Kathmandu – Chitwan – Lumbini – Pokhara Tour
Kathmandu – The capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, is an ancient city also known as Kantipur. It was named after the Kastamandap temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square. Situated at an elevation of approximately 1,400 meters in a bowl-shaped valley, it is surrounded by four majestic mountains: Shivapuri, Phulchoki, Nagarjun, and Chandragiri. The inhabitants of this valley are known as Newars, and the culture, festivals, and traditions observed in the city reflect Newari values. Kathmandu boasts almost seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcasing the diverse traditional arts and culture of the Newari people from Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. The famous “Living Goddess of Nepal,” Kumari, also resides here.
Chitwan – Located in the southwestern part of the Narayani zone, Chitwan is the fifth-largest city in Nepal. Its name, Chitwan, means the “Heart of the Jungle.” The first national park established in Nepal in 1973, the Royal Chitwan National Park, is situated here. Covering an area of approximately 932 square kilometers in the subtropical inner Tarai lowlands of south-central Nepal, it became a World Heritage Site in 1984. Once a favorite hunting ground for the ruling class, the park is rich in diverse ecosystems. Visitors can closely observe various bird species, sloth bears, crocodiles, rhinos, and tigers in their natural habitats. Elephants, often seen walking through villages on sightseeing excursions, make rhino sightings just a short distance from the village a common occurrence.
Pokhara – Considered the most beautiful city and the second-largest city in Nepal, Pokhara lies in the center of the Kaski district. Three of the world’s ten highest mountains are located within a 30-mile radius of Pokhara. Historically a trade route to India and China, the city has become one of the most expensive cities in Nepal due to its proximity to the Annapurna mountain range. It serves as the base for trekkers.
Lumbini – Lumbini, located in the Rupendehi district of Nepal, is a Buddhist pilgrimage site and the birthplace of Buddha, who later attained enlightenment and founded Buddhism. The site features many temples, monasteries, and museums dedicated to Buddha and his journey to Buddhahood. The holy site still preserves the ruins of ancient monasteries, the sacred Bodhi tree, the Ashoka Pillar, and the Mayadevi temple. Pilgrims from various countries engage in chanting and meditation at the site from early morning to early evening. Lumbini is approximately a 9-hour drive from the capital city, Kathmandu.
