Jan
min : 4°C
max : 16°C
We Love —
- On this private tour, you will be able to discover Nepalese culture and its beautiful temples, watch the Himalayas at sunrise and stay in a monastery.
- This must-visit destination is home to rich and varied landscapes, countless mystical temples and an ancient way of life.
- Visitors to Nepal are struck by the magnificent art and intricately carved temples that dot this mountainous landscape.
Your Destination —
Nepal country is home to hundreds of exquisite monuments, sculptures, artistic temples and magnificent art – reminders of the golden era in Nepal’s architecture.
On this 7 night private tour you will experience the giddy heights of the Himalayan hills, getting a spectacular view of Everest, and absorb the unique culture of this fascinating country.
Our Offers —
7 nights in 3* hotels with or without flights.
7 nights in 4* hotels with or without flights.
This offer includes a gala dinner on New Year's Eve and at Christmas.
Your Itinerary In Brief —
Day 1: Arrival in Nepal
Day 2: Tour of Bhaktapur
Day 3: Bhaktapur - Namobuddha Monastery
Day 4: Namobuddha Monastery - Panauti
Day 5: Panauti - Kathmandu
Day 6: Tour of Bugamati, Khokanna & Patan
Day 7: Tour of Kathmandu & Swayambhunath
Day 8: Departure
7-Night Itinerary —
Day 1: Arrival in Nepal
Fly into Kathmandu where you will be greeted with a garland and driven to Bhaktapur (approx. travel time: 30 minutes).
Overnight in Bhaktapur.
After breakfast, you will be driven to Changu Narayan Temple (approx. travel time: 20 minutes). This temple was originally built in the 4th century, making it the oldest temple in the valley, and enjoys fantastic views over the hills towards the nearby city of Chhaling. It is a temple which is known for its beauty, location and age so its a must-see for those visiting the valley of Kathmandu. The struts of this two-tiered Vishnu temple depict the 10 incarnations in which Narayan destroyed evildoers. A 6th century stone statue shows the cosmic form of Vishnu, while another recalls the dwarf incarnation in which he crushed the evil King Bali. Garuda, the steed of Vishnu, kneels before the temple.
Afterwards, embark on a 2-3 hour hike from Changunarayan to Telkot which will take you along a ridge which offers great views on Kathmandu Valley to the right and The Himalayas to the left.
Return to Bhaktapur and visit Durbar Square where you will find of the finest examples of Nepalese architecture. In fact, the entire city of Bhaktapur is known as 'The City of Devotees' thanks to its vibrant culture, colourful festivals, traditional dances and typical Newari lifestyle. Afterwards, explore the Royal Palace, Golden Gate and Palace of 55 Windows (which is hailed as the most significant piece of art within Nepal). Finally, visit The Nyatapola Temple, the highest temple in Kathmandu Valley where the views are, naturally, breathtaking!
Overnight in Bhaktapur.
Drive to the little village of Namobuddha (approx. travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes). Despite its size, Namobuddha is hugely important to Buddhists, making it a fascinating to visit. Here, the skies feel clearer and the air is fresher while the surrounding mountains provide stunning trails and seemingly endless views.
Namobuddha itself has 2 unmissable attractions: the Thrangu Tashi Monastery (where you will be staying), and the Namobuddha Stupa (which is 1 of Nepal's 3 pilgrimage sights).
Overnight at Nambuddha Monastery.
After breakfast, you will either drive 30 minutes to Panauti or hike for 3-4 hours downhill to the city. The beautiful city of Panauti is relatively untouched by modernisation, it is a place where festivals are regularly held and tradition is considered precious. Panauti is home to a number of temples which are considered the oldest in Nepal.
A day in Panauti us an excellent way to experience local life and we've arranged for you to stay in a local home to help you get more acquainted. Today will also include a traditional home-cooked meal.
Overnight in Panauti.
Drive back to Kathmandu (approx. travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes). Today you will visit the Boudhanath Stupa which is the largest Buddhist Stupa in the world and is built on various levels of terraces, and adorned with prayer flags. It is set in a Mandala design and features some 108 images of Buddha. 147 insets of prayer wheels can be found at the base of the huge circular edifice. The settlement of Boudhanath has the largest community of Tibetans – Twelve thousand in all.
Next is the Pashupatinath Temple which is one of the most sacred of all Hindu temples and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This striking temple features a two-tiered golden roof and silver doors. The Pashupatinath Temple is set on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River and is the site of an annual pilgrimage on the day of Maha Shivaratri. Entrance to the main temple is permitted to Hindus only, but visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed on the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagamati River.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Drive to Bungmati along a road which is dotted with small votive chaityas (approx. travel time: 50 minutes). This small village is built into a hill and surrounded by rice fields and clusters of trees. Ponds flank the road as you enter this village.
Next, you will walk 10 minutes to the village of Kokana, passing the important shrine of Karya Binayak along the way. This village is famous for its mustard-oil manufacturing so you might want to seek out one of the village's traditional oil presses while you're here.
Continue to Patan (approx. travel time: 25 minutes) where you will be taken on a sightseeing tour of this ancient city. This is a city which is brimming with Hindu Temples and Buddhist monuments alike. You will be taken to Patan's Durbar Square which is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines (each one more elaborate than the last), and then there's Krishna Mandir a temple which is unique thanks to its 21 spires. You will then visit Mahaboudha Temple where you can marvel at 1000s of images of Buddha which have been carved into the walls, before heading to Hiranya Verna Mahavihar, a 2-storey pagoda which houses a golden Buddha and large prayer wheel.
End your tour with a visit to a Tibetan refugee settlement before return to your hotel in Kathmandu.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, drive to Malhaha; Temple and start your walking tour through the old market. You will visit Kathmandu Dubar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is a beautiful collection of temples, pagodas and courtyards built between the 12th - 18th centuries. A particularly intriguing piece is a 17th century stone inscription set into the palace wall which features no fewer than 15 languages.
Next is Swayambhunath Stupa which is regarded as one of the oldest stupas in the world, it is said that it is some 2,500-years-old!
The afternoon will be free to explore Thamel at your own pace before returning to your hotel.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight home.
Your Hotels —
You will stay in the below hotels (or similar) in a Standard Room on a Bed and Breakfast board basis. 2 dinners are also included.
You may also add dinner with a local family at the next stage of the booking process.
3* Hotels
Bhaktapur: 2 nights at Hotel Heritage Bhaktapur or Milla Guest House.
Namobuddha: 1 night at The Monastery.
Panauti: 1 night with a local family.
Kathmandu: 3 nights at Rama Inn Boutique or Hotel Hamika.
Sleeps up to
2 Adults
4* Hotels
Bhaktapur: 2 nights at Hotel Heritage Bhaktapur or Milla Guest House.
Namobuddha: 1 night at The Monastery.
Panauti: 1 night with a local family.
Kathmandu: 3 nights at Thamel Villa or Manju Baha.
Sleeps up to
2 Adults
Please note: if any of these hotels are not available, hotels of a similar standard will be found.
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.
Transfers: Transfers are included as per the itinerary.
