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ESSENCE OF NEPAL
Day 1 London to Muscat
Today depart London Heathrow on the Oman Air flight to Muscat.
Day 2 Muscat to Kathmandu – by air
On your arrival into Muscat connect onto the Oman Air flight to Kathmandu. On
your arrival you will be met and transferred to the Yak & Yeti Hotel. (N)
Day 3 Kathmandu to Pokhara – by air
This morning fly to Pokhara which is nestled in a valley beneath the Annapurna
Massif. Uniquely situated for viewing the great Himalayan peaks, the valley
itself has a sub-tropical climate and the land is lush with vegetation. Stay
four nights at Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge which is approximately a thirty
minute drive from Pokhara. This superb lodge is set 300 metres above the Pokhara
Valley and overlooks three of the world’s 8,000metre peaks. Having received
several awards for its eco-friendly approach, there are nineteen rooms overlooking
the mountain ranges, each with a private veranda. (B/L/D)
Day 4 Pokhara
to
Day 6 Pokhara
Three full days at leisure to explore Pokhara with Tiger Mountain
Pokhara Lodge as your base. Guided walks can be arranged locally.
Possibilities include a full day Gurung Villages Trek Circuit exploring
the picturesque communities of Tulaswor, Tham and Lankachhar. More
leisurely day excursions to Begnas Tal can be arranged or simply relax
by the pool and absorb the mountain scenery. All activities
are tailor made by Tiger Mountain to suit each individual client.
(B/L/D)
Day 7 Pokhara to Royal Chitwan National Park – 160kms
After breakfast leave by car and travel through picturesque countryside
to the Royal Chitwan National Park which lies in the lowland Terai
of Nepal close to the border with India. The park is rich in wildlife
with one-horned rhinoceros, sloth bear, deer, Gharial crocodile and
the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger all found in the reserve. Stay for
three nights at Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge famous for its tree houses
and bungalows which are built with sustainable natural materials.
Day 8 Chitwan
To
Day 9 Chitwan
Accompanied by your Tiger Tops naturalists, over the next two days search
for wildlife taking daily early morning and evening safaris. These are undertaken
by a combination of jeep, boat and elephant back. (B/L/D)
Day 10 Chitwan to Meghauly
Meghauly to Kathmandu – by air
This morning leave Chitwan and drive to Meghauly Airport in good time to
catch your onward flight to Kathmandu. On your arrival you will be met and
transferred to your hotel for three nights. In the afternoon take a guided
walking tour of Durbar Square in the old city of Kathmandu. See the temples,
shrines and palaces of Durbar Square. One of the most famous temples is that
of the Kumari, or the Living Goddess. This goddess is selected from the Buddhist
caste at the age of 3 and once she reaches puberty another Kumari replaces her.
Then visit the 2500 year old Swayambhunath Stupa where the all–seeing eyes of
Buddha stare down on the valley. (B)
Day 11 Kathmandu
Early this morning take the Everest Mountain flight (optional), a once in a lifetime
experience. This morning visit the beautiful and historic temple of Changu Narayan
which stands on a hilltop at the eastern end of the valley. Its origins go back to
the 4th century and many of the stone sculptures date from the 4th to 9th centuries.
Changu Narayan is a UNESCO World Heritage site, but is rarely visited by tourists.
In the afternoon visit Bhaktapur capital of the Kathmandu Valley between the 14th
and 16th centuries. Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square features an array of shrines,
courtyards, and memorial pillars with copper–gilt statues of kings and the
famous Golden Gate made of pure gold. However, it is the delicate woodcarvings
that adorn virtually all the buildings for which this city is noted. The sculptures
guarding the Nayatpola Temple, the tallest shrine in the Kathmandu Valley, are impressive.
This temple is considered to be the finest example of pagoda architecture in Nepal. (B)
Day 12 Kathmandu
This morning visit Pashupatinath and Bodhnath. Pashupatinath, most sacred of all
Nepalese Shiva shrines lies just 5kms east of Kathmandu. Built in 1696, the Temple
of Pashupatinath, with its large gilded triple roof is only open to Hindus. A bird’s
eye view of life in the temple complex is available, however, from the hillside across
the Bagmati River. Continue to nearby Bodhnath, one of the world’s oldest Lamaist shrines
and a focus for Tibetan pilgrimage. Here too the all–seeing eyes of Buddha look out over
the long rows of multi coloured prayer flags, which encircle the brilliant white dome.
In the afternoon visit the ancient city of Patan, capital of the Malla Kings. Durbar
Square contains a striking array of temples fountains, royal palaces covered with
exquisite carvings and adorned with beautiful bronzes. (B)
Day 13 Kathmandu to London via Muscat
Today return to London with Oman Air via Muscat.
STAYING ON
Trekking is synonymous with Nepal and we are pleased to offer a choice of short treks from Pokhara using Ker & Downey trekking lodges. Based in the picturesque villages of Birethanti, Ghandruk and Dhampus, these small and intimate lodges are managed by former Gurkha servicemen, cater for around sixteen guests and offer a wonderful insight into this beautiful country.
Experience the mountainous Himalayan Kingdom Bhutan. Easily reach by air from Kathmandu, Bhutan offers beautiful landscapes and fascinating culture. Traditional and charming, the little visited Bhutan is a hidden gem that captivates travellers and has remained unchanged over the centuries.
Sacred Varanasi, India’s holiest city, is only a short flight from Delhi. Located on the banks of the River Ganges, Varanasi is an assault on the senses and, at dawn, a sight to behold. Vibrant Kolkata can also be reached from Kathmandu by air.
Extend your stay in the subcontinent with a visit to the
world famous Taj Mahal in Agra or colourful Jaipur, the state capital
of Rajasthan.
Relax on the beaches of Goa or Kerala – both easily reached by air direct
from Delhi. With a range of hotels to choose from both locations offer something
for everyone and are an excellent way to end a tour. Time in Kerala could
also be extended with a cruise on the backwaters.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – ESSENCE OF NEPAL
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £3,890. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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