Premium Nepal - 9 Days

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Your adventure begins in Kathmandu. When you arrive, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe check out the futuristic Taragaon Museum, showcasing the history of Kathmandu’s architecture. After your meeting, head out into the hustle and bustle of the Thamel and Jyatha neighbourhoods for an included dinner with your leader and group. You’ll try woh (a pancake made from freshly ground black lentils) or kukhurako masu (chicken cooked Nepali style).

After breakfast, explore Kathmandu on a sightseeing tour with your leader. Head to the lively Durbar square – the once glorious centre of Nepal’s royal power. Visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where you can observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the surrounding monasteries. Stop by a Thangka painting studio and gain inside knowledge on this sacred and traditional form of Buddhist art and the training that goes into being a Thangka artist. Visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, where you’ll see Hindu holy men meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. The rest of your afternoon is free for further explorations.

This morning, join a cooking class to gain a true understanding of Nepal’s culinary heritage, founded and led by local Nepali women with a passion for conserving, promoting and sharing the rich food culture of the indigenous people of the Kathmandu valley. You’ll learn about the traditions that have spanned centuries and recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Master the local methods of cooking and put together some classic dishes, then sit down to lunch with your new friends. After, begin the journey to Nagarkot, stopping at Bhaktapur along the way – a beautifully preserved ancient city, home to many temples and statues. Explore three of the most important squares – Durbar, Taumadhi and Pottery square – before continuing your journey. When you arrive, prepare for an overnight stay at Club Himalaya, renowned for its unrestricted view of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Changu Narayan and the surrounding areas. End the day with a relaxing sundowner while enjoying panoramic views of the mountains as the sun sets. Start with a local cocktail and Nepalese masala tea before tucking into sel roti’a (traditional Nepali ring-shaped fried bread). This bread symbolises good fortune, peace and family unity and you’ll watch it being made before tucking in – yum!

Wake up and witness an early morning 180-degree sunrise view before travelling to Kathmandu airport by chartered coach. From here, you’ll fly to Pokhara – if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the spectacular Himalayan Mountain chain to the north. When you arrive, take a boat ride across the lake of Phewa Tal – the second largest lake in Nepal. Visit the Peace Pagoda for excellent views of the mountains, including the Annapurna Range, the famous fishtail peak of Machhapuchhare and a glimpse back across to Pokhara. In the afternoon, maybe take some time to enjoy Pokhara’s mellow atmosphere and wander its colourful streets or take a stroll along the lake and see the brightly painted paddle boats in the water. Pokhara has no shortage of restaurants to tempt your tastebuds, so be sure to ask your leader for some great local recommendations.

Start the day with a visit to Sarangkot viewpoint for a sunrise over the snowcapped Himalayan peaks, from the Annapurna Ranges to Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhre). Your leader will be on hand to answer any questions about the landscape. Then, head to the International Mountain Museum, which is full of fascinating tales of climbing expeditions from the past – some ending in triumph and others in tragedy. After some time at the museum, you’ll visit a local Tibetan community. Hear stories of their journey from Tibet to Nepal, learn about local life and take part in a traditional cooking demonstration to find out how to make momos (steamed dumplings), which you’ll then eat together for lunch. Later, enjoy a free evening in Pokhara.

After breakfast, make the morning drive to Chitwan National Park and arrive at your Feature Stay accommodation for the next two nights – Barahi Jungle Lodge. Perfectly positioned on the banks of the Rapti River, opposite the park, this jungle oasis offers first-class service and naturally warm Nepali hospitality. After settling in, you’ll venture from the lodge to your Exclusive Experience with the Tharu community. This indigenous group has inhabited the Terai plains of southern Nepal and northern India for centuries, and you’re invited to experience their culture and lifestyle, religious practices and cooking methods. You’ll sip local tea and, if you wish, raksi (traditional alcohol), learning how it’s prepared. Chat with senior community members about their life on the plains, then head to the Rapti River, champagne sundowner in hand. Watch for egrets, storks and maybe even a sloth bear in this beautiful spot – don't worry, your wildlife guide can help you identify what you’re seeing. End the evening with a special bush dinner, as the stars start to pop out above you.

After breakfast, leave the lodge for an early morning dugout canoe adventure on the Rapti River. Your local guide will help you spot marsh mugger crocodiles along with the various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. Tiger sightings are rare these days, but you might see one if you’re lucky! When you return to dry land, set out on a late-afternoon safari to see the park’s varied flora and fauna. In the evening, enjoy dinner with your group and relax at your accommodation’s bar while discussing the day’s sightings or listening to the songs of the jungle.

Have breakfast at the resort before driving back to Kathmandu. After arriving back in the capital, you’re free to explore and further soak up this vibrant city. Tonight, join your leader and group for a farewell dinner at Kaiser Café. The restaurant is a short walk from the hotel, so you can take this opportunity for a final stroll through town before one last taste of Nepal’s delicious traditional food.

Your Nepali adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. If you’d like to extend your stay in Kathmandu, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.