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 over uneven ground, this program is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or those who require the use of a walker or wheelchair.
See further below for important entry requirements for Sri Lanka where this program ends.
Day 1 – March 7, 2025
After clearing immigration and Customs in Male, transfer to the airport for a light to Delhi where you will spend the night.
A lunch box will be served at the Male airport and refreshments will be available on board the flight.
Upon arrival into Delhi, complete immigration and customs formalities before transferring to the nearby JW Marriott or similar hotel where dinner will be included.
NOTE: Guests must have a valid multiple entry Indian Visa for arrival into Delhi.
Day 2 – March 8, 2025
An early morning continental breakfast will be served at the hotel prior to transferring to the airport.
At the Delhi Airport, receive boarding passes and proceed through security, Immigration and Customs before boarding a flight to Kathmandu. Breakfast will be served aloft.
After clearing Immigration and Customs, you will transfer to the airport and fly to Kathmandu. 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 1 passport sized photo for the Nepal Visa. Your tour manager will collect this from you in flight. This visa is included in the cost of the program.
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 next two nights.
The afternoon will be at leisure to rest after the early morning call.
Later in the day, 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.
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 3 – March 9, 2025
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 you depart for 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 small hotels and numerous restaurants and lodges catering to a vast category of tourists.
Later, proceed to Sam’s One Tree Café a local favorite for drinks and dinner.
Return to the Dwarika’s hotel for the overnight.
Day 4 – March 10, 2025
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 to freshen up before checking out and proceeding to the airport.
At the airport, receive boarding passes and proceed through security and Immigration before boarding a flight to Delhi.
Upon arrival, once again complete the arrival formalities before transferring to the nearby JW Marriott or similar hotel where you will have dinner and an overnight.
Day 5 – March 11, 2025
Early this morning, check out and take a short transfer to the Delhi Airport.
On arrival, receive boarding passes and proceed through security, Immigration and Customs prior to boarding a flight to Colombo, Sri Lanka. Refreshments will be served at Delhi airport and breakfast will be served on board the flight.
Arrive in Colombo, complete all arrival formalities before transferring to the pier to reboard the ship.
Note: see further below for Sri Lankan Visa information.
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 flights are confirmed. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
Day 1 - timings are dependent on flight details. Below is a sample itinerary
9:30am Disembark and transfer by boat to the Male airport. Luggage will be taken on a separate boat.
10:30am Arrive at the airport, meet your tour manager and complete check-in formalities, receive boarding passes and proceed through security
A lunch box is served at the airport
2:20pm Depart Male for Delhi (flight details TBA and subject to change)
Refreshments are served aloft
7:05pm Arrive Delhi, complete immigration and other formalities before transferring to your nearby hotel
8:00pm Arrive, check-in and dinner
Overnight at the JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity or similar hotel
Day 2 - timings are dependent on flight details. Below is a sample itinerary
4:00am Tea, coffee, juices, bread rolls served in the lobby
5:00am Transfer to the nearby International terminal
5:15am Check-in and proceed through immigration, security and customs
7:45am Depart Delhi for Kathmandu (Flight details TBA and subject to change)
Breakfast is served aloft
9:55am Arrive Kathmandu. Assistance with visa issuance, immigration and customs
prior to transferring to the Dwairka’s – one passport sized photo required
11:15am Arrive at Dwarika’s
11:30am Lunch followed by check-in and leisure time
4:00pm Depart for Bodhnath Stupa
4:15pm Arrive and visit Bodhnath Stupa
5:15pm Visit the nearby Tibetan Monastery
6:00pm Depart Bodhnath for Pashupatinath Temple.
6:15pm 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
Day 3
5:30am Tea and coffee served in the lobby before transferring to the airport
6:00am Transfer to the domestic air 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 Dwarikas
8:15am Breakfast in the Toran Restaurant
9:30am Time at leisure
12:00pm Transfer to Patan
12:45pm Arrive at Patan Museum Café for lunch
2:00pm Visit Patan; its Museum, Main Square and ancient temples, private Newari House,
Living Goddess and the Singing Bowl workshop
3:30pm Free time at Patan for individual exploration
4:30pm Gather and transfer to Thamel
5:00pm Arrive and walk around with our guide
6:00pm Transfer to Kathmandu’s Main Avenue
6:30pm Drinks and dinner at Sam’s One Tree Café
8:30pm Return to hotel
Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel or similar
Day 4 - timings are dependent on flight details. Below is a sample itinerary
7:00am Breakfast at the Dwarikas Courtyard
9:00am Visit Bhadgaon City (Bhaktapur), walk around its Durbar Square to
see the Palace of 55 windows and Nyatapola temple
1:00pm Lunch at Chez Caroline Restaurant
2:15pm Transfer to the airport en route stopping at Dwarika’s to use the facilities
3:00pm Arrive at the airport, receive boarding passes and proceed through immigration and security
5:15pm Flight departs Kathmandu for Delhi (flight details TBA and subject to change).
6:45pm Arrive Delhi, pass through immigration and customs and transfer to your nearby hotel
7:30pm Arrive, check-in and dinner at the hotel
Overnight at the JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity or similar hotel
Day 5 - timings are dependent on flight details. Below is a sample itinerary
2:30am Transfer to the nearby International air terminal
3:00am Arrive at the airport, complete check-in formalities, receive boarding passes and proceed through security. Refreshments are served at Delhi airport
5:10am Depart Delhi for Colombo, Sri Lanka (flight details TBA and subject to change)
Breakfast is served aloft
8:50am Arrive Colombo, complete arrival formalities before transferring to the port
10:30am Arrive at the port and reboard your 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 20°C or 68°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 a bit chilly so it’s advisable to carry a light sweater or jacket for this possibility.
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):
Go Air: Boeing 737-800
Indigo Airlines – Airbus A320 – All Economy
Vistara: Airbus 320
Flightseeing tour – ATR, Yeti Airlines, 35 seats
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:
Checked-in bags are not to weigh more than 15kg (33 lbs) and the carry-ons are max of 7 kgs (15 lbs). Any overweight or excess luggage fees will be payable by guests at time of check in. Power banks and portable mobile chargers are not permitted in checked in luggage - they need to be kept in your carry-on.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after entry and there should be some blank pages for stamps.
It is essential to have a multiple entry valid Indian Visa for the trip obtained in advance.
A Nepal visa will be issued on arrival – all guests will be required to have on them 1 passport sized photo for this Visa. This Visa is included in the cost of the program.
Guests will have to apply for a valid Sri Lankan ETA Visa in advance of this trip since the group will arrive by air from India and not sea. Flights are not permitted to enter Sri Lanka without everyone on board having this ETA.
Guests should apply for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via www.eta.gov.lk - Visitors are strongly recommended to apply for such visa at least one week prior to the arrival date and carry the approved reference, which they will receive individually via e-mail. Is is better to carry a hard copy of that confirmation as a backup, just in case, if the relevant electronic device is not working on arrival at Sri Lankan airport due to some reason (e.g. low battery, no connection, etc.) and to avoid the waiting time at the country border in getting the visa stamped on the passport.
Currently, the transit visa with Single Entry up to 2 days are issued free of charge. (subject to change) However, applying and getting an ETA approval prior to the arrival in country is a must.
Note: Please check with your local Sri Lankan Embassy for any further details regarding entry for your nationality. Guests from select countries in South Africa and South America are currently not allowed to transit through Sri Lanka as of now.
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
JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity
Asset Area 4 – Hospitality District, Delhi Aerocity, New Delhi – 110037
Phone: (+91-11) 4521 2121
*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:
•2 nights at the Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu in a Heritage Deluxe room
•2 nights at the JW Marriott, Delhi in Deluxe rooms
•All meals including house wines, beer, mineral water and sodas during meals
•Transfers, sightseeing and road journeys
•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 (weather dependent)
•The services of a Tour Manager to accompany the group from departure in Male until arrival into Colombo
•Nepal visa fee
Program Excludes:
•Multiple entry visa for India
•Sri Lankan Visa
•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.
