Essence of Nepal
Explore the highlights of Nepal
You don’t have to be Sir Edmund Hillary to enjoy the delights of Nepal. This nine-day trip takes in Himalayan peaks, medieval towns, mesmerising temples and tiger-padded parks – all without the need to go trekking in the mountains. We’ve listed two pricing levels, based on superior and deluxe accommodation.
For those who do wish to walk, trekking extensions are easy to organise, and walking in the shadow of the world's tallest peaks while resting each night in comfortable, purpose-built lodges is a natural high that for many is unmatched.
2 nights Kathmandu • 1 night Dhulikhel • 2 nights Royal Chitwan National Park • 2 nights Pokhara • 1 night Kathmandu
Day 1: Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your Hotel Yak & Yeti (superior), a 5-star hotel in the heart of the city, or the Heritage Award-winning Dwarika’s Hotel (deluxe), where every brick is hand-made and every piece of woodwork is a centuries-old original.
Stay Superior: Yak & Yeti
Stay Deluxe: Dwarika’s Hotel
Day 2: Kathmandu & Patan
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, seeing temples, monasteries and the royal palaces around Durbar Square. There’s also time to spin a prayer wheel at Swayambhunath, the oldest shrine in the world. Then hop across the valley to Patan, whose medieval backstreets are filled with more than 600 stupas and 185 bahals (courtyards). End with a visit to the Tibetan Refugee Camp to watch weavers making carpets.
Stay Superior: Yak & Yeti (B)
Stay Deluxe: Dwarika’s Hotel (B)
Day 3: Bhaktapur & Dhulikhel
Venture further into the Kathmandu Valley, touring Bhaktapur, whose traffic-free, cobblestone streets link temples, courtyards and monumental squares. Lunch in a cafe offers great opportunities for people watching. Look out for the locals hanging peppers from their windows, potters and woodcarvers busy at work, children at play and women pounding grain or laying rice in the sun to dry. Spend the night in Dhulikhel, a quite town with magnificent mountain views and a centre for traditional Newari crafts.
Stay: Dwarika’s Himalaya Shangrila Resort (B)
Days 4–5: Royal Chitwan National Park
Take a 30-minute flight to the edge of Royal Chitwan National Park, whose lush grasslands and dense forests hide royal Bengal tigers and one-horned Indian rhinos. Transfer to either Tiger Tops Tented Camp (superior) or Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge (deluxe), both deep in the heart of the park. Tents have comfortable twin beds and hot and cold showers. Lodge rooms are attractively furnished and have solar-heated showers. Activities include jungle safaris on elephant back, Land Rover drives, river safaris and jungle treks. On clear days, several 8,000m peaks can be seen from the park.
Stay Superior: Tiger Tops Tented Camp (BLD)
Stay Deluxe: Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge (BLD)
Days 6–7: Pokhara
With no major range between Pokhara and the Himalayas’ most awe-inspiring mountains – including the perfect pyramid of Mt Machhapuchare (aka Fishtail) and the mighty Annapurnas – Pokhara’s views are unsurpassed. Add a millpond-calm lake perfectly reflecting the snowy peaks, a thronging bazaar and a slew of adventure activities and you’ve one of Nepal’s most appealing destinations. Transfer to either Fish Tail Lodge (superior) or Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge (deluxe). The latter is particularly special, offering peace and quiet, hand-cut stone bungalows that maximise the views and an irresistible infinity pool. Sightseeing and other activities are available from both lodges, including the likes of golf, day walks, spa treatments, tennis and microlight flights (some at additional cost).
Stay Superior: Fish Tail Lodge (B)
Stay Deluxe: Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge (BLD)
Day 8: Kathmandu
Fly to Kathmandu where you will spend the last night of your tour.
Stay Superior: Yak & Yeti (B)
Stay Deluxe: Dwarika’s Hotel (B)
Day 9 Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Pricing information
9-day tailor-made itinerary
Prices from: £2,191 to £2,354 pp (Superior), or £2,535 to £2,809 pp (Deluxe)
Valid for travel: Until 9 December 2012
Package includes: International & domestic flights, transfers, guided tours, Royal Chitwan activities, 8 nights accommodation with meals as indicated.
B = breakfast • L = lunch • D = dinner
Terms & Conditions: Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
To book, call 0845 643 6562
To book this travel offer, call one of our tailor-made travel experts now, quoting reference WEX101527.
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