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 traveling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.
Day 1 – December 12, 2023
After clearing immigration and Customs, you will transfer to the airport and fly to Kathmandu.
Box lunch is arranged at Mumbai airport.
A light snack will be served during the 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.
Upon arriving in Kathmandu, you will be helped with visa issuance and baggage collection.
NOTE: Please have on hand, US $35 cash per person and 1 passport sized photo for the Nepal Visa
Your tour manager will collect this from you in flight
You will then have a short transfer to the Dwarika’s Hotel. Described as a “living, breathing museum, displaying Nepal’s best craftsmanship from the 13th century,” the hotel rooms and public areas reflect medieval architectural traditions. Every brick is handmade, every piece of wood original and centuries old.
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. Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Day 2 – December 13, 2023
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 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 with 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, lunch is arranged in the “Pan Asian” restaurant at the Taj hotel.
Another feature in Patan is its 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 to enjoy the resplendent surroundings at the Dwarika’s before driving to “Thamel”, Kathmandu’s hip street. Pulsating Thamel has become a world address for international trekkers, mountaineers and curio shoppers looking for a bargain. Being in the heart of Kathmandu, this bazaar feels like the Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley, California. It's full of one-to-two-star hotels and numerous big/small restaurants and lodges catering to a vast category of tourists.
Explore the narrow lanes and stores with your guide before departing for Durbar Marg, Kathmandu’s main avenue.
Enjoy drinks and dinner at a local favorite “Sam’s One Tree Café”.
Following dinner, return to the hotel for the overnight.
Day 3 – December 14, 2023
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.
On 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.
You will then 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 to spend the evening. Dinner is included at the hotel.
Day 4 - December 15, 2023
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Delhi. A light snack will be served on board.
Upon arrival into Delhi, you will pass through immigration, collect your luggage, complete customs, and connect with the flight to Cochin.
Lunch is arranged at Delhi airport.
Upon arriving in Cochin, transfer to the Taj Gateway Hotel Marine Drive, Ernakulam.
Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Day 5 - December 16, 2023
After an early breakfast, transfer to the port where your program concludes.
Land Program Step by Step:
Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
Day 1 approximate timings below are for reference only and are subject to change based on flight details once confirmed
10:00am Disembark and transfer to the Mumbai Airport
11:15am Arrive at the airport and complete check-in formalities, receive boarding passes, and proceed through security. Lunch is arranged at the airport
2:55pm Flight from Mumbai to Kathmandu (flight details TBA and subject to change) snacks are served on board
5:40pm Arrive in Kathmandu. Immigration and customs and assistance with visa issuance(1 passport photo required) followed by transfer to your hotel
6:45pm Arrive at the hotel and check in
Late dinner and overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel or similar hotel
Day 2
5:30am Tea and coffee 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 Visit Patan and its Museum, the Main Square, and ancient temples, a private home, the Living Goddess and Singing Bowl Workshop
Lunch at the Pan Asian restaurant at the Taj hotel or similar
3:30pm Free time for exploration at your own leisure
4:00pm Gather and transfer to Thamel
4:30pm Arrive and walk around with your guide
5:30pm Depart for Kathmandu’s Main Avenue
5:45pm Drinks and dinner at Sam’s One Tree Café or similar
7:30pm Return to your hotel
Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel or similar hotel
Day 3
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
1:30 pm Return to the hotel, and Lunch at the Chez Caroline restaurant or similar
3:30pm Depart for Bodhnath Stupa
3:45pm Arrive and visit Bodhnath Stupa
5:00pm Visit the nearby Tibetan Monastery and Thangka Painting School followed by time for individual exploration
5:45pm Depart Bodhnath for Pashupatinath Temple
Visit Pashupatinath and witness the Aarti Ceremony (Evening Prayer Ritual)
7:00pm Return to the hotel for dinner
Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel or similar hotel
Day 4 approximate timings below are for reference only and are subject to change based on flight details once confirmed
7:00am Breakfast in the Toran restaurant – check out and settle extras.
8:00am Transfer to the International Airport
8:20am Arrive at the airport, and receive boarding passes before proceeding to immigration and security.
10:25am Flight departs for Delhi (flight details TBA and subject to change)
Snacks are served on board
12:15pm Arrive Delhi and pass-through immigration and customs
Lunch is served at Delhi Airport
4:00pm Connecting Flight departs for Cochin (flight details TBA and subject to change)Snacks are served on board
7:10pm Arrive Cochin and transfer to hotel
8:45pm Check in and Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at the Taj Gateway Hotel Marine Drive, Ernakulam or similar hotel
Day 5
6:00am Breakfast at the Hotel
8:00am Checkout and transfer to pier in Cochin.
8:45am Arrive to pier, and after completing immigration and customs, re-board the ship.
Expected Weather:
Days are expected to be warm and sunny and evenings pleasant. The average daytime temperatures are around 25°C or 77°F whereas the minimum temperatures are about 10°C or 50°F.
What to Bring:
Casual clothing through the trip along with comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, hat, sunblock, swimwear, and insect repellent.
Currency:
Nepali Rupee. The hotel has an exchange facility.
Electricity:
Nepal has a 230-volt, 50-hertz cycle power supply and 2-pin cylindrical sockets and plugs.
However, the rooms are fitted with necessary adaptors
Possible Aircraft types (all subject to change):
Nepal Airlines – Airbus 320/Boeing 757 - Economy
Flightseeing tour – Buddha Air
Indigo Airlines – Airbus A 320
Vistara Airlines – Airbus A 320
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 OCI 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 Oceania Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
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). On the International flight Mumbai/Kathmandu check-in bags are not to weigh more than 25 kgs (55 lbs.). Any overweight or excess luggage fees will be payable by guests at time of check in.
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 US $35 cash per person and 1 passport photo for this Visa
Original COVID Vaccine certificate required to show it to the Health Desk on arrival at Kathmandu airport (a scanned copy on the phone is also valid)
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.
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.
Accommodation:
Dwarikas’ Hotel
Battisputali Kathmandu, Nepal, P.O. Box: 459,
Phone: (977-1) 4479488
Taj Gateway Hotel Marine Drive, Ernakulam
Marine Drive, Ernakulam, Kerala, 682011, Cochin, India
Phone: (+91)484-6673300
*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 hotel listed in this program.
Program includes:
• Accommodation for 3 nights at the Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu in a Heritage room
• 1 night at the Taj Gateway Hotel Marine Drive, Cochin in Superior room
• All meals including house wines, beer, mineral water, and sodas during meals
• Transfers, sightseeing and road journeys in Nepal
• Mineral water and sodas in the vehicles
• Economy-class flights: Mumbai – Kathmandu and Kathmandu – Delhi - Cochin
• Entrance fees and camera charges at monuments
• Mountain flightseeing
Program excludes:
• Valid tourist visa for India
• Nepal Visa - $35 USD per person + passport photo
• Gratuities to drivers and guides
• Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
• Meals or beverages not indicated in the itinerary
• Excess or overweight luggage fees
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, and 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. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
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 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
