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
After completing disembarking procedures, transfer to Colombo airport for the Sri Lankan Airlines flight to Delhi. Lunch box served at Colombo after check-in.
On arrival into Delhi, complete immigration and customs formalities and transfer to the JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity.
Dinner and overnight in Delhi.
DAY 2
After breakfast, transfer to the airport.
Arrive at the airport, after check-in clear immigration, customs and board the Nepal Airlines flight to Kathmandu. Light refreshments served aloft.
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, which will be collected by the Tour Manager in flight.
You will then have a short transfer to the Dwarika’s Hotel for lunch and check-in. 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.
In the evening, 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. We also visit 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. Bodhnath is also a center of the Tibetan community in Nepal, where you will visit a monastery and interact with a senior monk.
Later, 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 for dinner and the overnight.
DAY 3
Tea/coffee, bread rolls served in the lobby prior to transferring to the airport for a flight-seeing excursion, soaring over glacier-clad, cloud-shrouded peaks and other landscapes around Mount Everest. Afterwards, you will return to the hotel for breakfast.
Following breakfast enjoy some time at leisure in this hotel’s resplendent surrounding after the early morning activity. Then before noon, proceed to 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.
Lunch is at the Pan Asian restaurant.
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.
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 onto 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 returning to the Dwarika’s for some leisure time.
There lies an option to visit Kathmandu’s Durbar Square in the heart of the city and is also known as the Hanuman Dhoka Palace square, named after the Hindu monkey god Hanuman, who acts as protector via a huge stone impression next to the main entrance. Kathmandu valley has three Durbar Squares, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This ancient seat of Nepalese royalty displays spectacular architecture, reflecting the skill of the Newari artists over several centuries. There’s a great variety of temples dedicated to different Hindu gods and goddess, mainly constructed between the 15th and 18th century.
Prior to returning to the Dwarika’s, visit the nearby Asan Bazar, a great local scene.
Dinner and overnight in Kathmandu.
DAY 4
After breakfast, 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 Restaurant, you will return to the hotel and enjoy the resplendent surroundings.
In the evening 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 one to two star hotels and numerous big/small restaurants and lodges catering to a vast category of tourists. Transfer to Sam’s One Tree Café a local favorite for drinks and dinner.
Overnight at the Dwarikas.
DAY 5
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for Nepal Airlines flight to Delhi. Refreshments served aloft.
Upon arrival into Delhi, you will pass through immigration, collect bags, complete customs and connect with the IndiGo Airlines flight to Mumbai. Lunch served aloft.
On arrival, transfer to the pier to reboard the ship.
Overland Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations beyond our control. All program details, including timings and flights indicated below, are approximate, given here for general reference purposes, and subject to change. Destination Services will provide a final itinerary with up-to-date details once you board the ship. Please review the final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
Day 1 - timings below are for reference only and are subject to change based on flight details once
confirmed
7:00 am Riviera arrives Colombo port.
Complete disembarking formalities
10:00am Disembark and transfer to the airport
11:00am Arrive at the airport and complete check-in formalities, receive boarding passes and proceed through security. Box lunch served at the airport
2:10pm Depart Colombo by Sri Lankan Airlines flight # UL 195 for Delhi (subject to change)
Refreshments served aloft
5:45pm Arrive Delhi, complete immigration and other formalities before transferring to the nearby JW
Marriott New Delhi Aerocity
7:00pm Arrive, check-in and dinner
Overnight in JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity or similar hotel
Day 2
6:30am Breakfast at the hotel
8:00am Transfer to the airport
8:15am Arrive at the Airport and complete check-in formalities, receive boarding passes and proceed through security
10:40am Nepal Airlines flight # RA 206 departs for Kathmandu (subject to change) Light refreshments served aloft
12:40pm Arrive Kathmandu. Meet at immigration, assistance with visa issuance
(1 passport photo) customs and transfer to nearby Dwarika’s Hotel
1:30pm Arrive at Dwarika’s, lunch and check-in
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
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 hotel
Day 3
5:30am Tea /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 Dwarikas
8:15am Breakfast in the Toran Restaurant
11:30am Transfer to Patan
12:15pm Arrive and visit Patan; its Museum, Main Square and ancient temples
1:30pm Lunch at Pan Asian restaurant
2:30pm Visit a Private Newari House, Living Goddess and the Singing Bowl workshop
3:30pm Gather and transfer back to the Dwarika’s
4:15pm Arrive at Dwarikas for some leisure time
5:30pm An option to explore Kathmandu’s Durbar Square and Asan Market
7:00pm Return to the hotel for dinner
Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel or similar hotel
Day 4
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
12:30pm Lunch at the Chez Caroline restaurant
2:00pm Return to the hotel for some leisure time
5:30pm Transfer to Thamel and walk around with our guide
7:00pm Transfer to Kathmandu’s Main Avenue
7:15pm Drinks and dinner at Sam’s One Tree Café
Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel or similar hotel
Day 5
4:15am Tea/coffee/juices are served in the lobby prior to transferring to the airport
5:15am Checkout, settle extras and transfer to the International Airport for the flight to Delhi
5:30am Arrive at the airport, receive boarding passes, before proceeding to immigration and security
8:00am Nepal Airlines flight # RA 205 departs for Delhi (subject to change). Light refreshments served aloft.
9:40am Arrive Delhi and pass through immigration and customs
Connect with the IndiGo Airlines flight # 6E 2092 to Mumbai (subject to change)
12:45pm Flight departs Delhi. Lunch served aloft
2:55pm Arrive Mumbai and transfer to the pier
5:00pm Arrive at the pier and reboard the Riviera
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 throughout the trip along with comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, hat, sunblock, swimwear, and insect repellent.
Currency:
Nepali Rupee : One dollar is approximately Rupees 132. Our hotel has an exchange facility.
Electricity:
Nepal has a 230-volt, 50-hertz cycle power supply and 2-pin cylindrical sockets and plugs. However, our rooms are fitted with necessary adaptors.
Aircraft type (subject to change):
Sri Lankan Airlines – Airbus A330
Nepal Airlines – Airbus 320/Boeing 757 - Economy
Flightseeing tour – Buddha Air
Indigo 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). Please pack items such as scissors and other sharp instruments in your check-in baggage. Only 100 ml of liquid/water will be allowed by Airport security in your cabin baggage. Power banks/ portable mobile chargers are not allowed in Check-in Bags, They need to be kept in handbags.
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 1 passport photo for this Visa
Accommodation:
Delhi
JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity
Asset Area 4 – Hospitality District, Delhi Aerocity, New Delhi – 110037
Phone: (+91 11) 4521 2121
Kathmandu
Dwarikas’ Hotel
Battisputali Kathmandu, Nepal, P.O. Box : 459,
Phone: (977-1) 4479488
*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 1 night at JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity in a Deluxe Room
• Accommodation for 3 nights at the Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu in a Deluxe Heritage room
• Lunches and dinner during excursions in Kathmandu as per the itinerary
• Transfers, sightseeing, and road journeys in Nepal
• Economy-class flights per the itinerary – direct flights not guaranteed
• Entrance fees and camera charges at monuments
• Mountain flightseeing
• Nepal visa
• The services of a local tour manager to accompany the group from Colombo until Mumbai
Program excludes:
• Valid tourist visa for India
• 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
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, 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.
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 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.