Enjoy the stunning palaces, pagodas and stupas of the Kathmandu Valley; the jungles and tall grasslands of Chitwan from elephant back, the breathtaking Himalayan panorama…
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A compelling mix of landscapes, exotic religious monuments and vibrant Nepali cultures are showcased on this group tour through the Himalayan foothills of the Kathmandu Valley. It starts in the capital, with visits to Durbar Square and the historic town of Bhaktapur, site of the country’s best preserved medieval temples, before heading west to Bandipur, where you’ll get your first really spectacular view of the Himalayan ice peaks.
Next, it’s on to the lakeside town of Pokhara, whose surrounding ridges offer more astounding panoramas of the nearby snow line. From there, you’ll proceed southeast to Chitwan National Park in the tarai grasslands, where wild rhino and other rare animals may be sighted. A final night in Kathmandu, visiting the famous stupa of Swayambhunath, brings the trip to a suitably magical conclusion.
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Greeted on arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the Nepali Ghar or similar for two nights. The remainder of the day is at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a traditional seven-course dinner at the Bhojan Griha.
A sprawling modern city of nearly a million inhabitants, the Nepali capital can feel overwhelmingly crowded and chaotic on first impressions. But head for its ancient core and things improve dramatically.
Durbar Square forms the epicentre of the old quarter. More than fifty temples, 106 monastery courtyards (bahals) and countless shrines line its narrow, cobbled backstreets and stone-paved piazzas. Settle on to one of the terraced platforms of the Manju Devul tower to watch the exotic bustle of marigold sellers, saffron-clad sadhus, stray cows and pigeons. In the evening, the group will convene for a 7-course Nepali banquet at the famous Bhojan Griha restaurant in Dillibazaar.
Morning excursion to Patan, one of three Royal cities in the valley. Afternoon explore Kathmandu’s renowned Durbar Square, visit Swayambhunath stupa and take a rickshaw ride through Thamel market.
Separated from Kathmandu by the Bagmati River, Patan (also called Lalitpur or Manigal) is the Kathmandu Valley’s second largest town, boasting an even greater concentration of religious monuments than the capital. Most of them are grouped in the streets around Durbar Square – one of the world’s most beautiful piazzas – where the Royal Palace of the Malla kings houses a wonderful museum dedicated to Nepal’s sacred arts.
An early start for a four-hour, winding drive to the breathtaking mountain village of Bandipur. Stay overnight at the Old Inn hotel or similar. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Newari traders from the Kathmandu Valley established Bandipur as a hub on the Indo-Tibet road in the late 18th century, bringing with them the rich architectural heritage that endures in the town to this day. Bypassed by the main Pokhara–Kathmadu highway, its core of brick and wood shop-houses and temple, beautifully embellished with traditional metal work and wood carving, has remained miraculously unsullied by concrete. Before supper, walk up to the old parade ground, or tudikhel, to enjoy the astounding sunset views of the Annapurnas, Mansulu range and Marsyangdi Valley from the avenue of fig trees along its western edge.
Explore the streets of this delightful village, known for its medieval, rustic charm and take a cable car ride to see the local temple which is perched on a hill. Mountain views from this vantage point are tremendous. In the afternoon, drive three hours to Pokhara. Check in at the Temple Tree Resort or similar for two nights.
Pokhara is the only town in Nepal that could be described as a ‘resort’. Lying 198km west of the capital along the Prithvi Highway, it owes its popularity to the magical view of Machapuchare (‘Fish Tail’) reflected in the glassy waters of beautiful Phewa Tal lake.
The day is at leisure. For those keen to do a bit of walking and trekking on their own, there are several short trekking routes in this area which offer stunning views of the Himalaya. Optional excursions: Sunrise tour of the town. Afternoon trekking.
You can soak up the famous icy profile in a café on the lakeshore, or from the water on an evening boat cruise. Take the cable car up to the Peace Pagoda overlooking the town for a truly jaw-dropping view of the Himalayan summits to the north, which soar from 1000m to 7,500m in less than 30km. Your guide will be on hand to advise any keen walkers in the group who wish to undertake a short trek on their own.
A long drive (5-6 hours) through the countryside towards Chitwan National Park. Check in at the Machan Country Villa or similar for two nights.
The one-horned rhinoceros is emblematic of this area, which it shares with a handful of wild (as opposed to domestic) elephants, crocodile, buffalo and bison. Deer such as the spotted and swamp varieties along with sambar are ubiquitous but there are also antelopes, tigers and leopards, hyenas, sloth bears and jackals. A handful of gangetic dolphins survive in the Karnali River and these may be sighted on boat trips.
A full day of jungle activities including a jeep safari, canoe ride and nature walk. Also visit the local Tharu villages and a co-operative that uses elephant dung to make paper.
Get close to the Jurassic-looking rhinos that are Chitwan National Park's big stars, as well as the more elusive tigers inhabiting its core zone, on a jeep safari. Sightings of Gangetic dolphins and gharial crocs are almost guaranteed on the river, which you can explore by canoe. Later, visit the local Tharu village and a co-operative that uses elephant dung to make artisanal paper.
In the morning, there is the option of a cycle ride around Sauraha or another safari in the park. Later drive to Kathmandu (5-6 hours). Stay at Nepali Ghar or similar for two nights.
Sauraha is a village in Chitwan District of Nepal situated close by the Rapti River and the Chitwan National Park. It is the eastern gateway to Chitwan National Park and jungle safaris. Beginning literally as a small and very quaint Tharu village of mud and daub huts and houses, with a half dozen mud and daub hotels, it has grown into a small quiet town full of western style hotels and resorts, restaurants, internet cafes, and gift shops.
Morning take up an excursion to the ancient and beautifully crafted Newari city of Bhaktapur. Afternoon visit Boudanath Stupa and Pashupatinath.
Bhaktapur boasts another impressive concentration of medieval palaces, bahals (monastery courtyards) and monumental squares – all in high Newari style. Despite being Nepal’s third city, it’s a much more easygoing destination thanks to the absence of traffic from its historic core. Wandering the pretty cobbled streets around Durbar Square, you’ll see traditional potters’, weavers’ and wood-carvers’ workshops, and local people spreading raw rice to dry in the sun.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
✓ 9 nights accommodation
✓ Arrival & departure transfers and internal travel by road
✓ English-speaking guides and naturalist. Accompanying tour escort when minimum group size achieved
✓ Lunch on days 2, 4, 8. Dinner on day 1. Full board on days 3, 6 & 7
✓ Entrance fees at monuments. Game drives and nature activities in national parks
DEPARTURE DATE | PRICE PER PERSON | SINGLE ROOM supplement | AVAILABILITY | |
Sat 16 Nov 2024 | £1245 | £425 | Please call us | |
Sat 08 Feb 2025 | £1265 | £435 | Good | |
Sat 08 Mar 2025 | £1265 | £435 | Limited | |
Sat 29 Mar 2025 | £1265 | £435 | Good |
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