INCENTIVE Tours & Travels
About Incentive Tours & Travels
I
ncentive Tours & Travels (Pvt.) Ltd. is one of the leading tour op‑ erators in Nepal for last 15 years. It is a bonafide travel company registered with and recognized by the Government of Nepal. It
has been extending its highly professional yet personalized service to the taste, need and choice of individuals/group coming to Nepal from many parts of the World.
The Incentive Travels and Tours is the bonafide member of The Nepal Association of Travel Agents (NATA). Incentive has served over 10 thousands tourists from all over the world mainly from US, JAPAN and EUROPE and South East Asian Countries. This company consists of high skilled professional manpower with years of experiences in their respective fields. This ranges from general tour guides to high altitude guides with proven language proficiency of international standard. These languages include Eng‑ lish, Germany, Japanese, Chinese, French, Spanish etc. Similarly, the company is well equipped for the all kinds of
Contents 06
Nepal Heritage Sites
12
Sightseeing
16
Tour Packages
18
Accomodation
19
General Information
06
NEPAL HERITAGE SITES
Kathmandu
Patan
The palace building contains a number of chowks
Patan is 5 km/3 miles south from Kathmandu city. Patan
or souks, called courtyards. The Sundari {beautiful}
also known as Lalitpur, is the city of fine arts, enclosed
Chowk has in its centre a sunken bath with its
within 4 stupas said to be built in 3rdcentury AD, by
walls embellished with stone carvings. The Golden
Emperor Ashoka. You will see the Durbar square, the
Window in the palace is a masterpiece. UNESCO has
Patan Durbar which houses a bronze collection, the
declared Patan Durbar Square a World Heritage Site.
Krishna Temple built by King Siddhi NarsinghMalla,
The many shrines here offer a medley of architectural styles, with the stone temple of Krishna Mandir, dedicated to the Hindu deity Krishna, standing out with its exquisite workmanship.
Hiranya Varna Mahavihar and Mahabouddha Temple. Patan’s Durbar Square presents an example of mastery in urban design with a complex of temples fronting the old royal palace of Patan. The many shrines here offer a medley of architectural styles, with the stone temple of
You will see the Durbar square, the Patan Durbar
Krishna Mandir, dedicated to the Hindu deity Krishna,
which houses a bronze collection, the Krishna Temple
standing out with its exquisite workmanship. The palace
built by King Siddhi NarsinghMalla, Hiranya Varna
building contains a number of chowks or souks, called
Mahavihar and Mahabouddha Temple.
courtyards. The Sundari {beautiful} Chowk has in its centre a sunken bath with its walls embellished with stone carvings. The Golden Window in the palace is a masterpiece. UNESCO has declared Patan Durbar Square a World Heritage Site.
NEPAL HERITAGE SITES
Bhaktapur
Panauti
Bhaktapur is an anceient city of Nepal and known as
It is an ancient village, 32 km/20 miles south east
a living museum of Nepal. It is located 12 kilometers
of Kathmandu situated on the banks of Punyamati
east from Kathmandu city. Bhaktapur meaning
River. A leisurely walk through this tiny village will
the city of devotees was founded by King Ananda
reveal it’s antiquity to the visitors. A must in Panauti is
Dev in 1197 A.D. There are many monuments
a visit to the 14th century AD Hindu temple of Shiva
including pagodas, places, shikhara style monuments
locally known as IndresworM‑ahadev. The wooden
courtyards and Buddhist shrines and monasteries.
struts supporting the temple are splendid example
Bhaktapur offers many cultural activities and famous
of wood carving of that era, which till date remain
for its old unique fine craft /arts.
unchallenged in the entire kingdom.
There are many places to visit and see at Bhaktapur and one full days sightseeing and over-night stay at the Bhaktapur will give you an experience of a life time.
07
08
NEPAL HERITAGE SITES
Boudha
Swoyambhu
Boudha Nath Stupa, is the biggest in the world
The Swayambhu Stupa is a Buddhist site of great
of its kind situated east of Kathmandu city- 8 km
antiquity. Built on a hilltop that stood out as an
distance from Kathmandu city. It stands with four
island when the valley was covered by the lake
pairs of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping
once upon a time, it marks the spot where a flaming
watch for righteous behaviour and human prosperity.
lotus sprouted out of a seed cast by a Buddha of a
This Buddhist stupa was built by King Man Deva at
previous eon. Statues of various Buddhist deities are
the advice of Goddess Mani Jogini. It is built on an
embedded around its white dome over which rises
octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. The shrine
a gilded spire. There are numerous other shrines
is ringed by houses of Lamas, the Buddhist priests.
and several monasteries on the hilltop, from where a
There are 108 images of the Buddha set around
magnificent view of the valley can be had. UNESCO
the base of the stupa.. UNESCO has declared
has declared Swayambhu a World Heritage Site.
Bouddhanath a World Heritage Site as well.
Swayambhunath, because of its eco-natural green surroundings, is also known for its volatile monkeys {for which its tourism acronym calls it ‘Monkey Temple’} can be a real pain in the neck, especially if they are hungry. Make sure you have some bananas on you to appease our simian friends.
NEPAL HERITAGE SITES
Lumbini Lumbini, the birth place of the lord Buddha, is said
gives birth to the Buddha; an image which has capti‑
to be the foundation that represents world peace.
vated the imagination of thousands of followers in the
Geographically situated in Kapilvastu district of
Buddhist faith. Within the temple areas, faithful visitors
West Nepal on the borders of India; Lumbini stands
will also come across the Asoka Pillar, built by the great
to represent a significant site of pilgrimage that
Indian emperor Asoka who finally found peace here after
must be carried out once in a lifetime for all Bud‑
his victorious battles which ultimately brought the cur‑
dhists throughout the world, which is the equivalent
tains down on his violent campaigns that made him one
of Christians who visit Bethlehem & Jerusalem,
of India’s most famous conquerors. He built this pillar
the birthplace of ‘Jesus Christ’. Lumbini is also a
to signify his belief in the birthplace of the lord Buddha
UNESCO world heritage site which is known for
which gave his warring soul a long lasting peace. The
its ancient values. Your walk begins to the ancient
village walk extends to the sacred gardens & to further
Mayadevi Temple, recently renovated & the greatest
old remnants of stupas& monasteries believed to have
attraction in Lumbini among all the holy sites of the
been constructed centuries ago & can be found all over
Buddha. The temple has within its walls, a stone
this divine area.
image of Maya Devi holding onto a branch as she
09
10
SIGHT SEEING & PLACES
Pokhara
The Namo Buddha is about forty kilometers from the BoudhanathStupa- Kathmandu. Located on slightly elevated land- Hills station, it is a pleasant and out-of-the way place. The landscape below resembles an eight-petaled lotus, and the sky above has the form of a wheel with nine spokes. In this wide panorama, some mountains glisten white like a conch shell or a crystal. On other mountains, the groves of trees seem to gleam with emerald and turquoise jewels. In summertime, southern winds bring coolness; in wintertime, the warm, gentle sun is like the clear and radiant face of youth. The flowers bloom bright and multicolored. In the blue vault of the sky, clouds gently gather and turn all shades of red at daybreak; they are beautiful in wondrous hues that fill space with their canopies and banners. Like a heap of white silk scarves, mists drift slowly from place to place. From the clouds, the drums of thunder resonate; lightning flashes like a slim dancer’s quick movement; and fine showers fall in brightness. In sum, all the har‑ monious conditions needed to practice samadhi are present at this sacred site. Merely coming here inspires one’s faith; renunciation and weariness with samsara naturally arise. As it is said: “In the supreme place of a solitary mountain retreat, any activity is virtuous.” In brief, Namo Buddha is a place of pilgrimage highly esteemed by people from all over the world, East and West.
SIGHT SEEING & PLACES
Machhapuchre A small but beautiful old capital of entire region in the middle of the 15th century, this small commercially active Newar village lying 27 km/17 miles east of Kathmandu city has catered to the people of the neighbouring areas unnoticed to it’s own past. When Nepal had trade relations with Tibet, this place was an important enroute trade centre. Tour of this village gives a good combination of history, rural life and scenic beauty. Banepa is one of the old ancient small cities of Nepal and she offers many ritual an cultural values of human history of Nepal.
11
12
SIGHT SEEING & PLACES
Chitwan Jungle Safari If you are a wildlife lover there are many conservation areas and national parks in Nepal. Among them, Royal Chitwan National Park (a world natural site declared by UNESCO) is the most popular safari destination covering an area of 932 sq. km. The major attractions of the park are one-horned rhinoceroses, royal Bengal tiger, Leopard, spotted deer, sloth bear, four horned antelope, gangetic dolphin and crocodile. The diverse ecology is home to around 600 plant species, 50 mammal species, 526 bird species and 49 species of amphibian and reptile. Sal trees (shorearobusta) and 1.1m tall elephant grass dominate the jungle. One can explore the wild world by foot, by jeep and dug‑ out canoe or on the back of an elephant.
SIGHT SEEING & PLACES
13
14
ADVENTURE
Rafting Cycling Bunjy Paraglading Trekking Kayaking Climbing
ADVENTURE
15
16
TOUR PACKAGES
Itinerary Lumbini
Buddhist Meditational
Glimpses of Nepal
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu.
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu
Day 02: Fly or drive to Lumbini.
Day 02: Day Hike to Namobuddha
Day 02: Half day tour to Buddhist Monastery and visit Patan ancient town of Nepal.
Day 03: Continue spiritual tour. Day 04: We continue tour of archaeological Buddhist sites & fly/drive back to Kathmandu Day 05: Depart for home.
Day 03: Kathmandu sightseeing tour Day 04: Fly Kathmandu / Bhairahawa and or drive to Lumbini Day 05: Fly back to Kathmandu Day 06: Visit Kopan Monastery Day 07: At the Himalayan Buddhist Meditation Centre. You will just love to be at this centre Day 08: Final Departure for home
Day 03: After breakfast drive to “ Namo Buddha� over night stay at Dhulikhel Day 04: After visit of ancient towns Banepa and Panauti continue back to Kathmandu en-route visit another world famous city- Bhaktapur. Overnight Kathmandu. Day 05: A visit to the famous Kapan monastery where we spend the night Day 06: Departure for home.
Holidays in the Himalayas Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu Day 02: Drive or fly to Pokhara Day 03-04: Trekking to PotanaGhandruk and back to Pokhara Day 05: Fly back to Kathmandu and half day sight seeing and overnight Kathmandu Day 06: Drive to Nagarkot and en route visit to Madhyapur and over night at Nagarkot Day 07: After breakfast drive back to Kathmandu and en route visit to Bhaktapur Day 08: Depart to international airport for the fly back to home.
TOUR PACKAGES
17
Additional Programme If you are looking for other exciting programs, the cost and or any relevant information, please do contact us. Besides the places mentioned in this itinerary, there are many other highly interesting ventures of touristic nature to behold in Nepal that is known so well for its natural beauty. We will be glad to help you make the right choices for an additional holiday that will also suit your financial budgets. Just don’t hesitate to let us know. Take care!! 1. Jungle Safari in Nepal While the high Himalaya makes up Nepal’s northern region, the southern Lowland known as the Terai is covered with dense tropical jungles teeming with diverse wildlife and exotic birds. Here you will find some of the most exciting safari destinations in the world. Among the national park, Royal Suklagandaki Wildlife Reserve,
Royal Chitwan National Park, Royal Bardiya National Park, KoshiTapu Wildlife Reserve are the major exciting safari destination of the Nepal. You will be going into deep jungle on or four-wheel drive vehicle to view wild animals in their natural habitat. The most exciting tour of Chitwan National Parks are canoe rides on jungle rivers, nature walk, bird watching excursions and Tharu village tours to explore the life style of Tharu people. There are 14 national parks and wildlife reserves in the kingdom. The Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park and the Royal Chitwan National Park are listed as World Heritage Sites. PACKAGE - 1 1night 2 days Jungle Activities: Full meal hotel accommodation at the Tourist Class Hotel/ Lodge Elephant Ride, Canoe Ride,
Jungle walk Tharu Cultural programs and slide show on Jungle Tour PACKAGE - 2 2 nights 3 days Jungle Activities: Full meal hotel accommodation at the Tourist Class Hotel/ Lodge Elephant Ride, Canoe Ride, Jungle walk, Brid watching, Jungle Drive Tharu Cultural programs and slide show on Jungle Tour 2. Mountain Flights If you are limited by the time pressure or other considerations from going trekking, there are mountain flights that offer a panoramic encounter with the highest peaks on earth. The plane departs from Kathmandu and flies along side the Himalaya to give you eye-level views of the highest majestic peaks including Mt. Sagarmatha (Everest) and then brings you back in one hour.
Cruising close to the awesome massifs of rock and ice, the flight presents a mind-boggling sight. The flight departs early morning 6 A.M to 11 A.M. 3. Spa &Golfing !Content will forward shortly! 4.The Thrilling White Water Rafting ! Nepal, whereas the adventure tourist can full fill their burning desire of the adventure through white water rafting. White water rafting in journeying on the torrential river on an inflatable raft or white water kayak over crashing waves and swirling rapids for the excitement of a lifetime. Rafting on a Trishuli River is an excellent opportunity to observe the diversity of demography,
landscapes, cultural heritage and flora and fauna. You can experience the thrills of white-water on the course of four days trip covering 88km. The trip can be made as shorter as you desire. Besides Trishuli River, there are many rivers for the Rafting including Sunkoshi, Kaligandaki, Karnali, bhoteKoshi and Marshyangdi
18
ACCOMODATION
Accomodation
ACCOMODATION
19
General Information Related to the Program YOUR ACTIVITY: SIGHTSEEING TOUR Exploration of cultural and historical highlights related to Buddhism within Kathmandu, and out of Kathmandu Valley as specified in the tour program.
YOUR TOUR GUIDE We have a team of highly experienced guides with multilingual abilities (guides who can speak your language – major languages only). Our guides are professionally trained and thoroughly versed in culture and history of each place mentioned in this itinerary. Our guides hold licenses recognized by the Tourism Ministry, Government of Nepal.
TOUR AVAILABILITY FOR Y OUR CONVENIENCE We generally operate Nepal cultural and conventional tours packages for private groups of your friends and family members of any size, so you can enjoy your private trip without having to deal and be with people who have different interests and attitude. Each trip is personally accompanied by a tour guide and driver(s). Nepal tours of four to eight days in duration would be suitable for an extension trip if you have booked any longer trekking holidays in Nepal or tours/treks in Tibet. YOUR ACCOMMODATION Kathmandu offers a wide range of accommodation facilities, from 5 star luxury hotels to budget-priced guest houses. Top hotels in Nepal give you premium quality services. Whatever your requirements may be, hotels in Nepal are equipped to meet them all. However the hotel accommodations are included in the tour packages. YOUR MEALS {IMPORTANT} Breakfast is included but Lunch and
dinner are excluded in all our tour costs. There will be a one hour lunch break during city sightseeing tour. Plenty of quality restaurants with delectable tastes can be found in town serving Nepali, oriental and continental dishes. Restaurants with menus representing almost every country on earth can be found within the boundaries of Nepal. We recommend the best ones depending on your taste preference or food that you are familiar with when traveling around. A good & fulsome continental lunch or dinner at a reasonable standardized restaurant costs approximately USD 8-15. Full board options are also available on request. Always drink boiled, filtered or mineral bottled water & check out the seals & expiry dates before you pay for them. Most quality restaurants in town catering to tourists have safe drinking water. MEETING/GREETINGS & AIRPORT TRANSFERS: In all of our packaged tours, airport pickups and drops are included. You need to pass on your International flight details to us in advance for a “meeting and greeting” service at the airport. You just pass through the Customs and come out of the Terminal building where you will see someone standing with a placard marked either with ‘Incentive Tours’ or your name written on it. Our airport representative or tour officer will greet you and welcome you with a garland. You will then be escorted to your hotel where you will be briefed about your further activities in detail. We collect your flight tickets for reconfirmation and deliver them back later. After your trip is over you will be transferred back to the airport in time to catch your flight back home. THE COST OF YOUR TRIP The cost of each trip depends on various factors such as the types of accommodation you choose, type of vehicles with or without airconditioners, group size (i.e. number of people in your team) etc. Our costs
are usually categorized into standard package (based on 3 star hotels), superior package (a combination of 3-4 star hotel) and deluxe package (5 star hotels with air conditioned vehicles). However, you can always upgrade your accommodation and use air conditioned cars at extra charge though you have initially booked a standard or superior package. We can customize any tour to suit your best interest and budget. A very particular policy of ‘Incentive Tours’ has always been centered on minimum profits with superior down-to-earth services to facilitate long term relationships. There are no frills attached to our prices.
YOUR TRANSPORTATION We have all types of transportation but mostly Japanese made Toyota vehicles of all types and sizes, from small twoseater luxury cars to large capacity luxury tourist coaches. Size and type of vehicle depends on the size of your group. We use two-seater cars for 1-2 people, micro luxury 6-seater van for 3-5 people, 10-seater van for 6-9 people and tourist coaches or coasters for group sizes of 10 people & above. Our drivers are carefully trained to serve as per standards relevant to the hospitality industry. Our vehicles are rigorously maintained & checked before being assigned to your service.
YOUR TOUR TIMINGS the duration of each city tour is six hours (full day tour) or three hours (half day tours). Durations and tour highlights are mentioned in all our detailed itineraries. Relevant tips/ information will be briefed to you before you embark on any of our trips. Tour programs usually start after your breakfast (9 am). Your half-day tour lasts till 1 pm and till 3 pm if it is a full day. Late afternoons and evenings can be used to explore the town on your own. It’s always good to get familiar with the environment of the country you travel too; you learn more & see more.
Incentive Group of Companies
IGC Das Tower- 4th Floor, Post Box 20957, Lazimpat-2, Kathmandu, Nepal Phone: 977-1-4414739, 4420413, Fax: 977-1-4421892 E-mail: hml@igc.com.np / incentive@wlink.com.np