Day 1
Kathmandu
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll have a group briefing at your hotel in the late afternoon. Your evening is free to explore the markets and bazaars of Kathmandu and an optional dinner can be organised at a local Nepali restaurant.
Meals are not included on this day.
Day 2
Kathmandu
Your day will begin with a Mount Everest scenic flight over Sagamartha National Park and up close to Mount Everest. An organised sightseeing tour of Kathmandu will follow, visiting Bodhnath Stupa; one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, and Pashupatinath, the country’s most famous Hindu temple. Set on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, you may see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing, and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. Your afternoon is free for exploring on your own at leisure the royal palaces, temples and street stalls.
Breakfast included.
Day 3
Pokhara
Depart early from your hotel for a 30-minute flight to Pokhara, with spectacular views over the Himalayas. On arrival, a boat will take you across Nepal’s second largest lake (Phewa Tal). Visit the Peace Pagoda with outstanding mountain views and see the Annapurnas, the famous fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare, and across to Pokhara. You’ll learn fascinating stories about climbing expeditions at the International Mountain Museum.
Breakfast included.
Day 4
Pokhara
Your day is free to explore tranquil Pokhara at your own leisure and your leader can advise you on the best sightseeing opportunities. Take a rowing boat out on the lake, enjoy the great shopping opportunities and internet cafés in the lakeside area or explore the old part of town, an elaborate Hindu temple and a Buddhist monastery.
Breakfast included.
Day 5
Bandipur
After breakfast, you will have a 2-hour drive to beautiful Bandipur where you can explore this incredible settlement and immerse yourself in Nepal’s ancient culture of Nepal. A hidden gem, enjoy spectacular views, remarkably well-maintained architecture and pleasant walking trails.
Breakfast included.
Day 6
Bandipur
Explore more of Bandipur on your free day. Hike through the hillsides to see tribal villages, lush forests, ‘power places’ and hilltop shrines that were once fortresses. Beautifully preserved, you’ll get a real sense of stepping back in time in this largely undeveloped area. Panoramic views of the Himalayas can be enjoyed from a high ridge above the village.
Breakfast included.
Day 7
Chitwan National Park
You’ll be picked up after breakfast for a 4-hour drive to Chitwan National Park. There will be time to settle in and for introductions to the camp staff and resident naturalists to discuss the program. Activities are dependent on the time of the year and wildlife movements, so may vary. You’ll be taken on a late-afternoon safari through forests and across grasslands to view a variety of exciting park wildlife. Exploring the trails on foot requires a reasonable level of fitness. The local Tharu dance troupe may perform a cultural program for you early evening, followed by dinner and then you’ll be free to relax in the bar to swap stories of the day’s sightings accompanied by evocative night time sounds from the jungle.
Breakfast included.
Day 8
Chitwan National Park
An early start will see you up and out on, either another safari to search for Indian rhino, deer and exotic birds. You may also join one of the other park activities or perhaps be fortunate to experience a rare tiger sighting. After breakfast, depart the lodge for an exciting dugout canoe adventure on the Rapti River to spot marsh mugger crocodiles and the various birds inhabiting the riverbanks. Your afternoon program will include further excursions by jeep or to discover one of the nearby villages.
Breakfast included.
Day 9
Chitwan National Park - Bhaktapur
Enjoy an optional early-morning birdwatching safari and then after breakfast fly to Kathmandu for an onward drive to Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the capital of Nepal and the Great Malla Kingdom in the 15th century, a rich heritage awaits you here with inspiring temples. Enjoy an evening on your own to explore and soak up the atmosphere in a local cafe, or spend time relaxing in your centrally located hotel.
Breakfast included.
Day 10
Bhaktapur - Kathmandu
Your day will be spent exploring Bhaktapur’s famous temples. Your first stop is the beautiful Durbar Square, home to the majestic Lion Gate and Golden Gate. Visit the Pashupati Temple, a replica of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu. Truly enlightened after a morning of discovery, you will then take a 2-hour drive in the afternoon to Kathmandu. Your evening is free to do as you choose, however, the group leader will usually organise an optional evening meal at one of Kathmandu’s marvellous restaurants.
Breakfast included.
Day 11
Kathmandu
Your incredible trip concludes after breakfast today, so after you’ve made your farewells, your tour leader will assist and advise you with regards to your onward travel arrangements.
Breakfast included.
What’s Included
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10 nights accommodation: Heritage property (3 nights), Hotel (5 nights), Jungle Resort (2 nights)
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International and domestic flights and all internal transfers
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Team leader, experienced and knowledgeable local guides
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10 breakfasts
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Activities: Mount Everest Scenic Flight, Pashupatinath Temple, Bodhnath Stupa, Few Lake boat trip, Peace Pagoda, International Mountain Museum, Chitwan – (Canoe Safari, bird watching walk, jeep safari), Bhaktapur guided walk,
What’s Not Included
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Additional optional excursions
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Lunch and dinner
