Indore, May 14 The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) on Thursday announced a special religious tour to Nepal under the Bharat Gaurav scheme, offering pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh and nearby regions an opportunity to visit major spiritual and tourist destinations in the neighbouring country.
The 'Pashupatinath Nepal Darshan Yatra' will leave from Indore on June 12 through a Deluxe AC tourist train, officials said on Wednesday.
According to IRCTC, this is the first time a Bharat Gaurav tourist train is being operated for passengers travelling outside India.
The nine night and 10-day journey will cover prominent destinations in Nepal, including the famous Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park and the Manakamana Temple.
The package also includes a ropeway ride at the Manakamana Temple and a Jeep Safari in Chitwan, arranged by the IRCTC.
Passengers can board the train from several stations across Madhya Pradesh, including Indore, Ujjain, Shujalpur, Sehore, Rani Kamalapati (Bhopal), Itarsi, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni and Satna.
Rahul Holkar, Executive Tourism (Indore), said the train will consist of 14 coaches with three accommodation categories -- First AC, Second AC and Third AC.
"Dining facilities will be available for passengers onboard, with two restaurant coaches arranged for this purpose," Holkar added.
He said that the Nepal Darshan package includes five-night accommodation in three-star hotels along with local sightseeing through AC buses.
IRCTC has fixed different fares for each category.
The fare for the Third AC Comfort category has been set at Rs 62,710 per person, while the Second AC Deluxe category will cost Rs 76,550 per person. The First AC Superior category has been priced at Rs 90,400 per person.
The package includes rail travel, onboard and offboard meals, hotel accommodation, local transportation, sightseeing, tour escorts, travel insurance, security and housekeeping services.
IRCTC officials clarified that the Nepal Darshan Yatra is a guided tourist excursion and should not be viewed as a conventional international tour package.
Bookings for the Bharat Gaurav Nepal Yatra will be available through IRCTC's official website and authorised offices.
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