Glimpus van Nepal: Poon Hill Trek & Wildlife Avontuur

Na het ontbijt vervoeren onze vriendelijke gids en chauffeur je in een comfortabel voertuig. We beginnen onze reis met een bezoek aan Kathmandu Durbar Square, een UNESCO Werelderfgoedlocatie die bekend staat om zijn ingewikkeld uitgehouwen tempels en historische gebouwen die een kijkje geven in het oude Kathmandu. Vervolgens reizen we naar Swyambhunath, ook wel bekend als de apentempel, om te genieten van een panoramisch uitzicht over Kathmandu.

Daarna gaan we naar de Pashupatinath Tempel, een van de belangrijkste hindoeïstische bedevaartsoorden in Zuidoost-Azië. Je zult de traditionele Hindoe crematieceremonie zien en de vredige omgeving verkennen. We kunnen ook de nabijgelegen Guweyswori Tempel bezoeken, een ander belangrijk pelgrimsoord. Onze laatste stop is bij de Boudhanath Stupa, een UNESCO Werelderfgoed dat dateert uit 600 na Christus. Het is een uniek boeddhistisch symbool dat een vredige omgeving biedt voor bezinning. Na onze sightseeing excursie kun je terugkeren naar je hotel om te ontspannen.

Overnachting: een overnachting in Hotel Yatri Suites & Spa of een vergelijkbaar hotel.

After having your breakfast we will drive to Pokhara. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours, depending on the road conditions. On the way, you can enjoy the greenery around you and the beautiful hills. What attracts most visitors to Pokhara is the richness of the valley with its pure and natural beauty. Just imagine the joy of observing the majestic Himalayas, reflecting its shadow on Fewa Lake and the cleanness of Pokhara city. When you reach Pokhara make a hotel check in and take a rest. 

­ 

Accommodation: an overnight stay at Hotel Shaara or a similar one.

Today, you'll explore the charming sights of Pokhara! start your day by visiting the Seti Gandaki River, a serene waterway flowing through the town. Its unique milky color comes from the limestone in the soil. Sometimes, it even disappears underground, creating a fascinating sight!

­ 

Afterward, we'll explore the nearby Tibetan settlements, where you can find beautiful handicrafts and Tibetan carpets to take home as souvenirs.

­ 

Then, we'll visit some of Pokhara's top attractions, including Davi's Waterfall, Gupteswor Mahadev, and the International Mountain Museum. These spots offer incredible experiences and are must-visits during your time in Pokhara.

­ 

Accommodation: an overnight stay at Hotel Shaara or a similar one.

Today, you will kick off early with a scenic drive to Sarangkot, a stunning viewpoint offering breathtaking vistas of the Pokhara Valley and iconic mountains like Annapurna, Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu. After soaking in the views, we'll trek down to Pokhara via Nayapul. Then, we'll hop on a boat for a tranquil ride on Phewa Lake, heading towards Peace Stupa. This beautiful Buddhist monument provides a serene setting to admire the surrounding beauty. The boat ride across Phewa Lake is a perfect chance to marvel at the Himalayan peaks mirrored in the water, offering a relaxing end to our day's adventures at the majestic World Peace Pagoda.

­ 

Accommodation: an overnight stay at Hotel Shaara or a similar one.

Today, you will head to Nayapul by car, which takes around 1.5 hours. From there, our trek begins. Along the way, we'll pass through charming local villages, cozy teahouses, and picturesque green hills. You'll also get to meet friendly locals and cross rivers. As we cross the Tikhedunga Khola on a suspension bridge, the trail starts to ascend with stone steps. Once we reach the top, get ready for breathtaking views of Mt. Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.

­ 

Accommodation: an overnight stay at an available local lodge.

This part of the trek is delightful! We'll stroll through lush jungles or forests for most of the day. Along the way, you'll spot beautiful rhododendron flowers, colorful birds, and maybe even some friendly wildlife. Plus, get ready for breathtaking views of majestic snow-capped mountains!

­ 

Accommodation: an overnight stay at an available local lodge.

You get up early in the morning. You will see the best sunrises and magnificent views of the Himalayas, like Annapurna South, Bahari Shikhar, Hiuchuli, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri Ranges, Tukuche Peak, Lamjung Himal, Mt.Manaslu Ranges, Machhapuchhre, and others. The hike starts with quite a steep uphill section to Deurali Pass. Following that, we'll hike down to Tadapani.

­ 

Accommodation: an overnight stay at an available local lodge.

Keep trekking towards Ghandruk, passing through Baisi Kharka, also known as buffalo pasture. Ghandruk is a large village belonging to the Gurung community. During our visit, we'll explore the Gurung Culture Museum to learn more about their heritage. From Ghandruk, you can still enjoy stunning views of snowy peaks. After a short break, we'll head to Kimche to continue our trek. Later, we'll drive back to Pokhara, which takes about 3 hours.

­ 

Accommodation: an overnight stay at Hotel Shaara or a similar one.

Today you will head towards Lumbini, which is approximately 160 kilometers away. Lumbini is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site the place where Buddha was born and attracts Buddhist pilgrims from around the world. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel for a well-deserved rest. 

­ 

Accommodation: an overnight stay at Hotel Shakya Guest House or a similar one.

Today you commence sightseeing in and around the actual birthplace of Lord Buddha. You will visit the sacred garden, where you can explore the Ashoka pillar, the small pond Pushkarini, the Maya Devi temple, and the remaining meditation site, along with the residential monastery for monks. Following that, you’ll have the opportunity to tour some of the monastic establishments in the monastery zone. 

After exploring Lumbini, drive to Bardiya National Park, which takes approximately 6-7 hours, depending on the road conditions. Along the way, you will pass through the beautiful countryside of Nepal, seeing traditional villages and scenic landscapes. Once you arrive in Bardiya, you will check in at the hotel and have a rest. 

Accommodation: an overnight stay at Rhino Lodge or a similar one.

The Bardiya National Park, also known as Bardia, is a protected area in Nepal established in 1988 as the Royal Bardia National Park. This park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including at least 53 mammal species such as rhinoceros, wild elephants, Bengal tigers, swamp deer, and Gangetic dolphins. During our visit to the park, we will explore the Crocodile breeding center and take a Tharu village tour to learn about the Tharu people’s life and culture. You will also enjoy a jungle walk to observe the park’s flora and fauna. 

­ 

Accommodation: an overnight stay at Rhino Lodge or a similar one.

Today, you will drive to Nepalgunj in the early morning and take a flight back to Kathmandu. Today is a rest day, after which you can stroll through Thamel's streets and shop for souvenirs for your friends and family.

­ 

Accommodation: an overnight stay at Hotel Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar one.

Today, our guide will pick you up and drive you to Bhaktapur to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Explore the surroundings and, afterward, visit the Nyatapola Temple, one of the biggest temples in Nepal. You will also visit Pottery Square. Here, you can also take the pottery-making class using traditional methods. 

­ 

Afterward, you'll be driven to one of Kathmandu Valley's ancient cities, Patan Durbar Square, for sightseeing. In Patan, you will be visiting two other UNESCO World Heritage sites: Krishna Temple and Patan Durbar Square. Later on, visit the Patan Museum, where you can learn more about the history of Patan and the kings who reigned here. Later, visit the Golden Temple, a major attraction for both Hindu and Buddhist people, and the Banglamukhi Temple.

­ 

Accommodation: an overnight stay at Hotel Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar one.

Je reis eindigt vandaag. Na het ontbijt haalt onze vertegenwoordiger je op met een privébusje en zet je ongeveer drie uur voor je geplande vlucht terug naar huis of een andere bestemming af op Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport.

Goede reis en we kijken ernaar uit je in de toekomst weer te verwelkomen.