Nepal Explorer

Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met immediately off the plane and escorted through fast-track immigration, baggage, and customs formalities. You’ll then be introduced to your private guide and local driver in the arrivals hall, then be transferred privately to your central Kathmandu hotel. For most hotels the transfer time is 30-45 minutes at most in typical traffic.

The rest of the day is free to settle in. With its ornate palaces, temples and squares, UNESCO sites, mini kingdoms, extraordinary architecture, and arts and crafts, Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a fascinating place. Highlights include the courtyards and chambers of the Royal Palace, and Kathmandu Durbar Square with its highly-detailed wooden temples. In the outlying area around Kathmandu, further sights include Swayambhunath, a 2,000-year-old Buddhist stupa, and Bhaktapur, an enchanting ancient city with winding alleyways and a stunning palatial complex brimming with architectural gems.

Today you’ll embark on a full-day tour of Kathmandu with your private guide and driver.

Begin with a visit to Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple thanks to its resident troop of macaques, which from its lofty hilltop position offers panoramic views over Kathmandu Valley. Next, discover Boudhanath, one of the world’s largest Buddhist stupas. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance, spin prayer wheels, and observe religious rituals performed by monks and locals.

Your guide will take you for lunch in a local restaurant and you will then head into the very center of Kathmandu to visit Durbar Square: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its ancient royal palace complex and intricately carved temples. You’ll also visit the Kumari Chowk, home of the living goddess Kumari.

Surrounding Durbar Square are numerous cafes housed within converted ancient buildings, so you can stop for further refreshment before heading to your final stop of the day at Pashupathinah. This sacred Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is set on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River – believed by Hindus to be one of the most auspicious cremation sites in the world. Please note that non-Hindus are not permitted within the very inner areas of the temple but you will be able to explore the outer complex and witness the comings and goings of droves of Hindu devotees practicing their traditions, and the preparations for ongoing cremation ceremonies.

Return to the hotel to spend the evening at leisure.

Early this morning you’ll be transferred to Kathmandu Airport to embark on an observation flight up to and circling around Mount Everest. This flight (which can be canceled in poor weather) lasts around one hour and offers spectacular views of the world’s highest peaks.

Return to the hotel for breakfast, then set off on the transfer to Bandipur. A transfer of around three hours will bring you to this charming, ancient Newari hilltop town which was once an important stop on the Tibetan trade routes.

Check into the hotel, located on Bandipurs’s ancient Durbar Square, and have the rest of the day is at leisure with your guide and driver at your disposal. We recommend a short hike up to the hilltop temple of Thani Mai, just above the old town, which takes around an hour and offers wonderful views. Then come back down and soak in Bandipur’s cobbled streets and old-world charm.

Leave Bandipur this morning and transfer to Pokhara, a journey of approximately 4-5 hours in usual traffic. Pokhara, Nepal’s second city, is a bustling lakeside town known for its views of the snow-capped Himalayas, including sightings of the fishtailed summit of Mt. Machhapuchhre, and the picturesque Phewa Lake which has its source in the nearby glacial Annapurna Range. It’s also the starting point for many spectacular treks and day walks in the area and, at an elevation of just 884 meters, these walks are mostly very easy-going.

On arrival in Pokhara you will be taken to visit the World Peace Pagoda, situated on a hill far above the lake, which offers a fabulous vista across the city and the high wall of the Himalayas behind. Then check into the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. The hotel is ideally located for you to explore Lakeside the tourist hub of Pokhara which has a lively atmosphere with numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Today you will discover Pokhara in the company of your private guide. There is the option of a very early start to drive to Sarangkot, a hilltop viewpoint north of the city, known for its breathtaking sunrise and panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

After returning to the hotel for breakfast (or enjoying a lie-in!) discover the city with visits to the Bindabasini Temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga; the vibrant Old Bazaar markets; Seti Gorge, David’s Fall, and the descending staircase of Gupteshwor, all located in the center of town; and finally the interesting Gorkha Museum where you can learn more about the historic culture of this region.

In the afternoon, head to Phewa Lake and enjoy a serene ride across the placid waters, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the magnificent Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) peak.

This morning you’ll make an early start for a 30-minute transfer into the hills north of Pokhara. A drive of around 30 minutes brings you to the village of Phedi, where the trail to Dhampus begins.

You’ll then set off on the hike to Dhampus. This easy-going trail takes around 3-4 hours at a steady pace, including stops for rest and photography along the way. The trail initially ascends through lush forests and as you climb higher, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges.

Arrive in Dhampus: a traditional Gurung village, which offers a great opportunity to learn about the Nepali village culture and interact with the locals. You’ll then continue your hike to Kande village, visiting a small local monastery along the way, before reuniting with your vehicle and returning to Pokhara by road.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Pokhara Airport for the incredibly short flight to Bharatpur (flying time of just 20 minutes, compared to a drive of five hours!). Upon arrival, you’ll be met by representatives of your nature lodge and transferred to your nearby accommodation on the fringes of Chitwan National Park.

Chitwan National Park is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its diverse wildlife, including the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, elephants, and a variety of bird species. Later in the afternoon, you will head out on an afternoon jungle safari or evening boat ride to spot such diverse wildlife in its natural habitat.

Today is yours to plan as you wish. A wide variety of activities are included as part of your stay in this lodge, including a further jeep safari, a peaceful boat ride along the river, a nature hike, or a cultural tour into a nearby Tharu village to learn about the local way of life.

Speak to lodge staff locally to help plan out your day. Lunch and dinner are included back at the lodge restaurant and any downtime can be spent relaxing around the pool or on your verandah.

Check out after breakfast and transfer back to Bharatpur Airport for the onward flight back to Kathmandu.

On arrival in Kathmandu you’ll be met by a private guide for a short tour of Bhaktapur: a UNESCO World Heritage town known for its stunningly well-preserved medieval architecture and famed for its arts and crafts.

You’ll then be driven further out into the Kathmandu Valley and dropped at Nagarkot, a tiny hill village renowned for its stunning sunrise and sunset views. After checking in the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the views.

If you can pull yourself out of bed, an early start is highly recommended to witness the spectacular sunrise over the majestic Himalayas. Then after breakfast, it’s possible to take a hike to one of the region’s best viewpoints on a trail that will take you through hill villages, terraced fields, and beautiful forests. Don’t forget to visit the Nagarkot View Tower, your gateway to breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including the final chance to view Mount Everest.

Alternatively, spend the whole day relaxing in your hill retreat, enjoying the pool or spa, or simply relaxing on your balcony and drinking in the views.

Sadly, your Himalayan adventures have come to an end. At the appropriate time your driver will escort you back to Kathmandu International Airport for your onward flight.

Please speak to your consultant to arrange extensions to this tour or further transport arrangements to facilitate your journey home.