NEPAL FAM TRIP REPORT
Sectors Covered: Kathmandu - Nagarkot - Bhaktapur - Chitwan - Bandipur - Pokhara - Kathmandu
DAY 01|| 21 JUN16|| TUE || DELHI -KATHMANDU
0650 hrs: Boarded an early morning Jet airways direct flight (9W 264) from Indira Gandhi International airport to Kathmandu.
- The flight was departed well on time.
- The food was served on board and the quality of the food is up to the mark.
0850 hrs: Our flight landed on time and after completing visa formalities. We have been received with warm welcoming by our representative at the airport. After traditional welcome we proceed towards the hotel. Upon arrival at The Exotic House we again were welcomed by Mr. Sunil Rana and his wife wholeheartedly in a very personalized manner.
Exotic House is situated at Thamel, approx 45 mins drive from airport.It is boutique property at the main area Thamel. After freshener up proceed for hotel visits covering Hyatt Regency, Tibet International, Radisson, Hotel Royal Singi, and Hotel Shanker.
HYATT REGENCY:
1100 hrs: We started our visit with Hyatt Regency (5 star luxury) hotel with a very good ambience, spacious parking facilities. Lobby is big and spacious with separate sitting area. It is just 4 km away from Tribhuvan International airport and 7 km away from city centre. This hotel is located on the road to the Boudhanath Stupa.
- 80 total rooms including 35 Regency Club and 7 Suites.
- All the rooms enjoy view to either the Boudhanath Stupa or the lush gardens and the surrounding mountain ranges.
- All rooms are well-equipped and spacious with a private bathroom, flat screen televisions, quibble shower, hair dryer, an in-room safe, separate work desk area, mini bar and tea/coffee making facilities.
- All the rooms have Free Wi-Fi internet services.
At the end, we have been gestured by the hotel Manager with Tea & Coffee at the hotel restaurant.
Overall Observation: A very good hotel as all rooms and amenities are at par and strongly recommended to 5* Deluxe clients who wants a hotel near to the airport.
TIBET INTERNATIONAL:
1200 hrs: Our next visit was Tibet International (3* boutique hotel with the Tibetan architecture). Boudhanath Stupa is just 1minute walking distance and Pashupatinath temple is approx 10minutes walking distance from hotel.
- This hotel is fitted with wooden flooring; all air-conditioned rooms come with a flat-screenTV, personalsafeandtea/coffeemakingfacilities. However, some rooms also have a minibar.
- They have total 68 rooms including Deluxe and Suites.
- Hotel has executive lounge terrace with view to Boudhanath stupa. Shambhala Spa, guests can enjoy a relaxing.
Overall Observation:TheentranceofthehotelisontheroadsidebuthasgoodviewtoBoudhanathStupaandexecutiveloungeterraceisanadd-onwith a splendor view to Boudhanath Stupa. This hotel is recommended for clients in Mid segment easy going clients.
1245: After inspection of hotel, proceed to visit BoudhanathStupa. One of the major attraction in Kathmandu and must visit site. There is nowhere quite like Boudhanath. Asias largest stupa pulses with life as thousands of pilgrims gather daily to make a kora (ritual circumnavigation) of the dome, beneath the watchful eyes of the Buddha, which gaze out from the gilded central tower. Tibetan monks in maroon robes and with shaved heads wander the prayer flagdecked streets while pilgrims spin prayer wheels and stock up on yak butter and tsampa (roasted barley flour). This is one of the few places in the world where Tibetan Buddhist culture is accessible and unfettered, and the lanes around the stupa are crammed with monasteries and workshops producing butter lamps, ceremonial horns, Tibetan drums, monks headgear and the other paraphernalia essential for Tibetan Buddhist life.
ROYAL SINGI:
- After spending about half an hour we further proceed for visit to hotel Royal Singi followed by lunch.
- A 4 star new property. The lobby area was beautifully decorated with wood work and paintings.
- Lift was not good, its an old style need to be renovated.
- The hotel boasts 70 elegantly appointed rooms that feature a contemporary dcor from the Himalayan Kingdom with modern refinements.
- Each room is equipped with amenities such as complimentary bottled water, coffee and tea tray with kettle, in-room digital safe, hair dryer, working desk and hi-speed internet connection.
- Mini bar and iron with ironing board are available upon request.
Overall Observation: Rooms are well equipped with all amenities and free wi-fi. Can recommended to clients when there is no other option.
RADISSON KATHMANDU:
1500 hrs: Proceed to Radisson. Total 260 rooms including suites (Old and New Wing) with attached bathroom. Rooms are neat &clean, nicely maintained and fitted with all modern facilities.
- Rooms in new wing are more for corporate travelers and newly build. However the old wing is more of heritage touch and for leisure travelers.
- All rooms have coffee and tea maker, Minibar, free wi-fi.
- They have coffee shop, terrace coffee and tranquility spa, swimming pool.
Overall Observation: Can recommend to clients looking for 4 star hotels as rooms in new building are renovated.
SHANKAR HOTEL:
1630 hrs: After Radisson lastly we visited Hotel Shankar which is a Heritage hotel in Kathmandu. It is first 4 star hotels in Kathmandu.
- Total 94 well-appointed guest rooms including 12 Suites, free WI FI facilities, in room electronic safety deposit box (fits laptop), hair dryer, complimentary in-room Tea/Coffee maker, Non Smoking rooms are also available.
- Cosy Kailash a dining restaurant excellent food, beautiful presentation, and majestic yet very comfortable and relaxed ambience.
- Kailash Restaurant: a travelers delight. 4500 sq. feet of space with carved ceiling, intricately worked walls, small bejeweled mirrors and piped music provide an opulent backdrop to meals prepared by our chefs.
- Poolside Bar: Enjoy delicious snacks in the front lawns by the pool.
1800 hrs: After a daylong and due to heavy rains we return back to hotel for little relax and freshenup.
2000 hrs: We proceed for Dinner at Utsav restaurant for Cultural show followed by Nepalese cuisine. The restaurant is structured completely with Nepalese architecture and food was served in Nepalese thali.
Later returned back to hotel for overnight stay.
DAY 02 || 22 JUN16 || WED || KATHMANDU
0800hrs: Today we started our day with visit to Pashupatinath Temple one of the major attraction of Kathmandu
0930hrs: After visit we proceed to Nagarkot for a short trekking of approx 1-2 hours walk crossing villages and nature with beautiful views (this is recommended to clients who are looking for short trek, very interesting sites and one can stay at hotels.
1145 hrs: After finishing trek we visited The Fort Resort now renamed as Fort Garden Retreat (3 star heritage property)
- The Fort Resort Nagarkot is set within 6 acres of dense forest, to the east of Kathmandu Valley.
- Designed in traditional Newari style with carved doors and windows. The standard cottages built like pagodas are well equipped, and overlook the spectacular Himalayan Mountains.
- Great for those who enjoy trekking.
- Total 29 well equipped rooms. The back area was badly affected by earthquake. But, now its renovating.
- Facilities: Car Park Laundry Service Restaurant Safety Deposit Box, Room Service TV - Satellite / Cable Telephone, Business Centre Conference Facilities Wi Fi.
Overall Observation: Though the back area of the hotel is badly affected by earthquake but now the rooms are renovated with all amenities and free wi-fi. Can recommended to clients who are looking for short trek. It can be fit for 01 night in the itinerary.
Club Himalaya:
1300 hrs: We proceed further to Club Himalaya, Nagarkot (4 star deluxe hotel).
- Rooms are comfortable and well-appointed with wooden furnishings and a private balcony overlooking the breathtaking snow-clad Himalayas.
- They have an indoor swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi. Total 72 rooms.
- Facilities in Room: Air Conditioned Balcony Bath / Shower Combination Bathroom, Amenities Electric Kettle Hairdryer Heating Interconnecting Rooms (On Request) Mini Bar Seating Area Shower Slippers TV- Satellite / Cable Telephone Toilet Wake Up Service Work Desk.
Overall Observation: The only 4 star hotel in Nagarkot so can be recommended to clients who are looking for 4 star hotel in Nagarkot.
1345 hrs: After hotel visit we proceed to visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Bhaktapur Square has been affected by earthquake which was not been rebuild by UNESCO as they want to give original effect to the tourist another major attraction in Nepal and must visit site.
1430 hrs: After Bhaktapur square we visited Pagoda Guest house which is inside the square. The guest house offer a total 32 different cozy and elegant rooms with attached and private bathrooms to make your stay comfortable and memorable. Room amenities include Multichannel TV, Couch, 24 hour hot/cold water, room heater, cooler. Most rooms provide a wonderful view of the Nyatapola temple.
Overall Observation: Hotel for backpackers. Hence, cannot suggested to our clients.
1500 hrs: Stop for an authentic lunch at Bhaktapur restaurant.
HOTEL HERITAGE, BHAKTAPUR:
1600 HRS: First deluxe boutique hotel built in Bhaktapur, a UNESCO world heritage site.
- Traditional Nepali look and feel with modern amenities.
- Just 7-minute walk from Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
- Rebuilt with the waste old wooden of approx 400 years old and refashioned them for various uses at the hotel.
- Handmade clay bricks with Newari script dot the hotel's interior, and were also salvaged from a royal residence.
- All trained staff welcome you warmly, Nepali style.
- Close to Kathmandu international airport, Nagarkot, Namobuddha are all a short drive away.
- Guided hikes and bicycle hires are also available.
- Total of 25 rooms, all luxuriously set up with modern amenities
Overall Observation: nicely made heritage hotel with all the basic amenities and can be recommended to clients who want to experience the hotel inside the Durbar Square.
BHADGAON GUEST HOUSE, BHAKTAPUR:
1630 HRS: Bhadgaon Guest House, beautiful guest house made with the combination of tradition and modern comfort.
- It has well appointed rooms and suites that have attached baths with hot and cold shower and multi-channel TV. The roof top restaurant
- They have dabbu chhen garden restaurant serves a variety of cuisines, including Mexican, Italian, Continental, Chinese, Indian, Nepalese.
- Enjoy the superb view of the city, especially the Nyatapola Temple , and the Himalaya from here while dining.
- Easily accessible to many sightseeing places at a very short distance.
Overall Observation: Made with the combination of modern and traditional architecture with all the amenities. Can suggest to those who are looking for these 2 combination of accommodation with less budget.
KHWAPA CHHEN, BHAKTAPUR:
1700 hrs: Khwapachhen ideally placed, on the south side of the main entrance gate to the Bhaktapur and over looking the Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- Only 12 rooms guest house and a Rooftop restaurant .
- Rooms are very basic and small. Not good standard, quality of the food also not good.
Overall Observation: A very basic guest house inside the Square, does not recommend for our clients.
After visit we return back to Kathmandu on approx 1.5 hour drive.
HOTEL DWARIKAS KATHMANDU:
1830 hrs: Our last visit for the day was hotel Dwarikas which has 86 elegantly allotted rooms and suites.
- Dwarikas gives a luxurious stay. The rooms are very spacious and beautifully build.
- They have library, yoga and fitness rooms,shops,spa,meetingrooms,pool,dinning,freewi-fi.
Overall Observation: Dwarikas is one of the luxurious hotel in Kathmandu. It is strongly recommended to clients who are staying at Villases in India.
DAY 03 || 23 JUN16 || THUR || KATHMANDU CHITWAN
0700 hrs: We started early today after breakfast check out and proceed to Chitwan which is approx 5-6 hours drive. The road condition to this journey was not good, there is only one highway which connects to Chitwan and Pokhara. Due to landscape there were traffic; so we reached Chitwan around1600 hours.
- Upon arrival check in at Jungle villa resort, took a quick snacks and proceed for Elephant safari for 2-3hrs inside the jungle where we spotted Rhinoceroes, Elephant and few migrated birds.
- Returned back to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 04 || 24 JUN16 || FRI || CHITWAN - POKHARA
0500 hrs: Early morning we proceed for Canoe ride in Rapti River. This ride is for approx 2 hours. On this ride saw many migratory birds
0700 hrs: Returned back to hotel for breakfast and freshenup.
0900 hrs: Inspected Jungle villa resort which is one of the luxury resort in Chitwan, the resort is situated on the bank of RaptiRiver which isidealhabitatof many species of aquatic animals.includes a cluster of two-dozen cottages with well-furnished rooms equipped with modern amenities. All our rooms are air-conditioned Guests can overlook scenicview of Raptiriver and adjoining CPN from the privatebalconies attached with their rooms.
Overall Observation: Looking into the view, rooms and amenities; we found it impressive with stunning view and high standard services. Jungle Villa resort is one of the best resort in Chitwan and it is highly recommended to our clients.
ECO WILDLIFE LODGE:
1000 hrs: 22 twin-bed cottage style rooms, each within easy reach of the garden and other facilities. All cottages have a view of the community forest. The rooms have standard, but comfortable, furniture and a veranda. They have private bathrooms, including showers heated by solar power, and electric lighting. All the furnishings within the rooms are traditional and the majorities have been made in Nepali style.
Overall Observation: Rooms are very basic, not that good and need to maintain the property. Hence not recommended to our clients.
TIGER LAND RESORT:
1045 hrs: 32 rooms are built on stilts off the ground.
- Exteriors to blend in with the background, with projecting verandahs looking out to the forest, the rooms are well equipped with comfortable beds and facilities, such as air-conditioners and heating for the time of year you choose to visit.
- Bathrooms are modern,
Overall Observation: Rooms are basic but view overlooking the forest is high so can be used for clients who have less budget. August onwards going for a renovation.
After hotel inspection around 1200 hours, we continue our drive to Pokhara enroute visit to Bandipur, which is approx 95km/2 hrs away from Pokhara. Bandipur 1500 hours, we stop for lunch at Bandipur mountain resort. Bandipur is beautiful hill station is like mini Italy.
Old Inn Bandipur:
1545 hrs: we inspected Old Inn Bandipur. It is old heritage property, with basic amenities, good view and good ambience.
It is good for single traveler and couples.
Overall Observation: Old heritage style property with good view and ambience. We can suggest this property for the backpackers, single travelers and couples but not for groups.
1630 hrs: Continue drive to Pokhara. By late evening around 1800 hours reached Pokhara and check in at hotel Mount view Pokhara. Situated in the heart of the township of Pokhara, Hotel Mount View Pokhara is a newly established hotel facilitated with all kinds of hospitality services of international standard with local touch.
- Hotel is very close to famous Phewa Lake
- Clear view to the snow-capped majestic Fishtail(Machhapuchchhre)and Dhaulagiri mountains from verandah.
- All the rooms have private balcony to offer you the most astonishing views of the Pokhara valley and the surrounding mountains.
After freshenup proceed for walk around the Pokhara city, which is beautiful neat and clean city.
Boating at Phewa Lake is an amazing experience. Phewa Lake.
2000 hrs: Enjoyed western music followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Return back to hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 05 || 25 JUN16 || SAT || POKHARA
0800 hrs: After breakfast at hotel. Checked out and visited hotel Mt. Kailash 4 star hotel.
- 51 well-furnished beautiful rooms.
- Well-equipped rooms with all modern amenities and free wi-fi.
- Reception area is not that good when rains the water comes inside from the main entrance.
- The staffs are very professional and alert.
Overall Observation: Not very impressed with the Hotel, though staffs are very professional.
0900 HRS TEMPLE TREE RESORT:- A boutique hotel combining western standards with the distinctive architecture and culture of Nepals Western Himalayas.
- Very peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. Attentive service.
- It is close by Fewa Lake in the Pokhara Valley
- All rooms are overlooking to foothills and majestic peaks of the Annapurna Mountain Range.
- Very pleasant air, neat and clean.
- Temple Tree comprises two storey individual cottages, finished in hand-cut stone and featuring beautifully-decorated timber struts and pillars traditional interiors with modern comforts.
- Total 64 rooms and each rooms has a private balcony facing the Annapurana ranges.
- 2 exclusive suites with full view of Himalayan peaks, have private verandah, kitchenette and spacious living room.
- Easy reachable to restaurants.
- Some rooms have baby crib available.
Overall Observation: Very impressive and nicely done property where lot of attention given to each and every thing, rooms are excellent with the view to the mountains. Highly recommended for 5* deluxe clients and also for the high end clients who want to stay away from hustle and bustle. Best part some rooms have baby cribs. Staffs are excellent, professional and attentive.
FISHTAIL LODGE:
1030 hrs: Fishtail Lodge is in between the Fewa Lake on one side and a forest-covered hill on the other
- A unique lake resort in Pokhara with unique round cottages.
- 3 Heritage rooms, 12 Palm Court Deluxe rooms and 45 Garden Terrace rooms.
- Annapurna Base Camp central dining room and bar Deck by the Lake outdoor dining option, and the Sip & Dip outdoor pool bar.
- Some famous personalities like Prince Charles, Former President of USA Jimmy Carter, Former President of India Sanjiva Neelamber Reddy, HRH Maharaja of Jodhpur Gaja Singh, etc stayed at Heritage rooms with view of mountain and lake which is the best selling room in the entire hotel. Their stays have further enriched the glorious history of our Lodge.
Overall Observation: Very impressive starting from entrance to rooms, all rooms are excellent with the view to the mountains. Recommended to clients who are looking for Deluxe accommodations.
DA YATRA COURTYARD:
1145 hrs: Classical Luxury Hotel in Pokhara main city.
- 69 Kms from lake Fewa.
- 46 rooms with the view of Himalayas and lake from lake-view rooms and the terrace.
- They have meeting and conference halls which can accommodate 135-150 people in various formations.
- Complimentary self parking is available on site.
- Smoking and non smoking rooms.
- Have family rooms
Overall Observation: Nice 4 star hotel with spacious rooms and ambience.
HOTEL DAHILA:
1245 hrs: Dahlia is a 5 storey boutique Hotel in a peaceful atmosphere with uninterruptible views of mountains and lakes.
- Dahlia Hotel would like to extend a gracious and inclusive welcome to all of you to your first step in this beautiful lake city Pokhara .
- Traditional made by Malla Architecture, lending the hotel a strong traditional feel.
- 24*7 reception/ front desk
- Bathroom attached with every rooms
- Easy access to all the shopping areas.
Overall Observation: Nice boutique hotel with spacious rooms, ambience and combination of modern and traditional design.
ATITHI RESORT:
1400 hrs: Atithi Resort and Spa is an unique resort
- Atithi is richly furnished with the modern architecture and amenities.
- The beautiful wild rosewood furniture, well designed swimming pool along with rejuvenating spa, private Jacuzzi and sauna rooms have carved a niche of luxury in it.
- Atithi is located at the center of the most well known Lakeside in an area called Shanti Patan within convenient walking distance for the citys most important business services like ATMs, airport, bus station, restaurants, shops and other centers of tourist attraction and services.
Overall Observation: OK Ok resort property, with en suite facilities. We can offer this in case of no other
1445 hrs: Stop for lunch at local restaurant. Enjoyed a Nepali cuisine.
SHANGRI-LA:
1600 hrs: Proceed to Shangri La and check in at the hotel for second night stay.
- The rooms and ambience is good and well maintained with all the amenities.
- But, washrooms are dirty need the renovation.
- Lobby area is impressive.
- Good paintings at the entarcnes of each rooms.
Overall Observation: Not bad property under the chain of Shangri La. But, mostly for domestic clients.
DAY 06 || 26 JUN16 || SUN || POKHARA - KATHMANDU
0800 hrs: after breakfast at hotel. Check out and drive to Kathmandu for approx 06-07 hours drive. Upon arrival in Kathmandu proceed to visit Swayambhunath Temple (another major attraction of Kathmandu). After visit finally we reach Kathmandu by 1700 hours. Check in at again The Exotic house for our final stay.
After a short break and freshen up we proceed to visit Patan city.
Later dinner was hosted by Mr. Sunil Rana and his wife at a local restaurant.
DAY 07 || 27 JUN16 || MON || KATHMANDU DEPARTURE
0600 HRS: After breakfast check out and transfer to airport for flight to Delhi by 9W 263 at 0950 hours.
Suggested Tours
North India and Nepal Tour - 18 Nights / 19 Days
Places:Delhi-Kathmandu-Chitwan-Pokhara-Varanasi-Khajuraho-Orchha-Jhansi-Agra-Jaipur
https://www.tsiholidays.com/tour/north-india-and-nepal-tour/
