Raw, spiritual and extraordinary: a journey through Nepal is unparalleled. Wind through Kathmandu's medieval old town and join the flurry of pilgrims circling its most sacred temples. Drive through Chitwan National Park in search of the one-horned rhino and tiger. Journey to Himalayan villages to see mountain life. And inhale the sheer enormity of a majestic landscape that will get your heart racing.
Journey Highlights
Welcome to Kathmandu, the vibrant and ever-surprising capital of Nepal. Here, in the heart of the Kathmandu Valley, you’ll discover one of the world’s densest collections of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Receive a warm A&K welcome on
arrival and transfer privately to your exquisite hotel, a beautifully preserved
Newari building tucked into the quiet fringes of the bustling city centre.
Settle in and spend the rest of your day at leisure. This evening, take your
place in Krishnarpan, the Nepali speciality restaurant at Dwarika's, for a
culinary journey through this incredible region.
Dwarika’s Hotel (Heritage Deluxe Room)
| Meals: D
Rise early for your first real glimpse of Nepal’s mountain magnificence on a fixed wing or helicopter mountain flight (additional charge). Soar over a majestic landscape of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys and glaciers, dominated by the world’s highest mountain, Everest.
After breakfast, climb the 400 steps
to Swayambhunath, the oldest shrine in the world. Explore the fifth century
temple with its beautiful Buddhist stupa and drink in sweeping views of the
city and valley below. Return to the hotel for some time to relax and unwind,
taking advantage of the incredible facilities. Later, head to the temple of
Pashupatinath, and marvel at its astonishing architectural beauty on the banks
of the sacred Bagmati River. Continue to the imposing 14th century Bouddhanath
Stupa, one of the holiest of Nepal’s Buddhist sites. Meet a local artisan for a
fascinating insight into Buddhism and the Thangka paintings. Find your spot
overlooking the stupa and sip sundowners as you watch pilgrims circling the
site and spinning prayer wheels.
Dwarika’s Hotel (Heritage Deluxe Room)
| Meals: B
Enjoy a morning exploring at your own pace before travelling to Patan. Treat your tastebuds to a culinary surprise in a local home, where you will learn the secret behind some favourite Nepalese dishes and savour a delicious lunch.
Continue to Patan City, also known as Lalitpur, and discover an ancient city of arts and architecture. Visit Durbar Square with its palaces, shrines and temples bustling with flower sellers, pilgrims and orange-clad sadhus.
Explore many a magnificent and historic monument, including the Royal Baths, Mahaboudha, Krishna Mandir and Hiranya Verna Mahabihar (the Golden Temple).
Afterwards. immerse yourself in Nepal’s cultural heritage and art history in the Patan Museum, housed in a beautifully restored Malla 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. Written commentary explains their significance to
Nepal’s art history, spiritualism, cultural heritage and contemporary life.
Dwarika’s Hotel (Heritage Deluxe Room)
| Meals: BL
Leave the chaos and beauty of Kathmandu behind and journey to Dhulikhel. Pause at Bhaktapur City, an enchanting 9th century fortified town in the Kathmandu Valley, also known as the 'City of Devotees'. Tread along the 17th century cobbled pavements surrounded by wonderfully preserved architecture. Watch bustling activity in the town square and admire the Palace of Fifty-Five Windows.
Continue to Dhulikhel, an ancient
Newari town nestled in the foothills of the Pachkhal Valley. Find your
luxurious sanctuary in Dwarika’s Resort and relax. Dip into the infinity pool
or head to the meadow for yoga and meditation. This evening find a fireside
spot in the bar to drink in the snow-kissed panoramas.
Dwarika’s Resort (Junior Suite) |
Meals: BD
Wake to spectacular sunrise views over the great Himalayan ranges. After a sumptuous breakfast, embark on a morning hike through rural hamlets, forests and rice paddies to Balthali village. Enjoy true Nepalese hospitality in a village home for lunch, before returning to Dwarika’s Resort.
This afternoon, explore your way with
a choice of activities (additional charge). You can discover the charm of rural
life along the walking trails, venture into the forest to seek out native birds
and medicinal herbs or learn about Nepalese terrace farming at a local organic
farm.
Dwarika’s Resort (Junior Suite) |
Meals: BLD
Return to Kathmandu and fly to Bharatpur and take the scenic drive to Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s most famous wildlife reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive at your safari lodge, where rustic villas face the rushing Rapti river and the forest beyond.
After lunch, glide down the Rapti River by canoe taking in beautiful views and enjoy the unique eco system around the river and flood plains. Keep your camera ready for rhino, gharial and exotic birdlife while naturalists explain the world around the water. Later, enjoy sundowners on the riverbank.
Meghauli Serai – A Taj Safari Lodge (Rapti Villa) | Meals: BLD
Embark on a half-day jeep safari
accompanied by an expert guide. Get up close to the likes of the endangered
one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, sloth bear and over 550
varieties of birds. Later this afternoon, led by your expert guide, take a walk
through the dense jungle to catch a glimpse of endemic species in their natural
habitat.
Meghauli Serai – A Taj Safari Lodge
(Rapti Villa) | Meals: BLD
Leave the wildlife sanctuary behind and drive to Bharatpur for flight to Pokhara, an enchanting town in the foothills of magnificent Mt Machhapucchre. Visit the nearby Tibetan Refugee Camp for a fascinating insight into Tibetan life.
Continue to the Pavilions Himalaya
Resort in a tranquil valley alongside a meandering river. Relax at your villa,
inhale the clean mountain air, and enjoy one of the finest mountain panoramas
in the world before a delicious dinner at your hotel
The Pavilions Himalayas Resort
(Pavilion Classic Room) | Meals: BD
Rise early and drive to the hilltop village of Sarangkot, balanced on the mountainside ridge at an altitude of 1,600m, for a breathtaking sunrise over the Annapurna range.
Return to your resort for breakfast
and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Stroll through the maze of markets
and stall of Pokhara, soak in the views of peaceful Lake Phewa at one of the
many cafes or for the more adventurous, Pokhara is one of the best places in
the world to try paragliding.
The Pavilions Himalayas Resort
(Pavilion Classic Room) | Meals: B
Leave your Himalaya resort behind and
fly to Kathmandu. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring at your own pace. Perhaps
take a cycle rickshaw through Ason Market one of the region’s oldest and most
famous bazaars, meander through markets to pick up some last-minute mementos, visit
Durbar Square and the gilded roofs of Teleju Temple, or simply unwind in the
luxury of your hotel.
Dwarika’s Hotel (Heritage Deluxe Room)
| Meals: B
Farewell Nepal as you transfer
privately to the airport for your onward journey.
Meals: B
This journey features the following Preferred Accommodations:
Dwarika's Hotel is a fine example of Nepali architecture with intricate wood and terracotta work produced by the finest craftsmen in the ... Read more
Located an hour's drive from Kathmandu city, the resort is spread across a lush hillside amongst pine, rhododendron and cherry blossom tr... Read more
A true haven set on the banks of the River Rapti sits the Meghauli Serai. Stay in contemporary Meghauli rooms all complete with a balcony... Read more
Located southwest of Pokhara in a natural paradise, The Pavilions is a truly eco-sensitive luxury boutique resort. Situated on land still... Read more
As this suggested itinerary can be personalised to your specific requirements, it is not available for online booking.
Depending on your preferred dates and arrangements, final pricing will vary from low season to peak season travel.
Please call A&K on 1300 851 800 or send us a booking enquiry to book this journey.