Guarded to the north by the highest mountains in the world, Nepal is a pocket-sized, landlocked country of uncompromising beauty. A treasure-trove of temples, shrines and palaces, medieval towns, spectacular trekking and exceptional wildlife reserves, Nepal really does have it all.
Starting in Kathmandu, visits are made to Pashupatinath, Bodhnath and Patan before heading west to Pokhara, nestled below three 8,000 metre peaks. After a stay in Chitwan National Park, home to tiger, rhinoceros and leopard, fly back to Kathmandu for visits to Changu Narayan and Bhaktapur.
Kathmandu – Pokhara – Chitwan National Park – Kathmandu
Trip Highlights
- In Kathmandu visit ancient Swayambhunath Stupa and the Lamaist shrine of Bodhnath
- Beautiful Pokhara is a popular trekking centre and dominated by the Annapurna Range
- Explore Chitwan where forest and grassland provide habitat for rhino, leopard and tiger
- Whilst in Pokhara go birdwatching or undertake a memorable day trek from your lodge
- UNESCO protected Changu Narayan is a fine example of Nepalese pagoda architecture
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Today depart the UK on the Emirates flight to Dubai.
Day 2
Arrive Kathmandu
After connecting in Dubai, arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon enjoy a walking tour of the old city. Explore Durbar Square, an astonishing area of regal and religious architecture which is the cultural heart of Kathmandu and features many temples and palaces. Also visit the 2500-year-old Swayambhunath Stupa, one of the city’s oldest and most important sites of worship.
Yak and Yeti Hotel
Dwarika's Hotel
Day 3
Kathmandu – visit Pashupatinath, Bodhnath and Patan
Start the morning at Nepal’s most important Hindu pilgrimage site, the Pashupatinath temple complex. Also visit the impressive stupa of Bodhnath, an important Tibetan pilgrimage site, before driving outside of Kathmandu to visit the ancient city of Patan. Patan is the artistic and architectural centre of the valley and the central square is home to hundreds of monasteries and temples.
- Breakfast
Yak and Yeti Hotel
Dwarika's Hotel
Day 4
Kathmandu to Pokhara – by air
After breakfast transfer to Kathmandu Airport and fly to Pokhara. Set 300 metres above the Pokhara valley, the lodge you will be staying for the next few nights overlooks three of the world's 8,000 metre peaks. Lying in the shadow of the Annapurna massif, Pokhara is one of Nepal's main trekking bases and has an idyllic location surrounded by small rural villages and stunning natural scenery.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Temple Tree Resort and Spa
Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge
Day 5-6
Pokhara
Over the next two days enjoy the lodge and the surrounding area. With its isolated location and pretty setting, Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge is the ideal place for a range of day hikes. Birding in the valley is also popular and special bird-watching walks with trained guides can be arranged by the lodge. Alternatively relax, enjoy the swimming pool, play a round of golf, have an Ayurvedic massage or take a yoga session.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Temple Tree Resort and Spa
Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge
Day 7
Pokhara to Bharatpur – by air / Bharatpur to Chitwan National Park – 40kms
This morning you will be met and transferred to Pokhara Airport for the flight to Bharatpur. On arrival continue by road to Chitwan National Park where you will stay for the next three nights. Close to the Indian border, Chitwan lies at the heart of Nepal's lowland Terai, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the country's oldest reserve. A mixture of swamp, tall elephant grass and dense forest, the park supports a wide range of wildlife and recent conservation measures here have been increasingly successful.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Jungle Villa Resort, Chitwan National Park
Barahi Jungle Lodge
Day 8-9
Chitwan National Park
Enjoy the wonders and wildlife of Chitwan National Park over the next couple of days exploring the reserve with a naturalist. A natural habitat for tiger, leopard, Indian rhinoceros, elephant, sloth bear and deer, Chitwan also supports numerous reptile species including the marsh mugger and gharial crocodile. The park is also a bird watcher's paradise and is home to over 400 species from colourful parakeets and birds of prey to seasonal waterfowl and wetland species.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Jungle Villa Resort, Chitwan National Park
Barahi Jungle Lodge
Day 10
Chitwan National Park to Bharatpur – 40kms / Bharatpur to Kathmandu – by air
This morning leave Chitwan and transfer to Bharatpur Airport and return by air to Kathmandu. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel for a two night stay.
- Breakfast
Yak and Yeti Hotel
Dwarika's Hotel
Day 11
Kathmandu – visit Changu Narayan and Bhaktapur
Today visit the historic Changu Narayan temple which sits atop a hill at the eastern end of the Kathmandu valley. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is over 1,500 years old and is one of the finest examples of Nepalese pagoda architecture. From here return towards Kathmandu stopping to visit charming Bhaktapur. Capital of the valley between the 14th and 16th centuries, the highlight is the Nayatpola Temple, the tallest pagoda-temple in Nepal, built by Newari artists and craftsmen. Durbar Square is also well worth a visit.
- Breakfast
Yak and Yeti Hotel
Dwarika's Hotel
Day 12
Kathmandu to the UK
Today transfer back to Kathmandu Airport to catch the Emirates flight to Dubai. On your arrival connect onto the onwards Emirates flight to the UK.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Trekking is synonymous with Nepal and with spectacular high altitude scenery it is a fantastic walking destination. Discover rural villages, terraced rice fields, thick forest and magnificent views whilst staying in comfortable lodge accommodation.
Remote Habre’s Nest in eastern Nepal offers a completely unique wildlife experience. A research centre and guesthouse, the sole purpose of Habre’s Nest is to both conserve and study the rare red panda that resides in this isolated region.
Kolkata, capital of West Bengal, is easily combined with Nepal. The intellectual and artistic heart of India, Kolkata is a fabulous place in which to spend a few days with highlights being the imposing Victoria Memorial and the excellent Indian Museum.
Include a further wildlife experience by flying to the far west of Nepal and Bardia National Park. A worthy alternative to the more famous Chitwan, Bardia is a pristine wilderness and supports a number of rare animals including tiger, one-horned rhinoceros and Gangetic dolphin.
Guide to Price
12 days from £3850 - £4890 per person
What's Included
- International and domestic flights
- Private car and driver
- Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
- Wildlife viewing with local naturalist
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
from £3850 - £4890
Travel Information
Getting There
It's not currently possible to fly directly from the UK to Nepal. There are a range of alternative options, flying with airlines including British Airways, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic and Qatar Airlines from Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester. The most common connecting flights to Nepal with these carriers are Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Delhi.
Flying Times From UK
The average flight times between the UK and Tribhuvan International Airport, located six kilometres outside of Kathmandu, is 12 hours, although this depends on the length of your stopover.
Time Zone
Nepal is +5¾ hours ahead of GMT.
Visa Requirements
Visitors can obtain a 15, 30 or 90 day single-entry tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and at some land borders. Visas can be paid for by card but it is advisable to carry cash as this is preferred. Check the exact cost before you travel as it is subject to change. You will need to fill in an arrival card and application form on arrival as well as provide a passport photograph. Visas, including multiple-entry visas, can also be obtained in advance from the Nepalese Embassy in London.
Do’s & Don’ts
When visiting temples and other holy places, you should dress respectfully. Women are advised not to wear shorts or sleeveless tops when visiting these sites.
Do ask permission before taking photographs, particularly of older people and parades or ceremonies.
Always remove your shoes before entering someone’s home, a monastery or temple. You should also remove all leather items before entering a Hindu temple.
When eating, only the right hand should be used. Nepalese culture considers the left hand to be unclean.
Money
The currency of Nepal is the Nepali Rupee (Rs), with denominations of one, two, five and ten rupees available as both coins and notes. Notes are also available in 20, 50, 10, 500 and 1,000 rupee denominations. Since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008, all notes are printed with an image of Mount Everest. Be aware that may be difficult to change 1,000 rupee notes with smaller traders, including rickshaw drivers, or in rural areas so it is always advisable to carry smaller denomination notes.
Tipping
Tips are generally accepted in Nepal to recognise good levels of service. It’s not necessary to tip for short taxi rides. A guideline for tipping drivers and guides will be advised prior to travel.
Food & Drink
Nepal’s cuisine is a fantastic blend of the flavours of its neighbouring countries. Generally, Nepalese food is considered to be healthier than other South Asian cuisines as it focuses less on cooking with oils and fats and instead uses chunky vegetables, meats and pickled dishes. Lentils, potatoes and yoghurt are common staples across Nepal, along with a wide variety of spices which give the dishes a complex, subtle flavour. Considered Nepal’s national dish, Dal Bhat is a must-try. Expect to receive a variety of side dishes around a rice, roti or mixed-grain centre. These side dishes can include curries, fish dishes, chutneys and pickles, with an almost unlimited amount of combinations possible. For something more hearty and warming, why not try some Gorkhall lamb? This delicious dish combines slow-cooked lamb with chunky onions, potatoes and an array of spices to create an intense curry that is best served with roti or rice.
Accommodation
Hotels in Nepal tend to be smaller rather than larger and most have a noticeable Nepali character. Accommodation in the capital Kathmandu is varied but, on whole properties are larger in size and more modern than elsewhere in the country. There are a few international hotels in Kathmandu too. In keeping with Nepal’s well-earned reputation as a leading wildlife destination lodges, especially at Chitwan and Bardia, are authentic, comfortable and in keeping with their natural surroundings. Hotels in Pokhara are mostly located in the area surrounding the town and take full advantage of the region’s spectacular mountain backdrop. If on a lodge trek, Kerr & Downey’s properties are of a high standard but accommodation on alternative treks is likely to be simpler. The small town of Bandipur also offers the unique chance to stay in restored Newari homes.
Shopping
Visitors can pick up many unique items including clothing and textiles, jewellery, tea and incense. Singing bowls are also a popular souvenir. These metal bowls are rubbed in a circular motion to produce sound, with the vibrations said to have healing powers.
Suggested Reading
For a good introduction to visiting Nepal, you cannot go wrong with a Footprint or Rough Guide. ‘Traveller's Tales Nepal: True Stories of Life on the Road’ by Rajendra Khadka contains some fascinating true accounts of traveller’s experiences in Nepal. Other interesting personal accounts include ‘Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt Everest Disaster’ by Jon Krakauer and ‘The Strict Economy of Fire’ by Ava Leavell Haymon. If you are looking for novels set in Nepal, there are plenty to choose from including Holly Robinson’s ‘Sleeping Tigers’ on one woman’s journey to Nepal or the action-packed ‘Kathmandu’ by Gerry Virtue.
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on Nepal the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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