Highlights:

• Medieval Bhaktapur - renowned for it's old world charm, centuries old, finely crafted temples and squares

• See the historic citadel of Nuwakot - a truly superb fortified town of palaces and temples of historic significance

• You'll love the amazingly serene, hand-picked accommodation on this trip!

• Bandipur: visit the traffic-free bazaar, sip tea, nibble snacks, and soak in the village life

• Stay at the Mountain Lodge, walk to tranquil "Gurung" villages and meet the locals

• Explore Pokhara, nestled in a scenic location, enjoy the ambient cafes, visit the World Peace Pagoda and Gurkha museum

• Visit one of the holiest Hindu temples in the world - Pashupatinath. Learn about the cycle of birth and death and the story behind the Hindu Holy Men and witness one of many cremations along the banks of Bagmati river and on the sanctimonious grounds of the temple.

• Exciting Kathmandu: We take an exciting ride on cycle rickshaws through the eclectic tourist hub, famed for its ancient temples, market squares, Living Goddess and its myths, and the 'Hippie' haven of Freak Street.

 

Day 1 Arrival in exciting Kathmandu!

Welcome to Nepal! You will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel (30 mins approx).

We will meet in the late afternoon for introductions, a pre-trip briefing and dinner together.

Accommodation: Hotel Manaslu 

Meals:  Dinner

 

Day 2 Kathmandu

The morning begins with an interesting visit to the famous and largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal - Boudhanath. We will follow the pilgrims circumambulating the stupa spinning the prayer wheels and watch as they offer prayers to Lord Buddha, lighting a traditional butter lamp at the main entry way to the stupa.

Brace yourself for a fun-packed afternoon and interesting whirlwind tour of Kathmandu:

Amongst other things we will take an exhilarating rickshaw (a.k.a. ‘street helicopters’) ride through the narrow streets of the eclectic tourist hub of Thamel to Kathmandu Durbar Square. This old side of the city is famed for its many ancient temples, market squares, Living Goddess and its myths, legends and stories, including and not to be forgotten the hippy haven of Freak Street.

We then wrap up our day with a walk through the bustling vegetable and spice markets of Asan – the oldest market square of Kathmandu and via the backstreets to Thamel where we’ll

end the evening with a Momo (Nepalese dumpling) making class and Nepalese dinner at

Khohang Thakali Restaurant.

 Accommodation: Hotel Manaslu 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

 

Day 3 Kathmandu  to Nuwakot

Begin your day softly with a gentle yoga session designed to awaken the body, improve flexibility, and calm the mind. Guided breathing and mindful movement help you ease into a state of balance and relaxation. You will be immersed in a soothing sound bath, where the healing vibrations of singing bowls and calming tones promote deep rest, reduce stress, and restore inner harmony.

Next stop, we join the pilgrims at the beautiful Swoyambhunath a.k.a. Monkey temple! Perched on a pedestal high on the hilltop, Swoyambhunath is acclaimed as the oldest stupa in the world and is influenced by both the Nepalese and Tibetan forms of Buddhism, which attracts constant stream of pilgrims from all around Nepal. Enjoy sweeping vistas of the Kathmandu sprawl below. After our temple visit, we have lunch and then move on.

We then drive northwards out of Kathmandu valley taking an alternative scenic road via Shivapuri National Park instead of the busy highway. Reaching the city outskirts, the road climbs to Shivapuri National Park, past an army check-post at Gurje Bhanjyang, and suddenly the stunning views of the Langtang range of Himalaya opens up. Enjoy more views of verdant hills and terraced farmlands. Eventually we leave the main road to drive up the winding hill to the much-forgotten historic citadel of Nuwakot. Nuwakot is a truly breahtaking fortified town of old palaces and temples of historic significance.

Above Nuwakot, we check into the tastefully and delightfully restored The Famous Farm with its wonderful location and river-valley views. Evening walking tour of the Nuwakot village.

Accommodation: The Famous Farm, Nuwakot

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

 

Day 4  Nuwakot

After a hearty farmhouse breakfast on the sunny terrace of The Farm, we take a stroll to the Nuwakot Bazaar – a centre-piece of the Nepalese story, embellished by the rich history behind the 18th century fortress and Royal palace; of the shaping of far-flung tribes and of trans-Himalayan races into a unified kingdom. Time permitting today, we will also stop by a local school, where we are supporting hearing and speech impaired students - play with them, bring a smile on their face and make their day.

We return to The Famous Farm for a sumptuous lunch.

Enjoy the latter part of the day at your leisure – it can be whiled away with a hike around the surrounding area, to the nearby viewpoint and villages, or by simply lapping up the luxury of R ‘n R in the rambling gardens infused with tradition at The Famous Farm.

 Accommodation: The Famous Farm, Nuwakot.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 5 Nuwakot to Bandipur

Drive back down the hill to follow the Trisuli river along the valley. Another scenic drive takes us into the village of Bandipur (4 hours approx.), perched high on a hill, it has wonderful provincial architecture. A warm welcome awaits you at The Old Inn.

Simply enjoy the interesting laneways and village paths of this enchanting small town, a popular spot for Nepalese tourists, who come here to dress up in hired traditional costumes and have photoshoots! Find a quiet place to sit in the central, traffic-free bazaar, sip tea, nibble snacks, and be a part of village life as children, watched by parents, race each other and play in the village square near sunset. Afternoon stroll around the Bandipur environs as the village life comes to fore where you will witness the typical laid back lifestyle of the village.

 Accommodation: The Old Inn, Bandipur

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 6 Bandipur to Mountain Lodge

This morning we set off on a trek of about 3-4 hours through stretches of forests, farmland and small settlements to a tranquil village located on top of a hill. (Venicle assistance optional for those who can’t make the hike). We have an interesting afternoon stroll to a Gurung village to interact with the people that live in this region.

Sitting isolated on a hilltop with pockets of small settlements scattered around, Himalayas on the horizon, and verdant rolling chains of hills ahead, The Mountain Lodge is an ideal setting to detach from the world and stare at the view.

Accommodation: The Mountain Lodge, Bandipur Area

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 7 Mountain Lodge

Today, we set out early on another scenic walk to the indigenous Gurung village of Dharampani, enjoying the peaceful surroundings along the way. Upon arrival, we will meet an inspirational local women’s group in the village, offering a meaningful opportunity to connect and gain insight into their daily lives, traditions, and community initiatives.

Accommodation: The Mountain Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 8 Mountain Lodge to Pokhara 

Another very scenic drive this morning as we head to another beautiful destination, the lakeside town of Pokhara (4 hours approx.).

Pokhara is famed for those panoramas that the guidebooks and postcards rightly find irresistible. The backdrop of stunning Himalayan Peaks, the most picturesque of them being Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), and the still waters of Fewa Lake adorn the beauty of this pretty town, also recognized as the adventure sports hub of Nepal.

 

Entering Pokhara we visit the impressive International Mountain Museum - one of its kind in the world, established to showcase the records of the successful ascents of 8000m+ peaks, geographic flora and fauna and human activities in the range.

Next up is the Gurkha Memorial Musuem which commemorates the life and times of the bravest and the fiercest warriors of the world. Gurkha soldiers joined the British Army from 1815 and later went into the Indian Army after it’s independence in 1947. The displays include hundreds of photos of the many battles they fought and stories of what life was like as a soldier.

Eventually we arrive at our hotel – maybe you would like to take lunch here, or you might like to go into town.

Pokhara’s lakeside district is a short boatride and short walk from our lovely hotel, and it has a nice selection of restaurants  - just go for a stroll and take your pick – you’ll have time and space tonight to walk along the lakefront, peruse the shops and dine wherever you choose.

 

Note: in the evening it is well worth going to see the Aarti ceremony on the lakeside after sunset. Ask your guide for more details.

For gin o’clock, why not hire a pedalboat near the hotel, take your gin and some cups and go for a sundowner on the lake!

It is also Nepali New Year’s Eve so you get a chance to celebrate it with them.

Accommodation: Fish-tail Lodge 

Meals: Breakfast

 

Day 9 Exploring Pokhara

We start the day with a boat ride across the Fewa lake. On the other side we hike (under 1 hr) through lush forest up to the hilltop vantage point of the World Peace Pagoda. Located at an altitude of 1100m, the white pagoda is 115 feet tall and 344 feet in diameter and was built as a symbol of peace by a Japanese Buddhist organization. Enjoy sweeping views of Pokhara valley, the lake and panoramic views of snowy mountains on a clear day.

It is then a short drive to the Tibetan Refugee Camp, where you can view weaving, buy some trinkets to support the locals, and read up on the Tibetan plight in the interesting but small museum. Time permitting,  we can also visit Gupteswor cave just across the road from Devi’s Fall - the much-venerated cave contains a huge stalagmite worshipped as a Shiva lingam. Further reaches of the cave involve clambering through a tunnel behind the shrine, emerging in a damp cavern adjacent to the thundering waters of Devi’s Fall.

The afternoon will be at leisure for your own exploration around the lakeside or just simply rest and relax in the lakeside cafes,or indulge in a massage at the spa at the Fish-tail Lodge.

Accommodation: Fish-tail Lodge 

Meals: Breakfast

 

Day 10 Flight to Kathmandu then to Pharping

After breakfast we fly back to Kathmandu and then we head to the southwest corner of the Kathmandu Valley close to Pharping. Here lies a Buddhist Monastery Guesthouse in a serene location alongside Neydo Tashi Choeling Monastery which provides a peaceful stay amidst the rural setting and insightful spiritual aura of the monastery.

Evenings and early mornings are the times for prayers and holy chants at the monastery: we observe these sessions with the monks.. We also get to see inside a beautiful working monastery with intricately handpainted walls (pls do not lean on them!)

Accommodation: Neydo Monastery.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 11 Explore Pharping and Bhaktapur 

In the morning we will have an opportunity to partake in a guided meditation with an introduction to Buddhism headed by a residential Monk. We then continue on, making a visit to the sacred Asura cave on our way. Regarded as the second Buddha, Guru Padmasambhava attained the Mahamudra level of realization through his practice in this cave. For this reason, the ‘Vajrayana’ Buddhism practitioners consider this site as holy as Bodhgaya in Varanasi (India), where Buddha made his first sermon.

Then on to Bhaktapur, the magnificently preserved old self of Kathmandu valley – it’s old world charm, centuries old marvel of craftsmanship evident in temples and squares, and its people fiercely devotional to its ancestral ways of life and faith.

We’ll take an exciting guided walk around the town later in the afternoon… Witness Bisket Jatra marking the Nepali New Year (Bikram Sambat 2084) with a nine-day celebration of chariot processions and cultural rituals. The festival features a dramatic tug-of-war with chariots of Lord Bhairab and Goddess Bhadrakali, along with the traditional raising of a massive wooden pole.

For dinner you are free to go back into the old town, or just eat at our lovely heritage hotel.

Accommodation: Heritage Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

 

Day 12 Explore Patan and then on to Kathmandu

Wake up early to reach the airport by 5:30am for your exciting Mt Everest/Sagarmatha scenic flight, offering breathtaking aerial views of the world’s highest peaks. As the plane soars above the Himalayas, enjoy panoramic vistas of snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, and pristine glaciers, all illuminated by the soft morning light. This extraordinary experience provides a rare opportunity to witness the grandeur of the Himalayan range up close.

 

We then visit one of the holiest temples for Hindus all around the world - Pashupatinath. Our guide will take us through a spiritual journey with an engrossing explanation about the Hindu religion, the cycle of birth and death and the story behind the Sadhus - Hindu Holy Men, who renounce their hedonistic social life to devote their life to Shiva (Hindu God of Destruction) to whom the temple is dedicated. Witness one of many extraordinary cremation ceremonies along the banks of Bagmati river and on the sanctimonious grounds of temple.

 

And finally - Patan - although these days it is part of the sprawl of the urban Kathmandu; it has a history of its own not least as the centre of Sanskrit learning and thus is still referred to by it’s old Sanskrit name of Lalitpur (City of Living Arts). Like Bhaktapur, Patan warrants exploration on foot though around the Durbar (royal) Square. 

We transfer to Kathmandu and enjoy a sumptuous farewell dinner at the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel Manaslu 

Meals: Breakfast

 

Day 13 Departure day

Today sadly marks the end of your unforgettable Nepal journey! After breakfast, you’ll have some leisure time before your transfer to the airport. We will assist you for a smooth departure. Your mind, your phone (and mostly likely also your luggage) will be full of wonderful memories and treasures to keep reminding you of your fantastic journey.

Meals: Breakfast.