Classic Nepal

Begin your day with a visit to the former royal city of Patan, affectionately known as ‘Lalitpur’ or ‘City of Beauty’ and regarded as the artistic centre of the Kathmandu Valley. Patan has its own distinct identity, and a walk around the less touristy Durbar Square will allow you to observe wood carvers, painters, and metal workers employing time-honoured traditional techniques in this age of 3D printing and digital reproductions. In the afternoon, join the kora and circumambulate the sacred Swayambunath Shrine, visit the Bodhnath Stupa, one of the world’s oldest monasteries and conclude your day’s explorations with a visit to the Pashupatinath Temple Complex, where you will have the chance to witness the lively ‘aarti’ ceremony.

A morning’s drive will bring you to the medieval hilltop town of Bandipur, which was once an important hub along the trade route to Tibet. This afternoon explore this delightful old Newari town, which seems to be caught in a time warp. The main square is off-limits to motorised vehicles, while the grand Newari-style townhouses and the numerous temples and shrines dotted around the square offer a superb glimpse into the daily life of the locals.

Rise early and walk up to one of the viewpoints. Enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the Annapurna mountain range before proceeding to Pokhara. On arrival at Pokhara, meet your experienced mountain guide who will accompany you during your three-night trek along the foothills of the Annapurnas. Today, your walk will take you along a ridgeline and terraced farmlands before you descend down and follow the course of the Modi Khola River to the beautiful Birethanti village (1,025m). [Total trek time: around 3.5 hours]

After breakfast, set off to the small village of Majgaon (1,400m). Today, your trek will take you through secluded villages and picturesque farmlands in the shadow of the Annapurna mountain range. You will reach Majgaon just in time for lunch. This afternoon, proceed to explore the small village of Tanchok and gain an insight into the lifestyle of the locals. You can also visit the local school (if it is not the holiday season). [Total trek time: 4 hours]

Today, leave Majgaon and walk through beautiful rhododendron forests and woodlands to the village of Dhampus (1,525m) whilst admiring the panoramic views of the Annapurna range. En route, stop in Pothana, a quaint village home to many Tibetan traders and has its own distinct character. {Total trek time: 4 hours]

Descend through pine forested hills and picturesque terraced paddy fields to the valley floor (1,000m). On arrival, you will be transferred by car to Pokhara, where you will enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the scenic Phewa Lake. Next, a scenic afternoon drive will bring you to the historic town of Gorkha. {Total trek time: 1,5 hours]

Spend the morning exploring this small town, which played a pivotal role in the unification of Nepal in the 18th century and was the seat of power of Emperor Prithvi Narayan Shah. Begin your tour at the Gorkha Bazaar and climb up to the ancient palace and remains of an old fort. Then, go to Bajra Bairab Temple for views over the northern hills and stunning panoramas of the Himalaya, with Langtang in the east and the Annapurna massif in the west. Once you’ve soaked it all in, return to Gorkha village. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Alternatively, explore the neighbouring Gorkha and Magar villages on foot.

Begin your day with a visit to the temple of Manakamana (the goddess of wishes), where you can take in sweeping views of the Magar and Gorkha villages, the Trishuli River and the distant Annapurna mountain range. Then, proceed to the beautiful Chitwan National Park and check in at your chosen wildlife lodge. Later this afternoon, enjoy a jeep safari searching for the endangered one-horned rhinoceros and other wildlife.

Enjoy early morning and late afternoon jeep safaris in search of tigers, Asian elephants and other wildlife.

Return to Chitwan National Park one last time before driving to Dhulikhel, a delightful hill station just outside Kathmandu. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Today is at leisure. Alternatively, visit the Namo Buddha monastery and the sacred Changu Narayan Temple on foot.

Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport and check in for your onward flight.