Kathmandu Tour with Pokhara & Mala Lodge

It's a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Alkof Holidays representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Welcome drinks will be served and rooms will be provided after check-in process. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Optional Mountain Flight, to one of the must-see landmarks of Nepal, the highest peak in the world - Mount Everest. An awe-stricken silence comes close to matching the experience of a mountain flight. For one hour, you'll fly over the Eastern Himalayan Ranges of Nepal where some of the highest peaks in the world including Mt. Everest lie for a surreal feeling as you come face to face with the world's tallest and most enigmatic of Mountains. Even those visitors who like the rigors of a trek won't miss the opportunity to conquer the mountains in one stunning swoop.

After breakfast at the hotel, commence the sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar square, Swayambhunath stupa and Patan Durbar square.

SWAYAMBHUNATH STUPA: Said to be around 2000 years old, this Buddhist Stupa sits atop a hillock 02 kilometres west of Kathmandu overlooking the valley. The oldest written reference to the stupa dates from the 5th century, but it could have existed much earlier. Moreover, a legend has it that the stupa evolved spontaneously at the time of the Kathmandu valley's creation. Swayambhunath is famously known as as the Monkey Temple, owing to the presence of a large number of monkeys around the area.

THAMEL: Later, get on a rickshaw (tricycle) for an interesting 20-minute ride to the tourist hub of Thamel. Travelers and the locals consider it a tourist haven. Its filled with narrow streets, all lined with budget hotels, small shops selling everything from food and provisions to clothes, carpets, walking gears, music CDs, DVDs, handicrafts, paintings which make it an ideal place for souvenir shopping. The area also has some very good restaurants when you need to stop for munching.

KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE: The durbar square with its arrays of temples, courtyards, monuments and the ancient palaces of the former Nepali Royals is located in Basantapur in the heart of Kathmandu city, the country's capital. Chief attractions here include Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace, the magnificent Taleju Temple towering more than 40 meters; Kumari Ghar, the residence of the Living Goddess, Kumari; the temple of Ashok Vinayak dedicated to lord Ganesh (elephant headed deity), and Kal Bhairav, the God of Wrath. There is a giant pagoda of Kasthamandap, a structure which is said to have been built out of a single tree. The name of the capital Kathmandu is said to be actually derived from 'Kasthamandap'.

PATAN DURBAR SQUARE: Located 5 km southeast of Kathmandu, the Patan city popularly known as 'the city of artisans' accommodates a magnificent square housing the palace buildings of the then royals, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples - a display of Newari architecture that had reached its pinnacle during the reign of the Malla kings. It is filled with wood and stone carvings, metal statues, and ornate architecture, including dozens of Buddhist and Hindu temples, and over 1200 monuments.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, visit Boudhanath before connecting a short and sweet flight to Pokhara.

BOUDHANATH: One of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal; Boudhanath is a spherical stupa structure imposing at a height of 36 meters with three massive Mandala style platforms. Located 08 kilometres east of Kathmandu, the stupa with four pairs of eyes at the four cardinal directions is believed to be keeping watch for righteous behavior and human prosperity. Built on an octagonal base inset with 108 prayer wheels, the shrine is ringed by the settlement especially of the Tibetan refugees who entered Nepal in the 1950s. They have developed the place into a 'Mini-Tibet' ever since.

Later fly to Pokhara (approx 25 minutes), once you reach Pokhara, check-in at the hotel. 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 above 250000 has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panaromic views of the Himalayan peaks. The valleys surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forest, gushing rivers, emerald lakes and of course, the views of world famous Himalayas. The serenity of the lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, visit International Mountain museum.

International Mountain Museum:

Officially opened in 2004, this expansive museum is devoted to the mountains of Nepal, the mountaineers who climbed them and the people who call them home. Inside, you can see original gear from many of the first Himalayan ascents, as well as displays on the history, culture, geology, and flora and fauna of the Himalaya.

Later we'll leave for Mala lodge. Overnight stay at the Mala lodge.

The highlight of the day will be a visit to the village of Tamijung, also known as the bee village that will provide an ample opportunity to peek into the lifestyle of the villagers especially from the Gurung community. It is about 45 minutes of downhill walk from the lodge.

Upon arrival at Tamijung, the members of the mother's community will be there to welcome us. We could rest on the courtyard of a local house as the secretary of the community customarily informs us about their motto and their contribution to their village so far. We will then visit their houses, farms, kitchen and shades. It will be much of a cross cultural interaction. The visit is even more gratified with them hosting their local lunch for us. We will also have hands on experience in cooking the local bread (sel roti) and if the season is favorable will also witness a traditional fermenting of rice wine, known as Rakshi along with other delicacies such as Sandenko Aloo or potato pickle.

Later in the evening, walk back to the Mala Lodge for overnight stay.

After breakfast, leave for Pokhara. Upon arrival in Pokhara commence the sightseeing tour of Old bazaar, Bindabasini Temple, Seti River gorge, Devi's fall, Gupteshwor Mahadev cave and Boat ride at Lake Phewa.

BINDEBASINI TEMPLE: Bindabasini Mandir is of great religious importance to Hindus living in the Pokhara region. It is a vital hub of religious fervor. The temple itself is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga, who is Pokhara's chosen guardian deity. Durga, also known as Shakti or Kali has numerous manifestations and at the Bindabasini temple she is seen as Bhagwati, a blood-thirsty aspect of the goddess. Durga appears in the form of a Saligram. A Saligram, according to Hindu mythology is a propitious stone. It is said that the temple was created after the goddess ordered king Khadag Bum Malla to set up her statue here. The Bindabasini temple was then founded in BS 1845. Since its establishment, Bhagwati has been an object of worship here on a daily basis. Animal sacrifices are typically presented at the temple on Saturdays and Tuesdays. The Hindu festival of Dashain sees large numbers of believers coming to offer sacrifices at Bindyabasini Mandir. Indeed, there is little space for tourist during the festival of Dashain.

SETI RIVER GORGE: 'Seti' means White in Nepali and that's how the famous Seti River got its name with its flowing silver white water. It silently flows in the centre part of the valley carving out a wonderful Gorge. The Seti Gorge comprises the deep rifts of the Conglomerate Mountains carved upto 40 to 50 meters deep which could mostly be witnessed from KI Singh Bridge at Bagar, Mahendra Bridge at Mahendrapool market and Chinese bridge at Lakhan chowk.

DEVI'S FALLS: Locally known as Patale Chhango (or Hell's fall), Devi's fall is an amazing waterfall lying about 2 km south-west of Pokhara airport on the highway to Tansen. It was named after Devi, a Swiss lady who was swept away when the floodgates were accidently opened, never to be seen again.

GUPTESHWAR CAVE: The cave is probably the longest and attractive cave in south Asia which is located at a pristine location northwestern part of Pokhara district. Ancestors called this place as desolate Khatri Tara. At that time water steam used to come out from this place and some courageous youngsters used to go inside and catch fishes. In 1970, 1980 and 1982 a British Expedition Organization named British course Research Cave Expedition expatiated this cave and published about it in The Atlas of the Great Caves of the World. This cave is now a religious as well as touristic destination. Hindus visit this cave to worship lord Shiva- the superior god as per Hindu Mythology.

BOATRIDE AT FEWA 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 stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the lodge, we'll transfer you to the airport for a flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu commence the sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur city.

BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE (listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO): A former capital of the valley, it was once a flourishing city on the trade route to Tibet. It has preserved its traditional character better than the other two cities, due to its more isolated location. It is regarded today as a classic showcase of medieval Nepalese town life. It is situated in the east of Kathmandu valley about 14 km. away. It today retains much of its beauty in ornate woodcarvings and in the famed Golden Gate.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

We ensure that you will leave Kathmandu with cherishing memory and an experience of a lifetime. Alkof Holidays representative will transfer you to the Kathmandu airport in time for onward journey.

YES. We can customize your Nepal Holiday Package, as per your interest, and preferences.

On arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, Nepal, our local representative will be there at the airport holding a placard of your name for identification. We shall also provide you list of emergency 24 hours contact numbers for any emergency.

Although tipping in Nepal is not compulsory, doing so is a nice gesture. We do recommend tipping at various instances, but tip higher only when you are very happy with the service. Tip can given after completion of the services from 5$, 10$ or more as per your choice and depending on how much satisfied & happy you are with the service provider.

With Alkof Holidays, you get 24X7 personal assistance from your local dedicated tour manager in Nepal. You can contact him over the Phone/WhatsApp. You can also contact us over Phone, WhatsApp, Skype, or Email.