Classic Nepal

We start of exploration of Nepal from Kathmandu, a mystical mix of religion, culture and everything in between.

We explore Kathmandu Durbar Square where most of the temples and palaces dating back to 17th and 18th century. Our time in Kathmandu also includes a visit to Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal. You can walk around the stupa spinning the prayer wheels engraved with chants and offer a traditional butter lamp to Lord Buddha.

Nearby is the Pashupatinath, a major pilgrimage destination to Hindus all around the world. Dedicated to Shiva, the Hindu God of Destruction, the temple also includes open cremation site and adobe for colourful Sadhus [Hindu Saints].

Throughout the trip, you will be accompanied by a driver and an English-speaking guide who will explain the historical and cultural importance of each spot.

Earlier in the morning, you may enjoy an adventure of a lifetime–a scenic flight with close-up views of Mt. Everest and other peaks from as near as five nautical miles. This will incur an extra cost of £199 per person and includes to/from airport transfer with accompanying Lumle representative.

Accommodation: Overnight at the Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

We now begin our drive to Pokhara via air condition tourist coach. This drive along the banks of Trishuli River will let you enjoy amazing landscapes, glimpses of authentic countryside of Nepal and pristine towns. The journey to Pokhara [altitude: approx 915 meters, distance: 207 kilometres] will take around 7 to 8 hours depending on the traffic. After you reach Pokhara, you will have an entire evening to explore the laid-back city that is the gateway to travellers who love trekking and Himalayas.

You may upgrade to 30 minutes’ domestic flight for £140 per person including to/from airport transfers.

Accommodation: Overnight at the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

On day 5, we will explore the city by visiting some of its famous lakes, temples like Gupteshwor Mahadev and David’s Fall. You’re accompanied by a driver and an English-speaking guide who can explain the history and cultural importance of each spot.

Accommodation: Overnight at the hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

In the morning, we take a vehicle ride to Sarangkot to witness the sunrise. After viewing the beautiful scenery, we come down by vehicle and proceed to breakfast. Pokhara has something spectacular for everyone that is lucky enough to visit her– Stunning landscapes, adventure activities, cycling along the quiet streets and temple in the middle of the lake. You are free to explore the city on your own.

Accommodation: Overnight at the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

We will travel from Pokhara to Chitwan [altitude: about 415 meters, distance 155 kilometres] by air condition tourist coach. On arrival, you’ll check into a wildlife lodge and will have the short brief for your Chitwan stay.

Upon your arrival, you will be provided with the welcome drinks and escorted to your respective rooms. After a period of rest, you will be briefed about the activities in Chitwan. After the briefing, you will have time to have your lunch.

The lunch will be followed by a cultural tour the Tharu Village. Tharus are indigenous people of Terai living there for more than 500 years while still preserving most of their age-old fascinating culture. The same night, you will witness the famous Tharu Stick dance followed by the dinner. You will stay at the hotel for the night.

Accommodation: Overnight at the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After the breakfast, you will have a host of activities to indulge in throughout the day. A canoe ride in the Rapti River will allow you to watch some fascinating creatures like crocodiles and kingfishers in their natural habitats.
Chitwan is one of the most sought-after places for bird watching, which will be one of the highlights of your stay. A walk along the nature trails, visit the Elephant breeding centre and the jeep safari will round up your day pleasantly.
On your return, you will have your dinner and then stay overnight at the hotel.

Accommodation: Overnight at the hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

You start off your day with the breakfast and after a brief rest, you will be picked up by our vehicle and you drive back to Kathmandu.

We will start a drive back to Kathmandu on air condition tourist coach. The journey from Chitwan to Kathmandu will take about 7-9 hours [approx distance 155 kilometres] depending on the traffic. On arrival, you will be picked up from the tourist coach station and transferred to the hotel.

You may upgrade to 45 minutes’ domestic flight for £125 per person including to/from airport transfers.

Accommodation: Overnight at the Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we will make our journey to Nagarkot, a hill station most often described as one of the best places in Nepal for viewing the panoramic range of Himalayas. The journey from Kathmandu to Nagarkot will take about 2 hours [altitude: approx 2175 meters, distance: 32 kilometres] depending on the traffic.

Before we reach Nagarkot, we stop for an en-route visit to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, one of the oldest cities in Kathmandu where traditional craft and lifestyle is on full display. It is known locally as a living museum with its brick-paved enclave of the old Royal Palace, Nyathapola Temple and Datatriya temple’s exquisite artwork which all combines to give a picture of the grandeur of medieval Nepal. It’s renowned for its woodcarving and pottery and artists today still carve woods and craft pottery by the roadside.

Nagarkot, located 30 km east of Kathmandu, is an ideal spot to view the Himalayas in the tranquil environment. At sunrise, the Himalayan range, stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west all the way past Everest to Kanchenjunga in the east, emerges from the darkness to greet the day with its awe-inspiring majesty and beauty.

You will have a free evening to explore Nagarkot on your own. You might like to take a short walk in the local area.

Accommodation: Overnight at the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

We will enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas. After breakfast, there will be some free time before we travel back to Kathmandu. For those who wish to opt in for optional hiking to Changu Narayan will be dropped to the hiking point Telkot. Those who do not wish to take hiking will continue their journey to Changu Narayan by vehicle.

Telkot-Changu Narayan Hiking [Easy hiking]

The soft hiking trail starts from Telkot and gradually descends through the terraced fields to the Tamang Village. The thatched houses are built with local stone hand-hewn by local craftsmen. These houses are normally 3 storied with a kitchen on the ground floor, a bedroom on the second and a store on the top. A courtyard in front has an adjoining shed for animals. The garden next to the house supplies all the household seasonal vegetables and fruit. Spring brings colour to the village with young goat kids and other young animals as well as beautiful bright blossoms everywhere. Local wine making is pretty common throughout the year.

The first part of the hiking is largely a fascinating cultural encounter while the second part is more natural as the trail follows the ridge rich with deciduous forest. The Himalayas appear in the distance totally remote and undisturbed. The walking is easy with gradual downhill and fairly level paths. It is an easy hiking and will take about 3-4 hours to reach Changunarayan, the oldest pagoda style Hindu temple in Nepal. After visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site and having our lunch [at your own cost], we meet our driver and car to take a continued drive to Kathmandu to end our fascinating day hiking tour in Nepal.

The evening is free for you to enjoy on your own at Kathmandu; you might like to take a short walk in the local area and have a glimpse of Kathmandu City.

Accommodation: Overnight at the hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will be dropped to the airport for your final journey back home. You will have plenty of time on your flight to reflect on your journey and plan your next one.