At the heart of the Gurung & Tharu ethnic groups

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Welcome to Nepal

  Arrival at Tribhuvan airport in Kathmandu, at 1,340 meters. Meet with our staff, assistance and transfer to your hotel. Time available to visit Durbar Square. Meals: - Hotel: Kathmandu Guesthouse

• day 2

  Kathmandu, the mystical

  Visit to the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa, the most important Buddhist cultural center in Kathmandu, as many refugees from Tibet stopped here and created more than 50 Gompas (Tibetan monasteries). Since 1979, Boudhanath has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will then visit the Pashupatinath temple, the most important Hindu temple in Nepal, dedicated to the god Shiva. The original core dates back to the 6th century BC and is known for its pagoda-shaped architecture. This place, also known as Little Benares, is located along the Bagmati River. At the end of our day, we will stop at Swayambhunath, one of the greatest pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. A beautiful view of the Kathmandu valley, illuminated by the glow of the sunset, will be offered to us. Meals: Breakfast. Hotel: Kathmandu Guesthouse.

• day 3

  Nagarkot – Bhaktapur – Kathmandu

  Early morning departure for Nagarkot, at 2100 meters altitude, to admire the sunrise over the mountains. We will walk for 3 hours to reach Changunarayan, located at the top of a hill, which houses a magnificent temple dedicated to Vishnu dating from the fourth century. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this temple is not touristy but deserves a visit, both for the tranquility of the place and the importance of the site. Then departure for the visit of Bhaktapur, also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site: a millennium of architectural wonders through incredible alleys where the population has preserved its ancestral traditions. Here, nothing has changed for centuries; the fantastic labyrinth of temples and palaces with subtle carved wooden facades remains intact and unreal. Meals: Breakfast. Hotel: Kathmandu Guesthouse.

• day 4

  The magnificent Patan

  We will depart for the ancient city of Patan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, located about 5 km south of Kathmandu. Patan is one of the three royal cities of the valley. It is a popular destination for art lovers. Indeed, Patan is full of wood and stone sculptures, metal statues, a dozen Buddhist and Hindu temples, as well as more than 1,200 monuments. Patan was built in the 3rd century BC by the Kirat dynasty, then expanded and enriched under the Licchavi and Malla governments during the medieval period. Durbar Square, like its counterpart in Kathmandu, is a fascinating blend of palaces, art courtyards, and elegant pagodas. The Royal Palace is the center of social and religious life in Patan, and houses a magnificent museum. The temples dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna are remarkable monuments here, dating from the 16th century and entirely built of stone. The rest of the day is free for shopping in the Fair Trade circuit shops in the Kupandol area, not far from Patan. Meals: Breakfast. Hotel: Kathmandu Guesthouse

• day 5

  Pokhara

  Route to Pokhara. Pokhara is a place of extraordinary beauty. Located at a lower altitude than Kathmandu, the city offers a more tropical atmosphere and the flora is varied, with beautiful lakes and breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks. Boat ride on Lake Pewha Tal and free time to stroll. Meals: Breakfast. Hotel: Splendid View Hotel.

• day 6

  Ghandruk, discovery of Gurung culture

  We are leaving for a short 2-day trek to Ghandruk. Ghandruk is the land of the Gurungs. This ethnic group has its own language, culture, customs, and way of life. They are famous for their courage. This brief encounter is an excellent way to discover their culture. Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodation: homestay with a family.

• day 7

  Ghandruk

  Day dedicated to discovering the villages. Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodation: homestay with a family.

• day 8

  Pokhara

  Back to the splendid Pokhara and visit to the Women Skill Pokhara development project, an NGO created in 1975 by four women to support women's literacy and training. Thanks to the manual weaving technique, this association produces colorful fabrics for clothing. Meals: Breakfast. Hotel: Splendid View Hotel.

• day 9

  Chitwan: discovery of Tharu culture

  Road to Chitwan to meet the Tharus. They are an indigenous people of the Terai. They have a distinct architectural style and build structures simply with natural materials found in the region: straw, wood, and mud. Even though today most Tharus are Hindus, some remnants of their tribal religion are still present. The villages are oases of peace and very festive. This evening, you will attend the "Tharu Stick Dance." This melodious dance, performed by men and women, was used to keep rhinoceroses and wild animals away from the farms. Meals: Breakfast & dinner Hotel: Homestay at the Tharu Community Center

• day 10

  Chitwan canoe & safari

  We will start the day with a canoe tour. It is the best way to see crocodiles on the riverbank. It is also an opportunity to observe the different species of birds, as well as the wildlife that comes to the riverbanks to drink. More than 450 species of exotic birds are present and make Chitwan a must-see place for birdwatching in Asia. Our experienced guides will take you to the best spots in the park. After the canoe, we will venture into the tropical forest for a short hike that will lead us to the "elephants breeding place," where elephants are raised and trained. This center was created in 1985 and is the only one in Nepal. Located 4 km west of Sauraha, elephants are raised and educated there. The best time to visit the center is in the afternoon, when the elephants have eaten. An elephant's skin is very sensitive to the sun and insect bites. That is why they roll in dust and mud, and throw it on their backs to protect their skin. In the late afternoon, "Elephant Safari." Sitting on the back of an elephant, you will have a unique view of the Chitwan jungle, allowing you to go to places inaccessible on foot or by jeep, and you will be closest to the rhinos, deer, etc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner Hotel: Homestay at the Tharu Community Center

• day 11

  Kathmandu

  Road to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free. Meals: breakfast. Hotel: Kathmandu Guesthouse.

• day 12

  Goodbye

  Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule and end of our services. Meals: breakfast.