Nepal with Royal Chitwan National Park add-on

In Kathmandu you will stay in good tourist class hotels such as the Himalaya Hotel. Your remaining hotels are simple but comfortable, the Club Himalaya in Nagarkot, the Dhulikhel Mountain Resort in Dhulikhel or similar and the Pokhara Grande in Pokhara. All accommodation features rooms with private facilities. Hotels will be confirmed in your final documents

Starting on day 9, your stay will include three nights’ full board accommodation: two nights at Machan Paradise View and a night in Kathmandu before flying home, plus a full programme of jungle activities, including an elephant-back safari, nature walk and canoeing.

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.

Meals: Dinner

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.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

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.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

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.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

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.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 7: Pokhara

This morning you take a flight to one of Nepal’s largest cities, Pokhara. Snow-clad 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.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

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.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Days 9 - 11: Kathmandu/Chitwan National Park

Starting on day 9, your stay will include three nights’ full board accommodation: two nights at Machan Paradise View and a night in Kathmandu before flying home, plus a full programme of jungle activities, including an elephant-back safari, nature walk and canoeing.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 12: Kathmandu/UK

Transfer to the airport for your return flight back to the UK where arrival will be later the same day.