Classic Nepal
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Combining some of Nepal’s loveliest boutique hotels and lodges with the scenic majesty of some of the world’s most spectacular mountain ranges, this stylish adventure takes you from the bustling back streets of Kathmandu to the game rich landscapes of Chitwan National Park. Swapping game drives for scenic splendour, you’ll then enjoy the staggering beauty of the Annapurnas, before completing your journey in Dhulikhel, within the Kathmandu Valley. Beginning in the Nepalese capital,...
Combining some of Nepal’s loveliest boutique hotels and lodges with the scenic majesty of some of the world’s most spectacular mountain ranges, this stylish adventure takes you from the bustling back streets of Kathmandu to the game rich landscapes of Chitwan National Park. Swapping game drives for scenic splendour, you’ll then enjoy the staggering beauty of the Annapurnas, before completing your journey in Dhulikhel, within the Kathmandu Valley. Beginning in the Nepalese capital, you will have time to discover some of the city’s most revered cultural highlights, including Durbar Square and the holy site of Pashupatinath, before flying on to Chitwan. Here you will enjoy a series of game drives amongst landscapes that are home to rare one-horned rhinos and Bengal tigers, before moving on to enjoy the charms of Pokhara. Against the dominating backdrop of the famous “Fishtail” Mountain, your time in Pokhara affords a chance to visit its colourful market, Fewa Lake and Seti River, before driving back towards the foothills of the Himalayas, to explore the charming old Newari towns of Dhulikhel.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover Nepal’s historic capital and visit the holy temple of Pashupatinath
- Search for the rare one-horned rhino in the jungles of Chitwan National Park
- Enjoy some of the world’s highest peaks amongst the towering Annapurna massif
- Take a private boat trip on the tranquil Phewa Lake with the opportunity to see the snow-capped mountains
- Hike to the pilgrimage site of Namobuddha from the beautiful town of Dhulikhel
- Stay at some of Nepal’s loveliest boutique hotels and lodges
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE KATHMANDU
DAY 1: ARRIVE KATHMANDU
Arriving in Kathmandu you will be met by your guide and transferred to your luxury hotel. An oasis the heart of Kathmandu, the award winning Shangri-La Hotel features an outdoor swimming pool next to the famous garden, a well equipped fitness centre and a tennis court.
DAY 2: KATHMANDU
DAY 2: KATHMANDU
Enjoy a full day's guided tour of the Nepalese capital today, taking in the famous historical monuments constructed by Newar artisans under the Malla Dynasty in the 14th century. Visit the present temple, restored by King Mahendra Malla in 1562, and the royal palace in Durbar Square, guarded by a statue of Hanuman, the Monkey God. Stop at the House of the Living Goddess where the virgin goddess known as Kumari resides on the exquisitely carved windows of the upper floor. You'll also visit the golden-topped stupa of Swayambunath (The Monkey Temple), more that 2500 years old, and the site of Pashupatinath, the holiest Hindu temple in the Kathmandu Valley, situated beside the sacred waters of the Bagmati River. In the afternoon, you will tour around Patan City, a city of arts and architecture founded in 250 A.D. See the Durbar Square, Royal Baths, Mahaboudha, Krishna Mandir and Hiranya Verna Mahabihar (the Golden Temple). Finally, you will visit the Patan Museum, set within the former Malla residential palace.
DAY 3: KATHMANDU - BHARATPUR - CHITWAN
DAY 3: KATHMANDU - BHARATPUR - CHITWAN
Today you will fly to Bharatpur, your gateway into the rich landscapes of Chitwan National Park. Arriving in Chitwan you will be driven approximately an hour to your lodge, situated along the banks of the Rapti River and directly overlooking the Chitwan National Park, where lunch will be ready once you have had a chance to settle in. This afternoon then provides your first opportunity to search out some of the park's renowned wildlife, with a game drive into the jungle.
DAY 4: CHITWAN
DAY 4: CHITWAN
With over 700 species of flora and fauna calling Chitwan home, the park is a haven for all manner of wildlife. Morning game drives to provide a chance to spot some of the 68 species of mammals on show, including striped hyenas, honey badgers, spotted deer and the majestic Bengal tiger, the true king of this landscape. Chitwan is also home to the largest population of Indian rhinoceros in the country, with an estimated 600 plus animals' resident within the park. This afternoon is then free to partake in some optional excursions such as canoeing, bird watching, a village tour and elephant bathing.
DAY 5: CHITWAN - POKHARA
DAY 5: CHITWAN - POKHARA
Following breakfast you will transferred to your flight to Pokhara. Your next accommodation is located on a peaceful mountain location just outside Pokhara. Lying along the shores of Phewa Tal, Nepal's second largest lake, Pokhara sits in the shadow of the impressive “Fishtail” mountain of Machhapuchhare and is surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Annapurnas. This afternoon, embark on a sightseeing tour beginning with Devi's Fall steeped in legend and mystery. Next, view the impressive Seti River, which flows right through the city, from Mahendra Pul bridge. Continue to the Pokhara's traditional, colorful bazaar and one of Pokhara' s most important shrines, dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, yet another manifestation of Shakti. Finally, visit Fewa Lake, the second largest lake in the Kingdom, where you can sail or row a hired boat across to the water or visit the island temple in its middle.
DAY 6: POKHARA
DAY 6: POKHARA
An early morning trek to Sarangkot (1592m) ensures a beautiful sunrise overlooking the Pokhara Valley, the Annapurna range, the Dhauligiri range and Fewa Lake. The hike is scenic as it winds through small villages and jungle. Return to Pokhara for breakfast and a tour of the World Peace Pagoda built by Nipponzan Fujii after the Second World War. A Buddhist monk from Japan and founder of the Nipponzan-Myohoji Buddhist Order, Fujii was greatly inspired by his meeting with Mahatma Gandhi in 1931 and decided to devote his life to promoting non-violence. The afternoon is at leisure.
DAY 7: POKHARA – KATHMANDU - DHULIKHEL
DAY 7: POKHARA – KATHMANDU - DHULIKHEL
Transfer to airport for your flight to Kathmandu, where you will be met and driven to Dhulikhel (1,470m). The small quiet town is known for traditional Newari crafts and lies 30km east of Kathmandu. The rest of the day you are free to rest or explore independently. You can climb a little to see the mountains from Cho Oyu in the east to Himalchuli in the west.
DAY 8: DHULIKHEL
DAY 8: DHULIKHEL
Today will be spent hiking to Namobuddha (1,700m), a sacred site steeped in legend which draws reverent pilgrims from far and wide. Begin with an hour's drive to the trek's starting point, Tudhikhel (1,600m) from where a rough trail climbs steeply to Kavre, a substantial village which lends its name to this district. Pass through forested areas and scattered villages inhabited by Brahmins Chhetris, Tamangs and Newars. Depending on the weather, you may have good views of Gang Chenpo (6390m), Dorje Lhakpa (6990m), Purbi Chyachu (6658m) and Gauri Sanker (2145m) peaks. Namobuddha has a small village around the stupa and the top of the hill is adorned with prayer flags, chortens and a monastery. Legend has it that a Boddhisatva sacrificed himself here to a starving tigress to feed her and her cubs.
DAY 9: DHULIKHEL - KATHMANDU
DAY 9: DHULIKHEL - KATHMANDU
You will be transferred to Kathmandu airport for your onward flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Tiger Mountain Lodge, Pokhara
Situated 1,000 feet above the Pokhara Valley, Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge offers spectacular views along the mighty Himalayan Mountains. Set amongst the mountains, the lodge's hand-cut stone cottage rooms feature handmade wood furniture and rich Tibetan rugs making the rooms warm and inviting. The grounds around the property feature a Nepali style courtyard and terrace perfect for pre-dinner cocktails or a candle light dinner. Further facilities include an infinity pool and library containing a collection of Himalayan mountaineering and other literature. The lodge offers a variety of dining experiences from elegant dining to children's favourites with the kitchen using fresh, local and organic produce from its very own garden. Activities available with the lodge's own local guides include walks, bird-watching, cultural visits in the adjacent villages, sightseeing around the Pokhara Valley, day hikes and much more.
Barahi Jungle Lodge, Chitwan National Park
Barahi Jungle Lodge's ambient outlook and soft interiors provide an insight into the aboriginal Tharu culture of Nepal interlaced with the wilderness of Chitwan National Park. An oasis within the savannahs surrounding Rapti River, the Barahi Jungle Lodge is designed to be in harmony with nature and mankind. Set within twelve hectares of land, the lodge blends effortlessly with the surrounding environment and sets a high standard in eco operations through use of local bamboo and sustainable woods for construction. The team of naturalists have a fleet of jeeps and boats at their disposal, ensuring optimal wildlife viewing in the Chitwan. The experienced therapists from Nepal's leading Spa centre keep guests relaxed in the in-house spa overlooking the forest. Paired with the hotel's infinity pool and restaurant and bar, there is nowhere more ideal for resting off any jungle fatigue. Discover the wonders of Chitwan from your lodge through bird watching tours, boat safaris, village tours, elephant bathing and Tharu cultural shows and workshops. Thirty-four rooms are built within deluxe cottages, six interconnecting. Each feature a private balcony with private views of the jungle and traditional Nepalese furnishings.
Dhulikhel Mountain Resort, Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel Mountain resort is situated amongst 20 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and is a comfortable three star hotel. The resort has 27 beautifully refurbished cottages built with thatched roofs and red bricks to reflect the traditional, ethnic village architecture of the region. The 27 cottages house 42 comfortable single and double rooms that feature hand-crafted, local style Nepali decorations and furnishings. Each room comes with an electric blanket, solar-powered hot water, tea/coffee making station and spectacular views of the Himalayas which ensure that all guests have a memorable stay. The resort offers a variety of dining experiences in its overlapping indoor dining room and beautifully set courtyard restaurant, serving several local and international dishes and an attic lounge bar where guests can enjoy pre and post dinner drinks.
Hotel Shangri-La, Kathmandu
Surrounded by lush greeneries, Shangri-La Hotel Kathmandu features an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a tennis court. Fitted with parquet flooring, spacious air-conditioned rooms are equipped with an electric kettle, a personal safe, a TV and seating area. En suite bathrooms come with a hairdryer, hot/cold shower facilities and free toiletries. Operating a 24-hour front desk, Shangri-La Hotel Kathmandu provides luggage storage, laundry and ironing services. Guests can also indulge in a pampering massage at the spa. The in-house Shambala Garden Café serves a wide variety of dishes from Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine. The Lost Horizon Bar offers a range of cocktails and light snacks. Room service is available
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
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WILD MILES
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Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
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Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Shalmali
Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Shalmali by calling
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