Namaste Tour 2024

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 The word Namaste means: “The light within me bows to the light within you” It is a word you will be using all day every day when you us join for our 2024 Namaste tour of Nepal.

Dive into Nepal’s eclectic culture and astounding natural beauty on this 14-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.

Relax in the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara ending your overland adventure in the world heritage Chitwan National Park where you will have the opportunity to embark on a jeep safari, getting up close and personal with Rhinos, crocodiles and maybe a tiger before flying back to Kathmandu.

Our itinerary explores a destination in depth, with carefully selected experiences and ample free time for relaxation.

                Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu – Sunday 20th October

You will be met at the airport and travel to your hotel for check-in at the beautiful, locally owned Hotel Tibet, located in Lazimpat (a short walk/taxi ride to the Thamel, tourist area).  Enjoy free time for the remainder of the day/eventing (dependent on flight 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 Free Day – Monday 21st October

A full day and the opportunity for shopping and exploring!

This evening, we will celebrate the mix of ethnicities, cultures and exotic flavours that make the Kathmandu Valley so unique at a live cultural dinner show.                         

 Day 3: Bhaktapur – Tuesday 22nd October

This afternoon we visit Bhaktapur, 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 4: Kathmandu City Cultural Tour – Wednesday 23rd October

This morning, embark on a tour of UNESCO world heritage cultural landmarks of Kathmandu.  We are spoilt for choice from the 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).

There is the opportunity to visit the Pashupatinath temple, the sacred Hindu temple complex located on the banks of the Bagmati River.  The oldest Hindu Temple in Kathmandu, it is also the site of Hindu cremations and a place of great cultural experiences.

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.   

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.

Patan Durbar Square is also on the list and is situated at the centre of the city of Lalitpur.  Being one of the three Durbar Square in the Kathmandu Valley.  Being a UNESCO world Heritage site, it is the ancient royal palace of the Malla Kings.

Our tour will be visiting three of the above places….as we only have one day set aside! 

 Day 5: Kathmandu / Pokhara – Thursday 24th 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 6: Pokhara – Friday 25th 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 jaw dropping 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 moun

Day 7: Pokhara – Saturday 26th 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 8: Pokhara – Sunday 27th 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:

·         a one-day trek

·         Para or hang gliding. 

·         Zip flyer

·         Rafting

·         Ultra-light flights

·         Canyoning

 Day 9: Pokhara / Chitwan – Monday 28th 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 10: Chitwan – Tuesday 29th 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).

Whilst in Chitwan you will visit the elephant sanctuary, go on a jeep safari, jungle walk and enjoy some croc spotting on a canoe.  In the evening you will be treated to a local cultural dance presentation.

Day 11: Chitwan /Kathmandu - Wednesday 30th October

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 12: Kathmandu / Sun Koshi Beach Camp / Kathmandu (optional) - Thursday 31st October

Today you can head out of the city and enjoy a day on the Sunkoshi River.  We will have an early rise to miss the traffic and travel northeast of Kathmandu to Sunkoshi beach camp. You will get a 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 and have the option to experience a rafting adventure on the Sunkoshi River.  After the rafting you can enjoy a traditional Nepali lunch before the return journey back to your hotel in Kathmandu.  If rafting isn’t your thing, we can organise for Umbrella Australia supporters to visit Shree Bhimsen Secondary School.

Day 12 is a free day to take on various activities such as birding in Godawari, a day trek in the Kathmandu Valley, or canyoning at Borderlands.  Our partners at Nature Treks will discuss any of these options with you.

If a day of adventure is not for you, we can also organise cooking classes, spa visits or just a free day to relax in the Kathmandu valley.

Day 13: Kathmandu – Friday 1st November

Your final full day and the opportunity for last minute shopping and exploring! Optional activities can be arranged for this day.

Day 14: Kathmandu – Saturday 2nd November

On your last day, enjoy free time before your airport transfer.

Cost & Dates

20th October – 2nd November 2024

AU$3,550.00

Group size limited to 10.

  Inclusions:

·         Welcome dinner and cultural evening.

·        Hotel Tibet Kathmandu and Temple tree Spa Resort in Pokhara with breakfast as per itinerary

·         Tigerland Safari Resort, Chitwan for 2 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

·         Pokhara/Kathmandu flight (one way)

·         Chitwan / Kathmandu flight (one way)

·          Airport transfers

·          All applicable government taxes.

  Not Included:

·         Lunch’s & dinners 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

Extra Activities supplied by Nature Treks:

·         Rafting - US$60-$70 per person (5-6 Persons)

·         Birding at Godawari – US$150 (3-2 persons) with transportation

·         Hiking in the Kathmandu Valley – US$$120 (2-3 persons) with transportation

·         Canyoning – US$90 (2 persons) plus transportation cost to Borderlands

·         Visit to Shree Bhimsen Secondary School & Sun Koshi Beach Camp (organised on request)

Accommodation:

 Kathmandu: Hotel Tibet or Hotel Roadhouse (or equivalent).

 Chitwan: Tigerland Safari Resort (or equivalent)

  Pokhara: Tea Tree Spa Resort (or equivalent).

Note:

This trip package includes 2 domestic flights (Kathmandu – Pokhara & Chitwan - Kathmandu)              

Important Information

This tour is organised and operated by Nature-Treks Nepal.  Please be aware that Nepal is a developing country and natural disasters emergency situations can occur at any time. The Umbrella Foundation Australia Ltd does not take any responsibility for any such incident that could occur on this tour.  Whilst all duty of care is taken, all members of the tour are strongly advised to take personal travel insurance and be responsible for their personal safely. 

We do advise you subscribe to smartraveller.gov.au

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.

Nepal Partners and tour organisers:

Nature-Treks.com Home - Nature-Treks.com: Pure Nature in Adventures

Booking Details

Payment:

Due to small numbers on the tour, this year we are asking for an AU$250 non-refundable deposit be made to: The Umbrella Foundation Australia for your booking confirmation.   This will be included in your overall cost once final payment is made.

It is also important to note that this tour is not a fundraising event.  Full cost of the tour is priced at a minimum with all payments sent directly to Nature Treks.com.  The Umbrella Foundation Australia Ltd is a middle party sharing with you the opportunity to explore beautiful Nepal and gain awareness of what we do as a charity whilst supporting a small family-owned travel business in Nepal.

Bank Details:

The Umbrella Foundation Australia Ltd.

BSB: 032-639      Account Number: 271414

Tour Contact Person:                                                                     Travel Contact Person:

Linda Harwood                                                                                  Lani Symons Vaughan

e. linda@umbrellaaustralia.org                                                  e. lanisv@mtatravel.com.au

m. 0402 816 061                                                                               m. 0433 414 712 

TUFA have launched their major fundraiser for 2023!  Legs 11 will run (pardon the pun) for the month of November - supporting our Women of the kilns health and hygiene program.

We have new fundraising page for the campaign - check it out at: https://umbrellafoundationfundraising.org

The campaign is about challenging your legs for November.  It may be not shaving or waxing the hair on your legs, doubling leg day at the gym, organizing a group hike or bike ride, committing to walking 5km a day, even taking up a new hobby like surfing or dancing...it's all up to you. 

The aim of the campaign is to draw attention to the ease of our choices....and at the same time raise very much needed funds for girls and women who don't have those choices.  

On the Legs 11 Campaign website you can: 

·        register yourself or your team

·        create a fun challenge around legs

·        share among your friends & on your socials, get everyone involved

·        no time? donate or sponsor instead      

100% of all money raised goes specifically to on-ground programs