Nepal is definitely not just a trekker’s destination! This tour will help you discover the architectural wonders of the Kathmandu Valley, with its ancient temples, lanes and Newari villages. You’ll admire the world-famous Annapurna peaks in the Pokhara Valley and you’ll make a stop in Bandipur, a traditional village away from the tourist crowds. You’ll also visit the Chitwan National Park in Terai, where you can spot the famous unicorn rhino and maybe even a tiger… We’ve selected some charming hotels and you’ll also spend a night in a lodge, giving you a taster of the homely mountainside ambiance.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Kathmandu—Nagarkot (2,100m)
Arrival in Kathmandu, welcome and transfer to Nagarkot. Dinner and overnight stay at the Club Himalaya Hotel.
Day 2: Nagarkot—Bhaktapur (1,200m)
An early wake-up call will let you admire the sunrise over the Himalayas from your hotel terrace (weather permitting). We’ll leave Nagarkot after breakfast and make a descent towards Changu Narayan, one of the oldest temples in the valley. Then, we’ll continue onto Bhaktapur, a city untouched by modern times and a veritable open-air museum.
Overnight stay in Bhaktapur.
Day 3: Bhaktapur—Chitwan (200m)  6
We’ll set off for Chitwan National Park in the Terai region, which is mostly famous as a sanctuary for the unicorn rhinoceros. You’ll stay at the Maruni Sanctuary Lodge, near the park and close to a Tharu village.
Day 4: Chitwan
Today, you’ll discover the wealth of fauna in the park and learn about the Tharu tribal culture. We’ll view birds from a boat on the Rapti river with a guide and observe the rhinoceros as we ride on elephant back. Lastly, we’ll watch a traditional dance performed by the Tharu tribe.
Day 5: Chitwan—Bandipur (1,300m) 140km 5-6
We’ll set off for the beautiful Newari village of Bandipur to visit the pedestrian bazaar with its traditional architecture. You’ll also get to admire a marvellous panorama of the Himalayas.
Overnight stay at the Bandipur Resort.
Day 6: Bandipur
You’ll stroll though the surrounding Magar villages and get to discover the inhabitants and their rural way of life at your own pace.
Overnight stay in Bandipur.
Day 7: Bandipur—Pokhara (900m) 80km 3-4
We’ll drive to Pokhara, a popular arrival and departure point for treks in the Annapurna region. We’ll see the city and take a boat ride to watch the sunset over the Himalayan peaks.
Overnight stay at the Trek-o-Tel (or equivalent).
Day 8: Pokhara—Sarangkot
We’ll explore Pokhara’s surroundings, then drive to the mountain resort of Sarangkot, where we can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Himalayan range and the famous Machhapuchhre (the mystical 'fish tail' peak).
Overnight stay in a lodge, giving you a taste of the trekking experience!
Day 9: Sarangkot--Pokhara--Kathmandu
 to Kathmandu. Transfer to the Shanker Hotel, a former palace from the Rana dynasty. We’ll visit Swayanbunath, a Hindu and Buddhist sanctuary. Later, we’ll sip aperitifs on the Vajra Hotel terrace while we admire a marvellous sunset over the ‘monkey temple’.
Overnight stay at the Shanker Hotel.
Day 10: Kathmandu
This morning, we’ll wander through old Kathmandu, exploring its busy streets and colourful bazaars. We’ll end our walk at Durbar Square, where you’ll admire the richness of its temples and visit the house of Kumari, a living goddess and emblem of Nepal. In the afternoon, we’ll go to Pashupatinath, a Hindu holy place and Nepal’s ‘Little Benares’. We’ll continue onto Boudhanath, where we’ll experience Buddhist fervour first-hand around Nepal’s biggest Stupa.
Overnight stay at the Shanker Hotel.
Day 11: Kathmandu Valley
You’ll explore the fine arts city of Patan, where many artists work with brass and copper. In the XVIII century, their reputation spread throughout all the Himalayan kingdoms up to China. Then, we’ll visit the more authentic villages of Bungamati and Kokana, a few miles from Patan. Finally, we’ll return to Kathmandu, where you’ll have some free time to purchase your souvenirs.
Overnight stay at the Shanker Hotel.
Day 12: Free time until your airport transfer. |
