ITINERARY SPECIALLY PREPARED FOR CHARITY PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT IN NEPAL - 2019

ITINERARY:
Day 01: Fly from London to Nepal

Day 02: Arrive Kathmandu / PM: Free or Leisure

Day 03: Full day sightseeing tour / PM: Welcome dinner

Day 04: Drive to Pokhara / Optional: Raft at Trishuli River / Lunch at Riverside

Day 05: Sahara Club visit / Preparation for Pickleball Charity Tournament

Day 06: Pickleball Charity Tournament

Day 07: Drive to Chitwan / PM: Jungle activities

Day 08: Full day Jungle activities

Day 09: Fly back to Kathmandu / PM: Free or Leisure

Day 10: Half day sightseeing tour / PM: Farewell dinner

Day 11: Final Departure

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Fly to Kathmandu from London – ON BOARD.

Upon your arrival at International airport at Kathmandu, our airport representative from Nepal Himalayan Voyages will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. It is the gateway city full of cultural and religious sights worth visiting. Kathmandu and its sister cities of Patan and Bhaktapur, together form part of what UNESCO calls "the Kathmandu valley world heritage site". Set at an altitude of about 4500 ft. above sea level, Kathmandu enjoys pleasant weather almost throughout, and that is another reason for its popularity.

The representative will help you check into Hotel. At the hotel, you will be briefed about your daily activities.

Totally peaceful environment, the only noise in the hotel is the chirping of birds Park Village Hotel and Resort is a verdant oasis set in five acres of tranquil, wooded gardens overlooking the hustle and bustle of central Kathmandu. More than two thousand flowering trees and shrubs cover the grounds and are home to butterflies, dragonflies and nearly 75 species of birds including hoopoes, heron, and kingfisher. Park Village is located at the northern edge of the Kathmandu Valley, just below the subtropical Shivapuri - Nagarjun National Park, less than half an hour’s drive from central Kathmandu or the airport. The fresh, natural environment coupled with comfortable, well-appointed accommodation, good food, and a lovely outdoor swimming pool make it the perfect place to relax either on arrival in Nepal or at the end of your trek or tour.

PM: Free or Leisure on own.

Check In and Overnight at Park Village Resort.

After breakfast at the hotel commence the full day sightseeing tour of Patan D. Square and Bungmati & Khokana Villages.

PATAN D. SQUARE: Listed as a world heritage site, the former royal palace situated in the heart of the city is like its counterpart in Kathmandu. Patan Durbar square is an enchanting melange of ancient palaces, Pagoda temples, shrines, and captivating courtyards. The three main chowks or courtyards here are the central Mul chowk, Sundari chowk and keshav Narayan chowk. Tusahity, the Royal bath in the Sundari Chowk is a masterpiece of stone architecture. Another remarkable structure of the square is a temple of Lord Krishna built entirely in stone in the 17th century. This Krishna Mandir is supposed to be the first specimen of Shikhara style of architecture in Nepal.

BUNGMATI: The village is only about 10 kilometers south of downtown Kathmandu so it is not far away at all! There are suspicions that Bungmati existed as early as the 7th century under the name ‘Bugayumi’. However, it’s official founding date falls somewhere in the 16th century. As you walk the streets, you will find hundreds of masterful wood carvers and sculptors offering you excellently hand-crafted items at bargain prices. Most of them work from home and they may even offer you other articles for sale on the side. Generally speaking, the Newars who live here live rural lives, following in the steps of their fathers and forefathers which lived long before them. The Bungmati Newari enjoy an incredibly rich culture which extends over the fields of language, writing, art, architecture and even trans-Himalayan commerce.

KHOKANA: Khokana in Nepal is situated just north of Bungmati. It is a tiny Newari village with a reputation for two things – mustard oil and the local temple. The Newari who live here eke out a simple living off the land. Much of their daily activities take place outside of their dwellings and they really do seem to embrace nature. Thus, as you make your way down the main street of the village, you will see a woman sitting outside spinning, men crushing seeds, and other daily activities. The village is famous for its unusual mustard oil harvesting process in which a heavy wooden beam is used to crush the mustard seeds in order to extract the oil. This oil can be eaten if desired but it can also be used for therapeutic massage.

WHOLE DAY PICKLEBALL CHARITY TOURNAMENT AT ARMY STADIUM.

In the evening enjoy a hearty dinner at Krishnarpan Restaurant.

Krishnarpan Restaurant [6 Course Meal]: To spend an evening at Krishnarpan, the Nepali specialty restaurant at Dwarika’s, is to take a culinary journey through the fascinating terrains and cuisines of Nepal. Serving the finest of Nepali flavors, Krishnarpan is a slow dining experience reminiscent of ancient customary feasts. Meals range from six to twenty-two courses and are prepared using the freshest vegetables straight from the Dwarika's own farm. With each course offered on traditional brass and earthenware, and served by charming hostesses representing different ethnic communities, Krishnarpan is an exquisite and authentic Nepali experience to savor.

Overnight at Park Village Resort.

After breakfast drive to Pokhara – 210 km [approx. 6-7 hours drive under normal road condition].

The Pokhara Valley, a land of spectacular beauty crowned by the majestic Himalayas, conjures visions of calm but vibrant green hills. Loaded with luxuriant vegetation and dotted with shimmering lakes, the valley offers awesome vistas. Magnificent image of Mount Machhapuchhare reflected in the clear waters of the Lake Phewa leaves everyone spellbound. One of Nepal’s adventure hubs, it has the reputation of being the second home for the tourists worldwide. Pokhara is situated at an altitude of 730 meters to 1030 meters. Its rich topographical conditions are responsible for the profusion of flora and fauna. The geographical location has made Pokhara one of the biggest valleys in Nepal. The valley is encircled by lush green hills ranging in height from 1077 meters in the South East of 2738 meters in the North East. Snow clad mountains add a special radiance to the valley. They also form snow-fed rivers that run through the heart of the valley. The geographical studies reveal that centuries ago a glacier was formed in the valley. As the time passed, the temperatures steadily increased and the solid ice melted and formed a river that began flowing, cutting into the soil of Pokhara. The regular flow of glacial waters created several underground tunnels. Currently, most of these tunnels are dry and are found in the form of caves.

DAY RAFT: Trishuli River originates from Gandaki river system and mixes with other rivers like Bheri River, Marsyangdi River, and Seti River as it flows ahead. It is widely acknowledged for its most culturally stimulating and exciting river trips in the world. Rafting along the challenging rapids of Trishuli River like Twin Rock, Ladies Delight and Scout Upset can be an extremely mind-blowing experience. During this meticulously organized river trip, your journey through the most scenic and secluded miles featuring incredibly blue water, breath-taking alpine scenery and amazing rapids cutting through some of the most varied geology. You also get to enjoy luxurious camps and wonderful off-river activities. Monsoon river rafting is the major attraction of Trishuli River.

After raft hot lunch will be served at Riverside Spring Resort in Kurintar and then we will continue our drive to Pokhara.

The Shangri-La Village nestles in the tranquil heart of Pokhara. The great getaway of Nepal - beneath a towering rampart of majestic snow peaks. Every room offers a spectacular view. Architecture inspired by the forms and textures of Village Nepal, charming gardens, reflecting pools that mirror the splendor of the Himalayas, a swimming pool that uses also a waterfall…. These are some of the wonderful surprises that the Shangri-La Village has in store for its guests.

Check-in and Overnight at Shangri-La Village Resort.

After a short refreshment period drive to Sahara Academy for the local visit.

SAHARA ACADEMY: This is a social welfare organization established in 1998. It works to enhance the standard of Nepalese football by running a social football academy in Pokhara. The academy assembles street boys and orphans from different districts of Nepal. The club is unique as it has been successful in highlighting the causes it stands for by using the most sought out game football. The academy is the main highlight of the club shaping the lives of more than 20 children. Sahara Club academy is in Dobilla, Pokhara which covers 26 ropanees of land. The academy has an academy building with necessary facilities and a football ground. Giving children football training with proper education and shelter. The club has to depend upon its yearly Football Tournament Aaha Gold Cup. The profit, which comes after completion of the tournament will directly, goes to the fund of Academy. The club also receives the donation for these purposes mainly from NRN (Nepali) residing in UK, foreigners and other organizations. The most notable product from the club is the national Striker Anil Gurung. The academy is the first football academy to be run by a club itself in Nepal.

After the visit, you will have a warm-up/preparation time for Pickleball tournament conducting the next day.

Overnight at Shangri-La Village Resort.

Breakfast at the hotel.

WHOLE DAY PICKLEBALL CHARITY TOURNAMENT

PM: Closing dinner at Shangri-La village resort near the poolside.

Overnight at Shangri-La Village Resort.

This day awaits the tour of Natural habitation and wildlife adventure. After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Chitwan [120km / approx. 4 - 5 hour’s drive under normal road condition].

Chitwan National Park is a large and beautiful nature reserve occupying 932 sq. km. of the land inhabitant of endangered royal Bengal tiger and the one-horned Indian rhino. Chitwan National Park was protected since the 19th century as a hunting reserve for Nepali royals and foreign aristocrats. In a famous hunting expedition, King George V and his son Edward VIII managed to slaughter 39 tigers and 18 rhinos in a single blood-soaked afternoon. Unfortunately, habitat loss and poachers continue to decimate the number of tigers and rhinos. Today, there are less than 80 tigers and 500 rhinos left in the Park. There are more than 50 species of mammals in Chitwan including monkeys, tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild boar, hyenas, deer, elephants, and rhinos. There are also 450 different species of birds and 67 species of butterflies. The main attraction of Chitwan is the Elephant Safari. It is a unique experience to explore the jungle on the back of a trained elephant. While you are not likely to see the Bengal tiger, you should be able to see the Indian rhino and enjoy one of the nicest nature reserves of the Indian sub-continent. Watch out for branches – particularly if you are sitting behind other passengers.

Tigerland Safari Resort is built on the banks of a river that separates the property from the mighty Chitwan National park. Spread across 8 acres the cottages stand on short stilts affording excellent views of the surrounding greenery and the expanse of the Chitwan National Park. Chitwan, meaning “the Heart of the Forest” is Nepal’s first national park, a World Heritage site and a beacon of conservation for the one-horned rhino. Once on the brink of extinction, the numbers of this magnificent animal stand at over 645 individuals at the last count. The park is teeming with wildlife with 68 species of mammals recorded. The list includes the Greater One-Horned Rhino, Royal Bengal tiger, leopard, Gaur, wild dogs, sloth bear, and jackals.

Check in at the Resort.

EVENING THARU CULTURAL DANCE SHOW: A melodious tribal dance performed by men and women with rhyme or drums and the clashing of sticks embodies and projects how to keep away the rhino and other wild animals from the human habitat and their farming land. You can enjoy your evening after dinner and watch the Tharu Stick Dance. We will arrange the dance for your enjoyment adjacent to our Restaurant.

Lunch, Dinner, and Overnight at Tigerland Safari Resort.

Early morning commence for Bird watching.

BIRD WATCHING: Chitwan is an ornithologist’s delight and a must for any serious twitchier, as more than 450 species of exotic birds such as the Oriental Pied Hornbill, Paradise Flycatcher, and Lesser Adjutant Stork congregate at this biological hotspot of Asia. Our experienced guides will take you to select spots ideal for birding, where you can observe a breathtaking diversity of these beautiful feathered creatures.

Then we drive back to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast at the hotel there are many activities which are ready to be experienced today which are as follows:

DUGOUT CANOE RIDE: Floating down to Rapti River by dugout canoe is the best way to discover the habitat of crocodiles on the bank of the river. It is also a relaxing and better way to watch a different kind of birds and wildlife species when they come to the bank of the river to drink water.

ELEPHANT BREEDING CENTER: Elephant Breeding Center was established in 1985 at Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP) and is the only EBC in Nepal. At the Elephant Breeding Program, 4km west of Sauraha, elephants are bred and trained. The best time to visit is in the afternoon when the elephants are fed. The Elephant Breeding Centre of Sauraha with great tourist attraction is said to be one of the only 3 such centers in the world. Elephant skin is extremely sensitive to sunburn and insect bites; they roll in dust and mud and throw dust on their backs to help protect their skin. This was one of such moments when this restless young Elephant tried to get rid of insect. 

ELEPHANT SAFARI: Seated high on the back of an elephant, gain a unique viewpoint of the Chitwan jungle. As an experienced mahout tracks animals through the dense jungle growth as you sit back on a howdah, you can imagine yourself being a Rajah or Rani going on a shooting trip (with cameras of course!) in the days of yore. An elephant safari allows you to go places that would be impossible to get to by foot or Jeep and get up close to the wild animals of the jungle that are normally wary, but at home with a fellow creature of the jungle.

THARU VILLAGE VISIT: Tharu are indigenous people of the Terai. They have a distinct architectural style, building solely of the natural materials found in the area; straw, wood, and mud. Even though by now almost all Tharu’s are Hindus some elements of their tribal religion can still be found. The villages are often peaceful, non-industrial havens, with the inhabitants engaged in a yearly agricultural circle.

Lunch, Dinner, and Overnight at Tigerland Safari Resort.

We fly back to Kathmandu today keeping the memories of Pokhara and Chitwan on our hearts.

Fly back to Kathmandu from Chitwan via Buddha Air [approx. 20 minutes flight].

Buddha Air started its operation on 11 October 1997 with one Beechcraft 1900D, six commanders, six co-pilots flying out to five destinations within Nepal. Today the company has two Beechcraft 1900D, three ATR 42 and four ATR 72. Buddha Air envisions itself as the safest, most reliable and comfortable means of transportation. From the moment any passenger books our tickets, we ensure that they get the best service. Till date, Buddha Air has flown over 7 million passengers.

After a short refreshment period firstly we visit Pashupatinath Tempe. Afterward, we carry on the sightseeing tour to Bouddhanath Stupa.

PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE: The temple of Pashupatinath is Nepal's most sacred Hindu shrine and one of the subcontinent's great Shiva sites. Pashupatinath, beside the sacred Bagmati River, is the holiest place in Nepal. Pashupatinath's supreme holiness has two major parts. One is that Shiva linga enshrined in the main temple and its location on the banks of Bagmati. Hindu devotees plunge into the holy Bagmati River daily and recite the verse from the ancient Vedas. It is believed that plunging or bathing into the holy river releases from the cycle of rebirth.  It is believed that the sex organ of Shiva fell to Nepal. The main temple of Pashupatinath (meaning Lord of Beasts believed to be a divine protector of Nepal) contains a lingam of Pashupati which is three and a half feet high and has four faces sculptured on it.

ARYA GHAT: Pashupatinath is Nepal's most renowned Hindu cremation site. In Hindu culture, after the person is dead, his/her dead body is wrapped in cloth and placed on the bamboo litter and bodies are delivered by barefoot pallbearers accompanied by the male relatives. The eldest son from the family performs the cremation ceremony and the dead body is burnt. A few hours later the ashes are collected and swept in the river which will join the Holy Ganges eventually.

BOUDDHANATH STUPA: Bouddhanath Stupa is the biggest stupa in Nepal and lies about 7 km east of the capital. The Bouddhanath stupa, also called by many as Khasti Chitya, is one of the oldest stupas in the country. After 1959, many Tibetans arrived and settled in the Boudhanath area. The stupa, a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site, is included in the World Heritage Cultural site list by UNESCO. With a diameter of about 100m and 40m height, Bouddhanath holds its place among the largest stupas in the world. The Bouddhanath stupa covers a vast area. It has around path at the bottom while another path is made of the three-tier plinth. The stupa resembles Swayambhunath stupa to some extent. The most impressive part of the stupa is the eyes of the Buddha which are painted with red, white and blue colors.

After the sightseeing tour ends drive to Nepal Army Stadium for Pickleball training.

Check-in and Overnight at Kathmandu Guest House.

After breakfast at the hotel, firstly we visit Kathmandu D. Square. Afterward we carry on the sightseeing tour to Swayambhunath Stupa.

KATHMANDU D. SQUARE: Kathmandu Durbar Square is the spectacular example of architecture and Newari artist in Kathmandu valley. Kathmandu Durbar Square is a historic place of royals where the kings in the past were crowned. It is crowded with ancient temples and palaces that reflect the royal history and religious and cultural life of people. The tallest temple of Kathmandu valley 'Taleju Bhawani' at the northern side of the palace was built in 1501 by Ratna Malla, the first king of the independent Kathmandu city. Kasthamandap, an open wood house, Kumari (living goddess) house, Jagannath temple with erotic carvings, and the Hanuman Dhoka (the royal palace) are situated in Kathmandu Durbar Square. Presently, the square is known as Hanuman Dhoka, a name derived from the status of Hanuman, the monkey devotee of Lord Ram, near the entrance of the palace. It holds the palaces of the Malla and Shah King’s who ruled the Kathmandu city for years.

SWAYAMBHUNATH STUPA: Swayambhunath is an ancient Buddhist religious stupa situated on the top of the hill in the western part of the Kathmandu city. It is also famous by the name of Monkey Temple as there are a lot of monkeys living around the northwest part of the temple and also famous for the many varieties of the trees found at the hill in which Swayambhunath temple resides. It is said that the stupa had been built during the Lichhivi regime in Nepal. It is a Tibetan type monastery which has museum, library and many more things added in the recent era. The stupa has Buddha’s eyes and eyebrows painted on it. It is also said that Lord Buddha watches the entire valley with his eyes from Swayambhunath to see the peace happening in the valley. There is also a symbol in between the eyes which seems to be like a nose but it is said that it is a symbol of unity. The site has two access points, a long stairway having 365 steps, leading directly to the main platform of the temple, which is from the top of the hill to the east; and a car road around the hill from the south leading to the southwest entrance.

PM: Farewell dinner at the New Orleans Restaurant.

Overnight at Kathmandu Guest House.

Today we depart Kathmandu with cherishing memories and an experience of a lifetime.

After breakfast at the hotel drive to the international airport. At about 3 hours prior to your flight time, we transfer you to the airport to fly your onward destination. Nepal Himalayan Voyages family wishes your best time ahead and wish to serve you again in the days to come...!!

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