Nepal Discovery Adventure

We meet you on arrival at Kathmandu Airport and assist with formalities, then transfer you to your hotel in Thamel to settle in and take your first look at the capital’s bustling streets. You can rest after the flight or explore the lively lanes at your own pace. This evening we provide an informal briefing on the tour and the local area.

We take a rickshaw through the backstreets of Thamel and nearby neighbourhoods, passing tiny shops, hidden stupas and busy workshops for a close up of everyday city life. We then continue on foot from Thamel to historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, weaving along narrow alleys lined with shrines and traditional courtyards that reveal the city’s oldest quarters. In Durbar Square we explore intricately carved temples and former royal palaces, learning about Newari architecture and the history of the ancient kingdom. We round off at Swayambhunath Stupa, poised on a hill overlooking Kathmandu, where we spin prayer wheels, take in sweeping views and watch the resident monkeys.

We drive from Kathmandu down into the Terai lowlands, passing terraced fields, rivers and rural villages – a first real glimpse of Nepal’s varied landscapes beyond the capital. In the early evening we stroll through a Tharu village near Chitwan National Park for an authentic insight into traditional rural life and the distinctive cultural heritage of the Tharu community.

We explore Chitwan National Park on a guided jungle walk, keeping watch for rhinos, deer, monkeys and abundant birdlife across forest and grassland. We then glide along a jungle river by traditional canoe, drifting past crocodiles and waterbirds and soaking up the calm of the lowland waterways. Later we travel deeper into the park on a jeep safari, crossing varied habitats with chances to see wildlife such as rhinos and boar – and, with luck, perhaps even a big cat. In the evening we experience a Tharu cultural dance performance, where traditional music and rhythmic movement share the community’s heritage.

Leaving Chitwan, we drive into the hills bound for Bandipur. As we climb, the landscape transforms from flat lowlands to forested ridges, revealing distant mountain views. On arrival, we explore Bandipur’s car free centre, renowned for its traditional Newari architecture, and our walk introduces us to the town’s history, culture and panoramic hillside views.

We drive from Bandipur to the lakeside city of Pokhara, arriving beside Lake Phewa with the Annapurna range rising behind the city. We visit Devi Falls, where the water plunges into a deep chasm – we hear the story behind its name and observe the unusual geological formations. We stop at a Tibetan refugee camp to see handicrafts being made and learn about the community’s history in Nepal, with time to browse local workshops and stalls. We then visit the World Peace Pagoda, a hilltop monument offering sweeping views of Pokhara and the Annapurna range. From here we hike downhill through forest trails to Lake Phewa, enjoying scenic views before reaching the lakeside. We take a wooden boat across the lake, gliding over calm waters that reflect mountains and lakeside temples. Later, we join an interactive cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Nepali momos – we shape, steam and taste our creations with guidance from local cooks.

In Pokhara, you have free time to unwind by the lake – linger in waterside cafés, browse the shops and soak up the peaceful setting.

We follow the Trisuli River valley towards the scenic village of Kurintar – the drive reveals terraced fields and traditional farming communities along the way.

We drive from Kurintar back towards the Kathmandu Valley, then continue into the surrounding hills to reach Nagarkot – celebrated for its peaceful setting and panoramic mountain views.

We rise early to watch the sunrise from Nagarkot’s ridge top viewpoints, famed for sweeping Himalayan vistas where, on clear mornings, Langtang and even Everest can be seen faintly on the horizon. We then explore Bhaktapur’s ancient city centre – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – wandering through its palaces, courtyards and exquisite traditional wooden architecture, a true cultural highlight of the valley. We take part in a hands on pottery class in Bhaktapur’s renowned Pottery Square, using traditional wheels and techniques as skilled artisans guide us through the process. We continue to Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most important Hindu temple, to observe ceremonies along the Bagmati River and learn about the site’s profound spiritual significance. We round off the day at the vast Boudhanath Stupa – a major centre of Tibetan Buddhism – walking clockwise with pilgrims and monks as prayer flags flutter overhead.

In Kathmandu, you have free time to rest or wander the lively lanes of Thamel at your own pace. This evening we host an informal briefing about the tour and the local area – a relaxed chance to ask questions and get your bearings. When it is time to depart, we arrange your transfer from your Kathmandu hotel to the airport and bid you farewell as you check in for your international flight and complete the usual departure procedures – then it is onward to your next destination.