Overview

This is combination tour including the Kathmandu Valley, Gorkha Palace, Pokhara, Palpa Tansen, Lumbini and the Royal Chitwan National Park (wildlife reserve).

Gorkha: Is the birthplace of King Pirthivi Narayan Shah the great, the founder of modern Nepal. Situated on a hill overlooking the snowy peaks of the Himalaya is a beautiful old palace known as Gorkha Durbar. There are two attractive temples of Goraknath and Kali inside the palace precint. Gorkha can be reached in about six hours by road (136km) from Kathmandu and four hours from Pokhara. A side trip to Manakamana temple on the way to Gorkha is very enjoyable and interesting.

Pokhara: The Pokhara Valley one of the most turesque spots of Nepal. It is an enchanting city nestled in the tranquil valley (827m), is the starting point for many of Nepal’s most popular trekking and rafting destinations. The serenity of Fewa Lake and the magnificence of the mt. fish-tail (6977m) rising behind it create an ambience of peace and magic. The valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, clear lakes and the world famous views of the Himalaya. Pokhara has three lakes Phewa, Begnas, and Rupa Tal. Situated 200km west of Kathmandu and 106km from Gorkha. It is connected by air and by road from Kathmandu and it offers magnificent views of Manaslu, Machhapuchre, Annapurna I, II, III, IV, V, Lamjung Himal, Hiunchuli and many others.

Palpa Tansen: Tansen, situated at an altitude of 1371m above the sea level on the lap of picturesque Shreenagar hill, is one of the most popular summer resorts of western Nepal. On account of its unique geographical location, climate and the people, Tansen spells an aura of dreamy holiday. Although the administrative headquarters of Palpa district, Tansen is free of usual urban hectic life. In Tansen, tourists can make detours at ease to see and admire the narrow zigzag streets, stream of colorful people passing by in local attires.Even in the heart of town an unmistakable charm of simple rural life is easily felt. However Tansen is another miniature Kathmandu. One could see old Kathmandu style hangovers in the cobbled streets up and down. Typical Newari houses, pagoda style temples, shrines and stupas are abound here.

One of the most picturesque spots in the whole Palpa Tansen region, Shreenagar hill abounds in scenic grandur and magnificent natural surroundings. A mere half and hours climb on foot 0r 10 minutes drive from the twon of Tansen, one would reach the top of the hill which commands a unique spectrum of natural extravaganza from the snowclad Himalayan Peaks in the north to the lush green wide expanse of plains of Tarai in the south, and of course town. The impressive meadow on the hill top is an ideal spot to view the breathtaking scenes of majestic Daulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu and the famed twin peaks of Machapuchare (the fishtail mountain). Also many beautiful short walks and excursions may be enjoyed from this point. Tansen is situated 317km west of Kathmandu.

Lumbini: The birthplace of Bhuddha (Siddhartha Gautam), the Shakya prince and the ultimate Buddha, the inlightened. One, is the pilgrimage distination of the world’s millions of people fathful to all schools of Buddhism. Lumbini is situated 85km south from Tansen, 308km south west from Kathmandu. It is connected by road and air from Kathmandu.It offers magnificent the secred Garden of Bhuddha. This nativity site, identified by Indian Emperor Ashoka’s comme- morative pillar is liested as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The main attraction at the Lumbini remains the secred Garden spread over 8sq.km and possessing all the treasures of the historic area. The Mayadevi temple is the main attraction for pilgrims and archaeolo-gists alike. Here we find a bas relief of Mayadevi, the Buddha’s mother giving birth to him. Standing west to the Mayadevi shrine is the oldest monument of Nepal, the Ashoka Pillar. The Pillar was erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249BC to commemorate his pilgrimage to the sacred site. To the south of the pillar, we find the sacred pond, Pushkarni, where Queen Mayadevi had taken a bath just before giving birth to the Buddha. There are other places of interested too nearby. It is accessible by air from Kathmandu to bhairawa. From Kathmandu it takes about 8 hours by bus or car.