Umbrella Australia are once again hosting our Nepal Discovery Tour. The amazing program highlights the beauty of Nepal and offers the opportunity for our supporters to visit one of our programs (Shree Bhimsen Secondary School).
The program is a not-for-profit tour where you have the opportunity to stay in beautiful accommodation and experience the many dynamic features Nepal has to offer. We have kept the cost of the tour to a minimum of AU$3,300 (twin share) which includes many extras detailed in the itinerary below. The maximum number on the tour is 10 which makes this a truly unique opportunity.
Dive into Nepal’s eclectic culture and astounding natural beauty on this 13-day discovery of Nepal. In the Kathmandu Valley, admire masterpieces of Newari architecture, explore an elegant hillside temple overrun with monkeys and stand under the towering Boudhanath Stupa, listening to the chants of Buddhist pilgrims.
Lunch beside the Sunkoshi River and visit The Umbrella Foundation Australia’s school project on a day trip to Sindhupalchowk. Embark on an elephant-back safari in the world heritage Chitwan National Park ending your overland adventure in the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara before flying back to Kathmandu.
Our Discovery itinerary explores a destination in depth, with carefully selected experiences, and ample free time for relaxation.
Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu – Sunday 23 October
You will be met at the airport and travel to your hotel for check-in at the beautiful, locally owned Nepali Ghar Hotel. Enjoy free time for the remainder of the day - dependent on time of arrival.
Kathmandu is by far Nepal’s largest and most diverse city, a genuine melting pot of ethnicities and cultures and a haven for travellers since its rise to popularity as part of the ‘hippie trail’ in the 60s and 70s. Once described as having more temples than houses, this exhilarating and complex capital is rapidly changing, but the half-hidden temples, chilli- growing courtyards and tiny craft workshops of its narrow lanes and alleyways reveal a city that has not yet abandoned its fascinating traditional cultural identity.
Day 2: Kathmandu – Monday, 24th October
City cultural Tour
This morning, embark on a tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square in the heart of the Old City. With its cluster of elegant temples and palaces adorned with intricate wood and stone carvings, this UNESCO World Heritage site is testament to the sublime skill of several centuries of Newari craftsmen. Standing tall on a 12-stage plinth, the magnificent Taleju Temple dominates the square, its impressive three-tiered octagonal shaped roof rising 35 metres into the sky. Wander the area, taking time to admire the gigantic and colourful carving of Kalbhairav (the god of destruction) and the Temple of Kumari (the living goddess).
Venturing west out of the city, climb the 365 steps that lead up to Swayambhunath Stupa or ‘Monkey Temple’ to see the 2,000-year-old Buddhist Chaityas and take in sweeping views of Kathmandu, hemmed in by the looming bulk of the mountains on the horizon.
In the afternoon discover the UNESCO World Heritage Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest in the world and sacred site for Buddhists. Enjoy a coffee overlooking this magnificent structure.
Day 3: Kathmandu / Sun Koshi Beach Camp & Shree Bhimsen Secondary School / Kathmandu
Tuesday 25th October
Today you will have an early rise to miss the traffic and travel northeast of Kathmandu to Sunkoshi beach camp. You will have the opportunity to get your first view of the mighty Himalaya as you travel on the Aniko Highway; a tea break at one of the viewing cafés will allow you the chance to take in the vista of the mountain range and many photo opportunities.
On arrival at Sunkoshi beach, you will enjoy breakfast before travelling by 4WD up to the Shree Bhimsen secondary school where you will be welcomed by staff & students. After the school visit it is back down the mountain to Sunkoshi camp. Enjoy a traditional Nepali lunch before the return journey back to your hotel in Kathmandu.
The evening can be spent walking the streets and experience Laxmi Puja, where the many shop owners will display mandalas. Tihar lights will decorate the streets and children will be dancing. A special time to be in Nepal.
Day 4: Kathmandu / Pokhara – Wednesday 26th October
This morning you fly to Pokhara. Nepal’s unofficial ‘second city,’ Pokhara stands on the shores of the placid Phewa Tal Lake in the shadow of the looming pyramid-peak of Machapuchare. Your accommodation is located on the eastern shore of Phewa, affectionately known as ‘lakeside’ or Baidam, is in the hub of the city’s shopping, dining and nightlife scene.
Arriving at your hotel, the ‘Temple Tree Resort & Spa’ you can enjoy some down time by the pool or browse the many craft and book shops or soaking up the laid-back vibes outside a cafe overlooking the lake.
Day 5: Pokhara – Thursday 27th October
Today we enjoy an early start to view Mother Nature’s finest display of colour & light at Sarankot. Standing high above Pokhara Valley, this renowned local lookout spot commands jawdropping views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, from Annapurna II in the east to the pyramid summit of Machapuchare and Dhaulagiri in the west. The remainder of the day is at your leisure, for a small fee you can hire a boat and explore the lake, catch up on some shopping, enjoy the spa facilities at the resort or simply relax and take in the mountain views.
Day 6: Pokhara – Friday 28th October
After a leisurely breakfast you will have the opportunity to explore the history and beauty of the Pokhara Valley itself, paying a visit to the spectacular KI Singh Bridge and nearby Devi Falls before moving on to a Tibetan refugee village to discover the community’s thriving textile and carpet industry or pay a visit the mountain museum.
Day 7: Pokhara – Saturday 29th October
A full day of leisure in Pokhara where you have the opportunity to relax by the pool, do some last-minute shopping or get adventurous with a huge range of activities on offer such as:
One day trek
Para or hang gliding
Zip flyer
Rafting
Ultra-light flights
Canyoning
Skydiving
Day 8: Pokhara / Chitwan – Sunday 30th October
After an early breakfast you will leave Pokhara and travel by private air-conditioned vehicle to Chitwan. Whilst the journey can be long and dependent on traffic/road conditions it is a great opportunity to take in the views of rural Nepal. You will stop a few times along the road for tea breaks. In the afternoon you arrive at the wildlife resort where you will enjoy full board and activities for the next three nights.
Day 9: Chitwan –Monday 31st October
With a name that translates literally to ‘heart of the jungle’, Chitwan National Park encompasses 932 sq km of protected forest, marshes and sweeping grasslands. Sitting on the fringe of the Indian Plains, the park is one of the last remaining refuges for rare and endangered species such as the one horned rhino, tigers, leopards and Gangetic dolphins (South Asian River dolphin). Activities whilst in Chitwan include: Elephant safari, village visit, walking safari, Evening entertainment: Local cultural dance and Slide presentation, boating safari, elephant briefing and bird safari.
Day 10: Chitwan /Kathmandu Tuesday 1st November
After breakfast you will fly back to Kathmandu. On arrival back at your hotel, you may enjoy some free time for the rest of the day, perhaps exploring the city’s many handicraft, art and book shops.
Day 11: Kathmandu – Wednesday 2nd November
This morning we visit Bhaktapur, which along with Kathmandu and Patan makes up the three holy cities in the Kathmandu Valley. The city was founded during the 12th Century AD by King Adand Dev Malla and remains well preserved and free of motor traffic to this day, giving it a sense of timelessness and peace. The city has rich handicrafts tradition and is a great place to purchase potter, which you will see in various stages of completion throughout the town, but particularly in Potter’s Square. Also look for painted black clay masks, metalwork, traditional Buddhist paintings and locally grown teas. A specialty in Bhaktapur is the yogurt and locally produced honey.
Day 12: Kathmandu – Thursday 3rd November
Your final full day and the opportunity for last minute shopping and exploring! Optional activities can be arranged for this day which could include, market tours, cooking classes, yoga or even a visit to the Nepali - German managed Ayurveda Health Home in Dhapasi, Kathmandu. This world-renowned centre offer many relaxation and cleansing treatments for the body & soul.
Day 13: Kathmandu – Friday, 4th November
On your last day, enjoy free time before your airport transfer
Cost & Dates
20th October – 1st November 2022
Cost: AU$3,300 (twin share)
Inclusions:
Welcome dinner and cultural evening
Nepal Ghar Hotel Kathmandu and Temple tree Spa Resort in Pokhara with breakfast as per itinerary
Tigerland Safari Resort, Chitwan for 3 nights on full board and all activities
All land in private A/C transportation
All guided sightseeing tours with all required or applicable entrance fees in Kathmandu & Pokhara
Breakfast & Lunch at Sunkoshi Beach camp
Jeep hire to visit school
Pokhara/Kathmandu flight (one way)
Chitwan / Kathmandu flight (one way)
Airport transfers
All applicable government tax
Not Included:
Lunch’s & dinner’s not included in the set itinerary
Any bottled drinks & alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses
Costs incurred due to unforeseen events
Optional activities
Travel insurance
Tipping
All International flights
Nepal Visa
Booking Information
For Flights and Insurance we recommend:
Lani Symons Vaughan
Mobile Travel Advisor
m: 0433 414 712
p: 1300 365 688 ext 182
For Tour Information:
Linda Harwood - Tour Coordinator
m: 0402 816 061
Important Information
Accommodation:
Kathmandu: Nepal Ghar Hotel (or equivalent).
Pokhara: Tea Tree Spa Resort (or equivalent).
Chitwan: Tigerland Safari Resort (or equivalent)
Note:
This trip package includes 2 domestic flights (Kathmandu – Pokhara & Chitwan - Kathmandu)
Cost approx.. AU$300
Visa for Nepal
All foreign nationals (except Indians) require a visa to enter Nepal
Getting a visa at the airport can sometimes take time due to long queues. It is advisable to organise your visa before departure. This can be organised through your travel agent or the Nepal Consulate in Sydney.
15 Day Multiple Entry Visa
Valid for 15 days from the date of entry
AU $60.00
For on the spot or urgent Visa processing add $15.00 more.
Health Advice:
It is advised you visit your doctor or travel health specialist before departure and make sure all the required immunisation is covered.