Fly direct from London Heathrow to Delhi on an overnight flight.
Connect with an onward flight to Kathmandu, where you’ll be met and transferred to either the Soaltee Crowne Plaza or Yak & Yeti hotel for two nights (there is the option to upgrade to the Deluxe boutique Dwarika's Hotel for a supplement).
Kathmandu is a melting pot of cultures with Hindu influence to the South and Buddhist to the North. Today enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, including the impressive Buddhist Stupa of Swayambhunath and Kathmandu's Durbar Square which incorporates the Kastha Mandap and Kumari Devi temples. Round off the day with an excursion to the ancient and beautifully crafted Newari city of Bhadgaon (also known as Bhaktapur) which is a short drive from Kathmandu city itself.
There is the option of an early morning flight to view the world’s highest mountain peaks, including Mt Everest. We later fly to Bharatpur and transfer to Chitwan National Park. Stay two nights at the Temple Tiger Jungle Lodge. Originally a royal hunting preserve, Chitwan now protects the rare one-horned rhinoceros, the Royal Bengal Tiger and the highly adapted gharial crocodile. There are a number of methods to see the park including nature walks, canoe rides and elephant safaris. Your first venture into the jungle is scheduled this afternoon.
Enjoy a full day of jungle activities.
Drive to the valley of Pokhara, which cradles the tranquil Phewa Lake and is shadowed by the towering Annapurna Range directly to its north; stay at the first class Shangri La Hotel for 2 nights. Pokhara is an ideal place for relaxation and a popular gateway for Nepal's most sought-after treks in the Annapurna region, ranging from day walks to expeditions lasting up to several weeks. (For the adventurous a trek to suit your needs could be incorporated from Pokhara).
The day is spent at leisure. There are several short trekking routes in the area which offer stunning views of the Himalaya.
Fly back to Kathmandu after a relaxed breakfast. Stay at either the Soaltee Crowne Plaza or Yak & Yeti Hotel. Visit the intriguing and atmospheric religious sites of Pashupatinath and Boudhnath. Boudhnath in particular is a lovely place to enjoy a cup of tea at one of the many cafes and watch as monks and nuns file past whispering locally revered mantras.
Fly back to London, with a connection in Delhi.
