi, Vishnu, Krishna. From Bhagwati-Shiva temple, situated on the hill that dominates the village, the panorama is splendid.
Day 7: Dhulikhel/Panauti/Kathmandu
After breakfast, located on a ridge, the village offers an amazing panorama on the Himalayan range. The pink morning light rivals beauty with the flamboyant sunsets over eternal snows. The magical spectacle of a grandiose nature is offered to you in the crystalline silence of dawn or dusk.
You then discover NamoBudha, a hill overlooking the small medieval town of Panauti. The Buddha himself is supposed to have appeared in this place to donate his pulpit to a hungry tigress so that it feeds his young. A stupa has raised here to commemorate this episode of Buddha life, as well as a massive statue.
You continue to Panauti village, a pretty medieval town with a special charm. You then discover ancient houses with amazing stucco decorations. Its temple of the fifteenth century, built in the purest Nepalese style, is under the protection of Unesco. The one in Brahmayani built in the 17th century is also very interesting.
You go back to Kathmandu and stay overnight in the hotel.
Day 8: Kathmandu/Paris
After breakfast, you are transferred to Kathmandu airport for your return flight to France.