After breakfast, start your Kathmandu tour with visits to Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Bouddhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu, the largest city of Nepal, is the political as well as cultural capital of the country. Kathmandu is a city where ancient traditions coexist with the latest technological advancements. However, it is the grandeur of the past that enchants the visitor whose gaze may linger on an exquisitely carved wooden window frame, an 18th-century bronze sculpture or the spiritually uplifting stupas. Like any big city, Kathmandu has seen rapid expansion in the last decade, but despite the hustle and bustle so typical of metropolitan cities, its people remain as refreshingly friendly as ever. Retaining its ancient traditions, Kathmandu is blessed by a living goddess and is enriched by endless ceremonial processions and events that take to the streets every now and then with throngs of devotees seeking blessings. These religious festivals are steeped in legend and are quite a spectacle, with chariot processions and masked dancers often possessed by the spirits of deities.

After breakfast, drive to Janakpur (225 km). Enjoy the Janakpur tour by visiting Janaki Temple and Ram Sita Bibaha Mandapa. Overnight at the hotel in Janakpur.

During the Treta Yug period, about 12,000 years ago, Janakpur used to be the capital of King Janak’s Kingdom of Mithila. Known as the capital of Province 2 today, Janakpur, the birthplace of Janaki or Sita, the consort of Lord Ram, is an important religious pilgrimage site in the Terai plains, in south-central Nepal. Apart from being mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana, Janakpur is also famous for its temples, ponds, Mithila art and vibrant festivals. The prime attraction of Janakpur is the magnificent temple dedicated to Sita called the Janaki Mandir.

Known as the cultural center for Hindus in the Terai plains of Nepal, Janakpur has held a special significance for Indian travellers for centuries. Similarly, Janakpur is also of particular interest to Thai travellers, as the late King Bhumibol expressed special affinity for Janakpur as a cultural center of Mithila. The royal household of Thailand still receives mangoes from the orchards of Janakpur annually. These fruits are in abundance during the peak summer months from May to mid-June and are savoured for their sweet taste and unique flavour.

Janakpur is approximately 390 km and a 10-hour drive from Kathmandu. Buses to district headquarters Janakpur city leave from Central Bus Station, Gongabu, Kathmandu. One can also take a 40-minute flight to Janakpur city from Kathmandu. Janakpur lies in the Terai belt, where the temperatures soar during summer months, making it quite hot, while winters are mild and temperate. Monsoons from June to September bring rainfall to this sub-tropical region.

After breakfast, drive to Chitwan (235 km). In the evening, enjoy a Tharu cultural dance show. Overnight at the hotel in Chitwan.

Situated in the southern region of Province No. 3, the Chitwan District is headed by Bharatpur, the fifth-largest city in Nepal. The total area it encompasses is 2,238.39 km². The most well-known tourist activity in Chitwan is the Jungle Safari Tour. The tour takes place in Chitwan National Park, the first of its kind in Nepal, which spans 932 km² and varies in elevation from about 100 m (330 ft) in the river valleys to 815 m (2,674 ft) in the Churia Hills. At least 126 different kinds of fish have been found in the park, in addition to 68 different kinds of mammals and 56 different kinds of herpetofauna. Particularly well-known among park visitors are the one-horned rhinoceros, royal Bengal tiger, and gharial crocodile that make their homes there. Wild elephants, the largest terrestrial mammals on Earth, and pygmy shrews, the smallest terrestrial mammals on Earth, both call this park home. So far, 544 bird species have been documented, with 22 of those species facing serious threats to their continued existence. These include the Bengal Florican, the Slender-billed Vulture, the White-rumped Vulture, and the Red-headed Vulture, all of which are in a state of critical endangerment.

On an Elephant Back Safari through Chitwan National Park, you may go on an adventure through the subtropical forest, where you can see endangered animals like the Royal Bengal Tiger and one-horned rhino. As part of the Chitwan Jungle Safari, you can also go birdwatching, boating or canoeing, elephant petting and breeding, touring a Tharu hamlet, seeing a Tharu traditional performance, going on a jeep safari, and witnessing the dawn or sunset.

In the morning, go on a jungle safari (elephant ride or jeep safari) as part of the Chitwan tour. After lunch, drive to Lumbini (155 km). Overnight at the hotel in Lumbini.

Birthplace of Buddha

One of the world's most important spiritual places, Lumbini, in Rupandehi, Nepal, is the Buddha's birthplace. You can study Buddhism, meditate, and see the birthplace in the hallowed Mayadevi Gardens at approximately twenty-five Buddhist monasteries from Vietnam to France.

In Lumbini Garden, archaeologists found Lord Buddha's birthplace at Mayadevi Temple, the holiest site. He was born there, according to Ashoka Pillar inscriptions. Young Prince Siddhartha (later the Buddha) took his first seven steps and preached peace here.

It was born in the lovely Sal grove, now the Lumbini Garden's centrepiece. In 623 BC, Mayadevi, the Queen of Shakya King Suddhodhana of Kapilvastu, bathed in Pushkarini while passing through Lumbini Garden on Baishakha Purnima, the full moon day of May. She gave birth to Prince Siddhartha.

See the stunning architecture of monasteries from China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Germany, France, and others. Spend time at the 2,200-year-old Mayadevi Temple and enjoy the tranquillity.

 

After breakfast, visit Mayadevi Temple, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, on your Lumbini tour. Then, drive to Pokhara (200 km). Overnight at the hotel in Pokhara.

Stroll through the garden or meditate. From the 14th century, when Mayadevi was venerated as a Hindu mother goddess, Malla King Ripu Malla left a sandstone carving representing the Buddha's birth here, which pilgrims visit. Ashoka, an Indian emperor who became a Buddhist after visiting the Buddha's birthplace in 249 BC, constructed the Ashoka Pillar. Enjoy yoga and meditation at the Panditarama Vipassana Centre and talk to the monks who live near the monasteries and work to bring peace and harmony to all sentient beings. Three one-square-mile zones joined by walkways and a canal make up the 2.56-square-kilometre Lumbini Garden. Summers are hot, monsoons are moist, and winters are pleasant in this subtropical environment. Visit in winter.

Drive to Sarangkot bright and early in the morning to see the sunrise. On your way back, stop by the Bindabasani Temple. This trip to Pokhara includes stops at Devi's Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, and the Taal Barahi Temple, all of which are located on Phewa Lake. In Pokhara, spend the night at the hotel.

The serene beauty of Pokhara has inspired numerous travel writers. The region's unpolluted air, stunning snowy peaks, blue lakes, and lush greenery establish it as a significant natural site within the Himalayas. Pokhara, characterised by the impressive Annapurna range and the tranquil cluster of 9 lakes, including the prominent Phewa, Rupa, and Begnas, serves as an excellent destination for both weekend getaways and extended vacations. Pokhara Valley serves as the gateway to the Annapurna region, frequently regarded as a paradise by trekkers, and is prominently featured on lists of essential destinations in Nepal.

Pokhara was historically situated on a significant trade route connecting India and Tibet. Mule trains continue to establish camps on the outskirts of the city, transporting goods from remote Himalayan areas such as Mustang. The Gurungs and Magars, renowned globally for their prowess as Gurkha warriors, are the predominant groups in this region. The Thakalis, indigenous to the Thak Khola region of Mustang, are recognised for their entrepreneurial activities, operating tea houses along the trekking routes in the Annapurna region. Pokhara is renowned for its breathtaking views of the Annapurna range. This location is among the rare sites on Earth where mountains exceeding 6,000 m can be viewed unobstructed from an altitude of 800 m, within a distance of 28 km. Machhapuchhre's sharply defined "Fish Tail" peak, either dominating the skyline or mirrored in the tranquil waters of Phewa Lake, often leaves a lasting impression on visitors to Nepal. In recent years, Pokhara Valley has emerged as a prominent destination for adventure sports, including paragliding and ultralight aircraft flights. Pokhara offers a comprehensive range of activities, including boating, bird watching, trekking, and mountain biking.


Climate

Pokhara exhibits a higher temperature compared to Kathmandu. Summers exhibit warmth and humidity, whereas winters are characterised by mild and pleasant conditions.

Access and Accommodation

Direct flights are available from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Travel to Pokhara from the border towns can be accomplished by bus or personal vehicle. Accommodation options in Pokhara include luxurious hotels and resorts offering modern services and amenities, as well as comfortable lodges with basic facilities.
 

Subsequent to breakfast, return to Kathmandu, covering a distance of 200 kilometres. Explore additional areas of the city. The accommodation in Kathmandu is for one night.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to board your journey back home, bringing your Nepal family trip and Nepal vacation to a close with the beautiful memories you have made.