Overview
Nepal as is known is an incredibly diverse country with geographical landscapes and cultural heritage that leaves anyone who visits wanting more. Accessible Adventure’s Real Nepal tour gives you the true picture of the diversity of Nepal. Covering the main historical and cultural sites around the country as well as hiking around the hilly landscape of Nepal with the great Himalayas in the background, this tour is sue to give you unforgettable memories and experiences.
The tour begins in the capital city of Kathmandu where you will get to explore the ancient and medieval towns with the Kathmandu Duebar Square, where the old palace of the medieval kings used to be. The durbar square is dotted with temples that are centuries old, each with its own history and religious importance. Similar to the durbar square in Kathmandu are the two durbar squares of Patan and Bhaktapur, from a time when there were three city-states ruled by three kings within the area of the Kathmandu valley. Patan is a more buddhist town whereas Kathmandu as a pretty balanced mix of hindu and buddhist temples. These durbar squares are also the locations where the ”Living Goddess” the Kumari lives and blesses people with her presence. Visiting the Swayambhunath and Bouddhanath temples as well as the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu will give you a fairly nice idea of the religious and spiritual lives of the people of Kathmandu.
After touring Kathmandu, rest for the night will be had in Nagarkot, a little distance off from Bhaktapur where the evening sunset and sunrise are simply marvelous. After Nagarkot, we return to Bhaktapur and tour the Bhaktapur durbar square and the Balthali village which will give you an idea of the village lifestyle of the Nepalese and eat authentic Nepalese cuisine.
Namo Buddha is a monastery set atop a hill, slightly off from the town of Banepa. Hiking here will be sure to give you wonderful views of the Kathmandu valley and the hills surrounding it. The central Himalayan ranges, with peaks like Manaslu are seen quite vividly from the monastery. The monastery contains a large temple with many prayer and meditation rooms along with quarters for the many monks who spend their life in spiritual pursuit. A hike to the monastery and meditating there is sure to rejuvenate your core.
The next stop on our tour will be the historic palace at Gorkha. The Gorkha palace is where the great medieval king of Nepal, Prithvi Narayan Shah was born and from where he led his campaign to unify Nepal which at that time was a large collection of smaller city states. The architecture and history of the Gurkha palace is sure to have you wondering. The district of Gorkha itself is the namesake in the British and Indian armies of the “Gurkha Regiment” known worldwide for their bravery and ferocity in battle. After a visit to the palace, out night stay will be in the lively town of Bandipur set atop a hill from where the vistas of the Himalayas and hills is simply astounding. The village is considered to be one of the most well kept and beautiful newar settlements in Nepal.
From Bandipur, our next destination will be the famous city of Pokhara where the Fewa lake and the views of the Annapurna mountain range along with the Macchapuchhre (Fish-Tail) mountain are simply amazing. The international mountain museum and the numerous cave systems located in Pokhara are simply a must to visit. The evening walk at the lakeside viewing the sunset will surely have you feeling relaxed.
From Pokhara, we make our way to the village of Sarangkot nearby which is a wonderful village with amazing views of the mountains and with an authentic Nepalese village feel. After spending some time in Sarangkot, we drive to the famous town of Tansen, located in the Palpa district. The royal palace at Tansen and the famous Rani Mahal are simply mesmerizing to look at filled with culture and history. Numerous temples and religious sites are located in the town and will have you captivated and enthralled.
From Tansen we make our way to the ancient site of Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha. Obviously one of the main highlights of this tour will be the Queen Mayadevi Temple in Lumbini. It is here that the Buddha was born to Queen Mayadevi as he held a tree branch and it is here that the Buddha took seven steps immediately after birth. You will be able to see the footprint of the infant Buddha at the Temple. Around the main temple are constructed various monasteries in both Theravada and Mahayana style. These monasteries were constructed by individual countries that have been touched by the Buddha’s teachings. Here you will find monasteries conducted by countries like Srilanka, Vietnam, Thailand.
After getting our soul refreshed in Lumbini, we drive to Chitwan, a city known for the Chitwan National Park which houses a host of flora and fauna that are sure to have you amazed. The jungle safari here will have you experience the tropical forests of Nepal where Bengal Tigers, One horned rhonos and many types of deer roam.
Around Chitwan there are many sites of interest, the Crorocile and Elephant breeding centers, canoeing down the Rapti river among crocodiles and fish and many other touring activities are sure to fill your day with joy. Experiencing the culture and lifestyle of the Tharu people who are native to the area and their unique cuisine and dances will be amazing also.
En route to Kathmandu where our trip ends, we visit the Manakamana Temple through ropeway. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Manakamana, meaning the one who grants the wishes of the heart. It is believed that sincere worship of the goddess grants you with the fulfillment of your wishes.
After the visit, once we get to Kathmandu and leave you at your hotel, the trip is finally over and hopefully you will have had unforgettable memories to take with you back home.
