Nepal Announces Pre- and Post-Tours for the 25th PATA Travel Mart

Nepal offers buyers at PATA Travel Mart 2002 a choice of four tour itineraries comprising varied tourism themes. Buyers have the option of pre- or post-Mart tours.

The complimentary tour programmes designed for the Mart's buyers include

* Heritage Tour

* Tour of Lake City, Pokhara

* Nirvana Tour

* Royal Chitwan National Park Tour.

Developed by both the Nepal Tourism Board and PATA Nepal Chapter, the tour options reflect the wide range of holiday choices available in Nepal.

Nature-, culture-, history- and adventure-based options have been included.

(Please refer to detailed tour itineraries below).

As Adventure Travel is the Mart's Feature Product, the pre- and post-Mart tour options include soft adventure activities such as jungle and mountain trekking. Mr Pradeep Raj Pandey, Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board said: "There is great synergy between Nepal and Adventure Travel as PATA Travel Mart's Feature Product. Nepal is a haven for adventure enthusiasts. At the same time, we want to reaffirm Nepal's stance as an exotic destination that offers much more than just Mount Everest."

For the first time, the Mart tours will be extended to seller delegates at a nominal fee so that they too can experience the tourism riches provided by Nepal. Similarly, buyers' spouses will be charged a nominal fee to join the tours. PATA Travel Mart offers delegates a unique "2-in-1" destination package, enabling them to experience the sights and sounds offered by both Singapore and Nepal.

NEPAL PRE- & POST-MART TOURS

Herit age Tour

Day 1 Arrival at Kathmandu.

Upon arrival, airport transfer to the hotel.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 2 Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu City including the Durbar Square, the temple of Living Goddess and Kasthamandap, a temple built from a single tree from which the city of Kathmandu derives its name.

A short drive to Swayambhunath – the oldest Buddhist shrine, looking east from here, one will enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Kathmandu Valley.

Sightseeing at Patan City – the city of architecture and fine arts founded in 250 AD, previously known as Lalitpur. It is sometimes called the “Town with a Thousand Golden Roofs”. Here one visits the Durbar Square, the Royal Baths, Mahaboudha, Krishna Mandir and The Golden Temple. You will also visit the Tibetan Handicraft Centre at Jawalakhel to observe carpet weaving activities.

Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 3 Departure from Kathmandu

Tour of the Lake City, Pokhara

Day 1 Morning – Fly to Pokhara.

Upon arrival, airport transfer to the hotel.

Sightseeing at Pokhara City , one of the most picturesque valleys that lies under the shadows of the Annapurna Range. A rare combination of snow-clad mountains, crystal clear lakes, streams, villages inhabited by friendly ethnic tribes.

Day 2 Early morning trek to Sarankot to watch the sunrise.

Breakfast.

Departure to airport for flight back to Kathmandu.

Upon arrival, airport transfer to the hotel.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 3 Departure from Kathmandu

Nirvana Tour (birth place of Lord Buddha)

Day 1 Fly to Lumbini.

Upon arrival, airport transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 Sightseeing tour of Lumbini Gardens, excursion of Tilaurakot.

Overnight in Lumbini.

Day 3 Departure to Kathmandu.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 4 Departure from Kathmandu

Royal Chitwan National Park Tour

Day 1 Fly/drive to Bharatpur.

Upon arrival, transfer to jungle lodge.

Jungle activities for rest of the afternoon.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 Early morning jungle activities.

Breakfast.

Fly/drive back to Kathmandu.

Upon arrival greet and transfer to a hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3 Departure for Kathmandu.

Rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4 Departure from Kathmandu