Holiday Withdrawal Symptoms......Tell me where you're going?

PompeyPete

DUKE wrote: »

5 nights Kathmandu

3 nights Pokhara

2 nights Lumbini

3 nights Chitwan

Looks like a load of temples .... lakes, caves, looking at mountains rather than climbing them, short cruise, Chitwan National Park, jeep safari, jungle walk, canoeing, oh God I'll probably tip out! Driving around & looking at various beautiful scenery.

We spent 3 weeks in Kathmandu and the Katthmandu Valley, and a week in Pokhara. It'd be handy to know what your itinerary includes, and whether it leaves you much time to do a bit of exploring yourself.

Never got to Chitwan as I reckoned it might be too hot for us, and Lumbini took us too far out of our way.

How are you getting from Kathmandu to Pokhara? It's a short flight, but an epic journey by road along the Prithvi Highway.

PompeyPete

Ballard wrote: »

If all goes to plan then a week or two later I will take my main holiday but I don't know where yet. Darjeeling or Burma are currently shortlisted but I have a fair bit of investigation to do.

Travelled the main tourist trail in Burma 5 years ago in a battered old Toyota Corolla, starting off in Rangoon [Yangon]. Bago, Temples of Bagan, Mandalay, Pwin oo Lyin, Kalaw, and Inle Lake.

Easy to do by hopping around by air. But you see a lot more travelling at ground level, and it's more fun being able to stop where and when you want along the way. It helps if the car has got decent suspension and the A/C works - ours had neither, but it was cheap !

Ballard

PompeyPete wrote: »

Travelled the main tourist trail in Burma 5 years ago in a battered old Toyota Corolla, starting off in Rangoon [Yangon]. Bago, Temples of Bagan, Mandalay, Pwin oo Lyin, Kalaw, and Inle Lake.

Easy to do by hopping around by air. But you see a lot more travelling at ground level, and it's more fun being able to stop where and when you want along the way. It helps if the car has got decent suspension and the A/C works - ours had neither, but it was cheap !

Neither me nor my likely travelling companion drive so we'd be stuck with public transport which can be limiting but also fun.

Burma was a possibility the year before last but it seemed that a fair bit of the country was off limits to tourists so we went to South Korea instead. Also, after the previous year's exploits in Ethiopia I wanted to go to a country with a little more comfort in its transportation. 14 hours on a dusty bus along bumpy roads urgently needing a toilet for at least 8 of those hours wasn't particularly enjoyable.

PompeyPete

Ballard wrote: »

Neither me nor my likely travelling companion drive so we'd be stuck with public transport which can be limiting but also fun.

Burma was a possibility the year before last but it seemed that a fair bit of the country was off limits to tourists so we went to South Korea instead. Also, after the previous year's exploits in Ethiopia I wanted to go to a country with a little more comfort in its transportation. 14 hours on a dusty bus along bumpy roads urgently needing a toilet for at least 8 of those hours wasn't particularly enjoyable.

We hired a car and driver/guide. So he did all the hard work, took us to great places, and his knowledge and love of his country was amazing.

Long distance bus travel in Burma isn't very comfortable either.

There are/were places off limits to foreigners. But there was still plenty of accessible places to fill several weeks of travelling.

DUKE

PompeyPete wrote: »

We spent 3 weeks in Kathmandu and the Katthmandu Valley, and a week in Pokhara. It'd be handy to know what your itinerary includes, and whether it leaves you much time to do a bit of exploring yourself.

Never got to Chitwan as I reckoned it might be too hot for us, and Lumbini took us too far out of our way.

How are you getting from Kathmandu to Pokhara? It's a short flight, but an epic journey by road along the Prithvi Highway.

I booked the entire thing with Travelbird so it's a pretty full schedule Pete. Not sure if you remember, it was flights, hotels with breakfast, transfers, trips every day, Chitwan includes all meals plan, & hopefully some scary animals. Only gotta buy the beer :beer:

Although we'll have free time in the evening, or we can do our own thing in the day if we don't fancy going off with everyone else. I've not given up on posting the itinerary, I'll try & find a way around it. Kathmandu Valley's on the schedule too.

We'll be travelling by road :eek:

How's Malta?

DUKE

Finally got it, sorry it's so long

Itinerary


Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal! You will be met at Kathmandu International Airport by a representative and will travel with other TravelBird guests to your hotel which is situated 6km from the airport. On your drive you will be able to see the dramatic snow capped peaks on the horizon. Take this time to get settled in and relax after your long flight.




Day 2: Tour of Kathmandu - Driving Distance: 15km



After a hearty breakfast it is time to explore the Kathmandu Valley with your informative English speaking guide. It is here that you will get an understanding of the vibrant Nepalese culture and visit the most beautiful religious and historically significant buildings. Starting at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is one of three Durbar Squares in the valley and is situated in front of the old royal palace of the former Kathmandu Kingdom, this is the heart
of the old town. You will then continue on to Swayambhunath a Buddist temple which soars above the city, follow the scent of incense to the top for impressive views and then on to the equally impressive Pashupatinath, one of the most significant temples in the world. This is the Hindu temple of Lord Shiva, Boudha Stupa, on the banks of the holy Bagmati River.



Day 3: Patan und Bhaktapur - Driving Distance: 40km



After your breakfast you will travel to Patan and Bhakatar and gain an understanding of how religion has been ingrained and preserved into the way of life of the people. Discover a rich cultural heritage and the traditional arts and crafts of pottery and intriguing masks at Bhaktapur. In Patan you will pay a visit to the terracotta temple of Mahabouddha which was built in the 14th century and the five-story pagoda style Temple of Nyatapola located in Bhaktapur. This is the tallest temple in all of Nepal.



Day 4: Kathmandu to Pokhara -Driving Distance: 220 Kms



Today you will depart for Pokhara after breakfast, and you are sure to enjoy the views of the lush rolling green hills, beautiful valleys and mountain views along the way. Pokhara is regarded as tourist’s paradise where natural and cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, temples coexist.



Day 5: Pokhara



Your guided tour of Pokhara's most interesting sights are on display today along with The Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, both at a magical 8000-metre height never far from ones eye. Pokhara is Nepal's second largest city and you will get the chance to see Mahendra Cave, a rare example of a cave system containing stalagmites and stalactites, the International Mountain Museum which covers mountaineering history, information on the 14 highest peaks and their most famous expeditions, and the powerful Davis waterfalls that seem to plunge to nowhere!



Day 6: Sarangkot



Rise early to a hearty breakfast as today you will head to Sarangkot to capture a tranquil and spectacular view over the city before sunrise and view the first rays of sunlight hitting the mountains in the background. Sarangkot offers panoramic views of Annapurna, Fishtail, Dhaulagiri and other mountains. If you are feeling adventurous you will be given the option to make the decent down 1600 metres back to Pokhara. This walk takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete. You may opt instead visit the World Peace Pagoda before sunrise, situated at the Phewa Lake, and after a twenty minute drive you will embark on a hike of approximately 20 minutes down to the lake to enjoy an unforgettable boat cruise and take in the incomparable scenery and the mountain panorama of Annapurna. This cruise is approximately three to four hours long.



Day 7 & 8: Pokhara to Lumbini - Driving Distance: 220 km



Today you will drive 200km southwest of Pokhara to Lumbini, the place where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama in 623 B.C in the famous gardens of Lumbini. Check into your hotel and relax at your leisure. Day 8 is a full day of sightseeing in Lumbini and the surrounding area, which, as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, is regarded as the founder of the Buddhist religion. No wonder Lumbini is one of the four pilgrimage sites that are dedicated to the life of the Buddha. One can go sightseeing in the gardens of Lumbini and the various monasteries that are scattered around the area. Your english speaking guide will show you all the interesting sights and explain the historical significance of Lumbini.



Day 9: Lumbini to Chitwan - Driving Distance: 150km




After breakfast, you will travel east from Lumbini to the Royal Chitwan National Park, which is shelter to the last endangered Asian species like the one-horned rhinoceros and the Royal Bengal tiger, granted a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1984. After lunch you will experience a village tour to a nearby ethnic Tharu village where you will learn more about the life and lifestyle of the Tharus. After your insight into village life you will stop in at the National Park Visitor's centre where you can learn more about the history of the National Park and about the wildlife they protect, for in the morning you are to set off on a jeep safari or jungle walk. At sunset you can relax on the banks of the river Rapti to observe the Tharu cultural dance presentation by the local villagers.



Day 10: Safari through the Chitwan National Park




Wake rested to a delicious breakfast, then depart for a canoe journey along the Rapti River, gliding down the river you will have an excellent opportunity for bird watching as there are 544 species of birds in the National Park, you may even spot the two rare species of crocodiles; the Marsh Mugger and the fish eating Gharial. On your return you will maybe lucky enough to witness elephants bathing. After lunch, you have optional programs to choose from such as a Jeep Safari or Jungle Walk with guides or you may wish to enjoy the day at your leisure. Lunch and Dinner is provided at your hotel.


Day 11: Chitwan



After breakfast you will get to visit the National Elephant Breeding Centre, here you will get to see the fascinating interaction between mothers with their babies, please note at times the mothers will be restrained for your safety and theirs. After lunch choose between an Elephant safari adventure or by Jeep through the flora and fauna of the Chitwan National Park. You will get the opportunity to see Chitwan National Park. You will get the opportunity to see four different kinds of deer, rhinoceros, wild boar, monkey, leopard, sloth bear and if you are lucky a Royal Bengal Tiger. You will also encounter many other smaller mammals that have made Chitwan National Park their home.



Day 12 & 13: Chitwan - Kathmandu



On day 12 you will take the tour bus back to Kathmandu which is a journey of approximately six to seven hours. You will be dropped to your hotel to relax as in the morning you will have one last day to enjoy Kathmandu. On day 13 you have the day at your leisure, you may wish to try haggling in Thamel, a haven for tourists wanting to purchase some traditional souvenirs and a great place to try a selection of local cuisine. Newa cuisine, which is a subset of Nepalese cuisine that has developed over centuries and is one of the most celebrated food variety in the country, consists of over 200 dishes! Alternatively go on a scenic mountain flight around the Himalayas if the weather is clear. Your guides in Nepal will be able to give you more detailed information.



Day 14: Return Home



It is time now to leave Nepal! We hope you have enjoyed your time in this beautiful country. Your transfer will meet you at your hotel and take you back to Kathmandu International Airport for your return flight home

littlereddevil

Sounds fab

jackieblack

DepositSaver wrote: »

then almost 2 weeks in the USA (Washington DC and New York) in August/September.

I LOVE Washington, hoping to go back again for a week in October but not in a position to make definite plans atm
(August far too humid for me)

PompeyPete

DUKE wrote: »

I booked the entire thing with Travelbird so it's a pretty full schedule Pete. Not sure if you remember, it was flights, hotels with breakfast, transfers, trips every day, Chitwan includes all meals plan, & hopefully some scary animals. Only gotta buy the beer :beer:

Although we'll have free time in the evening, or we can do our own thing in the day if we don't fancy going off with everyone else. I've not given up on posting the itinerary, I'll try & find a way around it. Kathmandu Valley's on the schedule too.

We'll be travelling by road :eek:

How's Malta?

Duke. Thanks for posting the itinerary. Travelbird are certainly packing a lot it, and seem to be covering most of the must-see places in Kathmandu and Pokhara, albeit they'll be brief visits.

Pashupatinath is a bit weird, and Boudhanath is wonderful especially at dawn and dusk.

If you get a spare few hours visit the Secret Gardens to escape the madness and noise, and also Thamel where most tourists go for a drink and a meal, and before and after trekking.

You'll get the best exchange rates in Nepal while in Thamel. Lots of small exchange booths. Take GB£.

We stayed in Bhaktapur for a week taking in the v.interesting Bisket Jatra festival. Lots of unhappy goats and chickens! A lot of Bhaktapur was damaged in the earthquake last year.

On the bus to Pokhara sit on the right hand side for the best views.

Sarangot is great on a clear morning. You feel as though you can reach out and touch Annapurna.

We're having an enjoyable time in Malta. Great weather for February.

Pete

DepositSaver

jackieblack wrote: »

I LOVE Washington, hoping to go back again for a week in October but not in a position to make definite plans atm
(August far too humid for me)

I'm really looking forward to it Ideally I would have gone at a less hot and humid time of year, but I am going to NYC for the US Open tennis so my dates are fixed. I decided to kill two birds with one stone and go to Washington during the same trip.