The Best of Nepal - 13 Days

The Best of Nepal

From the bustling capital of Nepal, to the serene jungles of the low lands.

From the spectacular heights of the Himalaya to a relaxing lakeside break.

This luxury itinerary will give you a glimpse of all that this fascinating country has to offer. All travel will be by air or by air conditioned SUV and at all times you will be accompanied by one of our experienced guides who will make sure that this is truly a trip to remember.

Day 1

On arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in the city. In Kathmandu you will be staying in the best five star hotel in the city, The Yak & Yeti, which is close to all of the heritage sites and shopping areas. Depending on your arrival time you may have the opportunity to explore the neighbourhood or otherwise enjoy the extensive facilities available at the Yak & Yeti. In the evening dinner at one of the hotel’s restaurants.

Day 2

Today, after breakfast, you will be met by your city guide who will look after you for the rest of the day.

Typical programmes will include tours of the world heritage sites of Kathmandu such as the ancient palace squares of Kathmandu and Patan and the religious sites of Pashupatinath , Swoyambhunath and Bouddhanath.  

A break for lunch will be taken back at the hotel. After this long day you will want to relax back at the Yak & Yeti before dinner.

Day 3

Today has an unusually early start as this is the day that you will see the Himalaya up close. You will be taken on a spectacular 45 minute mountain flight that flies right in front of the world’s highest peaks, including Everest. It has to be an early start as all of these flights leave soon after dawn when the skies are usually the clearest. Back to the hotel for breakfast and then pack for your next adventure. Taking the one hour drive to the valley rim at Dhulikhel you will be staying the night at Dwarikas Dhulikhel Resort. This unique property is set on a hill top which gives a panoramic view of the mountains north of Kathmandu. The highlight of the stay will be the sunrise over the mountains.

Day 4

After watching the dawn and having breakfast it will be time to pack and return to Kathmandu and the Yak & Yeti.

On the way back you will stop at the ancient town of Bhaktapur which was the seat of one of the kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley.

The palace square here was extensively restored some years ago and is a place not to be missed. Also here you will see local artisans particularly skilled in pottery making

Day 5

Today you will travel to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha. The flight leaves Kathmandu for Bhairahawa  at around 9am and takes 35 minutes. Be packed and ready for an early breakfast before leaving for the airport shortly after 8am. At Bhairahawa you will be met by our car for the 30 minute drive to Lumbini where you will check in to Hotel Kasai, a Japanese run property located close to the main part of the Lumbini gardens. After lunch you will be able to spend a few hours exploring parts of the gardens particularly the Maya Devi temple which marks the actual birthplace of the Buddha.

Day 6

Today is a full day of sightseeing around the Lumbini gardens and also at Kapilvastu where the remains of the Buddha’s ancestral home are located.

Day 7

After breakfast you will return to the Bhairahawa airport for the short flight to Pokhara where you will stay for the next two nights. The main tourist area of Pokhara is Lakeside located on the shores of Phewa Lake. Your hotel here will be The Heritage Hotel Suites and Spa, a lovingly constructed property that highlights the style and culture of Nepal.  This well-appointed property is an oasis of calm yet less than five minutes walk to all of the action of Lakeside. After lunch the rest of the afternoon will be spent in and around Lakeside including a boating trip on the lake. In the late afternoon you will be driven to the Peace Pagoda on the hill above the lake for sunset views of the mountains.

Day 8

Today will start early for the drive up the hill to Sarangkot for sunrise over the Annapurna, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri ranges of the Himalaya. This view is not to be missed. After returning to the hotel and having breakfast,  the rest of the day will be taken up by sightseeing in and around Pokhara or, if you prefer, relaxing by the pool or indulging in a spa treatment at the hotel.

Days 9 and 10

After  breakfast you will transfer to the airport for the short flight to Bharatpur. The airport is the arrival point for visits to the world famous Chitwan National Park home to many endangered species. Your destination here is exquisite, the Taj Meghauli Serai.

This property has everything that you could possibly need, seclusion, stunning scenery, abundant wildlife and all of the facilities that you would expect to find in a five star resort. On arrival you will be given a briefing about the resort and the planned programmes then lunch before embarking on the first of the safari activities. Over the next two days you can expect to take part in such activities as jungle exploration by jeep, on elephant back (optional), on foot or by boat.

There will also be culture programmes as well as meals in the resorts world class restaurant.  You will be entitled to use any of the resort’s amenities including the gym, yoga studio, spa and, of course the pool.

Day 11

After breakfast and the final wildlife activity it will be time to return to the airport for the flight back to Kathmandu. You will, once more, be staying at the Yak & Yeti which is convenient for one of the most important activities – shopping. Close by is Durbar Marg (Kingsway) which has a good selection of quality outlets or if you venture further afield there is the tourist hub of Thamel. Your guide can help with suggestions for any specific  needs.

Day 12

This is your last full day in Nepal. There is time for more shopping or last minute sightseeing in the morning but before lunch it will be time to move to your final destination. This is just across town near to the airport and Pashupatinath.

Dwarikas hotel, the sister property to the one that you stayed at in Dhulikhel, is a fabulous boutique property that is modelled around numerous examples of reclaimed building materials some dating back centuries and irreplaceable items made by the traditional artisans of the Kathmandu Valley. These were saved from destruction by the person after whom the hotel is named. The result is a totally unique property that is perfect for your last night in Nepal. Make the most of your remaining time and explore the sprawling grounds but be sure not to eat too much before dinner as there is a treat in store. Your farewell dinner will be in the traditional Nepali restaurant that is part of the property and you will not be disappointed.

It will be a fitting end to a fabulous two week tour exploring The Best of Nepal

Day 13

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport to join your international onward flight.

Links

Hotel Yak & Yeti                                 www.yakandyeti.com

Hotel Kasai                                          www.lumbinihotelkasai.com

Heritage Hotel Suites and Spa              www.heritagehotelsuites.com

Taj Meghauli Serai                               www.tajhotels.com                 

Dwarikas Kathmandu                          www.dwarikas.com

Dwarikas Resort Dhulikhel                  www.dwarikas.com

Prices from AUD5675 pp twin share