Images of Nepal

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 | 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 | 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 | Meals: BL

Fly 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 | 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 stalls of Pokhara, soak in the views of peaceful Lake Phewa at one of the many cafes or alternatively choose to take a hike in the surrounding Annapurna foothills.

The Pavilions Himalayas Resort | Meals: B

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 | 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 | Meals: BLD

Leave the wildlife sanctuary behind and drive to Bharatpur for your flight to Kathmandu and journey on 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 | 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 | Meals: BLD

A full day at leisure to relax at the hotel and soak up the incredible views or head out to further explore the local countryside and villages on an excursion.

Dwarika’s Resort | Meals: BD

Farewell Nepal as you transfer privately to the airport for your onward journey.

Meals: B