Nepalese Explorer

An exciting itinerary of discovery to the highlights of the Himalayan Republic of Nepal. Visit the historic sites of Kathmandu, the attractive lakeside city of Pokhara which is surrounded by peaks of the Annapurna range reaching to 26,000 feet, and Chitwan, Nepal’s premier National Park and home to rare Indian rhinos and Bengal tigers. The perfect tour for those seeking to experience the highlights of Nepal in relative ease and comfort.

Guide

Escorted by a local English speaking guide from arrival in Kathmandu on Day 2 to departure on Day 9.

MEAL PLAN
•   Prices include breakfast throughout and lunch and dinner in Chitwan.
•   All meals are included in the Bhutan extension.
•   Breakfast is included in the Varanasi extension.

ACCOMMODATION
•   A variety of accommodation is used to incorporate the best locations and experiences. •   Accommodation is in four star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, three star in Chitwan National Park.

GROUP SIZE
•   Maximum 25 passengers

MINIMUM NUMBERS
•    This tour is subject to a minimum number of passengers (please call for details).

GRATUITIES
•   Tipping is not compulsory in Nepal. We do though recommend that you tip your driver and guide at the end of your tour.

NB
•   The tour includes some walking. Whilst this is not too strenuous, please remember you are walking at altitude and therefore can tire quicker. We would not recommend this tour for those with walking, blood pressure or breathing difficulties.
•   Driving times are approximate and do not include time taken for sightseeing, meals and comfort stops.
•   Please note that local conditions may necessitate slight variations to the timings of this tour itinerary.

DAY 1 LONDON TO KATHMANDU
Fly Jet Airways from London Heathrow via Delhi to Kathmandu. arriving the following day.

DAY 2 KATHMANDU
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the Hotel Grand for a two night stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

DAY 3 KATHMANDU
A full day of sightseeing in the city includes visits to the temple of Kasthamandap (one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world and reputedly made from the wood of a single tree), Dunbar Square and the complex of temples at Swoyambhunath. Also visit the nearby town of Patan which is renowned for its skilled metal workers.

DAY 4 KATHMANDU TO POKHARA
Depart Kathmandu for the attractive lakeside city of Pokhara (approx. 6-7 hours) for a two night stay at Pokhara Grande. The city is in a stunning area where the elevation nearby ranges from 3,200ft, to peaks over 26,000ft within view of the city. The surrounding environs are full of lakes and numerous waterfalls.

DAY 5 POKHARA
Today enjoy a half day sightseeing trip that includes the city’s vibrant bazaar and impressive Devin’s Falls. Later, take a short cruise on scenic Lake Phewa.

DAY 6 POKHARA TO CHITWAN
After breakfast, depart Pokhara for beautiful Chitwan National Park (approx. 5-6 hours). Stay two nights at the Narayani Resort and spend the remainder of the day and most of the next day exploring the park, famous for its population of extremely rare Indian rhinos and Bengal tigers. Elephant rides, jungle walks, a trip to Tharus Village by ox cart and a visit to a crocodile breeding centre are included.

DAY 8 CHITWAN TO KATHMANDU
This morning return to Kathmandu for your last night at the Hotel Grand (approx. 5-6 hours). The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore at your leisure.

DAY 9 KATHMANDU TO LONDON
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before transferring back to the airport for your return flight to London Heathrow with Jet Airways, via Delhi, arriving the later the same day.

YOUR CHOICE OF EXTENSIONS

VARANASI

The exotic city of Varanasi is the cultural and religious centre of North India. Hinduism's holiest city draws more than a million pilgrims annually to ritually bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges River. Explore labyrinthine streets that bustle with merchants peddling their wares to the pilgrims passing through to the ghats (steps) down to the river.

DAY 9 KATHMANDU TO VARANASI
Fly from Kathmandu to Varanasi and transfer to the Radisson Varanasi for a three night stay. Spend your time at leisure exploring this culturally fascinating city.

DAY 12 VARANASI TO DELHI
Fly to Delhi and upon arrival transfer to Claridges for an overnight stay

DAY 13 DELHI TO LONDON
Fly Jet Airways to London Heathrow arriving the following day.


BHUTAN
Extend your trip with a few days in Bhutan. Bhutan 'The Land of the Thunder Dragon' is said to be the one of the happiest countries on earth and is the only country to measure and take into account its Gross National Happiness.

DAY 9 KATHMANDU TO THIMPU
Fly to the city of Paro in Bhutan with Druk Air, meet your guide and transfer by road to Thimpu (one hour), the political and economic heart of the country. Arrive at your hotel (confirmed at the time of booking) for a two night stay.

DAY 10 THIMPU
Following breakfast you will visit the Folk Heritage Museum to discover the day to day life of a Bhutanese household. Following this you will head to the fascinating Zorig Chosum where students spend six years learning the thirteen arts and crafts of Bhutan. The day ends after a visit to a nunnery and dinner at your hotel. There are two optional activities that you can partake in. Enjoy listening to talk from a guest speaker from whom you can learn more about this amazing country or hang prayer flags at Sangaygang, part of a religious tradition in Bhutan.

DAY 11 THIMPU TO PARO
Following breakfast travel back to the traditional city of Paro which is located in a beautiful valley. Visit Ta Dzong, the national museum, Rimpu Dzong before transferring to your hotel for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon visit to the Buddhist shrine of Kyichu Lhakhan.

DAY 12 PARO TO KATHMANDU
Return to Kathmandu for your final night in Nepal. Upon arrival transfer to the Everest Hotel.

DAY 13 KATHMANDU TO LONDON
Transfer to the airport for your Jet Airways flight to London Heathrow via Delhi arriving later the same day.