Explore the key attractions in and around Nepal’s capital of Kathmandu, many of them World Heritage Sites, including temples, royal cities and other architectural treasures.
Special Note: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.
Due to the amount of walking, at times on uneven surfaces, this program is not recommended for anyone with walking difficulty or if a cane, walker or wheelchair are used.
Day 1
Disembark the ship in Colombo and meet our local representative that will accompany you to the airport. Check in for a flight to Delhi. Lunch will be arranged at the airport prior to your departure.
Upon arrival in Delhi, complete Indian immigration and customs formalities and baggage collection and then proceed to your nearby hotel dinner and overnight.
Day 2
It’s an early morning so breakfast will be via room service should you wish.
Meet your group leader in the lobby and transfer to the airport for a flight to Kathmandu.
Home to eight of the world’s 10 tallest peaks, the tiny kingdom of Nepal is ringed by the Himalayas. It is a land of contrasts, harboring a wealth of Buddhist and Hindu art and architecture. Nepal’s colorful capital city Kathmandu reflects 2,000 years of peaceful co-existence and exudes a unique blend of Hinduism and Buddhism, which is distinctly Nepalese in character.
On arrival In Kathmandu, you will be assisted with visa issuance and baggage collection.
NOTE: Please have on hand at least 1 passport sized photo for the Nepal Visa - Your tour manager will collect this from you in flight.
Nepal has eight World Heritage sites and has won two Heritage Awards, one for the city of Bhaktapur and the other for the Dwarika’s Hotel, where you will spend the evening.
Described as a “living, breathing museum, displaying Nepal’s best craftsmanship from the 13th century,” the hotel rooms and public areas at Dwarika’s Hotel reflect medieval architectural traditions. Every brick is handmade, every piece of wood original and centuries old.
After some time to freshen up at the hotel, drive to the outskirts of the city to the World Heritage city of Bhadgaon, also known as Bhaktapur.
Founded in the 9th century, Bhaktapur, also known as the City of Devotees, is revered for its medieval art and architecture. As you meander around Durbar Square, you will see the 55 Window Palace and Nyatapola temple, considered to be the finest example of Pagoda-style architecture.
Following your visit, return to Kathmandu and the Dwarika’s for a late lunch and check-in.
In the early evening, visit the great Stupa at Boudhnath, one of the largest of its kind in the world. Constructed in the 14th century, the stupa is built on an octagonal base, inset with prayer wheels. Boudhnath is also a center of the Tibetan community in Nepal, where you will visit a monastery.
Enjoy a cup of coffee or a cocktail at one of the cafes around Boudhanath then proceed to visit Pashupatinath Temple, a World Heritage site situated near Dwarika’s. Pashupatinath is one of the holiest Hindu temples and a major pilgrimage place dedicated to the god Shiva. Situated amidst a natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river, the temple built in pagoda style has a gilded roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors may view from the east bank, as only Hindus are permitted to enter.
Return to the Dwarika’s for dinner and overnight.
Day 3
Early in the morning, you will transfer to the airport for a flight-seeing excursion (weather permitting), soaring over glacier-clad, cloud-shrouded peaks and other landscapes around Mount Everest. Afterwards, you will return to the hotel for breakfast.
Following breakfast, you will visit Patan, one of three royal cities in the valley. Commissioned by India’s great emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century, this World Heritage Site within four stupas is known as the City of Fine Arts.
The temples around the main square are impressive as is the Patan Museum, which is housed within a picturesque palace setting. In an international campaign by UNESCO for safeguarding monuments in Kathmandu Valley, the Austrian government joined hands with Nepal to restore and preserve Patan.
Newari architectural style blossomed in the form of temples, palaces, residences and squares between the 12th and 18th centuries, representing a timelessness in Nepalese architecture and its definitive characteristics, often guided by religious and socio-cultural norms.
Next, you will see Patan’s Living Goddess, who typically acknowledges greetings of devotees from the balcony of her temple residence. Known as kumaris, Nepal’s living goddesses live in seclusion and rarely speak in public.
After a private audience with the Goddess, you will stop for lunch at “The Lawn” or similar venue.
Following lunch proceed to Kathmandu’s Durbar Square located in the heart of the city. It is also known as the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Square, after the Hindu monkey god Hanuman, who acts as a protector via a huge stone impression next to the main entrance.
Kathmandu valley has three Durbar Squares, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This ancient seat of Nepalese royalty displays spectacular architecture, reflecting the skill of the Newari artists over several centuries. There’s a great variety of temples dedicated to different Hindu gods and goddess, mainly constructed between the 15th and 18th centuries.
Later, there’s time for individual exploration at Asan Bazar, a great local scene, before boarding trishaws for a ride through the narrow lanes of the old city to “Thamel”, Kathmandu’s hip street. Pulsating Thamel has become a world address for international trekkers, mountaineers and curio shoppers looking for a bargain.
To get a flavor of the local scene, enjoy cocktails and dinner at the famous ‘One Tree Sam’s bar’ and then head back to your hotel for the night.
Day 4
This morning a continental breakfast will be served in the hotel courtyard prior to checking out and transferring to the airport for your flight to Goa via Delhi. Breakfast will be served during the flight.
Upon arrival into Delhi, complete immigration and customs formalities and baggage collection and then check in for a connecting flight Goa. Lunch will be served during the flight.
Upon arrival into Goa, transfer to the pier and re-board the ship.
Overland Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations beyond our control. All program details, including timings and flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Destination Services will provide a final itinerary with up-to-date details once you board the ship. Please review the final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
Day 1 - timings below are for reference only and are subject to change based on flight details once
confirmed
10:30am Disembark in Colombo, Sri Lanka and after clearing immigration and custom formalities, transfer to the airport for a flight to Delhi
11:30am Arrive at the airport, receive boarding passes and proceed through security
Lunch is arranged at the Colombo airport
2:10pm Flight from Colombo, Sri Lanka to Delhi, India (flight details TBA and subject to change)
5:45pm Arrive in Delhi and transfer to a nearby hotel
7:00pm Arrive at the hotel and check-in
From 7:30pm Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at the JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity or similar hotel
DAY 2
4:00am Breakfast via room service
5:00am Transfer to the airport for the flight to Kathmandu
5:30am Arrive at the airport, receive boarding passes and proceed through security
7:50am Flight from Delhi, India to Kathmandu, Nepal (Flight TBA and subject to change)
Light breakfast served onboard
9:50am You are met and assisted with visa issuance, baggage handling and customs
10:45am Transfer to Dwarika’s hotel to freshen up, light snacks are served
11:15am Depart to the outskirts of the city and visit Bhaktapur
12:00pm Arrive and visit
1:30pm Depart Bhaktapur
2:15pm Return to your hotel lunch and check in
3:45pm Depart for Boudhnath
4:00pm Arrive and visit Boudhnath
4:30pm Visit the Thangka painting school
5:00pm Enjoy coffee or a cocktail at a café
5:30pm Depart for Pashupatinath
5:45pm Arrive at and visit Pashupatinath
6:45pm Depart Pashupatinath
7:00pm Return to your hotel
From 7:30pm Dinner at your hotel
Overnight at the Dwarika’s Hotel or similar
DAY 3
6:30am Early morning tea and coffee and then transfer to the domestic air terminal for a Mountain Flightseeing trip
6:45am Arrive at Kathmandu domestic terminal
7:15am Mountain flightseeing departs (weather permitting)
8:15am Flight returns to Kathmandu
8:30am Return to your hotel for breakfast
10:00am Depart for Patan
Visit Patan followed by a private audience with the Living Goddess
1:30pm Lunch is served at `The Lawn.’ Or similar venue
3:00pm Depart for Kathmandu Durbar Square
3:30pm Visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square and Asan Bazar
5:00pm Trishaw ride to Thamel and walk the narrow streets
6:30pm Enjoy cocktails and dinner at ‘One Tree’ or similar venue
Overnight at the Dwarika’s hotel or similar
DAY 4 - timings below are for reference only and are subject to change based on flight details once
confirmed
From 4:30am Continental breakfast served in the hotel’s courtyard
5:45am Transfer to the Airport for a flight to Delhi
6:00am Arrive at the airport and check in
8:00am Flight from Kathmandu to Delhi (flight details TBA and subject to change)
Breakfast served on the flight
9:40am Arrive Delhi, pass through immigration customs and connect to a flight to Goa
Refreshments served at the Delhi airport
12:45pm Flight from Delhi to Goa (flight details TBA and subject to change)
Lunch served on the flight
2:50pm Arrive in Goa, India and transfer to the pier
3:45pm Arrive at the pier and re-board the ship
Expected Weather:
April is the summer season with the temperatures ranging from 30°C (86°F) in the day and 12°C (54°C) at night.
What to Bring:
Nepal has a range of climates, so it is best to pack so that you are prepared for adventures in alpine climates but also sub-tropical humid regions.
It is best to layer your clothes, especially when you are walking or trekking. Mornings are cool but the sharp sun¬shine will make you hot as you walk through the hills and mountains. Wearing a t-shirt and jumper over a sleeveless t-shirt, and carrying a fleece, or a wind and rain proof jack¬et will ensure you are prepared for all kinds of weather.
Comfortable shoes are a must. You should bring sunglasses, sunblock, swimsuits, a hat, and insect repellent. All of these can be purchased in Kathmandu, in the Thamel area, if anything is forgotten.
Note: Drinking bottled water is advised at all times, including when you brush your teeth.
Currency:
Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
Most places in Kathmandu and mainstream tourist desti¬nations will accept major credit cards but it is advisable to carry some Nepali currency with you at all times. Hotels have exchange facilities.
Electricity:
Nepal has a 230-volt, 50-hertz cycle power supply and 2-pin cylindrical sockets and plugs. The power supply is not continuous, and the power-cut schedule is published for each area. However, most hotels, guesthouses, and facili¬ties have power backup so their service is not interrupted. If you are bringing electronic devices, we recommend bringing your own travel adaptors.
Aircraft type – economy class seats (subject to change):
Sri Lankan Airlines – Airbus A330
Indigo Airlines – Airbus A 320
Mountain Flightseeing – Buddha Air
Nepal Airlines – Airbus A320
Luggage information:
Guests are permitted to check-in one piece of luggage no more than 30kg (66 lbs) and can bring one small carry-ons with a maximum of 7 kgs (15 lbs). Guests are responsible for any overweight or excess luggage fees which will be payable to the airline directly.
Note:
Power banks and electronic equipment must be carried in hand luggage, not permitted in checked luggage
No sharp items are permitted in hand luggage i.e. scissor, nail cutter/file, razors
Liquids more than 100 ml are not permitted in hand luggage
Satellite phones and E-cigarettes are banned in India and need to be left on board the ship
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights in India (as per Airline regulations):
1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)
3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at RSSC at least 1 month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations will result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
This program takes place between the countries of Sri Lanka, Nepal and India.
Please check with your local embassies for any particular visa requirements for your nationality.
A passport that is valid for at least six months after travel is required.
Indian Visa - It is essential to have a multiple entry valid Indian Visa for the trip obtained in advance.
Nepal Visa - Will be issued on arrival – all guests will be required to have one passport photo for this Visa and having a spare photo is recommended just in case. A blank page is also required in your passport for Visa issuance.
VERY IMPORTANT
The name on your cruise booking, passport, and ANY visas, if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents. Guests are responsible to make sure that there are enough pages in their passports for any visas that are required.
Failure to have the required and correct documents ahead of time could result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program or guests may need to purchase new flight tickets at their own cost.
The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.
If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements for your nationality.
Accommodation:
JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity
Asset Area 4 - Hospitality District, Delhi Aerocity, New Delhi, India, 110037
Phone: +91-11-45212121
Dwarikas Hotel
Battisputali Kathmandu, Nepal, P.O. Box: 459,
Phone: (977-1) 4479488
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If a similar hotel is required, it will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program includes:
•1 night at the JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity or similar hotel (deluxe room)
•2 nights at the Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu or similar (Heritage deluxe room)
•All meals with lunches and dinners inclusive of house wines, beer, mineral water and sodas
•Transfers, sightseeing and road journeys in Nepal
•Mineral water and sodas in the vehicles
•Economy-class international flights per the itinerary – direct flights not guaranteed
•Meet and greet service at Immigration in Kathmandu, assistance with visa issuance
•Entrance fees and camera charges at monuments
•Mountain flightseeing (weather permitting)
•Nepal visa
•The services of a local tour manager to accompany the group from Colombo to Goa
Program excludes:
•Valid multiple entry tourist visa for India
•Gratuities to drivers, guides and tour manager
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar, room service and laundry
•Meals or beverages not indicated in the itinerary
•Excess or overweight luggage on the flights
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces, which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.
Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
Price: $4,399 per guest based on double occupancy.
Land program promotions are per person for guests 1 and 2 for one pre- or post-cruise program only, subject to terms.
