Compare Classic Nepal by Intrepid Travel vs Best of Nepal by Indus Travels

Day 1 Kathmandu

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Arrive in Kathmandu and take your complimentary airport transfer to the hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. The evening is free to explore the streets of Kathmandu, whose mixture of ancient architecture and modern development, and rich artistic and cultural heritage means it remains the legendary destination it has been for decades. Crowded markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life, and the narrow streets are home to holy men, monks, bicycles, incense, goats, and sacred cows. You may like to join your leader and group for an optional dinner at one of Kathmandu's fine Nepali restaurants.

Day 2 Kathmandu

Weather permitting, you'll have the option to take a Mount Everest scenic flight this morning. This experience will take you over Sagamartha National Park through a crescendo of the highest peaks in the world, getting up close to Mount Everest. After breakfast, you'll explore Kathmandu, visiting Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here you'll see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. You'll also visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the most significant Buddhist shrines in the world, where you can observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. After lunch, it's time to explore Swayambhunath Temple (the Monkey Temple). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one of the city's most famous temples and fascinatingly reflects Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. From here, you'll head to Durbar Square, which sits at the front of the old royal palace. You'll get a chance to admire the beautiful temples and browse the stalls of merchant's wares. The evening is yours to explore the city as you wish.

Day 3 Pokhara

Today you'll leave your hotel early and hit the road to Pokhara in a private vehicle. Time to relax after you arrive. If you wish, you can stroll around and take in the views of the lake (Phewa Tal), which is the second largest in Nepal.

Day 4 Pokhara

If you're an early riser, you'll have the option to wake up early and enjoy the sunrise over Sarangkot Hill this morning. Then, after breakfast, you'll visit the Peace Pagoda, where spectacular views of the mountains await. Take in vistas that span the Annapurnas to the famous fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare, and back to Pokhara. From here, you'll visit the fascinating International Mountain Museum to learn the amazing tales of past climbing expeditions – some ending in triumph, some ending in tragedy. After a morning of exploring, you'll head to a local Tibetan Refugee Camp for lunch. You'll hear stories of their journey from Tibet to Nepal, learn about local life and take part in a traditional cooking demonstration to find out how to make delicious momos (steamed dumplings). Of course, you'll sit down for a group lunch and tuck into the fruits of your labour. In the afternoon, you'll take a scenic boat ride across the lake (Phewa Tal). You can stretch your legs and check out Taal Barahi temple in the middle of the lake or simply admire the views from the boat.

Day 5 Bandipur

Today you'll travel to Bandipur by private vehicle. This traditional Nepalese town is a natural treasure and one of the country's hidden gems. Bandipur was once an essential stop for traders travelling to Tibet, and the town's single main street is still lined with buildings that once housed a wide variety of merchants. Many of the buildings have been converted now, but their architecture remains. Enjoy a peaceful stay in this charming, rural location.

Day 6 Bandipur

Enjoy a day of free time to explore Bandipur further. The surrounding hills are ideal for hiking along trails that will take you through tribal villages and hilltop shrines that once doubled as fortresses. Bandipur is saddled on a high ridge above Dumre, making for an exceptional view of the Himalayan panorama. You may prefer to visit the town's temples or relax with a coffee and a spectacular view.

Day 7 Chitwan National Park

After breakfast, you'll drive to Chitwan National Park. After arriving and settling in, you'll be introduced to the camp staff and resident naturalists, who'll discuss the activities for the upcoming days. A late-afternoon safari will take you through forests and across grasslands to spot wildlife and explore the park. In the early evening, the local Tharu dance troupe may perform a cultural program. You'll enjoy dinner as a group and then the evening will be all yours – maybe relax in the bar and discuss the day's animal sightings or listen to the stirrings of the jungle at night.

Day 8 Chitwan National Park

Embark on an early-morning excursion. This could include another safari to different parts of the park (in search of the great Indian rhino, deer and exotic birdlife) or joining one of the other activities available in the park. After breakfast, you’ll leave the lodge and go on a dugout canoe adventure on the Rapti River. This is an exciting trip with chances to catch a glimpse of marsh mugger crocodiles and various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. A program will be organised for the rest of the day and may include further excursions by jeep or a visit to one of the nearby villages.

Day 9 Bhaktapur

If you’re an avid wildlife lover, an optional early-morning birdwatching safari is available today – a worthwhile addition to your trip. After breakfast, drive along the Trisuli River to Bhaktapur and enjoy a stop along the riverbank for lunch. Bhaktapur was once the capital of Nepal and the Great Malla Kingdom during the 15th century. Its rich heritage, inspiring temples and artisanal history played a big part in Bhaktapur being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy an evening of exploration on your own, soak up the lovely atmosphere in one of the local cafes, or simply relax in your hotel.

Day 10 Kathmandu

Spend the morning exploring Bhaktapur's famous temples, starting at Durbar Square, which is said to be the most beautiful piece of art in Nepal. Durbar Square is home to the majestic Lion Gate and Golden Gate. You’ll also visit the Pashupati Temple – a replica of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu. In the afternoon, drive to Kathmandu. The evening is yours to spend as you wish – your group may like to head out for an optional final dinner as your Nepal adventure comes to an end.

Day 11 Kathmandu

Your trip officially comes to an end after breakfast today. If you would like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.

Today make your own way to your gateway airport to board your international flight to Nepal via another gateway. Enjoy in-flight meals and services on your overnight flight 

On arrival in Kathmandu today you will be met and transferred to your hotel.  Nepal’s capital city enjoys an exquisite setting amidst snow-covered mountain peaks, friendly locals, several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a series of ornate stone temples dating back hundreds of years. Overnight in Kathmandu

Day at leaisure , perhaps joing our optional tour. 

This morning travel overland to Chitwan National Park (CNP), a World Heritage Site in Terai, the subtropical southern part of Nepal.  A total of 68 species of mammals, 544 species of birds and 126 species of fish have been recorded in the park, but it is especially renowned for its protection of the One Horned Rhinoceros, the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Gharial Crocodile. Overnight in Chitwan

Today your experienced guide will take you into the park to search for some of the incredible animals that live here, including the Great Asian One-horned Rhinoceros, Leopard, and Sloth Beer, deer, monkeys, wild boar and 460 different species of birds. Royal Bengal Tiger, being territorial and nocturnal in behavior, will normally not appear during the day, but sometimes your luck can do wonders and you may have an unforgettable sight of the king of the forest. You may also be able to paddle in a dugout canoe to the point where three rivers meet; the perfect place to see the park’s diverse birdlife and maybe even some crocodiles.  Later today you may have the chance to see a Stick Dance, a centuries-old dance performed by members of the Tharu tribe. Overnight in Chitwan

Resting deep in the Himalayas around 200 km west of Kathmandu is Pokhara, Nepal’s most popular holiday resort and your destination for today.  Pohkara offers a range of exhilarating outdoor activities as well as numerous scenic spots where you can simply relax and unwind; from sitting by the peaceful lake and taking in the view of the extraordinary surrounding mountains to visiting cultural villages, there is plenty to keep every visitor occupied. Overnight in Pokhara

Today you can enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Pokhara city.  You will see Pokhara’s most important sights, enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas and experience an unforgettable boat ride on the beautiful Phewa Lake. Overnight in Pokhara

This morning travel overland to Dhulikhel, an authentic Nepalese town at the far east of the Kathmandu Valley where the culture and traditions of the local Newari people have stayed strong. It is one of the best spots in the country from which to admire the magnificence of the rugged Himalayan peaks.  The charming old town boasts two lovely temples in distinct Vishnu and Hari Siddhi styles, and a Kali temple set on a hilltop above the town.  Enjoy the town at your leisure. Overnight in Dhulikhel

Today you will be transferred back to Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport for your onward flight.            

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