Wild-Orchid Tour - Nepal : 14 days

Kathmandu - Daman - Chitwan - Bandipur - Gorkha - Pokhara

01 Arrive Kathmandu.
Upon arrival meeting and assistance on arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport and transfer to Hotel.

If time permits after the arrival in Kathmandu, possibley can do sightseeing of Kathmandu city the 17th Century Durbar complex and Hanuman Dhoka, temple of living goddess, Narayan Mandir, Maiju Dewal, and Kasthmandap a wooden temple built from a single tree, Shiva Paravati temple, great Bell and Drum, Seto Bhairav, Kal Bhairav and Taleju Temple. Later proceed to Swoyambhunath one of the oldest Buddhist stupa overlooking the entire Katmandu valley also known as the Monkey Temple.
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu on BB Basis.

02 In Kathmandu

Breakfast at hotel.
Morning: tour of Pasupatinath, Bouddhanath.
In Pashupati Nath area you can see famous Lord Shiva temple and Hindu cremation ground. It is strictly for Hindus only, you can clearly see the temple and the activities from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river. The two-tier golden roof and silver doors of the temple are famous all over the world.

Later visit Bouddhanath, the 2500 years old Buddhist stupa in the Valley built in 5th century with four pairs of eyes of Lord Buddha in four cardinal directions keeping an eternal watch over the people and their doings. You will find Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet going round the stupa spinning the prayer wheels.

Afternoon: Half day tour of Patan city
Patan City - the old Newar city and see the historic Durbar Square, the Golden Gate, the sky piercing temple of Taleju and the statue of Yogendra Malla, Krishna Mandir, Sati Temple, Hiranya Varna Mahabiar (the golden temple), Mahabouddha with views of old carved wooden windows through the streets, curios shop and Bazaars. Later visit Tibetan handicraft center and see Tibetan Refugees settlement and their Handicraft working process such as weaving, knitting etc.

Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu on BB Basis.

03 Shivapuri & Phulchowki After breakfast drive to Phulchowki.
It is 14 km and 45 minutes’ drive where Royal Botanical Garden is located.
Phulchowki is situated at an elevation of 2782m. It is the highest hill in the south of Kathmandu valley. Hiking into this area is most interesting in terms of vegetation.
Early in the morning, you drive from Kathmandu to Godawari. From here you start to hike gradually uphill along the rugged motor-able road through sub-tropical thick forest about four hours. The magnificent view of Himalayan ranges and the Kathmandu valley is breathtaking on a clear day. After detouring sometimes here, you come down following the same trail to Godawari within two and half hours and drive back to Kathmandu for lunch at Park Village Resort.

After lunch drive up to Entrance of Shivapuri situated at an elevation of 2563m north of Kathmandu is the second highest hill around Kathmandu valley. Bagdwar, source of holy river Bagmati, is located near Shivapuri.
Early in the morning, drive from Kathmandu to Muhan Pokhari for about 30 minutes. After checking the formalities at the Shivapuri entrance gate, you enter Shivapuri watershed and wildlife area. You commence your hike from the southern boundary of the area where the army check-post is located. The trail goes along the rugged motor-able road through pine and cherry forest up to Nangi Gompa within one and half hours, where a nunnery monastery is located. Beyond the monastery, the trail goes steep uphill through the oak, rhododendron and bamboo forest for another three hours.

From here one can enjoy the beauty of snowy Himalayas such as Ganesh Himal, Langtang-Lirung, Dorji Lhakpa and you take a shortcut downhill to Budhanilkantha in about two and half hours and drive back to Kathmandu.

04 Kathmandu-Daman

After breakfast drive to Daman 80 KM south of Kathmandu 3 hrs drive.
It lies at an altitude of 2400m and Daman offers a view of the breathtaking grandeur of the world’s highest peaks from far west of Dhaulagiri (8167m), to the east of Mt. Everest (8848m). There is also a view tower fitted with long-range telescopes through which one can view the back of beyond. This is also an ideal place for relaxation & outdoor activities such as Hiking, Trekking, Pony treks, short hikes & Bicycling.

Overnight at hotel in Daman Hotel : Everest Panorama Resort
Unimaginable forces created one of the World's most awesome sights, the highest mountains on earth - the Himalaya. Alluring summits and jagged ranges entice adventures, climbers, explorers and travellers alike to gaze in wonder at these giants. Nepal, a land of warm, friendly exotic peoples, has eight of the world's ten highest peaks on its northern border.
Now you can stand in one place and see them all. With its clear days, Everest Panorama Resort offers a magnificent vista from beyond Everest to the east to the snowy heights of Dhaulagiri in the west. View points such as Tiger Hill in Darjeeling, Nagarkot or Poon Hill on the Annapurna Trek pale by comparison. On the peaceful hillsides above Daman, Everest Panorama Resort offers comfort, tranquility and a range of outdoor activities unique to Nepal.

You can enjoy the Resort's flower-clad grounds or shady natural tree areas, relax in casual garden settings watching the many species of birds, bask in the sun or enjoy the cool of a glen beside a mountain brook \which provides the perfect opportunity to unwind after the exertion of a trek, the stress of a mountain climb or just to escape the hassles of city living or for the more active, venture out on one of our exciting activities.
Features, such as a view tower that brings the mountains to you and a working hill farm and animal nursery that gets you close to the country, ensures that your stay at Everest Panorama Resort is a memorable experience.

05 Daman - Hetauda
Motel Avocado & Orchid Resort - named after the rare tropical fruit Avocado that grows on the premises - is the most exclusive acco-mmodation in Hetauda. (An administrative headquarter of Makawanpur District, located at distance of 222 km. overland via Muglin. and 128 km from south of Kathmandu via Daman.)

Motel Avocado & Orchid Resort Centrally located, just a minute's walk from the main business and shopping center of Hetauda. The resort sprawls over acres and acres of greenery and manicured lawns. Accommodation is in 45 standard and deluxe rooms that have either air-conditioning or fans. The restaurant services Continental, Chinese, Indian and Nepalese Food.

Overnight at Avocado Motel

06 In Hetauda

Fullday orchid tour around Hetauda mountain ridges with Orchid specialist guide. We could forward you details If you have an interest in orchid, then there is no better place than to start your exploration than in the orchid garden in Motel Avocado & Orchid Resort. There are some 80 species in the cultivation and their central location allows access to 150 orchids species in nature settings. And is this only the place in Nepal where you can enjoy fresh "Avocado Fruit" and it is the only Resort with an "Orchid Garden".
Overnight at Avocado Motel

07 Hetauda to Chitwan

After breakfast drive Hetauda – Chitwan National Park 75 KM /3 hrs drive. Check in at hotel in Chitwan. Upon arrival, check-in at Jungle Lodge, refreshments & briefing about the programmes.

Royal Chitwan National Park having 360sq. miles of tall grassland & thick forests. The park is fast gaining a reputation for being one of Asia’s best, for both the diversity of its wildlife & its management. Upon arrival, in Lodge, a reception will be hosted by the Guest Relation Officer, refreshments served, briefing about the programs & camp facilities.
Afternoon: Jungle activities of Elephant safari, walking etc.
Orchids in Chitwan: …..
Dinner and Overnight at Jungle lodge on full board.

08 In Chitwan
Full day jungle activities include jungle safari on elephant back, nature walks, jungle drive by Land Rover, canoeing & bird watching in the park having 360 sq. miles of tall grassland & thick forests. The park is fast gaining a reputation for being one of the Asia’s best for both the diversity of its wildlife & its management. The two prized animals of the Chitwan Park are the Royal Bengal Tiger & the great one horned Rhinoceros. Out of the other wild animals see Leopard, gaur, Sloth bear Wild boar, Samber deer, Spotted Deer, Hog Deer, etc & over 400 identified species of birds in the Park.

Dinner and Overnight at Jungle lodge on full board.

09 Chitwan to Bandipur
After breakfast drive Chitwan – Bandipur 85 KM /3 hrs drive. Check in at hotel in Bandipur Mt. Resort. 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. Bandipur is located at 27.56 N, 84.25 E and an elevation of 1030m on a mountain saddle (Mahabharat range) approximately 700m above the Marsyangdi River Valley, 143 km to the west of Kathmandu and 80 km to the east of Pokhara. Since 1998 it is connected by a 8km access road from Dumre (Kathmandu-Pokhara highway). Until then there was only an unreliable road, in monsoon usually not accessible or only by tractors. The mountain saddle, just 200m long, is barely wide enough to accommodate the main street lined by 2 –3 storey buildings on either side. At the backsides of these houses the mountainsides steeply descend and the gardens are only accessible by stairs.

Bandipur was established as a funnelling point of trade by Newar traders from Bhaktapur in the Kathmandu valley after it had been conquered in 1768 by Prithvi Narayan Shah. They took advantage of its malaria free location to develop it into an important stop along the India-Tibet trade route. With them they brought their cultural heritage and architecture which basically has remained unchanged to this day.

Bandipur Mountain Resort is the ideal spot for travelers to take a lunch break, stretch the
body with a refreshing swim or simply gaze at the enchanting mountain views. Bandipur Mountain Resort which lies strategically under a mixed canopy of pine and sal forests offers the finest views that the area has to offer. From here, the panorama includes the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manasalu and the Ganesh Himal ranges, High snowcapped mountains, the cascading Marshyangdi River and lush terraced fields all combine to offer a never-ending blissful experience. To experience the peace and tranquility of timelessness, a stay in Bandipur Mountain Resort is the ideal choice.

10 Bandipur - Gorkha

After breakfast drive Bandipur – Gorkha 55 KM /2 hrs drive. Check in at Gorkha Hill Resort hotel. Gorkha Hill Resort, Keyman is situated 132 Km west from Kathmandu. All 24 rooms come with attached bathroom, hot and cold water, wall to wall carpet. Restaurant serving Nepali, Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine.

Gorkha is the Palace where the late King Prithi Narayan Shah was borned and unified the whole Nepal. It is famous for the Palace called 'Gorkha Palace', mountains, one can see the beauty of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Himalchuli, Peak 29 etc. Gorkha is an interesting town midway between Kathmandu and Pokhara. The surrounding area is fantastic. Gorkha is 25km north of the road between Pokhara and Kathmandu. There are some interesting walks in the area. Not many tourists visit here.

Overnight at Gorkha Hill Resort or similar.

11 Gorkha - Pokhara

After Lunch drive Gorkha – Pokhara 115 KM /3 hrs drive.
Upon arrival at Pokhara domestic airport, you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to your hotel. Check in at hotel in Pokhara.

The rare combinations of snow clad peaks & snow fed lakes & rivers has helped to make the valley of Pokhara (200 km) one of the most picturesque natural attractions in the kingdom. A must for all visitors to Pokhara valley is the Phewa Lake.

Overnight at hotel in Pokhara

12 In Pokhara
At around 5am drive by car or minibus to Kande (about 35km north-west of Pokhara). Sunrise view of Western Himalayas from Naudanda.
- Gentle climb for 1 hour up to Australian Camp (at around 7,500ft). Panoramic view with Annapurna South and Mt. Fish Tail towering in front of you (amidst of some 300kms of Central Western Himalayan Panorama).
- Breakfast at Australian Camp. Close-up view of glaciers, avalanches in gigantic peaks of Annapurna Range, deep gorges and rivers through powerful set of binoculars from the hill-top.
- Move-on for bird and butterfly watching and study of 'Alpine' vegetation including rare flora and fauna. Early lunch at Potana.
- Very gentle trek (no climbing) for 3hrs, viewing Annapurna Skyline, through dense 'Alpine' forests, villages of Gurkhas and observing their traditional craft, etc. (Our guide will tell you the history and show cultural aspects, on the way.)
- Arrival at Chandrakot (which used to be a command post in pre-historic times controlling the then Salt Road to Tibet). Tea and Rest.
- Gentle trek for 45 minutes to roadhead at Lumle.
- Drive to Pokhara. Check-in in the hotel.
Rest at Hotel in Pokhara.

13 Pokhara - Kathmandu

After breakfast drive Pokhara – Kathmandu 200 KM /7 hrs drive. Lunch at Riverside Spring Resort.
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

14 Departure Breakfast at hotel in Kathmandu.
Free until departure transfer to airport to connect flight for onward journey.