Authentic Nepal Tour

You will be met at Kathmandu airport and transferred to the Kantipur Temple House for a two night stay. The rest of the day is free to relax in the hotel garden, go for a stroll or even take part in a yoga session.

Accommodation: Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu

This morning there is an optional early morning flight over some of the highest mountain peaks in the world, including Mount Everest.

Later your sightseeing tour of Kathmandu starts in Durbar Square which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Durbar, which means palace, is where kings were once crowned and ruled from. The massive complex consists of three main squares studded with palaces, temples, and courtyards. On the northeast side of the square is Hanuman Dhoka, the main entrance to the old royal palace and where the oldest temple of Kathmandu, Taleja Bhawani Temple is situated. Unfortunately, many of the buildings were severely damaged in an earthquake and restoration work is still going on.

Then enjoy an exhilarating rickshaw ride from Hanuman Dhoka to the busy Thamel tourist market. Although crowded and frenetic at times, it still retains old world charm, perpetuated by the rows of Tibetan prayer flags and cycle rickshaws that trundle by. The streets are lined with shops overflowing with brightly coloured items for sale.

Then visit Swayambhunath Temple, the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu Valley. Perched on top of a hill, this white dome with glittering golden spire is visible for miles around. According to records, the stupa is over 2,500 years old. The main stupa and viewing platform offering magnificent views of the valley can be reached via a long steep stairway with 365 steps or by road and a shorter walk.

After lunch it’s a drive to Patan, one of the three Royal cities. Patan is rich with numerous temples and over 1000 monuments displaying fine wood and stone carvings. Patan’s Durbar Square is a mélange of the old royal palace (now a museum), artistic courtyards, and pagoda temples. There will be some free time to browse Patan’s handicraft market before returning to your hotel. Although the earthquake destroyed many of the old temples, Patan was first of the 3 royal cities to rise above the rubble.

Accommodation: Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning’s drive is to Bhaktapur, a World Heritage Site since 1979 due to its well preserved medieval buildings and narrow stone paved streets which weave through red brick houses, leading to hidden temples, courtyards and water spouts. Often referred to as the ‘Rome of Nepal’, Bhaktapur has some of the most breath taking religious architecture in Nepal. Its three major squares, Durbar, Taumadhi, and Dattatreya Square are studded with pagoda and shikhara-style temples. Without any traffic and pollution, Bhaktapur is by far the cleanest city in the Valley.

Bhaktapur is known for its handicrafts and is the ideal place to shop for souvenirs. After a comprehensive tour, there will be time to enjoy the delicious Juju Dhau ‘King’s curd’.

The tour continues with a drive through winding mountain lanes to arrive at Nagarkot, a village situated at an altitude of about 2000m. It is a great place to relax, away from busy Kathmandu City.

Approximate travel time and distance: 1 hour 10 mins, 28 kms

Accommodation: Kavya Resort, Nagarkot

Meals included: Breakfast

Nagarkot is renowned for its incredible sunset and sunrise views, and it is well worth rising early to see a magnificent sunrise over the majestic mountains, including Mount Everest. After breakfast, explore this laidback mountain town that exudes old world charm. The meandering lanes consist of many quaint Newari houses decorated with beautifully carved windows and doors. There are also interesting ancient temples to explore including the lofty Kali Temple accessed by a 30 minute uphill walk. The remainder of the day is at leisure, with options for a gentle stroll or cycle around the town.

Accommodation: Kavya Resort, Nagarkot

Meals included: Breakfast

Drive back to Kathmandu airport for a short flight to Meghauli. You will be met and transferred to your lodge in Chitwan National Park.

Enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, Chitwan National Park spreads over an area of 932 sq.km. The park is home to a rich selection of wildlife including endangered species like the one-horned rhinoceros and the Royal Bengal tiger, along with gaur, wild elephant, four horned antelope, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, rhesus monkey and the grey langur monkey. The swampy areas and numerous oxbow lakes of Chitwan provide a habitat for the marsh mugger crocodiles, and the Narayani River is home to the endangered Gangetic crocodile – a fish eating gharial. You might also spot one of the world’s four species of freshwater dolphins.

You will stay in Barahi Jungle Lodge for three nights. On arrival there will be a short briefing followed by lunch, and then a Rapti River Cruise. The day culminates with a sundowner on board deck at the river confluence point and dinner at the resort.

Approximate travel time and distance: 2 hours, 140 kms

Accommodation: Barahi Jungle Lodge, Chitwan National Park

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Wake up and enjoy a quick coffee with biscuits before embarking on a game drive. Experience the thrill of the chance to spot wildlife including the one horned rhinoceros from very close quarters. A picnic breakfast will be served at one of the scenic locations inside the jungle before returning to your lodge for some rest and lunch which can be taken at the Banyan Café or by the pool.

In the afternoon, you can visit the nearby village to observe the rural Tharu lifestyle. Then in the  evening, local people will take part in a Tharu Cultural Dance performance demonstrating some of their traditional skills and movements.

Accommodation: Barahi Jungle Lodge, Chitwan National Park

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

After breakfast, there’s time to relax by the pool, in your room or try using the Spa facility.

Lunch is again served at the resort prior to an afternoon short jungle walk inside the National Park or Community Forest accompanied by an experienced naturalist and nature guide to explore the flora & fauna.

In the evening enjoy a short documentary on Chitwan National Park.

Please be aware the programme in Chitwan National Park is subject to change and is arranged in discussion with every guest.

Accommodation: Barahi Jungle Lodge, Chitwan National Park

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

After breakfast, the drive to Bandipur takes about 3 hours. Here you will stay for the next two nights at The Old Inn, Bandipur.

In the afternoon, you can take a stroll through Bandipur Bazaar and explore the alleyways of this Newari town situated on a hilltop over the Marshyangdi River Valley.

Approximate travel time and distance: 3 hours, 97 kms

Accommodation: The Old Inn, Bandipur

Meals included: Breakfast

In the morning, your half day guided tour of Bandipur will take you back in time. This beautifully preserved Newari Village looks like a page out of folklore and is a living museum of Newari culture with its winding lanes dotted with traditional houses. You can also learn about the process of silk production at the Silkworm farm. And in the background panoramic views of the entire Annapurna range along with Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Langtang and Ganesh Himal are there to be enjoyed. There are a number of temples and other places of interest to visit as well.

You can also enjoy a half-day trip to Siddha Gufa, the largest cave in Nepal which is 437m deep and 50m high. Another popular place of interest is Tundikhel, a man-made plateau that was once the marketplace of traders travelling from India and Tibet.

Accommodation: The Old Inn, Bandipur

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, the drive to Pokhara, takes about 2-3 hours with the rest of the day free to relax and explore the area.

Pokhara is the third largest city in Nepal and is considered by many to be the most beautiful place in Nepal. The city is divided by the Seti Gandaki River and offers serene lakes and stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks creating an ambience of peace and magic.

Approximate travel time and distance: 2 hours 45 mins, 78 kms

Accommodation: Temple Tree Resort & Spa, Pokhara

Meals included: Breakfast

Your tour of Pokhara includes a visit to the World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa), Davi’s fall, Sarangkot, Mahendra Cave and the International Mountaineering Museum. Devi’s fall (also known as Devin’s and David’s) is a lovely waterfall just a short drive away. Legend has it that a trekker was washed away by the Pardi Khola river and mysteriously disappeared into an underground passage beneath the fall.

The day concludes with visits to some of Pokhara’s most famous lakes including the Phewa Lake for a wonderful scenic boat ride.

Accommodation: Temple Tree Resort & Spa, Pokhara

Meals included: Breakfast

Transfer to Pokhara airport for a short flight to Kathmandu, and then travel from Kathmandu airport to the Kantipur Temple House for an overnight stay.

In the afternoon, visits to Boudhanath and Pashupatinath are included.

The ancient Stupa of Boudhanath, a World Heritage Site, is one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. Gazing out from the gilded central tower, the wise eyes of Buddha seem to be watching over thousands of pilgrims who gather daily to make a kora (ritual circumnavigation) of the dome. In the evening the whole place lights up with butter lamps and the wafting smell of sage giving a calming effect. The plaza surrounding the Stupa is open to people of all religions and Tibetan monks along with other devotees can be seen spinning prayer wheels, chanting mantras, or just strolling in silence around the monument.

On the banks of Bagmati River lies the sacred Pashupatinath Temple. Pashupati is a manifestation of Shiva and means ‘The Lord of Animal’. This temple has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The premise consists of temples, ashrams, idols, and inscriptions added over centuries. The main temple within the complex is pagoda shaped with a golden roof and silver doors on all four sides of the temple. The Pashupati area is regarded as one of the most important places of pilgrimages for Hindus with thousands of devotees from around the world visiting every day. The temple is barred to non-Hindus, but you can get a good view of the temple from the opposite bank of the river. Every evening an aarti (light offering) to Lord Shiva is performed which can be observed from across the river.

Approximate travel time and distance: 1 hour, 150 kms

Accommodation: Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu

Meals included: Breakfast

You will be transferred to Kathmandu airport to board a return flight home.

Meals included: Breakfast

Pricing and Inclusions

The price guide for this 13 day Authentic Nepal Tour is

• £3,490 per person based on two people sharing

Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.

This is a private tour and can be tailor-made to meet your exact requirements. Prices will vary depending on the number of people, length of tour, accommodation & season. Reductions are normally available for groups of three or more. Some hotels operate an additional peak pricing rate during busy times which is normally from mid December to mid January.

Please get in touch with your dates and we will be pleased to provide you with your personal itinerary and accurate quote.

Included in this Nepal Tour are the following:

• Accommodation for 12 nights on double occupancy
• All road travel by a private chauffeur-driven, air-conditioned vehicle
• Kathmandu – Meghauli and Pokhara – Kathmandu flights in economy class
• All scheduled sightseeing with an English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees at the monuments
• Jungle activities in Chitwan National Park

The price does not include:

• International flight tickets
• Nepal visa fees
• Insurance of any nature
• Meals not included in the meal plan
• Expenses of personal nature (like laundry, phone calls, room service, drinks)
• Tips

The prices mentioned above are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. The prices which were valid at the time of publication may be subject to change, based on your date of travel and local market fluctuations. You will be informed of any price differences prior to booking.

For a quote based on your dates of travel, any alternative accommodation or changes to this itinerary, please call us on 01792 315499 or email us at info@aitholidays.com

Please remember all our private tours are designed to meet your exact requirements, and this Nepal Tour is just an example to help inspire you.

For more information please email info@aitholidays.com or call our India specialists on 01792 315499.

ABTA and ATOL Protected Tour Package

Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.