We Love —
- Discovering ancient temples, breathtaking Himalayan mountain scenery, and centuries-old cities in Nepal with the help of expert guides.
- Learning about wildlife conservation from a guide as you hike through Chitwan National Park.
- Having the choice between staying in 4*and 5* hotels during your tour!
Your Itinerary In Brief —
Welcome to Nepal!
Begin your tour in the exciting city of Kathmandu, a pleasurable riot for the senses.
Vegetable and spice vendors clamour for attention, while you’ll also find havens of tranquillity in flower-filled courtyards, tiny workshops, and hidden temples.
Next up is Bhaktapur with its charming villages and sacred sites.
Continue on to Chitwan National Park, with over 932 sq km of protected nature reserves, home to over 500 species of birds, as well as one-horned rhinos, antelope and even the rare Bengal tiger.
The last stop on your trip will be Pokhara Valley, with forest-clad slopes connected by hanging bridges, Tibetan monasteries, and splendid views of the Himalayas.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu to Bhaktapur
Day 3: Bhaktapur
Day 4: Bhaktapur to Chitwan
Day 5: Chitwan
Day 6: Pokhara
Day 7: Pokhara
Day 8: Pokhara
Day 9: Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 10: Departure from Kathmandu
Bon Voyage!
Your Itinerary In Detail —
Day 1: Kathmandu
Upon arrival, you'll be met by a representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Check-in at the hotel, before heading out to explore, beginning with Bouddhnath Stupa.
Bouddhnath Stupa is the largest Buddhist Stupa in the world, just behind the Pashupatinath Temple. Set in a Mandala design, it has been painted in pastel colours, and adorned with prayer flags. Altogether, 108 Buddha images and 147 insets of prayer wheels decorate the base of the huge circular edifice. The Boudhanath settlement has the largest community of Tibetans, totalling twelve thousand.
Guests may witness a blessing or speech given by the Rimpoche or Senior Lama at the monastery.
Later, visit the Pashupanath Temple: the most sacred Hindu Temple in the world, and one of the five main pilgrimage sites for Hindus. On an annual pilgrimage during Shivaratri Festival, thousands of devotees of Lord Shiva from Hindu communities around the world come to pay homage here.
Pashupatinath Temple worships celebrates the reincarnation of Shiva in his most benevolent form, as the shepherd of fertility, and so there are no animal sacrifices in this temple, only fruits. The temple is situated on the banks of the Bagmati River and for Hindus, being cremated at Pashupatinath means a direct passage to heaven.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 2: KATHMANDU TO BHAKTAPUR
After breakfast at the hotel, set off on a sightseeing tour of the ancient Patan City. You'll visit Kumari, the living goddess of Patan, for a blessing.
This ancient city of Patan, also known as Lalitpur or the city of fine arts, is about 5 km southeast of Kathmandu. The major tourist attractions are Durbar Square, Krishna Mandir, Mahaboudha and Hiranya Verna Mahavihar.
Meet a master of Tibetan singing bowls, for a one-hour session. You'll also have the opportunity to meet a goldsmith and silversmith and watch them make jewellery (duration 1 hour 30 minutes).
Head to nearby Thimi, and visit the 16th-century Balkumari Temple, dedicated to one of Bhairab’s shaktis. The Balkumari Jatra festival is celebrated at the temple to welcome the new year. There are riotous scenes as the 32 khats (litters) whirl around the temple while red powder is hurled at them.
A passage on the south side of Balkumari Temple's square leads to Thimi’s potters’ square, which is full of kilns made from straw covered with ash.
Continue on for a tour of Bhaktapur. Arrive and check in at your hotel and enjoy free time at the end of the afternoon.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Bhaktapur
Changu Narayan Temple is situated on a ridge overlooking the valley, about 12 km to the east of the city. It's dedicated to the Hindu God Bishnu, the Preserver.
One of the finest and oldest specimens of pagoda architecture, the temple is embellished with exquisite wood and stone carvings and is said to be the oldest pagoda style temple in Nepal, built sometime back in 323 A.D.
The sacred complex is a World Heritage Site, and from the temple, you can see the beautiful Manohara River and surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Set off on a gentle hike from Changu Narayan to Telkot, along the scenic ridge of greenery between Chagunarayan and Telkot hill. Admire views of the valley down to Kathmandu, Sankhu and Bhaktapur. On the left-hand side, you'll see the Himalayas, with Ganesh Himal, the Lantang range and Gauri Shankar.
The route passes through small villages and farmlands that are almost always bustling with activity as the farmers work their fields. A few Tamang villages lie between Changu Narayan and Telkot.
On the way up at Chamling, Ban Gadi lives a holy Baba known as Anga Nath, who has survived only on fruits, vegetables, milk and water for the last 16 years. The hike should last between 2 and 3 hours, depending on your walking pace.
Telkot village lies at an elevation of 1560 m, and is 20 km from Kathmandu and 5 km from Bhaktapur, on the way to Nagarkot. It is home to just a few small houses, some of which have stalls selling tea to travellers on the way to Nagarkot.
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur, with its impressive Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Literally known as the 'City of Devotees, Bhaktapur is renowned for its elegant art, fabulous culture, colourful festivals, traditional dances and typical Newari lifestyle.
Explore the Royal Palace, the Golden Gate, and the entrance to the Palace of 55 Windows, one of the most significant pieces of art in Nepal. Visit the highest temple in the entire Kathmandu Valley, the Nyatapola Temple.
Walking around the square, you'll find centuries-old pagoda-style construction, like the Nyatapolo and Datta-Traya Temples. Enjoy a visit to see Nepalese Topi Making (traditional hats).
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 4: BHAKTAPUR TO CHITWAN (180 km/ 4 to 5 hours)
Drive to Chitwan, which will take 5 to 6 hours under normal road conditions. Upon arrival, the naturalist will welcome you with refreshments, and tell you about the programs and the lodge/camp facilities.
Upon arrival at the park entry point (Chitwan), you'll be met by naturalists/ representatives from the jungle lodge. Cross the river on a small ferry, and continue to Chitwan National Park. After lunch, take part in exciting jungle activities including canyoning and a jungle walk.
There's a well-stocked bar available, and a hearty meal of continental or Nepalese cuisine will be served around the campfire.
Dinner and overnight at the Jungle Lodge/Resort.
Day 5: Chitwan
After breakfast, partake in jungle activities like canyoning, going on a jungle walk, or a Tharu Visit.
Enjoy a drink in a local bar, with fresh fish and seashells, before dining at the jungle lodge/ resort.
Overnight at jungle lodge/resort.
DAY 6: DRIVE TO POKHARA SURFACE: 156 km / 4 to 5 hours
After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the park exit point. Start the 4 to 5-hour scenic drive to Pokhara, which is 156 km away in the tranquil valley in the mighty Annapurna Himalaya Range.
While Kathmandu is home to medieval monuments, historical palaces, and bustling city life, life is slower in picturesque Pokhara. Practically inside the Western Himalayan range, this city is located 200 km west of Kathmandu.
Mule trains pass through the centre of town, just as they have for centuries, ferrying food and other goods to remote Himalayan villages and across the border to Tibet. A morning drive to Sarangkot to see the glorious sunrise and the giants of the Western Himalayan range is truly a delight, while the Phewa Lake offers a splendid view of the Macchapucchare peak.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7: Pokhara
After tea and coffee, drive to Sarangkot, followed by a 2.5 km walk (30 minutes) to the former Kaski Fort, atop a hill 5 km west of the Pokhara valley. This tiny hill offers magnificent views of the Pokhara valley, the serene Phewa lake and the different peaks of the Annapurna Range.
Drive back to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast at the hotel, board the vehicle and drive to Kalimati to visit the World Peace Stupa, situated high on a hill on the southern shore of Phewa Lake. Besides being an impressive sight in itself, the shrine enjoys a wonderful vantage point, which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range and Pokhara below.
Walk down the hill through the forest-clad slopes, where the guide will explain the flora and fauna. On reaching the shore, embark on an early evening cruise on Phewa Lake.
Overnight at the hotel.
Your Hotels —
Just for you:
- Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu and drive to Bhaktapur + Chitwan + Pokhara and transport as per the itinerary by A/C Vehicle
- English-speaking guide in Chitwan and Pokhara
- Entrance to monuments according to the itinerary
- One bottle of water per day provided during tour
HAND-PICKED JUST FOR YOU
Maximum room capacity
Throughout your tour, you'll be accommodated in selected hotels, carefully chosen for your comfort and convenience.
Stay in Standard Rooms, in either 4* or 5* hotels, depending on your chosen offer:
4*hotels:
- Kathmandu: Hotel Tibet International, Maya Manor Hotel, or similar
- Bhaktapur: Hotel Heritage Bhaktapur, or similar
- Pokhara: Water Front, Atithi Resort, Pokhara batika, or similar
- Chitwan: Hotel Park Land, Park Safari Resort, or similar
5*hotels:
- Kathmandu: Aloft-Kathmandu-Thamel, or similar
- Bhaktapur: Hotel Heritage Bhaktapur, or similar
- Pokhara: Bar Peepal Resort, or similar
- Chitwan: Himalayan Wildlife Sanctuary, or similar
The maximum capacity of the rooms is 3 adults or 2 adults + 1 child.
Your Dining Choices
This offer is based on a Bed and Breakfast stay in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Pokhara. In Chitwan, your offer is based on a Full Board stay (breakfast, lunch and dinner, as per itinerary).
Your Optional Excursions —
Optional Mountain flight to see Himalaya by plane (8 Night Tour)
MOUNTAIN FLIGHT offers the closest possible aerial views of mount Mt. Everest, Kanchanjunga and the Tibetan Plateau. Twice the size of the Alps, their sheer immensity is mind-blowing! Activity subject to weather conditions.
Optional Mountain flight on day 2 or 3 to see Himalaya by plane (7 and 9-Night Tour)
Enjoy this 45-minute flight which offers an incredible panorama of aerial views of mount Mt. Everest, Kanchanjunga and the Tibetan Plateau. You can even photograph of the world’s highest mountain from the cockpit.
Your Optional Extras —
Optional English-speaking Guide from day 3 to day 7 (7-Night Tour)
Opt to enjoy the services of an English-speaking Guide from day 3 to day 7 of your 7-Night Tour.
Optional English-speaking Guide (8-Night Tour)
Opt to enjoy the services of an English-speaking Guide on your 8-Night Tour.
Optional English-speaking Guide from day 4 to day 9 (9-Night Tour)
Opt to enjoy the services of an English-speaking Guide from day 4 to day 9 of your 9-Night Tour.
Optional Half Board Supplement (8-Night Tour)
For an indulgent stay, choose to upgrade to Half Board (breakfast and evening meal served in the main restaurant - excludes drinks) at the next stage of the booking process for an additional fee. Please note, not all hotel food and beverage outlets may be applicable to your Half Board basis and may be available at selected times only.
Your Journey —
Flights:
You may choose from Economy, Premium or Business class flights on sectors that they operate, at the next stage of the booking process. The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Your Destination —
Kathmandu
The magic of the Himalayas is condensed in Kathmandu. The capital of Nepal is a city with an undeniable charm that envelops its visitors, offering them unique memories. You will feel that time flies by on your walks through Kathmandu. In this city, the aroma of tradition, rich culture, and the lights of progressive modernization are mixed in a unique way.
Kathmandu is located in the centre of a valley where up to seven Unesco World Heritage sites are counted. These sites offer you the opportunity to observe, first-hand, the complex geometry, grandeur, and majesty of Nepalese art and architecture and the respectful simplicity of the two dominant religions in Nepal: Hinduism and Buddhism. Kathmandu is worth it!
