JUNGLE & MOUNTAINS ASSOCIATED WITH THE BISKET JATRA FESTIVAL
BETWEEN CITIES, MOUNTAINS & THE BISKET JATRA FESTIVAL
A fascinating journey that combines art and culture of the valley, a trip to a resort town and a trek up in the mountains with astounding views of a snowy peak, starting in Kathmandu valley. Attend a most elaborate festival in the culturally rich city of Bhaktapur, relax in Lakeside Pokhara and head off to the mountains.
KATHMANDU VALLEY, POKHARA TO THE MOUNTAINS & THE BISKET JATRA FESTIVAL
Visit the historic cities of Kathmandu Valley and follow up with a relaxing time in the enchanting lakeside Pokhara. This remarkable journey takes you from the snowy peaks of the Himalayas to the jungles of the Tarai (plains). The trip combines culture, history, adventure sports (mountain biking & rafting) and takes you back in time to witness a religious festival that has been celebrated for centuries.
Our journey begins with a taste of Kathmandu Valley with all its cultural mix and modernity. The bustling city has some fascinating shrines from the architecturally beautiful Buddhist sites, Swoyambhu and Boudha (the two oldest Buddhist stupas in the valley) to Pashupatinath (12th-century Hindu shrine dedicated to Shiva). Discover the harmony that exists between the two religions that have merged seamlessly. Travel to quaint Panauti and learn of the local Newari traditions and overnight at a local homestay. Enjoy a day at the historic city of Bhaktapur, the most well-preserved city in the valley with its red brick paths, artistic palace, and rich culture. Witness one of the most elaborate festivals of this city, the Bisket Jatra. Then, head out to Pokhara and spend two-spirited days hiking up the hills, walking through Gurung villages and gazing at the ever-present snowy peak of Machhapuchhare! Then, we head to Pokhara and have two days of excursion in the villages sheltered by Machhapuchhare!
HIGHLIGHTS
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley
- Country walks to discover the charm of rural Nepal
- Views of the Himalayas from Luwang, Dhulikhel, Pokhara, and Bandipur
- The spectacular Bisket Jatra Festival
- Homestays in Panauti and Luwang
Itinerary
For your next trek with us in the Himalayas, travel light and aware: Base Camp offers you a biodegradable soap made in Nepal, to leave no trace ...
Airport pick-up, transfer to hotel and check-in. Free time for the rest of the day.
- Accommodation: Nepali Ghar Hotel on B&B Plan
- Meals on your own
- Accommodation: Same as previous day.
- Accommodation: Hotel on a B&B Plan
- Meals on your own
- Accommodation: Hotel on a B&B Plan.
- Meals on your own
- Accommodation: Hotel on a B&B Plan
- Vehicle + Cultural Guide
- Meals on your own
Take an early morning drive to Dhulikhel for beautiful panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks. Drive further out to historic Namobuddha, a very important place of pilgrimage for Buddhists as it is renowned as the site where a Bodhisatva is said to have offered his own flesh to a starving tigress and her cubs. Visit the Namobuddha monastery/ then an optional walk to Panauti.
- Accommodation: Homestay on full board.
- Accommodation: Family Guest House on half board.
-Accommodation: Family Guest House on half board
- Lunch on your own
Drive to Bandipur, a tranquil resort town of Newar traders. Superb views of the Himalayan range. Bandipur is known for its serenity and delightful hikes; we will overnight at a homestay with simple rooms near the residence of our host.
- Duration of drive: 3.5hr
- Accommodation: Hotel on half board
- Duration of drive: 2.5hr
- Duration of hike: 3hr
- Accommodation: Hotel on a B&B basis
- Ascent: + 460 m.
- Duration of hike: 1.5hr
- Accommodation: Homestay
- Ascent: + 200 m.
- Descent: - 520 m.
- Hours of walking: 3hr
- Accommodation: Hotel on a B&B basis
- Accommodation: Hotel on a B&B basis
Transfer to TIA (Kathmandu Airport) for return flight.
End of our services.
What's included
- 5 nights at Nepali Ghar Hotel on a B&B basis in Kathmandu
- 2 nights at Lake Side Retreat in Pokhara on a B&B basis
- 2 nights at Shiva Guest House half board in Bhaktapur
- 1 night in Panauti Homestay with full board
- 1 night at the Old Inn in Bandipur with half board
- Trek 2 days in lodge full board
- Trekking team: 1 sherpa for a group of 4 or more
- Staff Insurance
- Annapurna National Park Permit (ACAP and TIMS)
- Domestic airport taxes
- Entrance tickets according to Kathmandu visits
- 1 h of boating on Phewa Lake in Pokhara
- Tour guide during the whole trip
- 1 farewell dinner
What's not included
- Visa for Nepal to get at the airport (30$ + Photos)
- Flights
- Compulsory repatriation insurance
- Tips, personal expenses and equipment, drinks, hot showers, recharging batteries during the trek, etc.
Suppliments
- Domestic flight Pokhara - Kathmandu: $.120
- Rafting in option in Trisuli river at day 10: ($.35)/person (on the way from Kathmandu to Bandipur)