Best of Nepal Tour

This unforgettable journey takes you into three most prized destination in Nepal with diverse experience. It provides excellent opportunity to explore ancient historic sites, natural beauties with wildlife activities in a short period of time.

Nepal is home to some of the richest and most diverse wildlife in Asia. A haven for Bengal tiger, rare one-horned rhinos and a vast array of birdlife, its national parks can provide some spectacular wildlife encounters. 

Beginning amongst the historic treasures and bustling streets of Kathmandu, it offers one of the finest glimpses of rich ancient Durbars, arts, wood carving, sculpture, deities and stupas. You will venture to the west of southern part of Nepal, Chitwan National Park one of the protected areas in the country, where you can enjoy a wealth of activities from game drives and bird watching, canoe trip along the Rapti River, to cultural tours and guided walks. The next stop is Pokhara, the lake city. It is the most popular gateway for any trekking activities with the mountain peaks of towering Annapurnas and Machhapuchre (Fishtail). Among stunning mountain landscapes you will have time to enjoy the sunrise view from Sarangkot hill station, exploring colorful bazaars, picturesque lakes and peaceful monuments.

Enjoy this spectacular and wonderful vacation with your loved one that combines some of the best that Nepal has to offer 'The Best of Nepal'!

Day 01Arrival in Kathmandu Altitude: 1400m/4600ft Overnight in Kathmandu Meal Included: Welcome Dinner

Namaste - Welcome to Nepal, as one of the enchanting travel destinations in the world, Nepal offers a heady mixture of unique culture proudly preserved, mind-boggling adventure and remarkable natural beauty. 

Upon arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by our guide or representative. A short drive of 20-30 minutes will bring you to your concerned hotel. Non-alcoholic welcome drink on arrival, followed by check-in formalities and itinerary briefing with our representatives. (Hotel check-in at 1400hrs.) 
In the evening, welcome dinner hosted at one of the typical Nepalese restaurants with local music and ethnic dance. 

Day 02Kathmandu City Tour – Durbar Square/Swayambhunath/Bhaktapur Overnight in Kathmandu Meal Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will start the day on a guided tour to three sites listed by UNESCO as world heritage. The Durbar Square located in the heart of the old city of Kathmandu has 50 temples in this area. We will visit the 17th-Century Durbar complex, Hanuman Dhoka, Bhairav, the Taleju Temple and an array of temples grouped around it, as well as the Temple of the Living Goddess, the Kumari. We then head to the stupa of Swayambhunath also known as Monkey Temple, which is located on a green hillock west of Kathmandu. 
Over 2,500 years old, this huge stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of Kathmandu. Late afternoon, we will explore Bhaktapur, known as Bhadgaon and home to exquisite examples of medieval art and architecture. A city farmer, Bhaktapur is also known for its pottery and weaving. It is the best-preserved of the valley's three cities. 

Optional – Experience a mountain flight (flight is operational subject to weather conditions) – it is the best way to see the Himalayas for those travelers who have limited time in Nepal. This could be an unforgettable experience for you to witness a breath-taking panoramic view of the highest mountains in the world.

Day 03Drive to Chitwan (Approx. 6hours drive) Altitude: 415m/1362ft Overnight in Chitwan Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Early morning we will be driving to Chitwan National Park (175km), a preserved area in the Terai Lowlands of south-central Nepal, known for its biodiversity. Upon arrival, check-in at the lodge. Lunch at the lodge. Afternoon, enjoy canoe or boat ride down the Rapti River with a guided naturalist. The river ride provides an opportunity of viewing the Gharial crocodiles as well as the mugger crocodiles, freshwater dolphins, otters, and varieties of water birds.

In the evening, enjoy the scheduled traditional Tharu cultural program or wildlife documentary about the flora and fauna of Chitwan National Park along with the dinner.

Day 04Chitwan Jungle Activities Overnight in Chitwan Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you will be brief about the jungle activities by the naturalist. The southern plain of Nepal is covered with dense tropical jungles teeming with fascination wildlife and exotic birds. The one-horned rhino is the most spotted animal in the park and if you are lucky then you could spot Royal Bengal tiger and leopards. Other species of wild animals including 450 species of colorful birds are among the most popular glimpse you can observe inside the park. The safari is an excellent opportunity to observe all these animals! You are accompanied by a naturalist throughout the jungle activities. Lunch at Lodge. 

Afternoon, we will embark on a tour of nearby Tharu village. Tharu are the indigenous people of the Terai. They have a distinct architectural style, building solely using materials found in the area, including straw, wood, and mud. Villages are often peaceful, non-industrial havens where residents still abide by their traditional way of life. Dinner at Lodge.

Note: Jungle activities may be changed or altered depending on conditions and requirements of the season or day.

Day 05Drive to Pokhara (Approx. 6hours drive) Altitude: 827m/2713ft Overnight in Pokhara Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we drive through beautiful mountain scenery to Pokhara, a remarkable place of natural beauty. The enchanting town has several stunning lakes and offers spectacular panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks. The serene lakes and the magnificent Himalayas rising behind them creates an ambiance of peace and magic. 
On arrival, check-in at the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 06Pokhara City Tour Overnight in Pokhara Meals Included: Breakfast

Early morning, drive to Sarangkot (1600m) for the sunrise tour. Sarangkot is a famous hill station for the scenic view of the sunrise over Annapurna Himalayan Ranges (weather permitting). In return visit to Peace stupa. The Peace stupa is a Buddhist stupa designed to provide a focus for people of all races and creeds within the world and to help unite them in their search for world peace. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, a guided city tour to explore around Pokhara including a visit to splendid Davis Falls, the vibrant old Bazaar, Bindyabasini Temple and museum. Pokhara's traditional bazaar is colorful and ethnically diverse. Its rich history is expressed via art and craftsmanship.

Later, relax during a serene boat ride on Phewa Lake, the largest lake in Pokhara valley. Birdwatch or photograph the scenic Annapurna Mountain as they reflect on the lake, seemingly close enough to touch.

One can also enjoy the following optional activities:

1. Paragliding (Sarangkot, a hill station 25minute’s drive above lakeside)
2. Ultra mountain flight (Pokhara domestic airport just at 2.2 km from lakeside)
3. Day hike with picnic lunch 
4. Zipline tour (Located at a convenient 20 minutes from Pokhara Lakeside) 
5. White river rafting (Along the Prithvi Highway between Pokhara & Chitwan eventually meet up with the mighty Trishuli River which is approx. 3hrs drive) 
6. Bungee jumping (Located at a convenient 20 minutes from Pokhara Lakeside)

Day 07Drive to Kathmandu (Approx. 7hours drive) Overnight in Kathmandu Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu (200km), retracing the same highway. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Evening free, walk around the Thamel Bazaar and enjoy shopping- known by its narrow alleys crowded with various shops and vendors. Commonly sold goods include food, fresh vegetables/fruits, pastries, trekking gear, walking gear, music, handicrafts, souvenirs, woolen items, clothes, small grocery stores, 
restaurants, pubs, and clubs also line the streets.

Day 08Kathmandu City Tour – Patan/Pashupatinath/Boudhanath Overnight in Kathmandu Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will visit Patan, the second-largest city in the valley south of Kathmandu. The beautiful city is considered the cradle of arts and Newari architecture that have left their mark throughout the valley. Patan is famous for its crafts and metalwork. North of the square sits the Buddhist monastery Golden temple, the place of Buddhist worship being the busiest in the city. 

Later we visit Pashupatinath, one of the most sacred temples of South Asia dedicated to Lord Shiva and its crematory sites followed by Boudanath stupa, one of the principal Buddhism sanctuaries surrounded by numerous monasteries and Tibetan boutiques.

Day 09Fly Kathmandu – Home

After breakfast, in time transfer to Kathmandu International airport to take onward destination flight.
(This day room shall be provided till 1200noon.)

Tour Ends 

Cost Includes:

• Assistance on arrival & departure 
• Welcome cultural dinner program
• 04 nights on twin sharing  breakfast basis in Kathmandu  
• 02 nights on twin sharing full board basis in Chitwan
• 02 nights on twin sharing breakfast basis in Pokhara 
• Private transportation by air-conditioned vehicle (as per itinerary)
• Jungle activities in Chitwan as per the plan (including 1 shared jeep safari)
• Services of an experienced English speaking local guide for sightseeing tours (as per itinerary)
• Applicable monument entrance fee (as per itinerary)
• Bottled water in the vehicle during the traveling
• All applicable taxes (subject to change)

Cost not Includes:

• Any item of personal nature such as beverages, laundry, telephone call, etc.
• Any services/optional activities/meals not mentioned in the inclusions/itinerary
• Nepal visa fees
• Travel Insurance
• Any domestic or international airfare (unless specified in the inclusion)
• Tips and gratuities to staff and driver
   

Even for the most seasoned traveler, it's still important to be up to speed on Nepal before you arrive in the country. So here are few things to be considered: 

Best Season 
Nepal has five season temperate climate. Due to its location, landscape and power outages those seasons often dictate when the best time to visit.

Autumn: The peak tourist season is in the autumn between September to late November. This is just after the monsoon season so the air is dry and clear. This is perfect time for visiting Nepal if you are going trekking also.

Winter: December and January are cold winter months throughout Nepal. Though it doesn't snow in any of the main non-trekking cities in Nepal it does hit freezing.

Spring: February to April is Nepal's second busiest tourist season. The climate starts cold but in preceding months get increasingly warm. Flowers in the valleys begin to bloom and there's little rain. It does however get quite hazy so mountain views will be lessened.

Summer: May to June is the start of the pre-monsoon summer. It gets hot and humid with several showers on the hottest of days. Climate change has meant a lengthening of showers. 

Summer (monsoon): June to late August is when the monsoon rains hit Nepal. Climate change again mean that the monsoon may be earlier or later than this. Rain are heavier and there's a risk of flooding in places. The sky is heavy with cloud but it also means blooming flowers and lush green valleys.

Nepal Visa/Entry Requirement 
Nepal visa can be obtained on arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu. Your passport needs to be valid for 6 months after your return dates and two passport-size photo with a light background.

Nationals of SAARC countries and China do not need visa when visiting Nepal. As per this rule, Indian nationals do not require visa.Transit visa is provided for foreign nationality for 3 days.Visa must be obtained for staying over the initial period of three days.

Tourist Visa Fees: 3 days transit visa - Free of Cost

Multiple entry 15 days - US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency

Multiple entry 30 days - US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency

Multiple entry 90 days - US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency

Note: Outside of Nepal, a visa can also be obtained at the nearest Nepal Embassy or Diplomatic Mission.

(For further information, please, contact Department of Immigration, Maitighar, Impact Building, Kathmandu, and Tel: 00977-1-4221996 / 4223590 / 4222453)

Download visa form - www.nepalimmigration.gov.np

Money Matter
Always keep your encashment receipt while making foreign exchange payments or exchanging rupees from any foreign currency. You might need the receipt to exchange the money left over from your trip before you leave. Service providers such as hotels, travel agencies, and airlines accept foreign currency for payment of service provided. American Express, Master and Visa are widely accepted by the tourism service providers.  ATM machines are available in most of the cities but many local banks do not offer withdraw service to the foreign cards. You can contact some international banks such as Standard Chartered, Nabil, SBI and Everest to withdraw money from ATM. 

Health Advice
No vaccinations are required. But it's wise to be inoculated against typhoid and hepatitis A. Depending on how long you plan to stay, you may also want to get vaccinations for rabies, meningitis and Japanese encephalitis. We recommends to carry mosquito repellents if you are visiting in summer can be wise or you can buy it in Kathmandu if you are travelling to the southern plain of Nepal. Consulting your doctor is a better idea.

People/Language/Time Difference/Currency
Nepal is a country of mixed settlements of various ethnic groups and castes. They welcome travelers with their best hospitality. Nepalese greet each other by saying "Namaste" joining both palms together meaning "I salute the divine in you". It is used both when people meet and depart. Nepali is the official language. Other Hindu dialects are spoken however English is widely spoken across the country.

The GMT of Nepal is +5:45 and currency used is Nepalese Rupees(NPR).

Tailor-Made Trip & Departure
Best of Nepal Tour is one of the most popular tours in Nepal which cover three major destination Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara. We have some fixed departures for this tour. However, we can tailor this trip to suite your specific requirement. You can either shorten this tour to meet your planning time or extend the journey to explore other places in Nepal. Advanced Adventures Nepal is there to assist you.

Group Size
Minimum group size would be two and maximum group size is twenty or more on request. We can also organize private trip to solo person with single supplement cost. Or join our estimated group departure dates available online or request us with your personal dates. We will open group date on the same date.

Guides/Trip/Safety
With Advanced Adventures, it is very essential that you are accompanied with very experienced and qualified tour guide for the safety and successful of the trip. Our guides are trained and licensed from Nepal Government and fluent in any language as per your need. Our guides are especially for the tour in which they have very well and depth of knowledge about history, culture, tradition and places as well. We assure you that your trip is at the right and in professional hands.

Accommodations 
For Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara tours, we use 3 star hotels which are available for the overnight. Based on your requirement, we can arrange suitable budget hotels from standard, deluxe to luxury.

Meals 
All meals in hotels include only breakfast while in Chitwan National Park, guest will be provided in full board basis. Menu ranges from typical Nepali meal to Indian and continental items either veg or non-veg according to the preference of guest.

Transportation 
In every trip, we use our private transport based on your itinerary. We provide car for 1-3 person, jeep or tourist van for up to 10 persons. We also provide option for flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Chitwan alike which will be 30 minutes flight instead of 6-8 hours' drive.We recommends to keep at least one-way by road so that you can see landscape and visit natural places along the way. From your last city - you can fly back to Kathmandu and save time for other activities.

Road Safety
Due to country geographical region, few roads in Nepal that are badly maintained with massive potholes and many are constructed round the terrain which includes winding roads, bends and steep precipices with no safety barriers. Thus, driving during night is particularly dangerous in Nepal and any journey is best done in daylight hours. Also depending upon the weather and traffic conditions, your trip duration might extend but it is very less probability. Advanced Adventures team will assists you over such matters.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory. You are required to purchase comprehensive travel insurance before travelling with us. Please ensure that you know exactly what you are covered for such as trip cancellation insurance, general medical expenses and hospitalization.

To Book
Once you choose which trip you would like to book, write to us with the information or call us on our number for the trip booking confirmation. In our online trip booking option, you may go on the link, choose your trip, date and follow the instruction with information required and submit to us. Each tour has an itinerary with everything that is included for that specific trip. Once your trip booking request is received, we would suggest you the final trip booking procedure with advance payment. Non-refundable deposit of 20% (per person) is required to confirm a place on your selected trip.

Please contact us with any concerns or questions.

Note: After the devastation earthquakes that shook Nepal in April and May 2015, the country is slowly getting back on its feet. Keeping this in a view, Nepal government has come up with the project to promote the tourism in Nepal by announcing "Visit Nepal 2020".