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 – December 24, 2024
After clearing immigration and Customs in Mumbai, you will transfer to the airport and fly to Kathmandu. Lunch will be served on the flight.
In Kathmandu, you will be assisted with visa issuance and baggage collection.
NOTE: Please have on hand 1 passport sized photo for the Nepal Visa - Your tour manager will collect this from you in flight.
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.
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.
This evening, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pashupatinath, one of the holiest Hindu temples and a major pilgrimage site dedicated to the god Shiva. Situated within a natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple features a pagoda style, a gilded roof and a richly carved silver door.
After watching the Aarti prayer offering ceremony at the temple, you will return to the hotel for a lovely (Christmas Eve) dinner.
Day 2 – December 25, 2024
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 have some time at leisure and before noon you will drive to the Traditional Inn in Patan for lunch. After lunch 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.
You will enjoy a cup of tea in a 150-year-old restored Newari home. Its ground level is for daily activities and storage, while the floors above contain living spaces and bedrooms. The top floor serves as the family shrine and cooking and dining area.
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 it’s on to the Singing Bowl workshops. According to the oral traditions, singing bowls were brought to Nepal from India in the 8th century along with Buddha’s teachings. The Nepalese were expert bronze makers which allowed them to perfect these bowls which are commonly used as a tool for meditation. The beautiful rich tones the bowls produce are thought to help achieve a state of deep relaxation.
There’s time for individual exploration before departing for Thamel - Kathmandu’s hip street. Pulsating Thamel has become a world address for international trekkers, mountaineers and curio shoppers looking for a bargain.
Transfer to and enjoy drinks and dinner at a local favorite “Sam’s One Tree Café”. Following dinner the group returns to the hotel for the evening.
Day 3 – December 26, 2024
After breakfast, you will drive 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 lunch at Kathmandu’s popular Chez Caroline Café, you will return to the hotel.
Later, you will visit the great Stupa at Bodhnath, 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. Bodhnath is also a center of the Tibetan community in Nepal, where you will visit a monastery and interact with a senior monk. A visit is also made to the Thangka Painting Studio, which renowned artist Lok Chitrakar founded. The sacred art form of Thangkas is a visual interpretation of Buddhist and Hindu philosophies that date from before the 7th century C.E.
Return to your hotel to spend the evening. Dinner is included at your hotel.
Day 4 – December 27, 2024
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and the morning at leisure.
There will be an option to visit Kathmandu’s Durbar Square in the heart of the city. Kathmandu valley has three Durbar Squares, all of which are 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 century.
Prior to returning to the Dwarika’s visit the nearby Asan Bazar, a great local scene.
After lunch, transfer to the airport and fly back to Mumbai. Refreshments will be served on the flight.
On arrival, proceed to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 5 - December 28, 2024
After tea, coffee, muffins, bread rolls and juices, return to the airport for a flight to Cochin.
On arrival, proceed to the pier with an overview of Fort Cochin along the way.
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
6:00am Voyager is scheduled to arrive in Mumbai, guests will clear immigration and customs
7:30am Disembark and transfer to Mumbai airport
8:30am Arrive and complete check-in formalities
11:15am Flight from Mumbai to Kathmandu (Flight details TBA and subject to change)
Lunch served aloft
2:05pm Arrive Kathmandu. Meet at immigration, assistance with visa issuance
(1 passport photo) customs and transfer to your hotel
3:00pm Arrive and check in
5:30pm Visit Pashupatinath and witness the Aarti Ceremony (Evening Prayer Ritual)
7:30pm Return to the hotel for dinner (Christmas Eve)
Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel or similar
Day 2
5:30am Tea and coffee are served in the lobby before transferring to the airport
6:00am Transfer to the domestic terminal
6:15am Arrive, receive boarding passes and proceed to security before boarding the aircraft
6:45am Depart on an hour’s flightseeing (weather permitting) to the Everest
Region, featuring Mt. Everest and other legendry Himalayan peaks
7:45am Return to Kathmandu Airport and transfer back to your hotel
8:15am Breakfast in the Toran Restaurant
11:30am Transfer to Patan
12:15pm Lunch at the Traditional Inn or similar
1:30pm Visit Patan; its Museum, Main Square and ancient temples, private Newari House,
Living Goddess and the Singing Bowl workshop
3:30pm Free time for individual exploration of this World Heritage City
4:00pm Return to your hotel
5:30pm Gather and transfer to Thamel for a walk with your guide
6:30pm Depart for Kathmandu’s Main Avenue
6:45pm Drinks and dinner at Sam’s One Tree Café or similar
8:15pm Return to your hotel
Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel or similar
Day 3
From 7:00am Breakfast in the Dwarikas Courtyard
9:30am Proceed to visit Bhadgaon City (Bhaktapur) and later walk around its
Durbar Square to see the Palace of 55 windows and Nyatapola temple
12:30pm Lunch at the Chez Caroline restaurant or similar
2:00pm Return to the hotel
4:00pm Depart for Bodhnath Stupa
4:15pm Arrive and visit Bodhnath Stupa
5:15pm Visit the nearby Tibetan Monastery & Thangka Painting School, followed by time for individual exploration.
7:00pm Return to the hotel for dinner
Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel or similar hotel
Day 4 - timings below are for reference only and are subject to change based on flight details once
confirmed
From 7:30am Breakfast in the Toran restaurant followed by time at leisure
8:30 – 11:00am Option to explore Kathmandu’s Durbar Square and Asan Market
12:00pm Checkout, settle incidentals and transfer to the International Airport for a flight to Mumbai
12:30pm Arrive and complete check-in formalities
3:05pm Flight from Kathmandu to Mumbai (flight details TBA and subject to change) Refreshment served aloft
5:50pm Arrive Mumbai, pass through immigration and customs and transfer to your hotel
7:00pm Arrive and check-in
7:30pm Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at the JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar or similar hotel
Day 5
4:30amn After tea, coffee, muffins, bread rolls and juices transfer to the airport
5:15am Arrive and complete check-in formalities
7:25am Flight from Mumbai to Cochin (Flight details TBA and subject to change)
Breakfast served aloft
9:25am Arrive in Cochin and transfer to the pier with an overview of Fort Cochin along the way
12:30pm Arrive at the pier and reboard the ship
Expected Weather:
Days are expected to be cool and sunny and evenings chilly. The average daytime temperatures are around 20°C or 68°F whereas the minimum temperatures are about 10°C or 50°F. However, the early mornings and evenings can sometimes get a bit chilly so it’s best to carry a light sweater or jacket.
What to Bring:
Casual clothing through the trip along with comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, hat, sunblock, swimwear and insect repellent. Early mornings and late evenings can sometimes get quite chilly so it’s advisable to carry warm clothing, a woollen sweater, jacket or similar warm outfits for this possibility.
Currency:
Nepali Rupee. The hotels have an exchange facility
Electricity:
Nepal has a 230-volt, 50-hertz cycle power supply and 2-pin cylindrical sockets and plugs. The rooms in Nepal rooms are fitted with the necessary adaptors however we suggest bringing your own international travel adapter just in case.
Aircraft type (subject to change):
Nepal Airlines – Airbus 320/Boeing 757
Flightseeing tour – Buddha Air
Indigo Airlines – Airbus A320
Vistara Airlines – Airbus A320
Luggage information:
On internal flights, check-in bags are not to weigh more than 15kg (33 lbs) and the carry-ons are max of 7 kgs (15 lbs).
Please pack items such as scissors and other sharp instruments in your check-in baggage. Liquids must be 100 ml or less in your carry on. Power banks and portable mobile chargers are not permitted in checked-in bags, they need to be kept in your carry on.
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:
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 1 passport photo for this Visa
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.
Failure to have the required documents ahead of time or incorrect names on flight tickets will result in either denial of travel or ticket re-purchase and guests will be responsible for any fees incurred.
Accommodation:
Dwarikas’ Hotel
Battisputali Kathmandu, Nepal, P.O. Box: 459,
Phone: (977-1) 4479488
JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar
IA Project Road, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Andheri, Mumbai – 400099
Phone: (+91-22) 68828888
*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:
•3 nights at the Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu or similar (Heritage deluxe room)
•1 night at the JW Marriott Mumbai Sarah or similar hotel (deluxe room)
•All meals with lunches and dinners inclusive of house wines, beer, mineral water and sodas including Christmas Eve dinner at Dwarika’s
•Transfers, sightseeing and road journeys in Nepal
•Mineral water and sodas in the vehicles
•Economy-class flights per the itinerary – direct flights not guaranteed
•Entrance fees and camera charges at monuments
•Mountain flightseeing
•Nepal visa
•The services of a local tour manager to accompany the group from Mumbai to Cochin
Program excludes:
•Valid multiple entry tourist visa for India
•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: $4,999 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.
