Sectors Covered: Kathmandu - Nagarkot - Bhaktapur - Chitwan - Bandipur - Pokhara - Kathmandu
0650 hrs: Boarded an early morning Jet Airways direct flight (9W 264) from Indira Gandhi International airport to Kathmandu.
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 a boutique property at the main area Thamel. After freshening up, proceed for hotel visits covering Hyatt Regency, Tibet International, Radisson, Hotel Royal Singi, and Hotel Shanker.
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.
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 want a hotel near to the airport.
1200 hrs: Our next visit was Tibet International (3* boutique hotel with Tibetan architecture). Boudhanath Stupa is just 1-minute walking distance and Pashupatinath temple is approx 10-minutes walking distance from the hotel.
Overall Observation: The entrance of the hotel is on the roadside but has a good view to Boudhanath Stupa and the executive lounge terrace is an add-on with a splendid view to Boudhanath Stupa. This hotel is recommended for clients in Mid segment, easy-going clients.
1245: After inspection of the hotel, proceed to visit Boudhanath Stupa. One of the major attractions in Kathmandu and a must-visit site.
After spending about half an hour, we further proceed for a visit to hotel Royal Singi followed by lunch. A 4-star new property. The lobby area was beautifully decorated with woodwork and paintings. Lift was not good; it's an old style and needs to be renovated.
Overall Observation: Rooms are well equipped with all amenities and free wi-fi. Can recommend to clients when there is no other option.
1500 hrs: Proceed to Radisson. Total 260 rooms including suites (Old and New Wing) with attached bathrooms. Rooms are neat & clean, nicely maintained and fitted with all modern facilities.
Overall Observation: Can recommend to clients looking for 4-star hotels as rooms in the new building are renovated.
1630 hrs: After Radisson, lastly we visited Hotel Shankar which is a Heritage hotel in Kathmandu. It is the first 4-star hotel 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.
1800 hrs: After a day-long and due to heavy rains, we return back to the hotel for a little relax and freshen up.
2000 hrs: We proceed for dinner at Utsav restaurant for a Cultural show followed by Nepalese cuisine. The restaurant is structured completely with Nepalese architecture and food was served in Nepalese thali.
Later, we returned back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
0800 hrs: Today we started our day with a visit to Pashupatinath Temple, one of the major attractions of Kathmandu.
0930 hrs: After the 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 a short trek, very interesting sites, and one can stay at hotels).
1145 hrs: After finishing the 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.
Overall Observation: Though the back area of the hotel is badly affected by the earthquake, the rooms are renovated with all amenities and free wi-fi. Can be recommended to clients who are looking for a short trek. It can be fit for 01 night in the itinerary.
1300 hrs: We proceed further to Club Himalaya, Nagarkot (4 star deluxe hotel).
Overall Observation: The only 4-star hotel in Nagarkot, so it can be recommended to clients who are looking for a 4-star hotel in Nagarkot.
1345 hrs: After hotel visit, we proceed to visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Bhaktapur Square has been affected by the earthquake, which has not been rebuilt by UNESCO as they want to give an original effect to the tourists. It is another major attraction in Nepal and a must-visit site.
1430 hrs: After Bhaktapur Square, we visited Pagoda Guest House, which is inside the square. The guest house offers a total of 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 be suggested to our clients.
1500 hrs: Stop for an authentic lunch at Bhaktapur restaurant.
1600 hrs: First deluxe boutique hotel built in Bhaktapur, a UNESCO world heritage site. Traditional Nepali look and feel with modern amenities. Just a 7-minute walk from Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Rebuilt with the waste old wooden of approximately 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.
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 rooftop restaurant, Dabbu Chhen Garden restaurant serves a variety of cuisines, including Mexican, Italian, Continental, Chinese, Indian, and Nepalese. Enjoy the superb view of the city, especially the Nyatapola Temple, and the Himalayas 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 two combinations of accommodation with a less budget.
1700 hrs: Khwapachhen is ideally placed on the south side of the main entrance gate to Bhaktapur and overlooking Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Only 12 rooms guest house and a rooftop restaurant. Rooms are very basic and small. Not a good standard, and the quality of the food is 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.
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 built. They have a library, yoga and fitness rooms, shops, spa, meeting rooms, pool, dining, free Wi-Fi.
Overall Observation: Dwarikas is one of the luxurious hotels in Kathmandu. It is strongly recommended to clients who are staying at Villases in India.
0700 hrs: We started early today after breakfast, checked out, and proceeded 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 the landscape, there were traffic jams; so we reached Chitwan around 1600 hours. Upon arrival, check-in at Jungle Villa Resort, took a quick snack, and proceeded for an Elephant safari for 2-3 hours inside the jungle, where we spotted rhinoceroses, elephants, and a few migratory birds. Returned back to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
0500 hrs: Early morning we proceed for a canoe ride in Rapti River. This ride is for approx 2 hours. On this ride, we saw many migratory birds.
0700 hrs: Returned back to the hotel for breakfast and freshen up.
0900 hrs: Inspected Jungle Villa Resort, which is one of the luxury resorts in Chitwan, situated on the bank of the Rapti River, an ideal habitat for many species of aquatic animals. It includes a cluster of two-dozen cottages with well-furnished rooms equipped with modern amenities. All our rooms are air-conditioned. Guests can overlook scenic views of Rapti River and adjoining CPN from the private balconies attached to their rooms.
Overall Observation: Looking into the view, rooms, and amenities, we found it impressive with stunning views and high standard services. Jungle Villa Resort is one of the best resorts in Chitwan, and it is highly recommended to our clients.
1000 hrs: ECO Wildlife Lodge: 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 most 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.
1045 hrs: Tiger Land Resort: 32 rooms are built on stilts off the ground. Exteriors 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 the view overlooking the forest is high, so can be used for clients who have a less budget. August onwards going for renovation.
1200 hrs: After hotel inspection, we continue our drive to Pokhara en route visit to Bandipur, which is approx 95 km/2 hrs away from Pokhara.
Bandipur 1500 hrs: We stop for lunch at Bandipur Mountain Resort. Bandipur is a beautiful hill station, like mini Italy.
Old Inn Bandipur 1545 hrs: We inspected Old Inn Bandipur. It is an old heritage property, with basic amenities, good views, and good ambiance. It is good for single travelers and couples.
Overall Observation: Old heritage-style property with a good view and ambiance. We can suggest this property for backpackers, single travelers, and couples but not for groups.
1630 hrs: Continue drive to Pokhara. By late evening, around 1800 hours, we reached Pokhara and checked in at Hotel Mount View Pokhara.
0800 hrs: After breakfast at the hotel, checked out, and visited Hotel Mt. Kailash, a 4-star hotel. 51 well-furnished beautiful rooms. Well-equipped rooms with all modern amenities and free Wi-Fi.
Overall Observation: Not very impressed with the Hotel, though the staff is very professional.
A boutique hotel combining western standards with the distinctive architecture and culture of Nepal's Western Himalayas. Very peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. Attentive service. It is close by Fewa Lake in the Pokhara Valley. All rooms are overlooking the foothills and majestic peaks of the Annapurna Mountain Range.
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. Annapurna Base Camp central dining room and bar Deck by the Lake outdoor dining option, and the Sip & Dip outdoor pool bar.
Overall Observation: Very impressive starting from entrance to rooms, all rooms are excellent with a view of the mountains. Recommended for clients who are looking for deluxe accommodations.
1145 hrs: Day Yatra Courtyard: Classical luxury hotel in Pokhara's main city. 69 Kms from Lake Fewa. 46 rooms with the view of Himalayas and lake from lake-view rooms and the terrace.
1245 hrs: Hotel Dahlia: A 5-story boutique hotel in a peaceful atmosphere with uninterruptible views of mountains and lakes. Traditional made by Malla Architecture, lending the hotel a strong traditional feel.
1400 hrs: Atithi Resort and Spa is a unique resort, with modern architecture and amenities. Private Jacuzzi and sauna rooms have carved a niche of luxury.
1600 hrs: Proceed to Shangri-La and check in at the hotel for the second night stay. Rooms and ambience are good and well maintained with all the amenities. But, washrooms are dirty and need renovation.
Overall Observation: Not a bad property under the Shangri-La chain, but mostly for domestic clients.
0800 hrs: After breakfast at the hotel, checked out, and drove to Kathmandu for approx 06-07 hours drive. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we proceed to visit Swayambhunath Temple (another major attraction of Kathmandu).
1700 hrs: Check in at 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.
0600 hrs: After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for flight to Delhi by 9W 263 at 0950 hours. 1120 hrs: Arrived in Delhi safely.
