Best of Nepal - Welcome to the Kingdom on Nepal. From the lofty, snow capped Mt Everest and the mountainous border with Tibet to the shimmering heat of the lower plains bordering India, no land is more diverse in amazing landscapes and ancient cultures, or more universally welcoming and fascinating.
Day 1 – Arrive Kathmandu
Meet your guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Stay two nights at the Dai-la Boutique Hotel.
Day 2 – Kathmandu
Sightseeing in Kathmandu begins at Kumari Bahal, home to a young living goddess. Visit Swayambhunath, an important two thousand year old hilltop temple. On a clear day there are views to the Himalayas in the east. Travel to Patan on the southern banks of the Bagmati River, the first settlement in the Kathmandu Valley, to see an amazing collection of elaborately carved temples and monuments in wood, stone and metal. (B)
Day 3 – Kathmandu – Bharatpur – Chitwan
Fly to Bharatpur than transfer to Royal Chitwan National Park, a wildlife reserve, containing many species of rare animals and birds. On arrival, a guest briefing will take place, then a nature walk with boat ride. Stay two nights at the Barahi Jungle Lodge in Chitwan. (B,L,D)
Day 4 – Royal Chitwan National Park
There will be plenty of opportunities to view the Park’s wildlife today, with bird watching, jungle walks and a crocodile spotting cruise on the Narayani River included. Rhinos, deer, monkeys and elephants can be found, and you may be lucky enough to see a leopard or Bengal tiger. (B,L,D)
Day 5 – Chitwan – Bandipur
Take a four hour drive to Bandipur. Tour the town which has maintained its age-old flavour with a mix of history, architecture, incredible views, caves and unspoiled landscapes. Stay one night at The Old Inn. (B)
Day 6 – Bandipur – Pokhara
Drive to Pokhara. Take a boat trip on Phewa Lake passing a simple three-story villa, the winter home of the King of Nepal. Stop at the small golden temple nestled in foliage on an island in the lake. Many fishermen and other pilgrims take their long canoes, carved from tree trunks, to the island to visit the shrine. Stay two nights at the Fishtail Lodge. (B)
Day 7 – Pokhara
Pokhara is situated in an area of great natural beauty. The lakeside setting, mild climate and mountain views add to Pokhara’s charm. Highlights of the day include visits to Mahendra Cave, a waterfall, Bindebashini Temple, and the hill resort of Sarangkot for views of the Annapurna Range. (B)
Day 8 – Pokhara – Kathmandu
Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Stay one night at the Dai-la Boutique Hotel in Kathmandu. (B)
Day 9 – Kathmandu
Visit two World Heritage listed religious sites this morning, the Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa. See devotees taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati River then visit the ancient city of Bhaktapur, the third major town in the valley. Enjoy the cobblestone streets free of traffic and visit Lion Gate, the five storied Nyatopolo Temple and the Palace of 55 Windows. (B)
Day 10 – Depart Kathmandu
Transfer to Kathmandu airport for exit flight. (B)
