Nepal - Golden Triangle of Nepal

Guaranteed Tour to Nepal / Minimum 2 People

Nepal is a land of mystery, captivating and enchanting visitors. This country is a must-visit for those looking to experience something extraordinary and unique. We invite you to explore its alluring atmosphere through our “Golden Triangle of Nepal” tour. This program combines three of Nepal's most popular destinations, which is why it has a name similar to the popular Indian program—these tours are very convenient to combine. The powerful sites, lush nature, ancient monasteries, stunning architecture, and a slightly mystical atmosphere make Nepal one of the most fascinating destinations. You’ll have the chance to ride an elephant, see rhinos and crocodiles, witness a sunrise in the Himalayas, and immerse yourself in the rich culture. Welcome to Nepal.

The cost includes:

• 8 nights of accommodation
• 8 breakfasts and 6 dinners as per the program
• Full board in Chitwan
• Air-conditioned transport according to the program
• Russian-speaking guide
• Two-hour elephant safari in Chitwan
• Entrance tickets to architectural monuments
• All taxes and fees
• Group transfer on arrival from Saturday 12:00 to Sunday 07:00. If the client arrives at a different time, an individual transfer must be booked.
• Group transfer to the airport for departure at the end of the tour.

The cost does not include:

• Flights. We will find the most convenient and cost-effective option.
• Personal expenses
• Transport on days without scheduled activities
• Tips for the guide and driver
• Medical insurance
• Visa for Nepal

Visa for Nepal is issued upon arrival at the airport. The cost for a 15-day visa is $30 USD.

Please read the instructions for obtaining a visa for Nepal upon arrival here.

Visited attractions:

• Kathmandu: Durbar Square, Kumari Temple, Kasthamandap Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, and the cities of Bhaktapur and Patan
• Nagarkot: Sunrise over the Himalayas
• Pokhara: Sunrise over the Himalayas, Davis Falls, Seti River Gorge, Kali Temple
• Chitwan: Chitwan National Park, safari

Program:

Day 1. Saturday. Arrival in Kathmandu (International Flight).

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Meet with the company representative. Transfer and check-in at the hotel. Rest after the flight, free time for a city walk. Overnight and dinner at the hotel.

Note: The hotel is confirmed from 12:00 Saturday, and the sightseeing program starts on Sunday.

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, impresses every visitor with its hundreds of temples, thousands of statues, and intricate wood carvings. The indigenous inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley, the Newars, who still constitute the majority of the population, developed their own architectural style and perfected wood carving and metalwork. The whirl of people, bicycles, and carts is as impressive as the kaleidoscope of temples, colors, and smells.

ADDITIONAL: Nepali dinner and national entertainment show.

You will have the chance to taste the main dishes of Nepali cuisine and experience the country’s culture through this event. Nepali food is one of the highlights of the trip—delicious, varied, spicy, and interesting. Cost: $40 per person.

Day 2. Sunday. Kathmandu.

After breakfast, a tour of Kathmandu.

Today we will visit Durbar Square and the Old Royal Palace, which includes numerous buildings, temples, and pagodas. Durbar Square, with its ancient temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and public life of the people. It was here that the kings of Nepal were crowned and grand celebrations were held after the coronations. We will also visit the Kumari Temple and the Kasthamandap Temple.

According to legend, the Kasthamandap pagoda, dating back to the 12th century, is one of the oldest buildings in Kathmandu and the oldest surviving wooden building in the world. The long life of the temple is attributed to the fact that it was constructed from a single trunk of sacred and very hard sal wood, and a smaller replica of it - the Simha Sattal Temple - was made from its branches.

Originally, the building served as a shelter for traveling merchants, pilgrims, and travelers on the Indo-Tibetan trade route. Such primitive inns were common in Kathmandu, as trade caravans traveling from India to Tibet and back would winter in the Kathmandu Valley while waiting for the mountain passes to open in the spring. Later, during the early period of the Shah dynasty (1379), Kasthamandap was transformed into a temple dedicated to the protector and patron of this dynasty, Saint Guru Gorakhnath, whose statue is located in the center of the building. Followers of the saint’s cult lived in Kasthamandap until 1966, leaving only when reconstruction began. Nepali historians believe that the name of the Kasthamandap Temple (wooden house) gave the name to the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu.

We will then explore Pashupatinath Temple. Pashupatinath is considered the most important Hindu shrine to Shiva (Pashupati, the lord of animals, or the lord of all beings) in the world. Every day, thousands of pilgrims from around the world visit Pashupatinath.

Visit Boudhanath Stupa. One of Nepal's largest Buddhist shrines, Boudhanath Stupa (3rd century BC, rebuilt in the 8th-9th centuries) is located 10 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu, just north of Tribhuvan International Airport.

Boudhanath is the largest stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in the world. Surrounded on all sides by Tibetan monasteries like fortress walls, Boudhanath has always been associated with Tibetan Buddhism and Lhasa. The stupa greeted Tibetans entering Kathmandu along the major trade route linking Lhasa with Nepal’s capital. Since the latter half of the 20th century, Boudhanath has become a religious and cultural center for the Tibetan population in Nepal.

Lunch in one of Kathmandu's restaurants.

In the afternoon, visit Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the "Monkey Temple." Swayambhunath is a famous stupa located on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Several Tibetan monasteries of different schools and directions are situated around the stupa. Swayambhunath is also revered by Hindus, who have a small shrine near the stupa.

The stupa sits on a high hill west of the city. To reach it, one must climb 365 steps—one for each day of the year. The sides of the stupa face the cardinal directions.

In the temple grove on the mountain slopes, a large number of wild monkeys live, fed by pilgrims and temple attendants. This is why the stupa is sometimes called the "Monkey Temple."

The stupa is adorned with the ancient symbol of the Buddha's Eyes. Return to the hotel. Overnight and dinner at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 3. Monday. Kathmandu – Nagarkot (32 km/1 hour) via Patan and Bhaktapur.

After breakfast, depart for Nagarkot, a popular hill resort located in the eastern part of the Kathmandu Valley at an altitude of 2175 meters above sea level. It is an excellent place to view the sunrise.

On the way, visit Patan, also known as Lalitpur (“the city of beauty and fine arts”). The ancient city of Patan, located 5 km southeast of Kathmandu, is renowned as a center of fine arts. The number of Hindu temples, Buddhist pagodas, and monuments in the historical center exceeds that of Kathmandu. Many travelers consider Patan Durbar Square to be much richer in traditional Newar architecture and variety of buildings compared to Kathmandu's historical center. One cannot disagree, as the entire city is like a large museum, with each street hiding treasures from the Newar Malla dynasty.

Next, visit Bhaktapur, situated at an altitude of 1401 meters and shaped like a shell. Bhaktapur, meaning "City of Devotees," is famous for its exquisite art, fantastic culture, vibrant festivals, traditional dances, and the customs of the Newar people. Here, you will see the Royal Palace, the Golden Gate, the entrance to the 55-Window Palace, a famous Nepali art monument. Then, you will ascend to the tallest temple in the Kathmandu Valley—the Nyatapola Temple. Afterward, return to the hotel to rest and rejuvenate.

Nyatapola Temple, built in 1702 by King Bhupatindra, is known as one of the most massive and tallest temples. The five-story pagoda, one of only three in the Kathmandu Valley, stands on a five-tiered base. Each tier features two stone figures: at the bottom, renowned wrestlers, followed by elephants, lions, griffins, and at the top, goddesses Bagini and Singhini in the form of a lioness and a tigress. Nepalese believe that each figure on a higher tier is ten times stronger than the preceding one, and the famous wrestlers Jaya and Phatta Malla were ten times stronger than ordinary people, thus the temple is securely protected. Despite its massive construction, Nyatapola Temple is distinguished by its intricate detailing. It is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi.

Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Overnight and dinner at the hotel.

Day 4. Tuesday. Nagarkot – Kathmandu – Pokhara (230 km / 8 hours drive).

Early in the morning, a short trek to the viewpoint. From here, you will enjoy a stunning panorama of the eastern Nepalese Himalayas, including Everest, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and Gaurishankar.

After breakfast, depart for Pokhara. You will travel over a mountain pass to reach Pokhara and check in at the hotel.

Pokhara is located about 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu, in a tranquil valley at an altitude of 827 meters above sea level.

This second most popular city in the country attracts travelers with its picturesque landscapes and proximity to Nepal's major peaks—Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, and others.

Pokhara sits on the beautiful Phewa Lake and is the starting point for several major treks in Nepal, including the Annapurna Circuit. Overnight and dinner at the hotel.

Day 5. Wednesday. Pokhara.

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore the Pokhara Valley.

In the morning, we will dedicate time to exploring the stunning surroundings and the views from the hilltops, and then descend to the southern shore of Phewa Lake. A boat will be waiting to take us to the Barahi Temple, situated on a small island in the middle of the lake.

Weather permitting, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Machapuchare ("Fish Tail") and the Annapurna range.

Machapuchare is a 6,998-meter peak in the Annapurna massif of the Himalayas. Its name "Fish Tail" comes from the shape of its two peaks, which, when viewed from the west, resemble the tail of a giant fish. Locals revere the mountain as the home of the god Shiva, and the snow-covered peaks are considered to be the smoke of his divine essence. Return to Pokhara.

In the afternoon, enjoy a brief city tour and visit key attractions, including Davis Falls, the Seti River Gorge, the Kali Temple, and the Tibetan refugee camp. Overnight and dinner at the hotel in Pokhara.

Day 6. Thursday. Pokhara – Chitwan.

Today, we rise early for a long drive (approximately 6 hours) to Chitwan National Park, located 152 km from Pokhara.

The route will take us through scenic areas along the modern Prithvi Highway, named after Nepal’s first king, Prithvi Narayan Shah.

Upon arrival at the park, meet with biologists studying the park's nature.

Chitwan National Park covers a vast area of 400 square kilometers of low, forested hills. Known for its beautiful snow-capped Himalayan peaks, this country boasts one of Asia’s best national parks located on the plains. It is one of the few places in the world where you can still see Bengal tigers and Indian rhinos in the wild.

Chitwan is home to leopards, bears, monkeys, various deer species, wild boars, and about 400 bird species. The park also houses around 60 Bengal tigers.

Chitwan National Park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its biodiversity significance.

Check into your chosen guesthouse in the Chitwan jungle and relax after the long journey.

Day 7. Friday. Chitwan.

Early wake-up and morning jungle walk (1.5-2 hours).

Morning in the jungle is undoubtedly the best time for wildlife observation and witnessing nature's awakening. While riding an elephant, you will have the opportunity to see rhinos, tigers, and other wild animals up close in the dense, tall grass.

Return to the guesthouse and have breakfast. After breakfast, visit the elephant breeding center.

Chitwan has a large number of elephants of all ages. Special enjoyment can be found in watching very young, newborn elephants play among their giant relatives. If you wish, you can even participate in bathing the elephants.

Lunch at the guesthouse. Overnight at the guesthouse in the Chitwan jungle.

Day 8. Saturday. Chitwan – Kathmandu (186 km – 5 hours)

Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out and preparation for departure. Transfer to Kathmandu, which takes approximately 5 hours. Check into the hotel and rest.

Free time for relaxation, souvenir shopping, or preparations. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 9. Sunday. Departure from Kathmandu (International flight)

Breakfast. The tour concludes with a transfer to the international airport for your flight.

Pricing:

• Price per person in a Double Room (DBL): €1953 From 05.10.2024: €1992
• Extra Bed €1130 From 05.10.2024: €1169

Optional Additional Night in Kathmandu:

• Single Room: €95
• Double/Twin Room: €100
• Extra Bed: €58
• Additional Dinner at the Hotel: €27
• Additional Transfer: €20 per person

Suggested Hotels for the Program:

• Kathmandu: Grand / Pabera or similar
• Nagarkot: Fort Resort / Country Villa or similar
• Pokhara: Da Yatra / Landmark or similar
• Chitwan: Safari Adventure Resort / Green Mansion Jungle Resort or similar

The company reserves the right to change hotels if necessary, ensuring that the new hotels meet the same standards in case the listed hotels are fully booked. Standard hotel check-in time is 13:00, and check-out time is 12:00. Travel times are indicative and may vary depending on traffic conditions.