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 Tibet Hotel in a chauffeur driven car for a two-night stay.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Hotel Tibet (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 Hotel Tibet (Deluxe 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 to Bandipur with rafting en route: After an early breakfast this morning, set off down the valley towards Bandipur. After driving for around 2 hours arrive at the village of Fishling which is the starting point for your rafting adventure on the Trisuli River. After time to freshen up and prepare your kit, descend the banks of the river to a rocky launch area where the raft captain will provide some instruction and a safety briefing. The rafting experience lasts between 2-3 hours and includes 6 sets of grade 3 rapids, and some nice stretches of calm water. The water temperature reaches around 18-20 degrees and there will be the opportunity for a swim in the deeper pools. The rafting ends near the town of Mugling where you will stop for lunch and have the chance to take a shower and change clothes in a local hotel. After lunch continue your journey to Bandipur, arriving early this afternoon.

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 Arjunchaupari: After breakfast this morning, drive around 100km to the village of Arjunchaupari to start the trek to the village of Sirubari.

Hike to Sirubari: Set off on a 2 hour hike to Sirubari on an easy path that takes you through small rural settlements with great views of the lush hillsides and mountains beyond.

Afternoon / evening activities: Upon arrival in Sirubari, you will be welcomed by the village lama, and introduced to your hosts who will show you around their traditional dwelling where you will stay the next two nights. This sustainable tourism project is run by the local community in an effort to preserve the culture and heritage of Nepali rural life. You have time to explore the village before being served a traditional dinner. After some time to interact with your hosts it is time for an early bed.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at a Village Homestay (Basic Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Exploring Sirubari: You have a full day to spend exploring Sirubari, and getting to know the locals in their own environment and learning about the rich culture of the Gurung people. Early this morning you have the option to do a 4-hour trek to the Himalayan viewpoint of Thumro Juro, with the peaks of Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri all visible on a clear day. After lunch back in Sirubari take a short walk to Panchamul High School for a tour of the facilities, and the opportunity to meet teachers and children on school days. Return to the village for a visit to the monastery and group tiffin at the community house. After a final dinner with your hosts there will be some traditional music and dancing before another early night.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at a Village Homestay (Basic Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Road journey from Sirubari to Pokhara: After breakfast this morning, bid farewell to your hosts and drive to Pokhara, a journey of around 2 hours.

Afternoon 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 Atithi Resort & Spa (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Day at leisure in Pokhara: Today you are free to relax at your hotel and explore independently. A number of activities are possible in the Pokhara area, and these can be booked locally.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Atithi Resort & Spa (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey from Pokhara to Nayapul: After an early breakfast, drive north to the village of Nayapul, a journey of around 1.5 hours.

Trek from Nayapul to Ulleri: Set off on the first leg of the trek towards the village of Tirkhedhunga for a well-earned lunch, a trek of around 3-4 hours. This first section is an easy hike passing through several small lively villages and settlements. If you want to take it easy on your first day's trekking it is possible to stop here for an overnight stay. After lunch, set off on a challenging 2-3 hours hike up steep sections of stone paved steps to the more remote village of Ulleri, and spend your first night in a Teahouse. There are plenty of local restaurants lining the trekking trails where you can stop for a cup of tea or other refreshments.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at a Himalayan Teahouse (Basic Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani: Wake up to breathtaking views of Machhapuchhare or "Fish Tail" (6995m) and Hiunchuli (6440m) from your Teahouse. After a hearty breakfast set off at a leisurely pace for the fairly easy uphill trek to Ghorepani which should take around 4-5 hours in total. The trail today is on fairly flat terrain, with a few sections of steep steps, passing through dense rhododendron and cloud forest teeming with birdlife as you gently ascend to the larger village of Ghorepani. There are several restaurants along the way where you can stop for a breather and warm drink. The Teahouses at Ghorepani are of a higher standard than Ulleri, but at an altitude of 2,850m some effects of altitude may be felt here. There will be some time to relax and enjoy the panoramic views at your Teahouse this afternoon, explore this interesting village and prepare for tomorrow's early start.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at a Himalayan Teahouse (Basic Rooms)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Sunrise at Poon Hill: Your alarm and porter will wake you shortly before 4am this morning for the trek up to Poon Hill for sunrise. You will need to wrap up warm with plently of layers, a jacket, hat, gloves and a head torch ready for the hour long ascent to the viewpoint high above Ghorepani at an altitude of 3,193m. On a clear morning you will see the sunrise over a panorama of Himalayan peaks including Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna range, Nilgiri, Tukuche and many other snow-capped mountains in the distance. At the summit of Poon Hill there is a viewing platform, and some basic facilities including a café serving hot drinks. Descend to your hotel in Ghorepani for breakfast and to pack your bags for the next leg of your trek.

Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani: From Ghorepani the trail ascends through varied terrain of forest and grassland to Gurung Hill. On a clear morning it is advisable to set off as early as possible in order to get here before the clouds obscure the views, which are as good as those at Poon Hill. Continue down to the Modi River through rhododendron forest, which come alive with bright blooms in sprintime. Cross a picturesque suspension bridge, then climb up a section of steep steps to the village of Tadapani, your resting point for the rest of the day. The trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani takes no longer than 4 hours, but it is worth lingering at Gurung Hill for some time to soak up the views as you will have plenty of time free this afternoon.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at a Himalayan Teahouse (Basic Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk: Today's 4-hour walk to Ghandruk is an easy downhill route through pine and rhododendron forests, with views of some spectacular gorges and cliffs to the side of the trail. Ghandruk is one of the most appealing villages in the whole Annapurna region, set at an altitude of just 1980m overlooking the lush farmlands of the Modi Khola Valley. Ghandruk is an important Gurung village famous for producing a significant number of Gorkha soldiers. After checking in to your comfortable tea house there will be time to wander round the village and visit the headquarters of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), which has a visitor center showing documentaries about the conservation work being done in the area.

Accommodation: Stay the tonight at a Himalayan Teahouse (Basic Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul: After a leisurely breakfast this morning, the trail descends through rice fields and local villages to Syauli bazaar. Continue on a level trail along the Modi Khola River until reaching Nayapul. The altitude is much lower here, so you will need much lighter clothing and plenty of water to drink as the temperatures will be higher than what you have been used to. Today's walk takes approximately 7 hours, but is mainly descent and on flat land. Your driver will be waiting for you at Nayapul to take you to your hotel in Pokhara.

Road journey from Nayapul to Pokhara: Set off on the drive south to the comfort of your hotel in Pokhara, a journey of around 1.5 hours.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Atithi Resort & Spa (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Private transfer: After a leisurely morning you will be collected from the Atithi Resort & Spa and transferred to Pokhara Airport for your flight to Kathmandu.

Flight: U4 352 Pokhara - Kathmandu 13.10 - 13.40

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

Mountain biking from Nagarkot to Bhaktapur: After breakfast this morning your mountain bike guide will meet you at the hotel and get you set up with a western brand bike and helmet. The guide will then provide an explanation of the routes that are possible for today's ride - it is important that you agree on a difficulty level that matches your ability. The ride pass through villages and with sweeping views throughout it is an enjoyable way to experience the landscape and culture of the Kathmandu Valley. As you set off from Nagarkot there is a series of fairly steep and narrow sections of path leading on to some more level sections of tracks through forest. After a brief climb pedal along a ridge with dramatic views of the Kathmandu Valley to the south and arrive at the temple of Changu Narayan for a visit (shorter rides can finish here). The route then descends along stony village trails, rutted jeep tracks, single track and along raised paddy field paths. When passing through villages be careful to avoid livestock and local people. Finish at the ancient city of Bhaktapur where you have time to explore the medieval streets and have lunch in a local restaurant before driving back to your hotel in Nagarkot.

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 between 1-2 hours.

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

Meals: Breakfast