DAY 1 - UK/Kathmandu
Depart on your scheduled flight to Kathmandu, capital of Nepal via Delhi.
DAY 2 - Kathmandu
On arrival in Kathmandu, often known as the city of temples, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a three night stay. The rest of the day is free to relax. Nepal lies in the Himalayan Mountains between India and Tibet. The scenery is stupendous, from the highest point on earth, Mount Everest, to the fertile jungle lowland. A vibrant mix of religion and culture characterises the allure of Nepal and, in particular, its capital Kathmandu.
DAY 3 - Kathmandu
Kathmandu is a mystical city, filled with images of gods, shrines and temples. You will get to experience this once sleepy city for yourself with our included city tour and you will visit the ancient former Palace of the Kings, the Temple of the Living Goddess and the 2,000 year-old Stupa of Swayambhunath which is an ancient Buddhist temple with hypnotic eyes featured on the spire. It is situated on top of a hill with fabulous views of the city. The afternoon is free to explore Kathmandu.
DAY 4 - Kathmandu
Optional early morning flight over the Himalayas (weather permitting). Later we have included a morning visit to the artistic city of Patan, and a visit to the Tibetan handicrafts centre. Patan is the oldest city in the Kathmandu Valley and you’ll find it quieter than Kathmandu, but equally intriguing with its array of temples, beautiful decoration and fascinating culture. This afternoon we visit Pashupatinath, one of the holiest places for Hindu pilgrims in Nepal with important monuments and several temples. Bodhnath is the next place on the route and it is integral to the Tibetan culture in Nepal.
DAY 5 - Nagarkot
Morning drive to Bhaktapur, city of devotees. Bhaktapur is a big, but very traditional city. See children play in front of the many ancient temples, women weave and make pottery, and be tempted by the colourful street markets. We continue to the hill resort of Nagarkot for an overnight stay. This is a favourite visitor spot because it has some of the best views of the Himalayas and the Indrawati valley in the east. The sunrise over the Himalayas is spectacular when the weather is clear. In the spring months, Nagarkot is also alive with a multitude of colourful flowers. Relax and enjoy the splendid views.
DAY 6 - Dhulikhel
This morning take a guided walk through the countryside to Changu Narayan, home to the Changu Narayan Temple which is thought to date back 16,000 years. From here, rejoin the coach for the drive to the beautiful and ancient town of Dhulikhel and the Dhulikhel Mountain Resort for an overnight stay. Many of the houses in this area have beautifully carved wooden structures around their doors and windows, and you will have the opportunity to explore nearby villages or join a walking tour.
DAY 7 - Pokhara
This morning you take a scenic drive to one of Nepal’s largest cities, Pokhara. Snowclad peaks, with snow-fed lakes and rivers make the valley of Pokhara one of the most picturesque natural attractions in the world. Immerse yourself in the peace of this region, with its tropical climate giving way to lush vegetation. The valley is made up of dense forest, flowing rivers, luminous lakes and of course, the sublime mountains. Two nights’ accommodation has been arranged for you in Pokhara.
DAY 8 - Pokhara
Weather permitting you can enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna Mountain range. A sightseeing tour of the Pokhara valley is included visiting the old city, the local market and the Seti Gorge which runs right through the city. We will also enjoy a boat ride on Lake Phewa.
DAY 9 - Kathmandu
Morning flight to Kathmandu, Afternoon is at leisure. Overnight accommodation has been arranged in Kathmandu. A typical Nepalese dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
DAY 10 - Kathmandu/UK
Transfer to the airport for your return flight later the same day via Delhi.