Itinerary Highlights
- Wander Kathmandu’s cobbled alleys, where Buddhist stupas and Hindu shrines reveal Nepal’s spiritual heart
- Unwind in Pokhara beneath the Annapurna range, or trek through spectacular Himalayan scenery
- Step back in time in Bhaktapur’s UNESCO-listed squares, rich with temples and artisan crafts
- Explore Chitwan’s forests to spot endangered wildlife, then watch golden dawns over the Himalayas in Dhulikhel
What's Included
- Accommodation Throughout
- Breakfast
- International Flights
Nikhil
Travel Specialist
Nepal, the world’s last Hindu kingdom, is a land of spiritual depth and mountain scenery. Begin in the capital, Kathmandu, wandering its cobbled 17th-century alleys and see the Buddhist stupas and Hindu shrines compete for attention amid bustling crowds of rickshaw drivers, monks, hippies and sadhus.
In lakeside Pokhara, the ‘Jewel in the Himalayas’, unwind beneath the snowy Annapurna range or set off on epic mountain treks. Travel back in time in Bhaktapur, with its UNESCO-listed squares, ancient temples and artisan woodcarving and pottery.
In the rolling lowlands of Inner Terai, spot endangered wildlife on a guided walk through Chitwan National Park’s forests and floodplains. Then head to the hill station of Dhulikhel, where dawn breaks over the Himalayas in a golden glow—a peaceful finale to a trip rich in culture, nature, and soul-stirring scenery.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Fly UK to Nepal
Day 2 | Kathmandu
Start your day early by opting for a mountain flight, soaring over the Himalayas for spectacular views of Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu and the Tibetan Plateau. Return to Dwarika’s for breakfast before heading to Patan, the city of artistry, just 5 km south of Kathmandu. Explore Patan Durbar Square with its ornate temples, courtyards and museums, and experience the healing vibrations of a traditional singing bowl demonstration by a master.
In the afternoon, visit the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa, perched atop a hill with panoramic valley views. Then, head to Kathmandu Durbar Square, rich in centuries-old palaces and temples. Finally, take an exhilarating rickshaw ride to Thamel through bustling alleyways filled with local shops.
Day 3 | Kathmandu
Visit one of the world’s largest stupas—the monumental Boudhanath—surrounded by over 50 monasteries. You’ll witness pilgrims performing the traditional kora and experience a blessing from a Hi Lama, who presents you with a Khada (a Himalayan silk scarf inscribed with sacred mantras).
Next, view the sacred Pashupatinath Temple across the Bagmati River. Observe aarti rituals and the riverside cremation ghats, gaining insight into Hindu traditions without entering the temple complex.
In the afternoon, explore the best-preserved medieval city in the Kathmandu Valley: Bhaktapur and its Durbar Square. Wander the cobbled streets, admire pagoda-style temples and join a pottery-making session at Pottery Square, guided by skilled Newar artisans.
Day 4 | Kathmandu – Chitwan
Transfer to Kathmandu airport for a 20-minute domestic flight to Bharatpur, the gateway to Chitwan National Park. On arrival, drive 32 km to Meghauli Serai—a Taj Safari, set within 932 sq. km of UNESCO-listed forest, floodplains and rivers. Check in and enjoy a welcome drink before lunch.
Head out on a serene Rapti River cruise, spotting one-horned rhinos, gharials, deer and colourful birdlife, while the Himalayan foothills form a striking backdrop. Conclude the day with an evening presentation on the park’s flora and fauna or a cultural programme, followed by dinner.
Day 5 | Chitwan
Start your day with a quick coffee and cookies before a jeep safari through Chitwan National Park. Accompanied by expert naturalists, you’ll have the opportunity to spot one-horned rhinoceroses, deer and other wildlife before enjoying a Bonnet Breakfast in the jungle.
Return for lunch at Badaghar, then take a gentle afternoon walk through nearby villages, experiencing local life and culture up close.
As evening falls, you’ll get to enjoy a rustic bush-themed dinner illuminated by over 101 lamps and torches, accompanied by a traditional Tharu dance. Conclude the day with a Nepali BBQ and Mongolian cuisine at the infinity pool.
Day 6 | Chitwan
Begin your day with a guided jungle walk through Chitwan National Park or the community forest, spotting wildlife up close, and opt for a visit to a nearby village. Return to Badaghar for breakfast.
After a morning of leisure or independent exploration, enjoy lunch. Then set out on an afternoon jeep safari to discover more of the park’s rich wildlife, including rhinos, deer and birds.
As evening approaches, experience another Tharu cultural dance performance, followed by dinner at Badaghar, combining traditional Nepalese cuisine with a magical natural setting.
Day 7 | Chitwan – Pokhara
Enjoy a free morning in Chitwan. Programme activities today may vary depending on the season you’re visiting in, its weather and wildlife conditions. Expert naturalists lead all jungle excursions.
Afterwards, drive approximately one hour to Bharatpur airport for a 20-minute flight to Pokhara, Nepal’s third-largest city and gateway to the Annapurna trekking region. Pokhara is famed for its serene lakes, panoramic Himalayan views and beautiful natural setting.
On arrival, transfer to Tiger Mountain Lodge, a peaceful hillside retreat half an hour from Pokhara. Spend the afternoon on a short, guided hike with bird watching. Or why not relax by the pool?
Day 8 | Pokhara
Begin your day with sunrise meditation or yoga in the open-air pavilion, guided by a local instructor. After breakfast, join a guided nature walk or bird-watching hike along forested ridges. You’ll discover Himalayan flora and medicinal plants, and spot some of the 270 recorded bird species in the area.
Spend the afternoon at leisure. You can read by the infinity pool, enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic massage (pre-booking required), or relax on your veranda with sweeping mountain views. In the evening, savour a multi-course Nepali-inspired dinner, featuring seasonal organic produce.
Day 9 | Pokhara
Explore Pokhara’s highlights with a local guide. You can visit Gorkha Memorial Museum, showcasing the history, uniforms, medals and campaigns of the legendary Gurkha regiments. Then continue to Tashiling Tibetan Refugee Camp to gain insight into the daily lives of Tibetan refugees in Pokhara.
Next, admire the dramatic Seti Gorge, where the river cuts deep geological channels through the valley, before visiting Davi’s Fall, a striking waterfall with a mysterious underground passage. Later, enjoy a one-hour wooden boat ride on Phewa Lake, stopping at Barahi Temple on its tranquil island.
Spend the afternoon either relaxing at the lodge or exploring the surrounding countryside.
Day 10 | Pokhara – Kathmandu
Transfer to Pokhara Airport for a 25-minute flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival, you’ll drive to the Hyatt Regency and check in for a restful afternoon.
In the evening, experience a Nepali dinner at Bhojan Griha, a 150-year-old heritage building that once housed the late Royal Priest of Nepal. The dishes you’ll tuck into include locally sourced ingredients. Savour each bite and enjoy the sounds of vibrant live folk music in the background.
Day 11 | Departure
Nikhil
Travel Specialist
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