Classic Nepal (14 days)

Flight: EY290 Abu Dhabi - Kathmandu 10.05 - 16.20

Private transfer: On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed to Nepal by your local guide and transferred to the Traditional Homes Swotha in a chauffeur driven car for a two-night stay.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Traditional Homes Swotha (Traditional Attic Room)

Guided tour of Kathmandu: After breakfast you will set out to explore this famous city which is situated at 1336m above sea level and covers an area of 218 square miles. The rich tapestry of Nepal is synthesized in the Kathmandu Valley and your first visit will be Bhaktapur Durbar Square, in the east of the city, which was established around the 9th Century and is a medieval town where the Newars, its main inhabitants, still follow age old traditions and customs. Bhaktapur Durbar Square houses some of the best examples of Nepali craftsmanship in wood and stone such as the Palace of 55 Windows built in 1697, the five storied Nyatapola Temple, the Kashi Biswanath Temple and the Dattatreya Temple among others. Continue to the Pashupatinath Temple which is located on the western banks of the Bagmati River on the city's north-eastern side. This temple is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage centres in the world and a sacred place for cremations. Afterwards visit the Boudhanath Stupa which claims to be the largest stupa in the world. Round off the morning with an introduction to Nepalese cuisine at the Kaiser Café at lunchtime (payable locally). In the afternoon head towards Swayambhunath one of the most important religious and cultural sites in Nepal and which is associated with the birth of the Kathmandu Valley civilization. Later you will see Kathmandhu Durbar Square which was built in the 17th Century and which serves as the main square of ancient Kathmandu with Hanuman Dhoka Palace, and numerous other temples dedicated to various Hindu gods and goddesses that surround the palace.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Traditional Homes Swotha (Traditional Attic Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey from Kathmandu to Nuwakot: Set off from your hotel in Kathmandu in a northwesterly direction and drive past the Shivapuri National Park towards Nuwakot on the Trisuli Road. This scenic journey provides sweeping views of jungle clad hills, and takes between 3-4 hours.

Exploring Nuwakot: At your preferred time set off on a gentle walking tour of the historic fortress and temples around the village of Nuwakot. The most impressive building is the seven-tiered palace built by Prithvi Narayan Shah 1762, from where he launched his attack on the Kathmandu Valley that led to the foundation of modern day Nepal. The fortress and surrounding villages were badly hit in the 2015 earthquake, and reconstruction is ongoing to restore the sight to its former glory. The stroll to the fort takes you through several villages where locals go about their daily routines unperturbed by outsiders. If you still have energy there are several longer walks around Nuwakot that your guide can take you on, to sunset viewpoints with panoramic views of the Trisuli Valley, and some small temples dotted around the hillside.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the The Famous Farm (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey from Nuwakot to Bandipur: After a leisurely morning, set off on the drive to Bandipur, a drive of around 2-3 hours which follows the Trisuli River until reaching the Prithvi Highway. En route there is the option of visiting the historic town of Gorkha, the ancestral home of Nepal's royal family, located a 45 minute drive from the road to Bandipur. Please note that there are additional costs to arrange a visit to Gorkha, so please let us know in advance, or this amount will be payable locally.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the The Old Inn (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Exploring Bandipur: Today you have a guide at your disposal to explore Bandipur and the surrounding area. Early risers might want to start with a hike to the wooden shrine of Thani Mai perched on top of the steep slope of Gurungche Daada. On a clear morning views of the Himalayas are unbeatable from here, and the town in the foreground provides some great perspective. An alternative place to head for sunrise, sunset or any part of the day is the tudikhel parade ground near the main bazaar. This playing field is located on a cliff edge from where the views of the mountains and valley below are almost as spectacular. Other activities include a trip to the extensive cave network at Siddha Gupha, Nepal's largest cave network that was first discovered in 1987, which can be done on foot or by car. For the more active there is a rewarding 4-hour trek to the Magar village of Ramkot. This scenic village has some rare thatched roundhouses and traditional buildings with wooden balconies, and is a place to see age old farming techniques in practice.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the The Old Inn (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey from Bandipur to Pokhara: After breakfast this morning, depart Bandipur for Pokhara, a drive of approximately 3 hours.

Guided tour of Pokhara: After checking in to your hotel, set off to explore the town of Pokhara and surrounding area. Places and activities of interest include Bindebasini Temple, the World Peace Pagoda, Seti Gorge, David's Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, the Gorkha Museum and a relaxing boat ride on the picturesque Fewa Lake. Please discuss the options with your guide who will advise on what is possible in the time available.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Temple Tree Pokhara (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Half day hike to Naudanda: After breakfast this morning drive approximately 30 minutes to the Sarangkot viewpoint, one of the best in the area for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains as well as Pokhara and Phewa Lake. Early risers might want to depart from their hotel before dawn in time to watch the sun rise from Sarangkot. After enjoying the views start the 4 -5 hour walk through forested hills to Naudanda, most of which is downhill. On the hike expect to see plenty of mountain views, villages and local people going about their daily routines. The half way mark is the village of Maula from where there is a path up to Kasikot, once the seat of power for the whole Pokhara Valley. Continue to Naudanda where your driver will be waiting for you, and transfer back to your hotel in Pokhara.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Temple Tree Pokhara (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey from Pokhara to Chitwan National Park: Set off in a south easterly direction along the Prithvi Highway to the village of Mugling beside the Trisuli River in the Central Hills. From here head south and descend towards the Chitwan National Park, a total drive of between 6-8 hours.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Jungle Villa Resort (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Full day wildlife excursions:  There are several wildlife excursions to choose from today, starting with an early morning bird watching tour. After breakfast the most popular activity is a jeep safari in the National Park, to explore the jungle and open grasslands in search of a variety of wildlife. Your driver and guide will take you to the best places to spot animals, and talk with the local rangers to find out if any animals have been recently spotted. The guide will also provide information about Chitwan’s environment and the wildlife. After lunch back at the lodge you will have the opportunity to take canoe ride down the Rapti River to spot wildlife and birds, finishing with a short trek through the forest and visit to a crocodile breeding centre at the National Park HQ. An alternative option is a visit a local village to interact with the Tharu people that have inhabited this area for centuries. Please note that these excursions are operated by the Jungle Villa Resort and are on a shared basis with other guests staying at the lodge.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Jungle Villa Resort (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Private transfer: After breakfast this morning, you will be collected from the Jungle Villa Resort Chitwan and transferred to Bhaktapur Airport for your flight to Kathmandu.

Flight: U4352 Bhaktapur - Kathmandu 10.55 - 11.20

Road journey from Kathmandu to Nagarkot: Drive from Kathmandu to Nagarkot, a journey of around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Club Himalaya Resort (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Day at leisure: Today is free to explore the Nagarkot area independently and relax at your hotel. If you would like to pre-book either hiking or mountain biking please let us know in advance.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Club Himalaya Resort (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey to Kathmandu Airport: At the appropriate time today, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Kathmandu Airport, a journey of around 45 minutes - 1 hour.

Flight: EY293 Kathmandu - Abu Dhabi 21.10 - 00.20 (overnight)

Meals: Breakfast