Nepal Wildlife & Heritage Adventure: 9 Days of Discovery

Nepal: A Wildlife & Heritage Adventure

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Overview

From the moment you arrive in Kathmandu, discover its colorful cultural history, evident in the sheer number of temples and festivals. Continue onwards to Pokhara, famous for its splendid natural beauty as well as its trekking and hiking. When the time comes to travel to Chitwan, you will understand why Nepal is considered the biggest natural museum in the world. The Chitwan National Park has Sal forests that cover 70% of the area and there are about 600 species of plants. Nepal is also home to the only significant number of one-horned rhinos and other endangered species like the Bengal tiger, the gangetic dolphins and the gharial crocodile.

Itinerary

DAY 1

KATHMANDU

Welcome to Nepal

Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you are received and welcomed by one of our friendly representatives who offers you a "Khada," a religious silk scarf. Transfer to your Kathmandu hotel where you can rest prior to your exciting tour that lies ahead.

DAY 2

KATHMANDU

Kathmandu full-day sightseeing

After breakfast, depart the hotel for a full-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the "city of glory." Visit Durbar (palace) Square, the epicenter of religious and cultural life, an area filled with old temples and historical significance. Some of the sights include Kal Bhairav, Hanuman Dhoka, Taleju Temple, Kasthamandap and Kumari Ghar; home to the Living Goddess. Afterwards, visit Swoyambhunath Stupa, said to be one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in the world, which is majestically set high on a hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley.
Proceed towards Pashupatinath Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This massive temple complex sits alongside the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the courtyard of the temple, whereas tourists can see the temple from the eastern side of the Bagmati River. Later visit Boudhanath, a Buddhist Stupa said to be one of the largest in the world. This massive structure stands tall with four pairs of eyes each facing the four cardinal directions, watching for righteous behavior of mankind and for human prosperity. Stay overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu.

DAY 3

KATHMANDU

Patan and Bhaktapur sightseeing

Morning Tour: Depart from the hotel after breakfast for a half-day sightseeing tour of Patan, the city of Fine Arts. Your visit includes Durbar Square, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar), etc. Also visit the Tibetan Handicraft Centre where you can see the art of making carpets by the Tibetan refugees.
Afternoon tour: Depart your hotel for a half-day sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur, the “City of Devotees”. The tour begins in Bhaktapur with a visit to Durbar Square, the Golden Gate and the Palace of 55 Windows. See Lion’s Gate, The Nyatapola Temple, the tallest of its kind in Nepal, Bhairab Temple and the Pottery Centre.
Stay overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu.

DAY 4

POKHARA

Travel to Pokhara

Following breakfast at the hotel, begin the guided 6-hour drive to Pokhara. Pokhara is Nepal's second most popular tourist destination nestled beneath the snow-crested Annapurna Massif at an altitude of 900 m elevation, 200 km west of Kathamandu. Many visitors find that their most lasting impression of Nepal is Machhapuchhre's razor-edged "Fish Tail" peak piercing the skyline or reflected in the still waters of Phewa Lake. Besides its scenic natural beauty, Pokhara is also famous for trekking and hiking especially the Annpurna circuits. Enjoy your overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.

DAY 5

POKHARA

Discover Pokhara

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. If you are feeling extremely adventurous, you may choose to take an optional Ultra Light Aircraft flight in Pokhara (extra charge) These aircraft are manufactured in Russia and are completed with the Rotax 58 engines. The operational speed ranges from 50 km/h to 130km/h.These are two-seater planes which carry one pilot and one passenger each in every flight. These aircrafts can fly for four hours and reach the height of 5000 meters and fly 300 km at a stretch. Their high aerodynamic qualities allow this delta wing aircraft to perform long flights with engine turned off. It is uniquely designed and filled with ballistic parachute system, which enables the aircraft to land safely during emergencies. Note: Due to limited number of aircrafts, the flight is subject to availability of the aircraft.
This afternoon, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Pokhara City. The visit includes Bindavasini Temple, Seti Gorge, Tibetan Refugee Camp, Devi's fall and more. Stay overnight at your hotel in Pokhara.

DAY 6

CHITWAN

Jungle activities in Chitwan

After breakfast, head west to Chitwan National Park (approx. 160km/ 4½ hours drive), one of the best managed national parks in the world. Enjoy lunch at a lodge and participate in various jungle activities such as an elephant safari, jungle drive and a nature walk. Have dinner and stay overnight at your lodge in Chitwan.

DAY 7

CHITWAN

Adventure in Chitwan National Park

Experience the wildlife adventure in Chitwan National Park which serves as a safe refuge to at least 450 species of birds, 45 species of amphibians and reptiles and 43 species of mammals. Journey through the Park and keep an eye out for the elusive Bengal tiger, the endangered single-horned Indian rhinoceros, the colossal Asian elephant, the mighty gaur bison, the slumbering gharial crocodiles and many more. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included at the lodge. Stay overnight at your lodge in Chitwan.

DAY 8

KATHMANDU

Travel back to Kathmandu

After breakfast, embark on a scenic five-hour drive along the sacred Trisuli River as you travel back to Kathmandu. You are free to explore Kathmandu for the remainder of the afternoon. This evening, enjoy dinner accompanied by a cultural program in a Nepali restaurant.

DAY 9

KATHMANDU

Departure day

Check out of your hotel this morning and transfer to the airport for your departure flight back home or to your next exciting destination.

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Terms & Conditions

PAYMENT TERMS:
(i) 25% of total tour cost due at the time of booking
(ii) 75% or balance no later than 65 days prior to date of the first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS

CANCELLATION FEES:

(i) 25% of the total tour value if cancelled more than 65 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS
(ii) 50% of the total tour value if cancelled 64-30 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS

(iii) 100% of the total tour value if cancelled 29-0 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover the losses incurred in case of cancellation. For information on available plans or to purchase travel insurance, please visit www.palacetours.com/insurance.

Inclusions & Exclusions

The services in both classes are the same, however the hotels used are different. We use hotels listed in our accommodation section or ones similar to them. Please see the accommodation section to see the list of hotels used. Package cost is inclusive of:<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <UL> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Sightseeing and transport as per the itinerary via private air conditioned vehicle with English speaking guide<o:p></o:p></DIV> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">04 nights accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu</DIV> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">02 nights accommodation with breakfast in Pokhara</DIV> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">02 nights accommodation with all meals and jungle activities in Chitwan</DIV> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">1 cultural show with Nepali dinner in Kathmandu</DIV> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">All applicable government taxes and service fees<o:p></o:p></DIV> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Porterage</DIV> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Entrance fees to monuments and other sights as specified in the itinerary<o:p></o:p></DIV></LI></UL> <o:p> </o:p> Package cost does not include:<o:p></o:p> <UL> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Domestic and international airfare<o:p></o:p></DIV> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">International Airport Tax (SAARC: approx. $18 & other countries $23)<o:p></o:p></DIV> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Nepal</st1:country-region></st1:place> visa fee (approx. $30 per person)<o:p></o:p></DIV> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Travel insurance<o:p></o:p></DIV> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Meals except where specified as "included" <o:p></o:p></DIV> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Gratuities, beverages, laundry and items of a personal nature<o:p></o:p></DIV> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve dinner</DIV> <LI> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Any items not specifically mentioned as "included"</DIV></LI></UL>

Frequently Asked Questions & Tips

1 How long is Nepal: A Wildlife & Heritage Adventure and which places does it cover?

Nepal: A Wildlife & Heritage Adventure is a 9-day, 8-night private tour. It starts in Kathmandu, continues to Pokhara beneath the Annapurna range, then drops south to Chitwan National Park for two nights of jungle activities before returning to Kathmandu for your departure flight.

2 How many nights do I spend in each place on the Nepal wildlife and heritage tour?

The tour includes 4 nights in Kathmandu with breakfast, 2 nights in Pokhara with breakfast, and 2 nights in Chitwan with all meals and jungle activities. Kathmandu is split between the start of the trip and the final night after you return from Chitwan.

3 What do I see in Kathmandu on this Nepal tour?

Day 2 is a full-day Kathmandu tour covering Durbar Square with Kal Bhairav, Hanuman Dhoka, Taleju Temple, Kasthamandap and Kumari Ghar, home of the Living Goddess. You also visit Swoyambhunath Stupa on its hilltop above the valley and Pashupatinath Temple, the great Hindu complex dedicated to Lord Shiva on the banks of the holy Bagmati River.

4 Does the tour include Patan and Bhaktapur?

Yes. Day 3 combines a morning in Patan, the city of Fine Arts, with its Durbar Square, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple and a Tibetan handicraft centre where refugees weave carpets, and an afternoon in Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees, with the Golden Gate, the Palace of 55 Windows, Nyatapola Temple and the Pottery Centre.

5 How do we travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then to Chitwan?

All transfers are by road in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide. The drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara takes about 6 hours, Pokhara to Chitwan is roughly 160 km or 4.5 hours, and the return from Chitwan to Kathmandu is a scenic drive of about five hours along the Trisuli River.

6 What is Pokhara like and what is there to do on the free day?

Pokhara sits at about 900 m beneath the Annapurna Massif, around 200 km west of Kathmandu, and is famous for views of the Fish Tail peak Machhapuchhre reflected in Phewa Lake. It is also the gateway to the Annapurna trekking circuits. Day 5 is yours to discover the lakeside town, with an optional ultralight aircraft flight available at extra charge.

7 Is the ultralight flight in Pokhara included in the price?

No. The ultralight aircraft flight over Pokhara is an optional extra with an additional charge. These are two-seater aircraft carrying one pilot and one passenger, and they offer close-up views of the Himalayan peaks around the valley. Let us know when booking if you would like us to arrange it.

8 What wildlife might I see in Chitwan National Park?

Chitwan is a refuge for at least 450 bird species and 43 species of mammals, and it holds Nepal's only significant population of the one-horned rhinoceros. Other species include the elusive Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, gaur bison, gharial crocodile and the Gangetic dolphin. Sightings are never guaranteed, but rhinos are regularly seen on safari.

9 Which jungle activities are included in Chitwan?

Your 2 nights in Chitwan include all meals at the lodge and the jungle activities listed in the itinerary, such as an elephant safari, a jungle drive and a guided nature walk through the Sal forests that cover most of the park. The lodge sets the exact timing of each activity based on season and park conditions.

10 Which meals are included on the Nepal wildlife and heritage tour?

Breakfast is included daily in Kathmandu and Pokhara, all meals are included during the 2 nights at the Chitwan lodge, and there is one Nepali dinner with a cultural show in Kathmandu on Day 8. Other lunches and dinners are at your own expense, which lets you try local restaurants in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

11 What is the difference between the Heritage and Deluxe classes on this tour?

The tour is offered in Heritage and Deluxe classes. The sightseeing, guiding, transport and inclusions are exactly the same in both; only the hotels used are different. The hotels listed in the accommodation section of this page, or similar ones, are used for each class.

12 What else does the Nepal wildlife tour price include?

Besides accommodation and the meals listed, the price covers sightseeing and transport as per the itinerary in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide, entrance fees to the monuments specified, porterage, all applicable government taxes and service fees, and a welcome at Kathmandu airport with a traditional Khada silk scarf.

13 Are international flights included on this Nepal tour?

No. The tour begins with your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport and ends with a transfer back there on Day 9, so you book your own flights into and out of Kathmandu. Our travel specialists can advise on sensible arrival times and add extra nights in Kathmandu if you want to arrive early.

14 Do I need a visa for Nepal and how do I get it?

Yes, a visa is required. For most visitors the Nepal visa is obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport at the Immigration Counter, and you should carry passport-sized photographs for the application. Rules can change, so check the current requirements for your nationality before you travel.

15 Are there fixed departure dates for Nepal: A Wildlife & Heritage Adventure?

No scheduled departure dates are listed on this page at the moment. The tour runs as a private trip, so contact us with your preferred start date and a travel specialist will confirm hotel availability in your chosen class and send you the exact fare.

16 How much is the deposit and when is the balance due?

A deposit of 25% of the tour price secures your booking, and the balance is due 65 days before your departure. If you book within 65 days of travel, the full amount is payable at the time of booking.

17 Can children join the Nepal wildlife and heritage tour?

Yes, families are welcome and child rates are based on age at departure. There is one band for children under 5 and another for children aged 5 to 11. The long road drives and early safari starts suit children who travel well; our specialists can suggest rooming options for your family.

18 Can I book this Nepal tour as a single traveller?

Yes. The tour is priced per person sharing a double room, and single occupancy is available on request with a supplement. Contact us with your dates and preferred class and we will quote the single fare.

19 When is the best time to take this Nepal wildlife tour?

The clearest mountain views over Kathmandu and Pokhara are generally in autumn after the monsoon and in spring, while the drier months are best for wildlife viewing in Chitwan as the grasses are lower. The summer monsoon brings heavy rain. Tell us your travel window and we will advise on conditions for that period.

20 How do I ask a question or book Nepal: A Wildlife & Heritage Adventure?

Email travel@palacetours.com, call 786-408-0610, or message us on WhatsApp at https://wa.me/17864080610, where a travel specialist or our AI assistant will answer. When departures are listed on this page they can be booked directly online; otherwise send us your preferred dates and we will confirm availability and the fare.

What are the passport/visa requirements for travel to <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nepal</st1:place></st1:country-region>?<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> Visas for <st1:country-region w:st="on">Nepal</st1:country-region> are obtained upon arrival in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nepal</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Please go to the Immigration Counter and have 3 passport-sized photographs and approximately US $30.00 cash per person ready for the visa fee, along with your passport. I am flying to Nepal from India. Do I need a re-entry permit for India? If you are planning to enter India multiple times within a 2-month period, recent updates to Indian visa regulations may impact your travel. Further clarification was issued stating that if the visa holder is traveling to multiple countries on the same itinerary, no permit is needed, as long as the trip follows the itinerary exactly. The visa holder must carry a copy of their itinerary to show the Immigration Officer upon their first entry to India. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> What is the best season to travel to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nepal</st1:place></st1:country-region>?<o:p></o:p> We operate tours throughout the year; however the best seasons to travel to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nepal</st1:place></st1:country-region> are spring and autumn. We do operate tours in the off-season but do not recommend them, as Tiger Tops in Chitwan is closed from June until the second week of September.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> What should I bring for my stay in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nepal</st1:place></st1:country-region>? <o:p></o:p> We recommend that you bring casual clothes in jungle colors such as beige, brown, khaki and green that are least disturbing to the environment and are most appropriate for wildlife viewing. Natural fiber clothes are often best for the humid jungle conditions, trousers are preferred and a fleece jacket or sweater is recommended if you are traveling during wintertime. We also recommend that you bring binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellant, camera with extra film and a small suitcase/overnight bag if your tour includes an overnight in Chitwan.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Approximately how many hours do the tours each day last?<o:p></o:p> In general, sightseeing tours start at 9:00 – 9:30 a.m. Every half-day sightseeing tour lasts for a maximum of 3 hours and each full-day tour will last for 7 hours with a 1 hour lunch break. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> What types of vehicles are utilized for tours/transfers?<o:p></o:p> We provide luxury vehicles with air conditioning. Size of the vehicle (ie: car, van, coaster or bus) is based on the group size.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> What type of cuisine is served during the tour?<o:p></o:p> Most of the hotels that you will stay at provide a variety of cuisines including local specialties with a vegetarian option.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Is the tap water safe to drink? Is bottled water provided?<o:p></o:p> We do not advise tap water for drinking. Most of the hotels provide boiled and filtered water to the clients. Bottled water can be provided at an extra charge.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Is there internet/telephone access while on the tour?<o:p></o:p> Most of the hotels have internet access in the business center and telephone access in every room. Only satellite (international roaming) mobile gets a signal in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nepal</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Pre-paid mobile SIM card can be purchased or rented.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Do you have any recommendations for gratuities?<o:p></o:p> Gratuities are left solely to the discretion of the clients.