Tour description
This heart-stopping tour commences in the valley of Kathmandu, which forms the heart of Nepal and offers a stunning natural environment packed with temples, monasteries and other time-worn buildings. Amongst fertile rice fields, and entirely surrounded by mountains, you’ll discover for yourself the three ancient royal cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur.
Pagodas, Buddhist shrines, palaces and markets
Originally the capitals of separate principalities, they competed during the 16th to 19th centuries to build bigger and more beautiful temples – today you can reap the rewards of their monumental efforts to out-do each other! And you’ll find you have the freedom to enjoy all of this because until day 3 you’ll have the opportunity to explore the valley of Kathmandu on your own. Kathmandu itself, and nearby Patan, share a medieval atmosphere which you’ll love. They’re packed with pagodas, Buddhist shrines, palaces and markets. You may choose to rent a bike to visit Pashupatinath, which is constantly thronged by pilgrims. You may wish to simply chill out on one of the many terraces. Or you may opt to hit Kathmandu, where there are numerous restaurants and cinemas, and where you’ll be able to party if that appeals to you. But it’s all going to be your choice and just an opener to your individual adventure!Trekking the mountains
On day 3 we take off for Pokhara, which lies in a sub-tropical valley. Its dazzling panorama offers a unique view of the mountains of the Himalayan massif which rise steeply for 7,000 meters. Pokhara has a relaxed atmosphere and nestles beside a cool mountain lake ideal for swimming and rowing. Here it’s possible to take a one-day hike to Sarangkot, nestling amidst snowy Himalayan peaks. The beautiful area surrounding Pokhara is perfect for short or long walks, wandering through coniferous forests and small settlements. On day 4, by which time you’ll be acclimatised to the rarefied air and getting into your stride, you’ll embark on one of the highlights of the trip, a trek through an ever-more-astonishing Himalayan tableau.The Annapurna range
On day 8 you reach the beautiful lakeside town of Pokhara, sat at the foot of the impressive Annapurna range. No doubt you’ll want some rest after all that trekking, but sunrise over the Annapurna mountains, which sees the distinctive snowy ‘fishtail’ peak glow pink with the first morning light, is not to be missed. Pokhara is also a good place to shop and sample some delicious Nepalese and Tibetan food.Chitwan National Park
Day 9 will see you heading for Chitwan National Park, famed for its diverse flora and fauna. The deciduous Sal forest, the open grass plains, the sub-tropical rain-forest, the rivers and lakes, are homes to four hundred species of birds and forty species of mammals. There are optional excursions to watch tigers, monkeys, crocs and rhinos from an elephant howdah, a jeep, on foot, or in a tree-trunk canoe.
On the morning of day 11 we return to Kathmandu, from which, after pausing at bazaars, you’ll be free to travel home on day 13.