Combine exploration of ancient cities, temples and palaces, breathtaking mountain ranges and thundering waterfalls. Go wild in one of Asia's finest game parks and immerse yourself in local life and culture. Get to know the real Nepal!
Trip Highlights
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Itinerary
Kathmandu
Friday. Welcome to Kathmandu and the start of your holiday! You’ll be met and transferred to your hotel where you will receive a welcome drink and a briefing about your trip.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Kathmandu Valley
Nepal's capital Kathmandu is a fascinating blend of old and new and the largest and most cosmopolitan city in Nepal. This morning we visit Bodhnath stupa, a beautiful Buddhist worship site with spinning prayer wheels and prostrating pilgrims. Our next stop is the ancient city of Bhaktapur, Nepal’s cultural gem which has maintained its traditional lifestyle and is famous for its pottery. We explore Bhaktapur’s beautiful Durbar Square and visit Pottery Square we can try our hand at pottery making. Our final stop is Patan, the old Newari city with a historic Durbar Square full of temples. This evening enjoy dinner and a cultural Nepali dance performance.
Overnight: Kathmandu | Breakfast, Dinner
Chitwan National Park
Kathmandu – Chitwan. On day 3 we travel by road to Chitwan National Park (approx 5 hr drive), arriving in time for lunch. Chitwan is hailed as one of Asia’s finest game parks, home to more than 500 species including the endangered one horned rhino and the elusive Bengal tiger.
Over the next two days we enjoy a selection of activities offered by the lodge including a jeep safari, hoping to encounter the one horned rhino, various types of deer, boar, monkey, leopard and if we're very fortunate the Bengal tiger. Other activities at the lodge include a local village walk and nature walks in the jungle, a scenic dugout canoe ride down the Rapti River, bird watching and a visit to the Crocodile Breeding Centre. We'll also watch a traditional Tharu dance performance one evening with dinner.
Overnight: Chitwan National Park | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Pokhara
Chitwan National Park – Pokhara. After breakfast we travel to scenic Pokhara, gateway to the magnificent Annapurna Range, which consists of five mountains over 7200m and Machhapuchare Mountain at 7000m. The local people believe that Machhapuchare is sacred to the god Shiva and therefore is off limits to climbing. Arriving in the afternoon, there's time to relax and perhaps take a stroll around the lakeside market.
Overnight: Pokhara | Breakfast
Boating on Lake Phewa
This morning we watch a beautiful sunrise at the hill top World Peace Pagoda which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range. Then we take a scenic 2 hour walk through Raniban forest back down to Lake Phewa where we enjoy a boat ride across the lake. Our sightseeing continues with an excursion to the beautiful Devi's waterfall and the spectacular Seti Gorge, where the Seti River has carved a 200m deep chasm through the Pokhara Valley.
This afternoon we visit a Tibetan refugee camp and the Matepani Monastery which sits on top of a mountain, overlooking the city. Monks from all over the country come to the monastery to study and here we will watch the monk's daily prayer.
Overnight: Pokhara | Breakfast
R&R in Pokhara
Today is free day for you to explore Pokhara and participate in optional activities such as paragliding, ultra-light flight, zip line, bungy jump, mountain biking, cycling, boating and horse riding, or if you prefer, simply relax down by the lake.
Overnight: Pokhara | Breakfast
Kathmandu
Pokhara - Kathmandu. This morning we take the short flight back to Kathmandu and in the afternoon we explore more of the city. After visiting the beautiful Swayambhunath stupa which offers wonderful views of the city, we walk to Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is home to over 50 stunning temples and shrines. We’ll also enjoy a rickshaw ride from Hanuman Dhoka to Thamel, through the bustling back streets of the city which is a great way to observe the everyday life of the locals. This evening is free for you to wander around the Thamel market, where you can pick up some last minute souvenirs.
Overnight: Kathmandu | Breakfast
Kathmandu
Saturday. Our tour comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport.
Breakfast
Optional Scenic Flight
Take a scenic flight soaking up the views of a chain of snow capped peaks, as you fly over glaciers and lakes, rivers, gorges and see the world’s highest mountain - Mount Everest.
The optional Everest scenic flight is offered on the morning of day 2 or day 9 (subject to availability) so if you’d like to book this please ensure that you onward flight on day 9 does not depart before midday.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates noted with a 'G' are guaranteed to operate. All other departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Per Person' price. If you are happy to be paired up with another single traveller of the same sex on your tour, this can be arranged provided there is another single traveller booked on the tour date of your choosing. If a roommate cannot be found the single room supplement will apply.
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Mulberry Hotel, Kathmandu
The Mulberry Hotel is an inviting oasis in the heart of Kathmandu. The elegant rooms are bright and airy with complimentary WiFi. Guests have a choice of two dining venues at the hotel with a rooftop infinity pool, spa and wellness centre to take advantage of also. The hotel is conveniently located in the popular entertainment district of Thamel and a 30 minute drive from the airport.
Jungle Villa Resort, Chitwan National Park
Situated at the northern borders of Chitwan National Park, the Jungle Villa's cottages contain well-furnished rooms with fully equipped ensuite bathrooms. Wake up to the sights of the World Natural Heritage Site from your private balcony overlooking the Rapti River. The resort's restaurant and outdoor bar serve a variety of cuisines and cocktails crafted from local produce. During the day, the National Park is right on your doorstep, should you wish to view the endangered flora & fauna on a safari tour, or join a village tour to learn about life in local communities.
Kasara Resort , Chitwan National Park
Situated on the border of Chitwan National Park, Kasara Resort blends simple luxury with a lush jungle setting. Each guestroom boasts a private, water-garden courtyard, an indoor-outdoor bathroom space and a sun deck set up for personal dining. Alongside a restaurant and spa facilities, guests can take part in an exciting range of outdoor activities. Perhaps enjoy a scenic cruise along the Rapti River in a dugout canoe, take a guided jungle walk in search of native wildlife or cycle around the nearby villages.
Atithi Resort and Spa, Pokhara
Atithi (Sanskrit for 'guest') offers genuine Nepalese hospitality in central Pokhara. At the heart of the resort are its spa, which incorporates yogic methods into a range of modern treatments, and an intimate outdoor pool looking out upon the majestic Annapurna range. The all-day restaurant and lounge-bar offer comfortable spaces for guests to relax. All rooms are ensuite, with rosewood furniture, LCD television, and a mountain view.
Reviews
Travellers have rated this tour as 4.8 out of 5 based on 5 recent reviews
Our guide Anel was excellent and very knowledgeable and our driver was absolutely brilliant.
The hotels were excellent and the food to die for. I cannot fault this trip at all …. highly recommend. ”
Ravi was a brilliant guide who is clearly passionate about his country and has a deep desire to share his knowledge with the guests. He was energetic every day and was engaged and involved in answering the questions from the group and ensuring they were having a good time - whether it was during the scheduled activities, meals and optional activities. Our group had a mix of people from all different countries and age groups and Ravi was able to accommodate to all the guests. In addition to Ravi, I would like to recognize Tanka (our driver) for his brilliant driving and super friendliness. He and Ravi made our trip a very memorable one! and I couldn't have asked for a better pair! ”
Have had a great holiday which fulfilled all expectations.
Our guide and his driver were excellent with great organisational skills and know how to make a super holiday. We saw all we hoped for on the tour and I would strongly recommend this tour to any one who would like to explore Nepal
Many Thanks ”
One of the best holidays I've been on. Nepal remains just as fascinating and mysterious.
The breadth and depth of knowledge the guide has is phenomenal, he made sure everything ran to plan while maintaining a cheerful deposition at all times. 10/10 to the driver as well. ”
Interesting tour for first time visitors. It is a shame there is so much earthquake damage around Kathmandu Valley area. Guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. The highlight of the trip for us was undoubtedly Chitwan National Park.”
In Brief
Our guide Anel was excellent and very knowledgeable and our driver was absolutely brilliant.
The hotels were excellent and the food to die for. I cannot fault this trip at all …. highly recommend. ”
