Pokhara, Kathmandu, Chitwan, Lumbini, A Mingling of Moods Distinctively Nepal

Lumbini is an international site for Buddhist research as well as an architectural testimonial to the impact Buddhism has had on countries all over the globe. As well as the cluster of original feature, including the sacred Garden and the stone pillar erected by the Indian Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC marking the Birth location, several nationals have paid homage by constructing temples within the World Heritage grounds.

Followers of Buddhism will be moved to see the Mayadevi temple, with its bas-relief depicting the nativity and the stone bearing the footprint imprint on the Buddha's birth spot. You can also see the Puskarni pond, where Mayadevi bathed before her happy event.

Our visit to Lumbini also takes in Tilaukot 30KM to the east, the location of the royal palace where Buddha grew up as a Shakya dynasty prince, a role which he renonuced at the age of 29.

In chitwan you can get hands-on with elephants (riding, washing and swimimng with these majestic beasts ), Take a ride through the jungle in search of rhinos and tigers, as well as canoeing past gharial crocodiles and taking an early morning birdlife walk. There will also be some evening cultural programmes.

In Pokhara, there are numerous leisure choices from boating on the placidly beautiful Phewa Lake to climbing to the world Peace Stupa and exploring David's Fall, where the lake-water tumbles into a hole and disappears, or the dark depths of the Gupteswor Cave.

The Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manasalu ranges are all visible, but it is the sacred un-climbed Machhapuchre (Fishtail) which dominates the northern Horizon and has Its Shadow Image beautifully reflected in Phewa's green waters.