Friday. Welcome to Kathmandu and the start of your holiday! You’ll be met and transferred to your hotel where you will receive a welcome drink and a briefing about your trip.
Nepal's capital Kathmandu is a fascinating blend of old and new and the largest and most cosmopolitan city in Nepal. This morning we visit Bodhnath stupa, a beautiful Buddhist worship site with spinning prayer wheels and prostrating pilgrims. Our next stop is the ancient city of Bhaktapur, Nepal’s cultural gem which has maintained its traditional lifestyle and is famous for its pottery. We explore Bhaktapur’s beautiful Durbar Square and visit Pottery Square where we can test our pottery making skills. Our final stop is Patan, the old Newari city with a historic Durbar Square full of temples. This evening enjoy dinner and a cultural Nepali dance performance.
Kathmandu – Chitwan. On day 3 we travel by road to Chitwan National Park (approx 5 hr drive), arriving in time for lunch. Chitwan is hailed as one of Asia’s finest game parks, home to more than 500 species including the endangered one horned rhino, various types of deer, Indian elephant and the elusive Bengal tiger.
Over the next two days we enjoy a selection of activities offered by the lodge including a jeep safari, hoping to encounter the one horned rhino, various types of deer, boar, monkey, leopard and if we're very fortunate the Bengal tiger. Other activities at the lodge include a local village walk and nature walk in the jungle, a scenic dugout can ride down the Rapti River and bird watching. We'll also watch a traditional Tharu dance performance one evening with dinner.
Chitwan National Park – Pokhara. Today we take a short flight from Chitwan to Pokhara. Arriving early afternoon the rest of the day is free to relax and take a stroll around this scenic lakeside town, which is the gateway to the magnificent Annapurna Range.
This morning we watch a beautiful sunrise at the hill top World Peace Pagoda which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range. After a short walk, we will take in the panoramic views of mountains and Pokhara valley while we have breakfast at the Raniban Retreat Resort. Then we take a scenic 2 hour walk through Raniban forest back down to Lake Phewa where we enjoy a boat ride across the lake.
Later this morning we will visit Tashiling Tibetan refugee camp, giving an insight into the life of Tibetan refugees in Pokhara. This afternoon we visit the large and tranquil Jangchub Chling Monastery located in Hemja, where we will watch the monk's daily prayer.
Today is free day for you to explore Pokhara and participate in optional activities such as paragliding, ultra-light flight, zip line, bungy jump, mountain biking, cycling, boating and horse riding, or if you prefer, simply relax down by the lake.
Pokhara - Kathmandu. This morning we take the short flight back to Kathmandu and in the afternoon we explore more of the city. After visiting the beautiful Swayambhunath stupa which offers wonderful views of the city, we walk to Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is home to over 50 stunning temples and shrines. We’ll also enjoy a rickshaw ride from Hanuman Dhoka to Thamel, through the bustling back streets of the city which is a great way to observe the everyday life of the locals. This evening is free for you to wander around the Thamel market, where you can pick up some last minute souvenirs.
Saturday. Our tour comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport.
