• Duration:7 Nights 8 Days
  • Max. Altitude: 1350m
  • Group Size: 1-12
  • Activity: Sightseeing
  • Pick Up: TIA Airport

About Golden Triangular Tour

Nepal has more than mountains !! Our 8 Days Golden Triangular Tour is a great way to explore some of the other beauties of Nepal, such as its culture, history and wildlife. We also recommend it for those with extra days at the beginning or end of their time in Nepal. This 8-day tour starts with a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Next we drive to the national park in Chitwan. Even if you’re not lucky enough to spot a rhino or tiger, there’s plenty of other wildlife to keep you entertained! The tour then takes in the lake city of Pokhara where you can go paragliding, rafting, or kick back and sip a cocktail on the lakeside, the choice is yours.

Kathmandu is not only the capital and economic hub of Nepal; it is a city with a rich history that goes back around 2000 years and is well interwoven and inseperable from mythology and legend. Stroll in the throbbing streets of Kathmandu , a city where modern and ancient exist simultaneously !! Admire marvelous ancient architecture!

The well preserved ancient royal palaces in Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur date back to the 12th century. These are remnants of the three distinct kingdoms which once ruled the valley. Until now, these ‘darbars’ function as temples; and each one is home to a Living Goddess, or Kumari. Religion is an important part of the culture and lifestyle of the Nepalese.

Pashupatinath is the most sacred Hindu shrine in Nepal and one of the 275 Holy Abodes of Shiva on the continent. It is believed to date back to 400 A.D. It is the preferred site of cremation for Hindus, as it is situated along the banks of the Bagmati River; ashes swept into this river eventually reach the Holy Ganges. A yearly festival called Maha Shivaratri brings over 700,000 devotees to Pashupati.

Boudhanath is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world as well as one of the holiest centers of Tibetan Buddhism outside of Tibet. Thousands of Tibetan refugees have found refuge around this stupa since the Chinese invasion. Shops and gullies around the stupa have a distinctly Tibetan style. The stupa is rich with Buddhist symbolism.

Swayambhunath is a prime example of the beauty of coexistence and fusion of relition. Both Buddhists and Hindus pay homage there. Climb 365 steps to reach the 5th century Swayambhunath for a birds-eye view of the city. It is also called the Monkey Temple and you will understand why when you pay your visit

Chitwan National Park is a wildlife conservatory and one of the world heritage sites of Nepal.The sub-tropical jungles of southern central Nepal are a sanctuary for the one horn rhinoceros, tigers and wild elephants as well as many other wild animals and birds. Some of the delightful ways of enjoying the wildlife are canoe rides down the river and elephant or jeep safari into the jungle.

Chitwan is also home to the Tharu ethnic group who were likely the earliest inhabitants of the area. Tharu culture is unique and fascinating. Their spiritual beliefs are strongly linked with nature, not surprising as they have lived harmoniously with nature for centuries. A cultural program is likely to include Tharu stick-dancing and the peacock dance.

Pokhara is a tranquil city of incredible natural beauty. Pokhara is the starting and ending point for most treks in the Annapurna Region. Tourist hotels and shops are clustered near the peaceful Fewa Lake, which has a small island in the middle, just big enough for the Barahi Temple. The island is reached by row-boat, as is the World Peace Pagoda which is perched on a hill on the south shore of the lake.

It is possible to get some wonderful views of the Annapurna range right from Pokhara. Directly north, towering over Pokhara is the Machhapuchhre, 6993m, or Fishtail flanked by three eight-thousand mountains Dhaulagiri 8167m, Manaslu 8163m and Annapurna 8091m. For an even better view, we will drive to Sarangkot on a nearby hilltop to watch the sun rise on the mountains.

A tributary of the Seti River narrows into a deep canyon and even goes underground as it passes through Pokhara. At one point called Davis Falls the water gushes down, and then disappears underground. Nearby Gupteswor Cave is a dedicated as a Hindu temple on the first level, and the second, lower level goes down to where the river runs. When the river level is high during the monsoon, the cave is closed. Private Tours are avialble to start instantly. Group departs when we have minimum 1 participant for any Tours.

Highlights of Golden Triangular Tour

  • historical and cultural UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kathmandu
  • mountain views from Pokhara
  • Nepal's golden traingular tour
  • visit a Tharu village in Chitwan
  • jungle safari in Chitwan

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu 1,300 m/4,265 ft

Flying to Kathmandu is in itself an exciting and memorable experience. On a clear day you will get a panoramic view of the snow-capped Annapurna mountain range. In the airport, after completing the visa formalities, collect your luggage downstairs. As you exit the airport terminal, you will be met by our representative carrying your name on a signboard as well as our company signboard, Annapurna Foothills Treks. You will be taken to your hotel in our private vehicle, where you will be served welcome drinks, tea or coffee or juice as you check in.

The Managing Director of our company will meet you in the hotel and provide more information about the trip. Your dues must be cleared before we proceed on the trip. 

  • Hotel

Today, after breakfast, we start a guided tour of four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the palace of the medieval Kings who ruled over the ancient Kingdom of Kathmandu.

The magnificent Boudhanath temple is not only a famous pilgrimage destination for Buddhists, but also a favorite tourist destination in Kathmandu. The area of Boudhanath is also famous as it has over 50 Tibetan Gompas or monasteries.

The temple at Pashupatinath houses a sacred phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Beside this sacred Pashupati Temple is the Arya Ghat on the banks of the Bagmati River. The famous open cremation site for the Hindus.

The medieval town of Bhaktapur, known as the Town of the Devotees, has preserved its medieval arts, architecture, culture, and lifestyle to this date. Walking along the cobbled lanes of Bhaktapur, you will feel like you have travelled back in time. This evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner with the Annapurna Foothills treks and Expeditions guide in a typical restaurant.

 

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

After an early breakfast in Kathmandu, we drive to Chitwan. It is only 150 kilometers, but it takes 5 -6 hours since the road has many sharp bends as it follows the winding Trishuli River Valley. An upgrade to private transportation is available upon request at time of booking. Please note that you will not be accompanied.

When we have checked into our hotel in Chitwan, a local nature guide will inform us about our program. There will be a guided tour of an ethnic Tharu village and museum. Later, we will watch the sun set from the banks of the Rapti River. During dinner, we will be entertained by a cultural program: the Tharu people performing their traditional stick dance to the beat of tribal drums

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Hotel

The Chitwan National Park has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is committed to preserving wildlife and preventing the extinction of rare species of animals and plants. This sub-tropical forest is the natural habitat of egrets, woodpecker and some 500 species of birds. The Chitwan National Park also has deer, rhinoceros, tigers, leopards, sloth bears and wild bison. Dolphins and the endangered Gharial species of crocodiles are found in the Rapti River of this Park.

There are many activities to keep you busy : Elephant Safari, Nature Walk, Bird Watching, Canoe Trip and Visit to the Elephant breeding center. You also get a chance to get in the river and give an elephant a bath! Your elephant will likely give you one too! 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Hotel

We start our day with some early-morning bird watching. After breakfast we drive to Pokhara. Again, it is only 140 kilometers, but the winding road takes 5-6 hours. We return by the same road to Mugling, from where we turn west onto the Prithvi Highway to Pokhara. It is a beautiful city with the tourist area along the shores of the small and serene Fewa Taal Lake. Pokhara is the gateway to Annapurna trekking. Even without going trekking, you will enjoy magnificent views of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), and the five peaks of Annapurna right from Pokhara. 

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

We drive to the Sarangkot Hill early in the morning; a perfect place to watch the sunrise on the Himalayas. We return to our hotel for breakfast before setting out on a day of sightseeing. Along the shores of the peaceful Fewa Lake, we board a paddle boat. We stop at a small island in the middle of the lake to see the Bahari Temple before crossing to the other shore to climb a hill to the World Peace Pagoda. The reflection of Fish Tail, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu in the water is stunning. Next we will go to the Gupteshwar Gufa Cave, which is also a sacred Hindu temple, and then look down into the depths of the Seti River Gorge and Devi's Falls. Finally we visit the international mountain museum.  

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

Early morning, we depart from the Pokhara Tourist Bus Station to travel back to Kathmandu.

Option: We have not included the airfare Pokhara – Kathmandu (USD $120 Per Person). The exciting half hour flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu gives you the feeling of a mountain flight, high in the Himalayas where you can see the Langtang, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. If you chose to travel to Kathmandu by flight, you need to book this flight before start the Tour. 

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

This is the last day of our 8-day Kathmandu Tour. Besides trading emails with travel companions and organizing your photos, you might want to do some last minute shopping or exploring nearby your hotel. A representative from Annapurna Foothills Treks will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. We hope you will have enjoyed the tour with us and that you will be back soon for another trip somewhere in the Himalayas

  • Breakfast

What's Included

  • Transfer from Airport – Hotel – Airport: Car, Van, Hi-ace or Coaster in a private vehicle.
  • Authentic Nepali welcome dinner with Live Nepalese Cultural Program.
  • English-speaking experienced Tour Guide (Govt. Trained/License Holder)
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu 3 Nights Hotel Holy Himalaya (BB plan and government taxes)
  • Accommodation in Pokhara 2 Nights Hotel White Pearl  (BB plan and government taxes)
  • Accommodation in Chitwan  2 Nights Hotel Safari Adventure Lodge  on full board basis breakfast, lunch and dinner  
  • Ground transfers Kathmandu-Chitwan-Pokhara -Kathmandu by Tourist Bus
  • Private Transportation, by Air-Conditioned Car Van, Hiace or Coaster for Sightseeing in Kathmandu as per our itinerary
  • All government and local taxes

What’s Excluded

  • Your Personal Travel Insurance.
  • Monastery and temple entry ticket fees 
  • Nepal Entry Visa Fee.
  • Lunch & Dinner in cities - allow $ 10 to 14 for per meal in Tourist restaurants.
  • Tips for guide, porters and driver (customary).
  • Any personal expenses not mentioned in above services.

Useful Info

Private Transportation Upgrade Options:

Kathmandu to Chitwan:
Private Car – 120 USD
Private Jeep- 160 USD
Private Hiace/Van- 220 USD
Kathmandu Chitwan (Bharatpur) Flight Airfare – 110 USD per person


Chitwan to Pokhara:
Private Car – 150 USD
Private Jeep- 190 USD
Private Hiace/Van- 250 USD


Pokhara to Kathmandu:
Private Car – 150 USD
Private Jeep- 190 USD
Private Hiace/Van- 250 USD
Pokhara to Kathmandu Flight Cost- 125 USD per person
 

Best Season for the Golden Triangular Tour
This tour is possible throughout the year however, the monsoon during June- mid September may not be the best time for good views, though everything is lush and green then. From mid-September through until May is the best time of year.
 

Temperatures:
The temperatures from November to February are cold at night 10C and usually fairly warm during the day 20 C. We recommend bringing a warm woolen sweater or a jacket. For the rest of the year, it gets quite warm during the day, even as high as 40C in Chitwan and Lumbini. We recommend bringing layers for the fluctuating temperature. Sunscreen and sunglasses are needful.