Essence of Nepal

Leave London an overnight flight to the Nepalese capital.

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your chosen hotel. Then, head out on a city tour to explore the capital, where bustling markets and thronging rickshaws set the scene for hidden temples and gilded stupas. Begin with a hop across the Bagmati River to Patan; one of the Kathmandu Valley's three ancient cities, it's a treasure trove of fine arts and Buddhist and Hindu culture. Then, summit the hill to Swayambunath to see its resident monks spin prayer wheels as monkeys play in the trees of its forested surrounds.  

The next day you'll rise early for an unforgettable scenic flight past Mount Everest's windswept summit before lunch and an afternoon tour of Bhaktapur. Known for its medieval art and architecture, highlights here include its Durbar Square, home to the multi-tiered Nayatapola Temple, Nepal's National Art Gallery and a host of ornately carved monuments.

Stay: Aloft Hotel or Hyatt Regency Kathmandu (Superior) or Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu (Deluxe) 

Drive south to the Royal Chitwan National Park, a World heritage site whose lush grasslands and dense forests hide royal Bengal tigers and one-horned Indian rhinos. Over three memorable days, you'll paddle canoes down remote jungle streams, join guided birdwatching tours and set out on nature walks as you explore Chitwan's unique biodiversity. 

Stay: Jungle Villa (Superior) Meghauli Serai (Deluxe)

Leave Chitwan for a five-hour drive north to Pokhara on the shores of Phewa Lake. Idyllically positioned in the shadow of the Himalayan Annapurnas, and with the perfect pyramid of Mt Machhapuchare as its backdrop, Pokhara's views are unsurpassed. Add in a thronging bazaar and a slew of adventure activities and you'll see why it's one of Nepal's most appealing destinations.

If you choose to stay at Temple Tree Resort & Spa, the following morning you'll head to the nearby mountain village of Sarangkot to watch the sun rise over the Himalayas before returning to Pokhara for a scenic boat ride on Phewa Lake and a guided tour of the town's Old Bazaar and Bahari Temple. For guests at Tiger Mountain Lodge, the same sun rise views can be enjoyed from the comforts of your hotel while the afternoon is given over to relaxation or an optional walking tour. Lunch and dinner, along with a selection of activities including birdwatching tours and expert-led day hikes are included at our Deluxe option only.

Stay: Barahi Hotel (Standard) Tiger Mountain Lodge (Superior)

Fly from Pokhara back to Kathmandu where a final city tour will first introduce you to the fluttering prayer flags of Boudhanath Stupa before you head to the riverside temple of Pashupatinath to see sadhus and other devotees make offerings to Lord Shiva as cremations take place on the ghats that line the riverbank. The following morning, after a leisurely breakfast, you'll transfer to Kathmandu airport in time for your onward flight.

Stay: Aloft Hotel or Hyatt Regency Kathmandu (Superior) or Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu (Deluxe) 

Depart Kathmandu on a day flight to the UK