Program 5
WESTERN NEPAL TOUR

DAY 01: Kathmandu (Arrival)

Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport. Meet, assist and transfer to hotel.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight : Hotel.

DAY 02: Kathmandu – Gorkha – Bandipur
                       
After breakfast drive to the town of Gorkha: (4 hrs approx)

Gorkha: It was from this hill town, midway between Kathmandu and Pokhara, that Prithvi Narayan Shah launched his campaign to unify Nepal. His fort still stands high on a hilltop above the town itself. Gorkha situated on a small hillock at an attitude of about 1000 m, offers panoramic view of snow-fed mountain. It is a scenic hill- town with great historical significance.Then the small kingdom of Gorkha, founded by king Drabya Shah in 1560 A. D. became famous during the dynasty of Ram Shah (1604-1641 A.D.), who earned the reputation of being just to his people. There was a famous proverb in those days, which said that one should go to Gorkha if he were looking for justice. In the middle of eighteenth century there were hundreds of small kingdoms and principalities in what is today's Nepal. The great Prithvi Narayan Shah took the mammoth task of unifying Nepal in the eighteenth century. The Gorkha soldiers under his dynamic leadership eventually succeeded in conquering the Kathmandu valley. The capital of greater Nepal was shifted to Kathmandu since then. But this beautiful township has always remained as the center of attraction for many Nepalese as well as foreign visitors.

Visit: Gorkha Durbar: This historical palace is situated on the top of the fortified hill above the township, about one hour's walk uphill & approx 1350 steps from the bus station. But the view on a clear day is worth the climb.  On the west side of palace is the temple of Goddess Gorakhkali. There is also a famous cave sheltering the statue of Gorakhnath Baba (sage). It is believed that the name of Gorkha was derived from the name of this sage, whose blessings inspired King Prithvi Narayan Shah for the unification of Nepal. From the top of the hill above Gorkha palace and from a saddle east of the bazaar, the view of Manaslu and Himalchuli is spectacular.

Gorkha Bazaar: It is primarily a cobbled street market place where by people from neighboring hill dwellings come to trade. There are a few temples near about, but not much. Yet, it is worth a visit as it provides a very good vista of the quiet charm that soaks a typical hill

Drive to Bandipur town (1 ½ hrs approx)

Bandipur: Bandipur, an ancient Newar settlement that has also been dubbed as a natural view tower. Occupying as it does a ridge 1,030 m high just above Dumre-midway on the eight-hour drive along the Prithvi Highway - Bandipur offers contrasting scenery in one snap-stunning views of 8,000 m peaks to the north, while way below the Marshyangdi Valley that is less than 500m in altitude.

Life in Bandipur revolves around Bandipur Bazaar, motley of compact town dwellings with open-fronted shops lining either side of a street that runs east to west along the top of the hill. An aura of a bygone era permeates the air with charming Newar houses with ornate doorways, latticed windows and roofs of tin or slate overlooking the street. There is a covered verandah that extends all along the stone-paved street.The town owes its grandeur to the Newars who settled here in the early 19th century from Bhaktapur in the Kathmandu Valley to set up a trading post on the trade route between India and Tibet. When they came – together with their trading skills – the Newars also brought with them their rich cultural heritage and architecture that have given Bandipur its character.
                       
Upon arrival check into hotel.

Overnight: Hotel.

DAY 03: Bandipur: Full Day Sightseeing:

Tundikhel - a large field that offers 180-degree panoramic views of the Himalayan ramparts to the north and the Marshyangdi Valley down below. Also visible from here are the legendary Gorkha Palace and the famous Manakamana Peak.

On a hill just above the mail bazaar are the ruins of the Gandhi – an ancient fort – dating from the time of Mukunda Sen who ruled Palpa to the southwest in the 16th century. Because of its location, stunning views of the Himalaya can be had from here.

Numerous caves, often having religious significance for the locals, dot the hillsides of Bandipur, but it is to see the Siddha Cave - the largest not only in Nepal but the whole of South Asia - that large numbers of visitors flock here. Discovered only in 1987, the cave, situated just above the cliff of Bimalnagar, is rich in stalagmites and stalactites. Another popular cave is Patalidwar, or Gateway of hell, which is also known by the name Gateway of heaven. Located two hour' walk through a jungle from Siddha Cave, a visit to the cave is said to wash away all the sins of one's ancestors and bring them salvation.

Mukundeswari - lies at an altitude of 1,830 m, a two-hour walk to the west of Bandipur. The place has a large collection of swords of different sizes and shapes lying scattered all around.

Overnight: Hotel.

DAY 04: Bandipur – Lumbini (6- 7 hrs approx)

After breakfast drive to Lumbini.

Lumbini - a place in the South Western Terai of Nepal evokes a kind of holy sentiment to the millions of Buddhists all over the world - as do the Jerusalem to Christians and Mecca to Muslims. For, Lumbini is the place Lord Buddha - the apostle of peace and the light of Asia was born in 623 B. C. Located in the flat plains of South - Western Nepal and the foothills of Churia range, Lumbini and its surrounding area is endowed with a rich natural setting of domesticable fauna and favorable agricultural environ. Historically, the region is an exquisite treasure - trove of ancient ruins and antiquities, dating back to pre-Christian era. The site, described as a beautiful garden in the Buddha's time still retains its legendary charm and beauty. To the mere 12-miles north of Lumbini lies the dense and picturesque sal-grove.

For centuries, Buddhists- all over the world, knew that Lumbini where the Lord was born is somewhere around. The descriptions of famous Chinese pilgrims (of ancient times) Huian Tsang and Faeihan indicated to this area- saying 'Lumbini - where the lord was born is a piece of heaven on earth and one could see the snowy mountains amidst a splendid garden - embedded with stupas and monasteries ! However, the exact location rernained uncertain and obscure till December the 1st 1886 when a wandering German archaeologist Dr. Alois A. Fuhrer came across a stone pillar and ascertained beyond doubt it is indeed the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Overnight: Hotel.

Day 05: Lumbini: Full day Sightseeing

The Ashokan Pillar: Discovered by the now famous German archaeologist Dr. Fuhrer, the pillar is the first epigraphic evidence relating to the life history of Lord Buddha and is also the most visible land mark of the garden. The historic importance of the pillar is evidenced by the inscription engraved in the pillar (in Brahmi script). It is said that the great Indian Emperor Ashok visited the site in the twentieth year of his ascendancy to the throne and as homage to the birthplace erected the pillar. The inscriptions in the pillar roughly translates as: "King Piyadesi beloved of the Gods, having been anointed 20 years, came himself and worshipped saying "Here Buddha Shakyamuni was born" And he caused to make a stone (capital) representing a horse; and he caused (this) stone pillar to be erected. Because here the worshipful one was born in the village of Lumbini has been made free of taxes and recipient of wealth"

Image of Maya Devi: In addition to the Ashokan Pillar, the other shrine of importance is the bas-relief image of Maya Devi enshrined in a small pagoda-like structure, the image shows Maya - Devi, mother of the Lord. Supporting herself by holding on with her right hand to a branch of Sal tree, with newly born infant Buddha standing upright on a lotus pedestal on an oval halo. Two other celestial figures are depicted in an act of pouring water and lotuses bestowed from heaven.
Earlier the image was placed in the famous white temple of Mayadevi beside the pillar - now totally dismantled to make way for the excavations - which revealed the Sanctum Sanctorum the exact spot where the Lord was born.

Puskarni - the sacred pool : South of the Ashokan Pillar, there is the famous sacred pool 'Puskarni' believed to be the same sacred pool in which Maya Devi took a holy dip just before giving birth to the Lord and also where infant Buddha was given his first purification bath. Architecturally the pool has there projecting terraces in descending order and is riveted with fine brick masonry.

Sanctum - Sanctorum of the Birthplace: The single most important place of the Lumbini (and to the entire Buddhist world for that matter) is the stone slab-located deep in the Sanctum sanctorum. Revealed after hard and meticulous excavations under the three layers of ruins over the site of a famous Maya Devi temple, the stone slab foundation pinpoints the location of the original place-marking the exact spot of the birthplace of Lord Buddha...

The Buddhist Temple: The monastery of the Buddhist temple-is built inside the surrounding complex of Lumbini in the manner of modern Buddhist shrines in Nepal. The prayer hall contains a large image of Buddha. Medieval style murals decorate the walls.

Overnight: Hotel.

DAY 06: Lumbini – Karnali Jungle Lodge (Bardiya National Park) (6 – 7 hrs approx)

Set on the edge of Royal Bardiya National Park, Karnali Jungle Lodge offers each
visitor the chance to explore the most undisturbed wilderness area in the Terai lowlands. The Park has a rich and varied wildlife and is home to endangered species including the One Horned Rhinoceros, the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Gangetic Dolphin, a very rare species with a limited population found only in the Ganges River of Nepal and India. From the lodge one can explore the surrounding areas on elephant back, foot, jeep and boat.

The villages of the indigenous Tharu people surround the park and the jungle lodge embraces much of the Tharu architecture offering a perfect mix of nature, culture, adventure and luxury. The lodge’s double rooms are complete with en suite bathroom. There is a central dining area and Western and Nepali cuisine is served. The fully-stocked bar remains open until the last person goes to bed.

Overnight Lodge.

DAY 07: Karnali Jungle Resort

Jungle Activities

Overnight Lodge.      

DAY 08: Karnali Jungle Resort

Jungle Activities

Overnight Lodge.      

DAY 09: Karnali Jungle Resort – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu

After breakfast drive to Nepalgunj Airport (2 hrs aprrox) to connect flight to Kathmandu  (55 mins)

Upon arrival at the Kathmandu Domestic Airport transfer to hotel.

Overnight: Hotel.

DAY 10: Kathmandu

After breakfast: Sightseeing of the twin Newar village: Bungamati & Khokana
The twin villages of Bungamatiand Khokana date from 16th century and typical ancient Newar Villages. These villages are located south of Kathmandu down a rutty road dotted with chaityas, appropriate for an ancient procession route. Bungamati is famous as the winter home of the Red Machhendra god of Patan who resides every winter in a powerful, Shikhara-style temple. Its spacious courtyard is often used for spreading grain to dry in the sun and where chicken-farming is strictly forbidden.

Khokana is the twin Newar Village lying next to Bungamati, both dating back to the 16th century. In between the two settlements is the temple of Karya Binayak. Just like Bungamati, Khokana is a compact village. Running through it is a wide main street, which was built after the 1934 earthquake. In the middle of the street is the temple of Sikali Mai, Khokana's guardian mother goddess. Khokana has long been famous as an oil-pressing center where mustard seeds are pressed using traditional methods.

Lunch: At Patan Museum, Summit Café

After Lunch drive back to hotel.

Afternoon: Free for personal activities.

Farewell Dinner at a local Neplease Restaurant.

Overnight: Hotel.

DAY 11: Kathmandu (Deaprture)