Flight: QR646 Doha - Kathmandu 08.35 - 15.55

Private transfer: On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed to Nepal by your local guide and transferred to the Dwarika's Hotel in a chauffeur driven car for a three-night stay.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Dwarika's Hotel (Heritage Deluxe 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 Dwarika's Hotel (Heritage Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Day at leisure, with optional excursions: Today is at leisure to relax at your hotel and explore more of Kathmandu at your own pace. Alternatively we can arrange a number of activities which include guided walks or cycling in the countryside, a cooking class, wood carving or pottery workshops, a visit to an NGO project or a hands-on visit to a local farm. Please let us know your preference in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Dwarika's Hotel (Heritage Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Private transfer: After breakfast this morning, you will be collected from Dwarikas and transferred to Kathmandu Airport for your flight to Pokhara.

Flight: U4611 Kathmandu - Pokhara 10.45 - 11.15

Guided tour of Pokhara: Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will be met by a guide, and then start exploring the town and surrounding area. Places of interest include the International Mountaineering Museum, Bat Cave, Seti Gorge, Davis Falls and the Gurkha Memorial Museum. For panoramic views of Pokhara and the Himalayan peaks beyond, a walk up to the World Peace Pagoda is recommended. Finish the day with a relaxing boat ride on Fewa Lake, from where you can get excellent views of the mountains and their reflections on the water. Please discuss the options with your guide who will recommend the best combination of sights in the time you have available.

Private transfer: After your tour of Pokhara, you will be transferred to the Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge for a three-night stay.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge (Cottage Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Visit to a Tibetan Settlement: After breakfast this morning drive to one of the Tibetan settlements in the outskirts of Pokhara, which were set up in the early 1960's after the Chinese invasion, and listen to first-hand stories from refugees about their struggles to survive in exile. There is a visitor area with a photo gallery documenting how the camps were first established, and an arts and craft section with a demonstration of how traditional carpets are made. Learn about the symbols and images that are so important in Tibetan life and meet doctor to get some basic knowledge about Tibetan medicine. You will then have a simple but delicious homemade Tibetan lunch with a local family, and learn more about community life. Visit a small noodle workshop and see how Tibetans make their favorite snack. Continue to the monastery where you will meet a Buddhist monk and learn about their monastic life and daily studies in the monastery. Time permitting there will also be the chance to attend a group Pooja in the evening (chanting) to hear the horns, drums, conch shell, trumpet and bells accompanying the prayers. There will also be the chance to have tea with a local family and taste more Tibetan food including tsampa (roasted barley flour), butter tea and Tibetan bread.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge (Cottage Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day at leisure: Today is free to relax in the delightful surroundings of your lodge, or arrange another excursion through your guide.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge (Cottage Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Road journey from Pokhara to Bandipur: After breakfast this morning, set off on the drive to Bandipur, a journey of around 3 hours. 

Exploring Bandipur: This afternoon and tomorrow morning, you have a guide at your disposal to explore Bandipur and the surrounding area. The more active 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 day 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 a challenge 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. Please note that there will be time in the morning to do some of these activities before your onward journey, the details can be agreed with your guide and driver on the day.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the The Old Inn (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 6-7 hours.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Barahi Jungle Lodge (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 all these excursions are operated by the Barahi Resort and are on a private basis where possible, except for the jeep safaris which may be on a shared basis with other guests staying at the lodge.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Barahi Jungle Lodge (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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

Flight: U4352 Bhaktapur - Kathmandu 10.55 - 11.20

Road journey from Kathmandu to Dhulikhel: Drive from Kathmandu to Dhulikhel, a journey of between 1-2 hours.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Dwarikas Dhulikhel (Junior Suite)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day at leisure: You have today free to relax in the spectacular surroundings of Dwarikas, and arrange activities through the hotel should you wish.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Dwarikas Dhulikhel (Junior Suite)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

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 between 1-2 hours.

Flight: QR651 Kathmandu - Doha 21.00 - 23.35