Journey through Nepal

14 days from £4280 per person

Route: Kathmandu – Pokhara – Bandipur – Kathmandu – Bardia National Park – Kathmandu

Travelling from the central valleys of Nepal and the Himalayan foothills to the western Terai of Bardia National Park, this itinerary is quintessential Nepal. Starting in Kathmandu, time is spent in this vibrant city before a flight to Pokhara and a three night stay at the charming Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge which overlooks three of the world's 8,000 metre peaks. After an overnight stay in the charming mountain town of Bandipur, end the tour in Bardia National Park, home to the Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, gharial crocodile and numerous species of bird.

Day 1 Depart the UK

Today depart the UK on the Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul where you will connect on to Kathmandu. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Kathmandu

Arrive into Kathmandu where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon visit the 2500 year old Swayambhunath Stupa, one of the oldest and most important sites of worship in the city. (N)
Accommodation in Kathmandu: Dwarikas Hotel

Day 3 Kathmandu – visit Pashupatinath, Bodhnath and Patan

Start the morning with walking tour of the old city and explore the temples and palaces of Durbar Square - an astonishing area of regal and religious architecture which is the cultural heart of Kathmandu. From here continue to the Pashupatinath temple complex, Nepal's most important Hindu pilgrimage site and location of the Royal Cremation Ghats. Continuing, visit the nearby stupa of Bodhnath, one of the world's oldest Lamaist shrines and a focus for Tibetan pilgrimage, before driving outside of Kathmandu to visit the ancient city of Patan, capital of the Malla Kings. Patan is the artistic and architectural centre of the valley and the central square houses an astonishing 55 temples and 136 monasteries. (B)

Accommodation in Kathmandu: Dwarikas Hotel

Day 4 Kathmandu to Pokhara – by air

This morning transfer to Kathmandu Airport and fly to Pokhara. Set 300 metres above the Pokhara valley, the lodge 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 magnificent natural scenery and small rural villages. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Pokhara: Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge

Days 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. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Pokhara: Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge

Day 7 Pokhara to Bandipur – 90kms

This morning leave Pokhara and drive to the mountain town of Bandipur, a national treasure, noted for its traditional Newari houses which are characterised by carved wooden windows and overhanging slate roofs. The town was once a major crossroads on the trade route between India and Tibet and its former prosperity is explains today's faded grandeur. Stay overnight in a beautifully restored Newari home. (B)
Accommodation in Bandipur: Old Inn Bandipur
Alternative option: Gaun Ghar

Day 8 Bandipur to Kathmandu – 150kms

After a morning at leisure in Bandipur, leave the town and return by car through scenic rural landscapes to Kathmandu. (B)
Accommodation in Kathmandu: Dwarikas Hotel

Day 9 Kathmandu – visit Changu Narayan and Bhaktapur

This morning leave the city and visit the historic Changu Narayan temple. Standing upon a hilltop at the eastern end of the Kathmandu valley, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is over 1,500 years old and a fine example 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 Durbar Square and the Nayatpola Temple, the tallest pagoda-temple in Nepal, built by Newari artists and craftsmen. (B)
Accommodation in Kathmandu: Dwarikas Hotel

Day 10 Kathmandu to Nepalgunj – by air / Nepalgunj to Bardia

Today transfer to Kathmandu Airport and fly to Nepalgunj, located in the little-visited western Terai. On arrival continue by road to Bardia National Park, a two hour drive from Nepalgunj. Designated a national park in the 1980s, today Bardia is one of the most undisturbed wilderness area in the Terai lowlands. Bordered by the Geruwa River and heavily forested Churia Hills, Bardia combines dense sal forest, riverine forest and pockets of open grassland. (B/D)
Accommodation in Bardia National Park: Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge

Days 11 & 12 Bardia National Park

At Bardia there is an impressive variety of flora and fauna and over the next two days explore the reserve with a naturalist. Safaris in Bardia are undertaken by a combination of jeep, boat and elephant back. The reserve is home to numerous endangered species including the one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger and Gangetic dolphin as well as the elusive leopard, hog, sambar and spotted deer, nilgai, mongoose, striped hyena and jackal. There are also over 400 species of bird and a wide variety of reptiles. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Bardia National Park: Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge

Day 13 Bardia to Nepalgunj / Nepalgunj to Kathmandu – by air

After breakfast return by car to Nepalgunj Airport and return by air to Kathmandu. (B)
Accommodation in Kathmandu: Dwarikas Hotel

Day 14 Kathmandu to the UK

Today transfer back to Kathmandu Airport to catch the Turkish Airlines flight via Istanbul to the UK. (B)

14 days from £4280 per person

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Itinerary: Journey through Nepal

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