Nepal Explorer

Day 01: Kathmandu (Friday)

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. After a welcome drink and a briefing about the trip day is at leisure. Overnight in Kathmandu (Meals: No Meals)

Day 2: Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, and this morning we visit Boudhanath stupa, one of largest spherical stupas in Nepal and characterised the many spinning prayer wheels, and of course the “eyes of Buddha”. We then travel to the ancient town of Bhaktapur, a World Heritage site and Durbar Square renowned for its art and architecture. So, we get involved, at least watching local families prepare the unique Ju Ju dhau, yoghurt in other words, and we do engage, try our skill on pottery making!!  We have a final stop to visit the old Newari city of Patan, which has its own Durbar Square and we end the evening with dinner and a traditional Nepali dance performance. Overnight in Kathmandu (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Days 3-4: Kathmandu – Chitwan National Park

Straight after breakfast we set off for Chitwan National Park (5hrs drive approx.), where we arrive just in time for lunch. Chitwan National Park is recognised as one of Asia’s finest game parks and is home to more than 500 species including the vulnerable one horned rhinoceros, gharial crocodile, Indian elephant, sambar deer, bison, striped hyenas and vultures and the elusive Bengal. Both our days are full of activities, including a jeep safari, a visit to a local village, nature walks in the jungle, bird watching, a scenic dugout canoe ride down the Rapti River and a visit to the Crocodile Breeding Centre. We also enjoy a traditional Tharu dance performance accompanied by dinner. Overnight in Chitwan National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 5: Chitwan National Park – Pokhara

This morning we continue to Pokhara, the lakeside city at the gates of the famous mountain range of Annapurna which consists of five mountains. One of these, the Machhapuchara Mountain, considered so sacred by locals that off limits to climbers. Day is left at leisure for to explore and wonder around the city or simply enjoy a well-deserved rest. Overnight Pokhara (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 6: Pokhara

Up early to today to watch the sunrise from the Pokhara World Peace Pagoda is an impressive spectacle and the views of the Annapurna range from its hilltop location is quite a sight! We take a walk, around 2 hours, and wander through Raniban forest as we reach Lake Phewa to enjoy a little cruise around the lake. In the afternoon we visit a Tibetan refugee camp and a local school, and we get the chance to observe daily prayers at Matepani Monastery. Overnight in Pokhara (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 7: Pokhara

Day is leisure so you can explore and enjoy the city or relax down by the lake. If you are feeling more energetic, there are plenty of optional activities on offer, such as bungy jump, paragliding, mountain biking, cycling or horse riding. Overnight in Pokhara (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 8: Pokhara – Kathmandu

This morning after breakfast we prepare a short flight back to Kathmandu. We continue exploring the city in the afternoon including Swayambhunath stupa and back to Kathmandu Durbar Square, home to over 50 incredible temples and shrines. And rickshaw ride, from Hanuman Dhaka to Thamel, is the only way to fully engage in Kathmandu’s daily life and our tour comes to an end with an evening walk around the vibrant Thamel Market. Overnight: Kathmandu (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 9: Kathmandu – Departure

Transfer to Kathmandu Airport for onward journey.