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Classic Nepal Tour

£2,716.00

Bustling through the temples, monuments and market stalls in Kathmandu’s Durbar Square. Taking in breathtaking views of the Annapurna Himalaya from the viewpoint at Sarangkot. Falling asleep to the sounds of the jungle from our lodge on the edge of Chitwan National Park.

This adventure opens a door to one of the world’s most heavenly destinations: Nepal. Home to eight of the world’s 10 tallest mountains as well as some of Nepal’s most ancient and colourful heritage sites, it’s a serene and spiritual place where you’ll enjoy a warm welcome, extraordinary scenery and diverse cultures. Feel on top of the world as you take in views across the Annapurna Mountain range; breathe fresh Himalayan air as you trek to hushed mountain monasteries and perhaps catch a glimpse of a rare Bengal tiger in Chitwan National Park. There’ll be pinch-me moments too, as you stand beneath serene hilltop stupas, mighty Shiva monuments and soak up the culture in Kathmandu’s ancient Durbar or ‘Royal’ Squares.

  • 10 excursions & visits
  • 23 meals
  • Group size up to 24
  • Adventurer pace
Category:

Your itinerary

Day 1 – In flight

Our door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flights to Kathmandu.

In flight

Day 2 – Kathmandu

On arrival in Kathmandu, we’ll transfer to the hotel, where there’s time to relax and refresh before dinner.

The Malla Hotel, Kathmandu (4-star)

Today includes…

Dinner

Boudhanath Stupa and prayer flags in Kathmandu, Nepal. Buddhist stupa of Boudha Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world

Day 3 – Kathmandu

This morning we’ll head out for a guided tour of Kathmandu’s most famous attraction: Durbar Square. Colourful, noisy and crammed with monuments, temples, pigeons and street hawkers, it’s a great place to pick up the rhythm of life in Kathmandu. We’ll admire the woodcarvings in Kumari Bahal, imagine the dancers and players who once performed in the courtyard at Nasal Chowk, and we’ll learn about the Royal Kumari, a child worshipped as a Living Deity who lives here. This afternoon there’s an optional visit to the nearby city of Bhaktapur to see its own Durbar Square. Its Palace of Fifty-Five Windows, each intricately carved in sandalwood, is considered one of the finest examples of Pagoda style architecture in Nepal.

The Malla Hotel, Kathmandu (4-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Guided tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square (morning)

Breakfast

Free time

At Durbar Square in Bhaktapur

Day 4 – Kathmandu – Pokhara

Today we swap the history and culture of Kathmandu for the lakes, mountains and waterfalls of Pokhara. Once a laid-back hippie hide-out, Pokhara is now better known as the gateway to the Himalayas. We’ll spend most of today on the road but it’s a spectacular drive, ending on the shores of sparkling Lake Fewa. Here we’ll stay in splendid isolation at one of Pokhara’s oldest established hotels with views of mythical Mount Machhapuchre – Mount Fish Tail – whose high jagged peak has never been scaled.

Fish Tail Lodge by Annapurna, Pokhara (3-star)

Today includes…

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Morning clouds and boats, Fewa Lake Pokhara Nepal

Day 5 – Pokhara

Today’s included sightseeing tour of Pokhara starts with a drive up to the World Peace Stupa, which stands high on Anadu Hill overlooking the surrounding mountains, valleys and Lake Fewa below. With its white circular walls and gleaming gold spire, it’s a tranquil place, and we’ll pause a while to take in the view before taking a gentle hike to the extraordinary Shiva Statue at Pumdikot, the tallest in Nepal. Later this afternoon we’ll step onto a boat to cruise Lake Fewa, stopping at a small island where we’ll walk to Tal Barahi temple, a statuesque two-storey pagoda that’s Pokhara’s most revered religious shrine.

Fish Tail Lodge by Annapurna, Pokhara (3-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Pokhara sightseeing including a cruise on Lake Fewa (all day)

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Machapuchare and Annapurna Range Reflection on Pewa Lake, Pokhara, Nepal

Day 6 – Pokhara

This morning you can choose from a range of optional activities in and around Pokhara. For thrill-seekers there’s the chance to soak up the views from a whole new perspective, zip-wiring or paragliding in the surrounding hills and mountains. More sedate options include a visit to the Gurkha Museum and the International Mountain Museum where you can learn more about the surrounding mountains, as well as the mountaineers who have climbed here and the people who call them home. You can also see original clothes, photos, ropes and equipment from some of the earliest climbs. Later we’ll make our own ascent by cable car to the viewpoint at Sarangkot, to see a sweeping panorama of Himalayan peaks including Machhapuchre (6,997m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna II (7,937m). After lunch in the mountains, we’ll hike to a Tibetan camp and monastery before returning to Pokhara with a stop at the traditional old bazaar whose stalls sell everything from singing bowls and statuettes to colourful clothes and jewellery, and finally the peaceful Bindyabasini Temple.

Fish Tail Lodge by Annapurna, Pokhara (3-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Cable car to Sarangkot with lunch, guided hike to monastery and visit to Pokhara Bazaar (afternoon)

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Free time

People waiting sunrise at Mt. Annapurna Pokhara, trekking trail in Nepal

Day 7 – Pokhara – Chitwan National Park

We’ve experienced its great cultural centres and legendary Himalayas, today we journey to one of Nepal’s other treasures: Chitwan National Park, a road trip of around six hours. Nepal’s first national park promises some of the best wildlife viewing in Asia; its thick jungle and grassy plains are home to species including the royal Bengal tiger and the one-horned Asian rhino, as well as crocodiles, elephants, and migratory birds. Our base in this natural nirvana is Jagatpur Lodge, an elegant gathering of deluxe guest rooms and balconied wooden pavilions.

Jagatpur Lodge by Annapurna, Chitwan (4*)

Today includes…

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Rhino, Chitwan National Park

Days 8-9 – Chitwan National Park

During your stay you’ll be able to choose from several exciting, included activities including wildlife walks and jeep safaris and guided river tours. All these adventures give you the chance to spot exotic and rare creatures living in their natural habitat. You’ll also meet the local communities who make Chitwan National Park their home and take your seats for a lively cultural show.

Jagatpur Lodge by Annapurna, Chitwan (4*)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Choice of two activities per day in Chitwan National Park (morning/afternoon)

2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 2 Dinners

Free time

Rhino, Chitwan National Park

Day 10 – Chitwan National Park – Kathmandu

Putting the jungle behind us we follow the road to Kathmandu, a gloriously scenic six-hour-drive past lush, forested valleys, mist-shrouded mountains and terraced rice fields. There’ll be a warm welcome waiting at our Kathmandu hotel, after which there’s time to relax ahead of our final day’s sightseeing.

The Malla Hotel, Kathmandu (4-star)

Today includes…

Breakfast

Colorful flags at boudhanath stupa kathmandu, Nepal

Day 11 – Kathmandu

Our last full day in Nepal brings us face to face with two of the country’s most sacred and symbolic sites. Pashupatinath straddles the banks of the holy Bagmati River and is Nepal’s oldest and most important Hindu temple complex, whereas beautiful Bouddhanath dominates the skyline with its whitewashed dome, gilded gold tower and fluttering prayer flags. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are absolute must-sees for visitors to Nepal. This afternoon there’s an optional visit to Patan, an ancient city to the south of Kathmandu – the temples, palaces and courtyards in its Durbar Square are amongst the loveliest in Nepal. Back at the hotel there’s time to freshen up before we step out this evening for a farewell dinner of traditional Nepalese food accompanied by cultural dancing and folk music.

The Malla Hotel, Kathmandu (4-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Guided sightseeing at Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath (morning)Cultural evening with gala dinner and traditional entertainment (evening)

Breakfast

Free time

Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nepal

Day 12 – Kathmandu – Departure

Transfer to the airport for the return flights home. Upon arrival, our vehicle will be waiting for the journey home. Alternatively, you can extend your tour with a further four-nights in India, witnessing the vibrant sights and sounds of Delhi and the exquisite treasures of Agra.

Today includes…

Breakfast

VIP travel service will greet you at the airport for your journey home