Day 2 - Kathmandu: Today you will discover what it was like to live during the medieval period when you explore the ancient kingdoms of Kathmandu Valley, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square. Your adventure will start when you visit an impressive Buddhist Stupa of North known as Swyambhunath. This is perched on top of a conical hill. It is so striking that its white dome and glittering golden spire is visible from all sides of the valley for many miles.  Another highlight of today will be your trip to Patan, which is one of the three Royal cities in the Valley. Connoisseurs of fine arts and architecture will be delighted with the city’s Buddhist and Hindu temples, which boast the finest wood and stone carvings. During your time here, you will have a chance to wander through the square. You will also have a chance to explore the three main courtyards inside the palace - Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, and Keshav Narayan Chowk. Next, you will see the ‘Magic of Singing Bowl’ show, which is renowned for its healing and relaxing qualities. You will see a master strike the rims of bowls, which produces a long, reverberating sound wave that soothes the senses. These subtle and powerful sound waves are believed to penetrate the mind of the listener leaving them relaxed and tranquil.  Later, you will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is where kings were once crowned and where they ruled from. Today, the Square is designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site, as the massive complex features three main squares, which is home to palaces, temples, and courtyard. South of Basantapur square is a former Royal elephant stable, which now has souvenir stalls. The temple of Living Goddess, Kumari, is also on the southern end. Next, you will experience an exhilarating rickshaw ride from Hanuman Dhoka  to Thamel. You will whizz through narrow alleys where you will see local shops selling Nepali spices and souvenirs. You will have a chance to walk around Thamel and shop.  As night falls, you will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, where you will watch a culture dance performance.  

 

Day 3 -  Kathmandu  to Chitwan: Start the day with a delicious breakfast to fuel up for a busy day of exploration. Today, you will be driven from  Kathmandu to the gateway of Chitwan National Park, which boasts tall elephant grasslands, hills, ox-box lakes and flood plains of the Narayani, Rapti and Reu rivers. After you have checked-in at Safari Narayani, Chitwan, you will go on a game drive to explore the park. It is  home to 56 species of mammals, 49 species of amphibians and reptiles, as well as 525 species of birds. In fact, wildlife found here include endangered species like the one-horned rhinoceros and the Royal Bengal tiger, gaur, wild elephant, four-horned antelope, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, and many more. Keep your eyes peeled as you are also bound to spot cobras, kraits and pythons. The swampy areas and numerous oxbow lakes of Chitwan provide home for the marsh mugger crocodiles, Gangetic crocodile and one of the world’s four species of freshwater dolphins. Later in the afternoon, you will visit an ethnic Tharu Village on Ox Cart. Discover for yourself how the surrounding farmland and village has a pulse of its own, giving it a sense of timelessness. In the evening, you will experience a vibrant cultural performance by the Tharu community. It is a great way to learn more about their culture and traditions. 

 

Day 4 – Chitwan: Today, you will experience an early morning trip into the jungle to refresh your spirit. As you embark on a guided walk through the national park, you will see a host of animals waking up with you. After an exciting start to the day, you will return to the lodge in time for breakfast. Next, you will be able to go bird watching, see elephants bathing, or go canoeing.  In the afternoon, you will take a Jeep safari to see the forest’s wild animals roaming free in their natural setting. An experienced guide and naturalist will accompany the safari to teach you more about the animal and plant-life. 

 

Day 5 – Chitwan to Pokhara: After breakfast, you will travel onward to scenic Pokhara. This is the gateway to the magnificent Annapurna Range, which consists five mountains over 7200-metres and Machhapuchhre Mountain at 7000-metres. Once you arrive at your hotel -  Atithi Resort and Spa – you will be free to relax after checking-in. Feel free to unwind inside your room, or venture out and explore Pokhara, which is the third largest city in Nepal. Three out of the ten highest mountains in the world, including the renowned Annapurna, are within 30 miles of the city. So, it is no wonder that it is Nepal’s top trekking destination. It is also an ideal place to relax and walk in the surrounding hills, or engage in the more energetic pursuits of white-water rafting. 

 

Day 6 -  Pokhara: Be sure to enjoy a hearty breakfast today to prepare for a full day of adventure. After your feast, you will be driven to Phewa Power House, where you will be able to hike to Damsadi Village, which is just 5 km away.  Along the way, you will enjoy stunning views of Pardi River, Mount Annapurna, Mount Manaslu, Mount Dhaulagiri Himalayan range and the entire Pokhara Valley.  Later, you will visit the International Mountain Museum and also have the chance to visit a Tibetan Refugee settlement. The settlement also runs a carpet handicraft centre, which provides employment opportunities and a source of income to the settlers. In the afternoon, you will be able to go boating at Phewa Lake – the second largest lake in the Kingdom. You will be able to sail or row a hired boat across to the water to visit the island temple in the middle. 

 

Day 7 – Pokhara:  Today you will be free to spend the day at leisure. After breakfast at hotel you can make the most of the resort’s facilities or venture out and explore the lakeside. It’s the perfect spot to recharge your batteries or enjoy a host of water sports. 

 

Day 8 –Kathmandu &  Nagarkot: After breakfast, you will be driven from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Once you arrive, you will be transferred to Nagarkot, which is nestled next to the traditional town of Bhaktapur. Once you have checked-in at your hotel, you will be free to spend the afternoon as you wish. Feel free to explore Nagarkot, which boasts scenic beauty. The village has various hotels dotted on a ridge facing one of the broadest possible views of the Himalayan range. The luscious hill roll down to the Valley which joins with the capital city that is just a drive away. It is no wonder that Nagarkot is a favourite getaway for locals thanks to its blend of culture, tradition, and nature. 

 

Day 9 - Nagarkot: This morning you will be woken by the warm glow of an orange sunrise that will spread from the peek into the skies. The glistering range of Himalaya spreads across the horizon - making it the perfect view to begin the day with.  After breakfast at your hotel, you will go on a walk around the villages. The nature and the surrounding area are so beautiful here that you will not want to leave. There is no pollution, or city traffic. Instead there is clean air and stunning mountain greenery. Once you return, you will have the afternoon free to spend at leisure. Feel free to head to the hotel’s spa and enjoy a pampering treatment. 

 

Day 10 – Bhaktapur & Kathmandu: Start the day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel, before you check-out and are driven back to Kathmandu. However, you will visit Bhaktapur city en-route. It is the best preserved of the three main medieval cities of the valley, and comprises some of the most breath-taking religious architecture in the entire country. Devoid of traffic and pollution, Bhaktapur by far is definitely the cleanest city in the Valley. Narrow stone paved streets snake through red brick houses, leading you to hidden temples, water sprouts, and courtyards. Bhaktapur is known for its cultural handicrafts such as pottery, puppets, and masks. This means it is the perfect place to shop if you want light and easy-to-carry souvenirs. During your time here, you will have the chance to see a family at Pottery Square, who allow visitors to get close-up views of Nepal’s master craftsmen. You can even get your hands dirty and join in. Other main attractions of this city are 55 Window Palace, Golden Gate, Lion’s Gate, Mini Pashupati Temple, Nyatapola Temple, and Bhairav Nath Temple. When you get tired of walking around this mesmerising city, be sure to enjoy the delicious Juju Dhau ‘King’s curd’ for some much-needed refreshment. Finally, you will travel back to Kathmandu to check-in at your hotel for a well-earned rest. 

 

Day  11-Departure: Start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, before checking-out and travelling to the airport for your flight back home. If you would like to extend your stay or travel in a premium cabin, then please speak with our travel specialist who will be happy to assist you.