Itinerary for 14D/13N Nepal Discovery Days 1-2 Kathmandu Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. An airport arrival transfer is included. This transfer is only valid if arriving on day 1 or if you have booked pre- trip accommodation through us. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel (note - we may not be able confirm request made within 15 days of travel). Once you have provided your details a transfer representative will be booked to meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where and when this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information. In the early morning – weather permitting we take the Scenic Mt. Everest flight. This amazing experience will take us through the Sagamartha's National Park through a crescendo of the highest peaks in the World, climaxing with Mt. Everest. On our return we explore Kathmandu on an organised sightseeing tour which includes: Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where we observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa; we also visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here we see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. Included Activities Kathmandu - Guided city tour Kathmandu - Durbar Square Kathmandu - Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu - Swayambhunath Temple Kathmandu - Day trip to Bhaktapur Kathmandu - Everest scenic flight Optional Activities Kathmandu - Day trip to Patan - NPR500 Accommodation Shangri La Hotel or similar (2 nts) Days 3-4 Pokhara Nestled in a valley and sitting on a lake so still it reflects the mountains, Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna Ranges and Nepal's second largest city. We have an early departure from the hotel for our flight to Pokhara which usually offers spectacular views of the main Himalayan chain to the north. Take a boat ride across the lake (Phewa Tal), which is the second largest in Nepal. Stop in at the fascinating International Mountain Museum, where we learn of the amazing tales and hear about the exploits of the various climbing expeditions in the past. There is plenty of free time for further exploration in the peaceful surroundings of Pokhara. The lakeside area has good shopping opportunities and internet cafes. Pokhara has an interesting old area as well as an elaborate Hindu temple and a Buddhist monastery. Included Activities Pokhara - Boating on Phewa Lake Pokhara - Peace Pagoda Optional Activities Pokhara - International Mountaineering Museum - NPR500 Accommodation Hotel Tulshi or similar (2 nts) Days 5-6 Bandipur Drive by private vehicle to Bandipur. Winding its way up and down hills, Bandipur's main street is lined with three or four storey brick buildings with carved wooden windows. The small temples in the town add to the atmosphere in what is a traditional Nepali hill village, still relatively untouched by modern tourism; few foreigners find their way up here. Sit and relax, or stretch your legs with a walk through the village and out into the surrounding countryside for superb views up the Marsyangdi River valley, to the Himalaya beyond. Many of the range's giants can be seen - Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and the distant Annapurnas. Included Activities Bandipur - Guided walk Accommodation Local Guesthouse (2 nts) Days 7-8 Chitwan National Park Heading down south to the lowlands, we drive to the Chitwan National Park (approx 5 hrs). Of all the world's remaining jungles, this is one of the most enchanting. In the afternoon take a 'rhino-watch' safari, keeping an eye out for crocodiles, pythons, deer, brilliantly coloured birds and rhinos, even the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger is a possibility with luck on your side. Before dinner enjoy a traditional 'stick dance' performance by the Tharu tribe. In the morning take a canoe ride along the Rapti River on the park's boundary, which shelters a quarter of the world's remaining gharial population. This fish eating crocodile has long been hunted for the supposed aphrodisiac qualities of its snout. Later this morning, we also visit the elephant stable to be briefed on this friendly giant. The next morning we leave the lodge for a trip by dugout canoe on the Rapti River. This is an exciting trip with chances to view marsh mugger crocodiles and various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. There is some flexibility and activities may vary with the time of the year and known wildlife movements and locations. Included Activities Chitwan - Jeep safari Chitwan - Canoe safari, Bird Watching walk or Jeep safari Accommodation Royal Park Hotel or similar (2 nts) Day 9 Bhaktapur Continue on to Bhaktapur which was once the Capital of Nepal and the Great Malla Kingdom during the 15th century. It’s rich heritage, inspiring temples and artisanal history played a big part in Bhaktapur being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Optional Activities Chitwan NP - Bird watching tour - USD30 Accommodation Local Guesthouse (1 nt) Days 10-11 Kathmandu Spend the day exploring Bhaktapur’s famous temples, starting at Durbar Square, the majestic Lion Gate and the Golden Gate, reputed to be the most beautiful piece of art In Nepal. The Pashupati Temple, a replica of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu. An enlightening morning of discovery and enrichment as we truly deep dive into all Bhaktapur has to offer. Take the option of an early morning bird watching safari. In the afternoon of day 10 we drive to Kathmandu. The evening is free to relax and celebrate your journey with an optional final night dinner together at one of Kathmandu's great restaurants. There are no activities planned on the last day and after breakfast you may depart the hotel at any time. Check- out from the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. Accommodation Shangri La Hotel or similar (1 nt) Destination Information : NEPAL We offer relaxed walking in the Annapurna foothills; more challenging trekking trip to the likes of Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes and the Annapurna Circuit; exploratory treks to the lesser visited regions of Nagpa La, Nar, Phu and Rolwaling; and mountaineering expeditions to climb mountains such as Mera Peak, Island Peak and Chulu West. The friendly smiles of the local people, their warm hospitable nature and the sheer scale of the world’s biggest peaks will leave an indelible mark on those who visit. There is also some superb game viewing in Chitwan National Park, and the capital city, Kathmandu is one of our favourites. The Himalayas are addictive, so beware. ANNAPURNA REGION Trekking in the Annapurna region showcases the cultural and physical diversity of this beautiful corner of Nepal. A short flight from Kathmandu takes you to Pokhara, our joining point for treks in the Annapurna region. Located by a lakeside, it is an excellent place for relaxation and exploration. On your trek, be prepared for sweeping views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and the Manaslu Ranges. Wander through remote and quaint villages, trek through superb forests of oak and rhododendron and get off the beaten track. EVEREST REGION Take an exhilarating flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest Region. Trekking in this region includes exploring friendly Sherpa villages, visiting secluded monasteries, seeking out endangered wildlife and gazing in wonder at the dramatic mountain scenery. A visit to the magnificent Thyangboche Monastery surrounded by Buddhist prayer flags in the shadow of the Everest massif is a highlight for everyone. CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK A relaxing wildlife safari in Chitwan National Park is the ideal addition to any trekking adventure. Located in the lowland Terai region of Nepal, Chitwan was the first of Nepal’s national parks. Less than 60 years ago, this area was the scene of huge tiger and rhino shoots by the previously-ruling Rana family and their guests. Their jealous guarding of this prime hunting area however did ensure that the animal population was not completely depleted and it is now one of Asia’s richest wildlife reserves. Staying at Royal Park Wildlife Resort we enjoy the thrill of searching out the various species in the forests, on the river and amongst the tall elephant grass of the southern plains. There are opportunities to go in search of deer, monkeys and birds. We also take canoe trips down the Rapti River to view the fish-eating gharial and flesh-eating marsh mugger crocodile, and ride on elephants in pursuit of the great Indian rhinoceros and the elusive Royal Bengal tiger! THE HIMALAYAS Translated to the ‘abode of snows’, the Himalayas is an unbroken chain of the youngest and highest mountains on earth spanning regions of deep spirituality, tradition and great diversity from Pakistan in the west all the way to Assam in eastern India. Lying mostly above 4500 metres, the aptly named ‘roof of the world’ Tibet houses such treasures as the holy Mt Kailash, throne of Siva to the Hindus and the soul of Tibet. Bhutanese tsechu (festivals) rival those anywhere in the world for pure pageantry and if Nepal had a seaboard it would have it all. The charming Indian hill stations like Darjeeling and Simla evoke the British Raj and Concordia in Pakistan hosts some of the most awesome mountain views on the planet. CLIMATE The Himalaya climate is primarily dependent on two main factors, altitude and time of year.