Inside Nepal

Spend the morning exploring Bhaktapur, one of Nepal’s well-preserved ancient royal cities and home to many of the Valley’s finest Newari-style temples, shrines and palaces. 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.

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, visit the picture postcard Newari villages of Kirtipur and Bungamati. While Bungamati is home to master woodcarvers, Kirtipur’s residents are either weavers or farmers. Your tour also includes a visit to the tiger-faced Bhairava temple at Kirtipur.

A short drive this morning will bring you to the small village of Kakani. On arrival, set off on an easy trek through oak, pine and rhododendron forests and take in the awe-inspiring views of the Annapurna, Manasalu and Ganesh Himal mountains. After lunch, drive to Nuwakot, a hidden gem in the heart of Nepal that offers astonishing views of the Langtang Himal. Nuwakot is an unspoilt hilltop village often overlooked and offers an authentic rural Nepal experience. The remainder of the day is at leisure. [Total trek time: 2 hours].

Stroll through the charming Nuwakot village to the abandoned Fortress that was once King Prithvi Narayan Shah’s command centre. The pagoda-like seven-storied Palace looms large over Nuwakot and is almost visible everywhere in the village. Painstakingly restored after the 2015 earthquake, this Fort’s strategic location allowed King Prithvi Narayan Shah to use it as his base to conquer the Newari royal cities of the Kathmandu Valley and unify Nepal in 1769. Then, visit the small shrines and temples dotted around Durbar Square before returning to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure. Alternatively, explore the organic farm or the Magar villages nearby.

A morning’s drive through central Nepal will bring you to Pokhara, a beautiful laidback town set in the shadow of the distinctive Fishtail Mountain and acts as a gateway to the foothills of the Annapurnas. Later this afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the scenic Phewa Lake.

Rise early and set off on a guided walk through the foothills of the Annapurnas to the beautiful village of Dhampus. Your easy to moderate walk will take you through lush pine forested hills, terraced farmlands and secluded villages, while the snowy peaks of the Annapurna mountain range will keep you company throughout. Enjoy a picnic lunch and enjoy the spectacular Himalayan scenery before returning to your hotel. [Total trek time: 4.5 hours].

Drive to the medieval hilltop town of Bandipur, which was once an important hub along the trade route to Tibet. Explore this delightful old Newari town, which seems to be caught in a time warp and then after lunch, continue to the historic town of Gorkha. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

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 visit 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), from where you can take in sweeping views of the Magar and Gorkha villages, the Trishuli River and the distant Annapurna mountain range. Then, take the scenic cable car ride to the small village of Kurintar. The small village of Kurintar enjoys a scenic setting on the banks of the Trishuli River and is surrounded by forested hills and farmland. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax by the pool.

Set off this morning on foot to explore the surrounding countryside and interact with locals. Then, after lunch, continue 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.