Nepal: Kathmandu to Pokhara

Saturday 1st November 

Today we begin our journey to Nepal. 

Overnight in flight. 

Sunday 2nd November 

Arriving into Kathmandu we’ll travel to our hotel. After our flight, the afternoon will be at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities. 

Dinner included. Overnight in Kathmandu. 

Monday 3rd November 

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal,  is a hub of activity and excitement coupled with peace and spirituality. On our first day in Kathmandu we’ll explore some of that spirituality with visits to Boudhanath Stupa and the Swayambhunath Stupa, or Monkey Temple. At Boudhanath we’ll immerse ourselves in the soothing melodies of sacred chants and feel the collective energy of devotion fill the space. For those who wish, we will receive personal blessings from the Hi Lama, an experience that connects you deeply to the rich traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. 

Following lunch at a local restaurant we will continue to Swayambhunath Stupa, a white dome with glittering golden spire, visible from all sides of the valley for many miles. This most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu Valley is over 2500 years old and is a UNESCO-listed cultural site. We finish today’s exploration of Kathmandu in Durbar square, also a UNESCO World heritage site and home to palaces, temples and even “Freak Street” – the ultimate Hippie destination during the “Flower Power” era.  We will explore from Hanuman Dhoka through to Thamel on an exhilarating rickshaw ride through the narrow streets, absorbing the sounds and smells from the local spice shops and food markets before returning to our hotel to freshen up and rest before dinner. 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Tuesday 4th November 

Today we leave Kathmandu to make the journey to Chitwan National Park. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, the park spreads over an area of 932km squared and is home to 56 species of mammals, 49 species of amphibians and reptiles and 525 species of birds. These days it is one of the best places to view the Asian one-horned rhinoceros. As well as rhinos, there is a good population of Sloth bears, Gharial crocodiles, wild elephants, antelopes and many types of birds, monkeys and deer which we’ll hope to spot over the next two days. Tigers do exist in the park but sightings are incredibly lucky.

We will break up our journey with the option of white water rafting on the Trishuli River, a great way to experience some more of Nepal’s outstanding natural beauty.  For those who would like a more sedate break in the journey, we will be having lunch at the Riverside Spring Resort, where, if you’d like, you can also have a dip in their pool. 

Arriving late afternoon to our jungle hideaway, we will check in and relax before dinner and our evening’s entertainment. 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Chitwan. 

Wednesday 5th November 

Waking up to the sounds of the jungle we have a couple of exciting days ahead.  This morning, we will embark on a jungle safari adventure. Exploring the national park by jeep with a local naturalist guide, we hope to be lucky enough to spot some of the native animals that make their home in Chitwan.  We’ll also listen out for the guttural sounds of the tiger roar or the alarm calls of the monkeys and antelope that signify a predator is near. 

We’ll return to our accommodation for a relaxing lunch before we take a walk in a local Tharu village, meeting the people and learning about their life in this region. This evening we’ll experience a traditional Tharu stick dance – a melodious beat and local practice designed to keep rhino and other wild animals away from farms and human habitats.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Chitwan. 

Thursday 6th November 

After breakfast, we start our day with a visit to the crocodile breeding centre to learn more about the endangered Gharial (Mugger) crocodiles. These fish-eating crocodiles are different to the ones found elsewhere in the world and are characterised by their long thin snout. The centre was founded by the National Park authorities in 1978 and with a natural survival rate of less than 2%, the crocs are raised until around 5 years old and then released into the rivers in and surrounding the national park. We will also have the opportunity to see these amazing animals in their natural habitat with a boat safari on the Rapti river. 

Following a lovely lunch back at the lodge we then have an afternoon at leisure, relaxing in our beautiful surrounds, listening to the jungle sounds and enjoying the facilities our accommodation has on offer. 

N.B. Activities in Chitwan are tentative and an actual programme will be given on arrival. The activities are adjusted to the length of your stay, the season and present weather conditions. It may not always be possible to follow this schedule to the minute and the circumstances may force us to alter the program at short notice. On safari in the jungle, you will be accompanied by expert naturalists who will advise on safety procedures and we request you to respect their judgment at all times. 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Chitwan. 

Friday 7th November 

Leaving the jungle behind this morning, we head towards Pokhara, our lakeside stop for the next three nights. En route, we will visit the charming and traditional Newari village of Bandipur which offers panoramic views of the entire Annapurna range, along with Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Langtang and Ganesh Himal.  This quaint village is home to a silkworm farm, the largest cave in Nepal, and the old marketplace – a prime location for travellers from India and Tibet to trade their wares. Along with learning about the “worm to store” process of silk production, there are several temples you can visit whilst here. We will have our lunch in Bandipur and then continue our journey to Pokhara. 

Pokhara is the third largest city in Nepal and the stepping off point for many of the treks in the Annapurna region. A remarkable place of natural beauty, with several lakes and the amazing surrounding peaks, Pokhara is considered by many to be the most serene and beautiful place to stay in Nepal. 

We will check into our hotel on arrival and the rest of the day will be at your leisure to relax after the journey. 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Pokhara. 

Saturday 8th November 

It’s an early start this morning but we promise it will be worth it. Journeying into the hills we drive to Sarangkot where, after a short walk, we’ll experience sunrise over the mountains. At 1592 meters high, Sarangkot is the highest point in Pokhara, perfect for sunrise and is a full 5 degrees cooler too, so ensure to bring a warm jacket!  We’ll have breakfast at the local Annapurna View hotel before returning to Pokhara and then the rest of your morning will be free. Those who are brave enough might like to try zip lining or bungee jumping, whilst those who prefer a slightly more sedate start to the day might like to take a yoga class, or to pick up some souvenirs from the local shops. 

Later this afternoon we’ll take a walk along the lake side of Phewa Lake and witness the Sandyha Arti, a Hindu ceremony that takes place at sunset and is a time when deities offer a special evening audience to their followers. 

Breakfast lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Pokhara. 

Sunday 9th November 

This morning, we stay with the lakes, this time visiting Begnas Lake for a boat ride and to enjoy listening to the Sarangi. Performed by the local ethnic group of musicians, the Gandarbh, the Sarangi is a traditional stringed instrument of Northern India and is played across much of southern Asia. 

After our musical morning, we’ll visit the International Mountain Museum to learn about the trekking and mountaineering history of Nepal. These mountaineers were without doubt the travel pioneers of their time and it’s through these early explorers that we can learn more about this fascinating country.  

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Pokhara. 

Monday 10th November 

After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll begin our journey back to Kathmandu.  Travelling through the beautiful Nepalese scenery, passing through villages and towns along the way.  We’ll stop for a leg stretch and a lovely lunch at the Triple Crown resort in Galchi, before continuing on to our hotel in Kathmandu.  The rest of the afternoon will be free for relaxing after our journey.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Kathmandu. 

Tuesday 11th November 

This morning, we’ll visit Bhaktapur, the best preserved of the three main medieval cities of the Kathmandu Valley.  Housing some of the most breathtaking religious architecture, its three main squares are studded with pagoda and shikhara-style temples (Hindu temples with a tower or spire that rises in the centre) and its pedestrianised, paved streets snake through red brick houses, bringing you to hidden courtyards and fountains. Artisans of all genres, pottery, puppet and mask makers, weavers and musicians all find a home in Bhaktapur and it is one such musician that we will have the pleasure of meeting – Indira Lachimachhyu.  Known as the first female Newari musician from the Newar community, Indira has made it her lifelong passion to promote and preserve the rich musical heritage of her people and to share it with as many people as possible. 

We will also have a culinary tour trying some of Bhaktapur’s most famed dishes such as Juju Dhau and Bara.  If you’ve any space left, we’ll visit The Nanee, in Bhaktapur, for a lesson in Nepalese cookery followed by a lovely lunch.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Kathmandu. 

Wednesday 12th November 

If Pokhara is known for its views of the Annapurna, Nagarkot is well known for, amongst other things, views of Mount Everest. Just over an hour’s drive outside of the city is the perfect blend of scenic beauty and fresh air serenity – Nagarkot.  We’ll drive out, after breakfast and, on arrival, spend some time walking the local trails around the village.  There’s also the local temple to visit and a sumptuous last lunch to be had in these spectacular surrounds. 

We’ll return to Kathmandu in the afternoon for some last-minute souvenir shopping, or pampering at the hotel, before our final group meal to celebrate the fantastic experiences we’ve shared in this amazing country. 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Kathmandu. 

Thursday 13th November 

After breakfast, we’ll check out of our hotel and travel to the airport for our return flights home. 

Breakfast included. 

UK passport holders will need a visa to enter Nepal.  We recommend obtaining your visa in advance from the Nepalese embassy in London.  You can apply here: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/onlinevisa-mission/application

Further details on how to apply will be sent to you after booking.

Other passport holders and nationalities will need to check requirements from their local Nepalase Embassy.