After breakfast we are going to do some sightseeing activities today. As planned, we are going to explore some of the most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu city, evening drive to Dhulikhel.

Stay overnight at Dhulikhel.

Janai Purnima:

The festival of sacred thread wore by Hindu men especially Brahmin and Chhetri is known as Janai and as it always falls under full moon which is called Purnima in Nepali thus the festival is popularly known as Janai Purnima. People in Nepal are divided into following castes : Newars, Brahmin, Chhetri, Vaishyas, Shudras and Dalits (caste-less people)which defines their status in the society though banned by law it still haunts the lives of Nepali people and this festival is especially celebrated by so called “upper caste people”. A white cotton string is worn across the chest only by men, which is given to them in a religious ceremony called “Bratabandha” which marks the starting of purity of men coming from these castes and to abide by the religious beliefs stated by religious texts. This string has three cords which symbolizes body, speech and mind and wearing them is the process of having complete control over these. This thread is required to change if it becomes impure i.e when the man is touched by the woman going through menstruation, as menstruation is regarded as impure and woman is not allowed to touch men, get into the kitchen or prayer room or to eat with other family members, touched by people from so called “lower caste” and during mourning and celebrating the birth of a child. On this day itself the tie yellow cotton thread on their hands which is celebrated as Raksha Bandhan. This thread is said to protect you from problems that might affect you which is tied by both the men and women from Brahmin and Chhetri communities. After tying the thread both Janai and Raksha Bandhan people feast themselves with Quati (a soup made with mixture of different sprouted beans) and rice. This festival not only provides you with the glimpse of people’s celebration but also helps you understand the gender and social structure that shapes the lives of Nepali people.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square:

This durbar square will mesmerize you with the beauty of different temples and palaces. You will not only be able to see the spectacular view of 15th century architecture but also will be acquainted with the palaces and the courtyard of the ancient times. The golden gates, wooden palace studded with 55 windows, Batsala temple, Shiva temple and the National Art Gallery are the major attractions of this square. Moreover, you might not want to miss out the five storied Nyatapola Temple built in 17th century; adding on to its structure are the pair of two wrestlers, two elephants, two lions, two griffins and goddess’s tigress & lioness in each storey making it the most tallest pagoda style temple exhibiting the immense creativity and craftsmanship of Nepali in those centuries.

Stay overnight at Bhaktapur.

Gai Jatra was started by King Pratap Malla to comfort his wife after their son’s death to give her a message that many households in the country have lost their loved ones. Gai in Nepali means cow and Jatra means processions or celebrations thus Gai Jatra, as according to the Hindu belief cows are the means of transport for dead people to cross the holy river to reach heaven. People here believe in rebirth and reincarnation which is deeply integrated in people’s value system and still believe blindly that if you do good deeds you will be born to upper caste and have better life which is the main reason to discriminate and out caste the people from so called lower caste.

The festival was initiated to show the Queen that people were happy even if they have lost their loved ones thus people wore fancy dresses and even dressed up as another sex and as of playful characters fills the streets of Kathmandu. As people are still in the mourning period the festival should have been subtle or sober which is not the case as this festival reminds people to move on with their lives no matter how difficult or impossible it may seem. Thus the people whose family member died in that year come out in the street dressed in different clothes and colors. This festival also marks the occasion where people organize different programs to make jokes, cartoons or skit on the ongoing political and social issues.

Stay overnight at Kathmandu.

Matya known as the festival of lights by Buddhists. Newar marks the festival of parade who visit to all the Buddhist shrines scattered around Patan which sums up to around 1300 Buddhists shrines. Men, women and children clad in colorful dresses and participate in the parade with handful of offerings to be made to Lord Buddha which comprises of rice grains, flowers, vermilion powder, sweets, incense sticks and guru patra (gift for the teacher). The one thing which is not missed by any of the parade walkers is the butter lamp which is offered to Lord Buddha which signifies overcoming of temptations and being one step near to Nirvana.

Along with these parade walkers you will be able to enjoy devil dancers or funny mask wearers walking on the streets whose costume is made of rags and worn out clothes who never misses a chance to tease and scare the children who come on their way.

Stay overnight at Kathmandu.

After having our breakfast we will drive from Kathmandu to Bandipur viewing river banks and beautiful gorges on the way. After reaching there we will be transfer to hotel for rest and later we one can explore Bandipur or can stay in hotel.

Bandipur:

Bandipur is a hilltop settlement in Tanahu District, (Gandaki Zone) of Nepal. Because of its preserved, old time cultural atmosphere, Bandipur has increasingly been coming to the attention of tourism. Originally a simple village in the early 19th century. Bandipur today is a community with town-like features: substantial buildings, with their neoclassical facades and shuttered windows and streets paved with slabs of slate.

Stay overnight at Bandipur.

After having our early breakfast we head toward Pokhara and after reaching Pokhara we will have half day sightseeing tour to Devin’s fall, Seti Gorge and Gupteshwor Gupha (Cave)

Pokhara:

Known as the city of lakes and the starting point for trekking destination and the second largest city of Nepal is Pokhara. The Barahi temple in the middle of the big lake is the most fascinating landmark in Pokhara and the reflection of snow capped mountain in the lake is so serene and magnificent that you will remember it for your entire life. With the closer view of Annapurna range and Mt. Fish tail you will feel close to nature and mysticism. The other destinations in Pokhara that you will not want to miss out on are Devin’s fall, Bindabasini Temple, Seti George, Buddhist monasteries and the hike to Peace Pagoda which brings you close to the nature and to the different spectrum of life style in this magnificent city.

Devin’s Fall:

This fall marks the falling of a Swiss national to the stream of Pardi khola on Butwal road which is approximately 2 km southwest from Pokhara domestic airport. When the stream is at full bore the sounds of water plunging over the falls makes deafening sounds but is losing its glory due to the human invasion in this natural stream.

Seti Gorge:

The white water flows through this gorge which is narrow and flows through mid town. This milky white water might trigger a question in your mind is it polluted with chemicals? As the water itself is white thus called Seti; meaning white in Nepali. The best place to view this river is from the park in KI Singh Bridge north of old Pokhara to the road to Batulechaur.

Gupteshwor Gupha (cave):

A sacred cave in a distance of 2 km from Pokhara airport is right across the entrance of Devin’s fall which is 3 km long. Some places have enough for you to walk past it but in some places you need to crawl. This cave is sacred to Hindus as it has phallic symbol of Lord Shiva, one of the most worshiped Hindu deity, was found here and is being preserved in its original state.

Stay overnight at Pokhara.

After having breakfast we will move for excursion to Sarangkot at dawn, visit Barahi Temple and Boating at Fewa Lake.

Sarangkot:

This hill at an altitude of 1592 meters stands tall at the north of Pokhara overlooking the valley and the Fewa Lake. Sarangkot can be an attraction to you if you want to venture on a small trekking trip as long as two hours or at 45 minutes drive from the lake side, Pokhara. This is a beautiful place for sunrise and on a clear day you will be welcomed by the Himalayan range of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Fishtail and offers you to see the milky lake and Seti river flowing on the north making the environment more serene and magnificent.

Barahi temple on Fewa Lake:

It is the most important monument in Pokhara which no one wants to miss out on. It is placed in the middle of the Lake dedicated to the manifestation of Ajima, the protector deity representing the female power. Devotees flock into this temple to pay homage to the female force and offer animals to the goddess. Devotees are also seen feeding fishes of the lake who gather at the surroundings of the temple. You can also view the magnificent scenery of reflection of Mt. Fishtail in the lake.

Stay overnight in Pokhara.

Have breakfast in Pokhara and drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu 7-8 hours scenic drive . Lunch on the way to Kathmandu.

Stay overnight at Kathmandu.

Today after having our breakfast we will go for full day sightseeing tour in the following places:

Bungmati:

Just 10 km away towards the south of Kathmandu in Patan lies Bungmati. Still studded with charm and mysticism of rural life this place provides you with the opportunity to interact with local rural people and to observe the rural life style though within the vicinity of urban life. The culture and traditions and the wooden carvings are the attractions that you might want to pamper your eyes, mind and soul.

Khokana:

A traditional Newari village towards 8km south of Kathmandu lies Khokana who offers you to view its traditional history and culture. Though very near from Kathmandu the hustle and bustle of city life has not touched its essence thus has been representing its core values, traditions and norms even today. Nominated to be listed as a World Heritage site, Khokana stands unique today for mustard oil seed industry.

Khokana:

Khokana is just in 20-30 minutes walking distance from Bungamati another Newar village. The village begins with a narrow cobbled street and in the middle of the main street lies the temple of Shekali Mai a local mother Goddess. Khokana is famous for its mustard oil, they still make in a traditional way and the mustard oil is still very popular in Kathmandu valley.

Pashupatinath:

Pashupatinath, one of the holiest temple of Hindu deities Lord Shiva, has a golden roof and silver doors and is built in pagoda style. The temple is in the mid of green forest and the river Bagmati on whose bank Hindus are cremated is flowing on its side. People except Hindu are not allowed to enter the main courtyard of the temple but can be viewed from the eastern bank of the river. It is the center of the Hindu pilgrimage and annually thousands of devotees flock into the temple during Shivaratri and Teej which occurs in the month of March and August respectively.

Stay overnight at Kathmandu.

Today we will head towards Patan to view Krishna Janmashtami. Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated in the occasion of  birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu.

Patan City:

Patan Durbar Square is an enchanting melange of Palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the former Royal Palace complex is the center of Patan’s religious and social life. A museum full of bronze statues and religious monuments is one of the fascinating places to visit within Patan Durbar Square. A temple entirely built by stone in the 17th century in the name of Hindu deity Krishna, is one of the major attraction of Patan Durbar Square.

Krishna Mandir:

Krishna Janmashtami, a festival which is celebrated as the birthday of Hindu god Krishna, is celebrated all over the country. On this auspicious occasion, the head-of-the state, visits Krishna Mandir (temple) to offer prayers to the temple. He is said to be the one who commemorated Mahabharata, a great Hindu mythology, and the one who initiated Gita, the most read Hindu religious document. People song religious songs, dance and offer milk products in the temple.

Later in the evening enjoy the Farewell Dinner.

Stay overnight at Kathmandu.

After breakfast drive to the airport to your own destination.