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.
Kathmandu – Pokhara – Bandipur – Kathmandu – Bardia National Park – Kathmandu
Trip Highlights
- Visit Patan, home to arguably the finest collection of temples and architecture in Nepal
- Glimpse authentic rural Nepali and Newari life in the historic village of Bandipur
- Bardia is the largest reserve in Nepal and supports elephant, rhinoceros and tiger
- Pokhara occupies a spectacular setting sitting the shadow of the Annapurna Range
- Enjoy a walking tour of Kathmandu’s historic centre including regal Durbar Square
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Today depart the UK on the Qatar Airways flight to Doha.
Day 2
Arrive Kathmandu
Arrive into Doha and connect onto the Qatar Airways flight to Kathmandu. This afternoon take a 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. End the day at the 2500 year old Swayambhunath Stupa, one of the oldest and most important sites of worship in the city.
Yak and Yeti Hotel
Dwarika's Hotel
Day 3
Kathmandu – visit Pashupatinath, Bodhnath and Patan
Start the morning at 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.
Yak and Yeti Hotel
Dwarika's 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.
- 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 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.
- Breakfast
Old Inn Bandipur
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.
- Breakfast
Yak and Yeti Hotel
Dwarika's 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.
- Breakfast
Yak and Yeti Hotel
Dwarika's Hotel
Day 10
Kathmandu to Nepalgunj – by air / Nepalgunj to Bardia National Park
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.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge
Day 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.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge
Day 13
Bardia National Park to Nepalgunj / Nepalgunj to Kathmandu – by air
After breakfast return by car to Nepalgunj Airport and return by air to Kathmandu.
- Breakfast
Yak and Yeti Hotel
Dwarika's Hotel
Day 14
Kathmandu to the UK
Today transfer back to Kathmandu Airport to catch the Qatar Airways flight to Doha. On your arrival connect onto the onwards Qatar Airways flight to the UK.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Chitwan is Nepal’s best-known national park and the oldest reserve in the country. Supporting a wide variety of animals, Chitwan is renowned for tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, leopard, elephant, sloth bear and crocodile.
Extend your time in the subcontinent with a stay in the Indian capital of Delhi. Explore the atmospheric medieval streets of Old Delhi and the tree-lined avenues and grand government buildings of New Delhi. Regular flights link Delhi and Kathmandu.
Spectacular high altitude scenery and charming lodge accommodation make Nepal a world-class trekking destination. Add a few days of walking to experience the true essence of Nepal, passing mountain villages, lush rice fields and thick forest.
Habre’s Nest in the remote wilds of eastern Nepal is a unique wildlife experience. Part research centre and part guesthouse, Habre’s Nest was developed to conserve and study the endangered red panda which is found here.
Guide to Price
14 days from £4350 - £5600 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 £4350 - £5600
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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