Images of Nepal

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Highlights

• Beautiful Himalayan mountain scenery
• Kathmandu Valley and medieval Bhaktapur
• Private guided Annapurna foothills trek
• Wildlife safari in Chitwan National Park

Day 1 - Arrive Kathmandu
Arrive Kathmandu where you are met and transferred to the hotel. This evening is a briefing on your upcoming trek.
Dwarika's Hotel (Heritage Room)

Day 2 - Kathmandu
This morning join your private guide for a tour of Kathmandu City. Although the fertile Kathmandu Valley has been inhabited for thousands of years, its rich and varied cultural legacy essentially began during the 14th century under the Malla Dynasty. Patronised by the nobility, Newar artisans constructed temples, monasteries and elaborate courtyards that constitute a fascinating architectural history. Visit Durbar Square and Teleju Temple with its gilded roofs and see the gate to the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar, the old Royal Palace, guarded by a statue of Hanuman, the monkey - god. Stop at the House of the Living Goddess and time to stroll through the bazaar and the back streets of the old city

Afterwards move on to Swayambhunath, the "Monkey Temple", the oldest shrine in the world established more that 2500 years ago. Situated on top of a high hill it commands a superb view of the valley below. The four sides of this ancient structure are painted with the compassionate eyes of Buddha. Between the eyes is a mystical third eye symbolizing true wisdom. The nose, appearing as an incomplete question mark, is the Nepalese number of one, a symbol of unity.

Later your tour takes you to Patan, the city of arts and architecture founded in 250 A.D. and also known as Lalitpur. It is renowned for its fine works in bronze, silver and copper. Visit the Durbar Square, Royal Baths, Mahaboudha, Krishna Mandir and Hiranya Verna Mahabihar (the Golden Temple). A visit to the new Patan Museum is a must. The museum faces Durbar Square and is housed in a beautifully restored and renovated former Malla residential palace. The collection spans much of Nepal's cultural history, primarily exhibiting metalwork sculptures from Hindu and Buddhist deities, typical of Patan's tradition in craftsmanship (B).
Dwarika's Hotel (Heritage Room)

Day 3 - Kathmandu
This morning visit Bhaktapur, home of medieval art and architecture, also known as the 'City of Devotees'. Tread the 17th century cobbled pavements and marvel at its ancient architecture. Visit the Lion Gate, the Picture Gallery, the Golden Gate, and the Palace of Fifty five Windows. In the afternoon continue to Pashupatinath, the most sacred of all Hindu temples in Nepal situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Non Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple precincts but may look inside from the opposite bank.

Next stop is Boudhanath, possibly the world's largest Buddhist stupa and a site of great veneration for Buddhists. Around the stupa have sprung up a number of monasteries of the different sects of Tibetan Buddhism including one that houses an enormous seated statue of Buddha (B).
Dwarika's Hotel (Heritage Room)

Day 4 - Kathmandu - Annapurna Trek (1525m)
This morning you will be transferred to the domestic airport for the half hour flight to Pokhara. On arrival you will be met by your Sherpa staff and driven to the start of the Prince's Trek at Thare Khola (stream), approximately 20 minutes south of Pokhara along the Tansen road. First of all the route climbs up the west bank before traversing left through the Chettri/Bahun village of Kalibang, then on up through the mixed farming country of Bhumdi (1525m). The ridgeline offers fine views north to Machhapuchhare and the Annapurnas and east to the Manaslu Himal. Camp is just beyond Bhumdi. (Approx - 3 hours walk) (B,L,D).
Camp

Day 5 - Annapurna Trek
The panoramic views from this ridge are in many ways better than those obtained from the areas nearer the mountains as they offer an amazingly wide vista. The trail leads on up the ridge, leaving behind the scattered dwellings and then climbs through mixed vegetation before entering thick deciduous forest which is full of bird life, tree orchids, and in springtime abundant flowers including rhododendrons and white michelia. The trail stays on the shady north facing slopes which are moist and dark leading to prolific plant growth. The trail traverses on west towards Panchese Lekh (2508m) before climbing up on to the ridgeline which leads to a chautara (resting-place). Near this spot, on the south facing slopes, we reach a fine lunch spot in the form of a "Roman Fort" on deserted farming terraces. The afternoon starts with a half hour walk to a distinctive ridge crossing point. Climb away west to the President's Camp set high on hills immediately below Panchese Lekh. (Approx - 5 hours walk) (B,L,D).
Camp

Day 6 - Annapurna Trek
An early morning climb of Panchase Lekh is well worth while. There is a shrine near the summit and a small lake on the west side of the hill. The summit has incredible views not only north to the Himalayas but also across the broad sweep of surrounding foothills. After lunch the route heads down through the forest to Tashi's Camp located above the village of Bhadhaure. (Approx - 5/6 hours.) (B,L,D).
Camp

Day 7 - Trek - Pokhara
Descend to the village of Bhadaure, followed by a steepish climb to the ridgeline. Continue along the ridge with panoramic views of Pokhara Valley and the Phewa Tal (lake). Stop for lunch above the village of Khare, overlooking the Pokhara to Baglung road and the entire Naudanda ridge. Descend to Khare where there will be vehicles to meet you and transfer you to Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, approximately a two hour drive.

The lodge is situated on a spectacular hilltop ridge high above the Pokhara Valley with wonderful panoramic views of Machhapuchhare and three of the world's 8,000m Himalayan peaks, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu. Its tranquil setting is a haven for artists, writers and birdwatchers as well as for those who wish to experience the village lifestyle of rural Nepal (B,L,D).
Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge

Day 8 - Pokhara - Chitwan National Park
After breakfast and early morning activities, drive to Meghauly on the edge of Chitwan National Park. On arrival you will be met and transferred to Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge by boat and landrover. Activities here include wildlife viewing from elephant back, jungle walks, bird-watching, Land Rover drives, river safaris, elephant camp visits, wildlife viewing and photographing from machans (blinds). All wildlife activities are escorted by experienced naturalists. Wildlife in Chitwan includes the greater one-horned rhinoceros, spotted deer, hog deer, sambar deer and barking deer as well as a wide variety of birdlife. With a bit of luck, there are always the chance of glimpsing leopard, sloth bear and Royal Bengal tiger (B,L,D)
Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge

Day 9 - Chitwan National Park
A full day spent at the lodge with activities (B,L,D)
Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge

Day 10 Chitwan - Kathmandu
After breakfast and early morning activities transfer to Meghauly airport for the ½ hour flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival you are transferred to the hotel (B).
Dwarika's Hotel (Heritage Room)

Day 11 - Depart Kathmandu
Farewell Nepal and transfer to the airport for your onward flight (B).

Pricing
At A&K all of our journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale. As a guide, this 11 day suggested journey in Nepal will cost from $4,355 per person based on two adults sharing and subject to availability.