Nepal Experience Program has been created by Idex to expand its product range in Nepal. After successful launch of volunteering programs in Kathmandu, Idex now offers a travel program to explore and experience the Himalayan beauty – Nepal. This trip has been designed to fulfil spiritual, adventure and nature’s quest of the travellers. Places like Pokhara, Chitwan and Kathmandu have their distinct features.
Detailed Program Itinerary:
Day 1 (Saturday): ARRIVAL Kathmandu
- Arrive at Kathmandu’s International Airport
- Welcome upon arrival
- Transfer to Idex Camp, Kathmandu
- Overnight at the Idex Camp
Welcome to Nepal! On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Idex will greet you at the airport and escort you to Idex Camp. You will then be briefed about your daily activities. You’ll have rest of the day at leisure.
The people of Nepal can always be seen to be smiling. Nepal is a deeply religious country, as you will see in their Temples, Monasteries and Buildings. The fertile, mountain-sheltered Kathmandu Valley is the historic heart of Nepal, where the Himalaya's most sophisticated kingdoms rose and fell and where Nepali art and culture were developed and refined. In many ways, the Kathmandu Valley is Nepal.
Upon arrival, Welcome Meeting followed by an Orientation. Spend rest of the day at for acclimatization at the Camp.
Overnight stay at the Idex Camp, Kathmandu (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 2 (Sunday): In Kathmandu
- Morning Yoga session at the Camp
- Breakfast at the camp
- Visit to Durbar Square & Swayambhunath
- Overnight stay at the camp
Take a morning Yoga session with the Yoga instructor early this morning. Later, after breakfast, enjoy the sightseeing tour of Kathmandu City.
Kathmandu City: Kasthamandap, the source of the name Kathmandu means ‘made from the timber of a single tree’. Also known as Kantipur, the capital Kathmandu is the hub of Nepal's art and culture. It is a place for rest, relaxation and easy-day sightseeing of historic and artistic temples and monuments. Kathmandu Durbar Square with its arrays of temples, Seto Machhindranath and the ancient palace of the former Nepali Royals enriches your experience of the centuries old civilisation.
Swayambhunath: Said to be around 2000 years old, this Buddhist Stupa sits atop a hill. The main stupa is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire crowned by a pinnacle of Copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. The hill of Swayambhu is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples. You’ll get a scenic view of Kathmandu city from there.
Overnight stay at Idex Camp, Kathmandu (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 3 (Monday): Kathmandu – Chitwan
- Breakfast at the Camp
- Drive to Chitwan (185 Kilometres/4-5 hours)
- Upon arrival check in at the Resort
- Lunch/Dinner & Overnight at Resort
After breakfast at the camp, drive to Chitwan. It will be approximate 05-06 hrs drive. Upon arrival, the naturalist will host reception, refreshments, briefing about the programs and the resort facilities.
Royal Chitwan National Park: The Royal Chitwan National Park is the lush valley of Chitwan situated in the foothills of Churia ranges which houses the first National Park of the Kingdom. This National Park is famous for its variety of wildlife especially the Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros and the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.
Bird Watching: The Chitwan National Park is the realm of more than 450 species of birds. In other words, some people have commented the park as a heaven of the bird world. Take a guided tour through the forest to hear the colourful birds’ early morning chirps and watch them fly.
Overnight stay at Resort (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 4 (Tuesday): In Chitwan
- Breakfast at the Resort
- Full day jungle activities with Jungle Naturalist
- Lunch /Dinner & Overnight at the Resort
- Nature walk or jungle walks:
Jungle Walks allows one to explore several different wildlife habitat areas, from the flood-plain grassland to the dense Sal forests. There, one gets an opportunity to encounter a variety of animals including the endangered ones. Since walking through the forest disturbs the animals less, you’ll have a better chance for discovering wildlife. One can also learn useful information about different kinds of plants and herbs in the National park.
Dugout Canoe Ride: Floating down Rapti River on a dugout canoe is the best way to discover the habitat of crocodiles in the river (from a safe distance). It is also a relaxing and a better way to watch the different kind of birds and wildlife species drink water on the bank of the serene river. Overnight at Resort (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 5 (Wednesday): Chitwan – Pokhara
- Breakfast at the Resort
- Drive to Pokhara
- Afternoon City Tour followed by 1 hour Boat ride at Fewa Lake
- Overnight stay at the hotel
Drive of 5-6 hours under normal road condition to Pokhara which is approximately 220 kms away from Southwest of Kathmandu Valley at an altitude of 827m from the sea level.
Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty. At an elevation lower than that of Kathmandu, it has much more tropical feel to it; a fact well appreciated by the beautiful diverse flowers that prosper in this environment. The enchanting city with a population of around 95,000 has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of the lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic.
The valleys surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forest, gushing rivers, emerald lakes and of course, the views of world famous Himalayas. The city is also known as the centre of Adventure.
Phewa Lake: Spend a quiet time boating in the ultimate lake where the reflections of Mount Annapurna and Machhapuchhre range falls. You will also see a variety of fishes while boating. An island temple is located at the middle of the lake. Thick forest lies on the adjoining southern slopes of the lake. It’s hard to escape the draw of Phewa Lake and any visitor with even a few spare minutes should endeavour to take a boat out on the water to fully experience the wonderful views of the reflected mountains.
Overnight at Hotel. (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 6-7 (thursday-friday): Pokhara
- Breakfast at Hotel
- Free Time
- Lunch / Dinner and overnight at local Tea House
This will be a free time for our guests to explore the beautiful surroundings of Pokhara. Optional trekking supplement available for EURO 65 net per person.
Overnight at your Hotel (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 8 (Saturday): Pokhara – Kathmandu
- Breakfast at the Hotel
- Drive back to Kathmandu
- Afternoon tour to Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa
- Overnight at the Idex Camp, Kathmandu
- After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu.
- Late afternoon: Tour of Pashupatinath Temple + Boudhanath Stupa.
Pashupatinath Temple: Pashupatinath Temple dating back to 400 A.D. is one of the oldest Hindu Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is for the Hindus what Mecca is for the Muslims. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple built in Pagoda Style with gilded roof and richly carved silver doors. Pashupatinath is the centre of annual pilgrimage on the day of Shivaratri which falls in the month of February/March. You’ll also be able to see cremation grounds that lie on the bank of Bagmati behind the temple.
Boudhanath Stupa: One of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal; Boudhanath is one of the holiest structures imposing a height of 36 meters with three massive level Mandala style platforms. It is surrounded by colourful buildings housing families creating a friendly enclosure. The Stupa is visited every year by tens of thousands of pilgrims from all over the world.
Overnight at the hotel at own arrangement. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 9 (Sunday): In Kathmandu
- Morning Yoga Class
- Breakfast at the camp
- Afternoon Cooking Class at the Camp
- Visit to Buddhist Monastery
- Overnight stay at the Camp
Early morning Yoga session with the Yoga instructor followed by breakfast at the camp. Later, taken on a cooking class to learn the local cuisines of Nepal with the local cook. After lunch, you will visit one of the nearest Buddhist Monastery to learn more about the Monk culture.
Day 10 (Monday): Depart Kathmandu
- Optional: Morning flight to Mount Everest.
- Breakfast at the Hotel
- Transfer to airport for your flight back home.
Enjoy early morning Optional Mountain flight to Everest. Return to the Hotel later on for Breakfast. You can continue your program and do volutneering work with local community.
