Sway gently through the jungle on an elephant back safari; seek out prowling leopards in the tall grass and trail grazing bison across the fertile wetlands. Watch rhino bathing and crocodiles basking on the river bank. Gaze in wonder as the sun rises over the majestic snow-capped Himalayas creating a perfect image in a crystal clear lake below. Discover ancient palaces and the golden roofs of time-worn temples. The sublime wildlife and scenic treasures of Nepal will leave you utterly spellbound.

• Travelling - 1 to 2
  

  Fly to Kathmandu, arriving on day 2. Your tour guide and local specialist guide will be on hand throughout the tour. Overnight Kathmandu.

• City Sights and Temples - 3
  

  Kathmandu is the ‘city of temples’. Our included tour reveals a dynamic mix of religion, culture and colourful daily life. The busy streets throng with bicycles and cattle. Traders jostle with pilgrims, and packed buses weave their way through the noisy traffic. Visit the temple of the living goddess and gaze in wonder at the golden gates and palaces that surround the ‘outdoor theatre’ that is Durbar square. With its hypnotic staring eyes Swayambhunath stands high above the city. As you approach the entrance to this Buddhist temple watch tribes of garrulous monkeys. They will entertain you and each other as they slide gracefully down the banisters of the main temple stairway. Set in the verdant green valley of the sacred BagmatI river the magnificent gilded roof of the temple of Pashupatinath can be seen from afar. Stand at the richly carved silver door as your local specialist guide introduces you to the Hindu religion. The brightly coloured orange and red robes of the Buddhist monks stand out against the temple walls of Bodhnath. This is an important centre of Tibetan culture. This evening take the opportunity to sample the local cuisine. Ask your tour guide and local specialist guide for their favourite dishes. Lentil based dhal is served everywhere and normally eaten twice a day. Try momo, a delicious steamed dumpling filled with buffalo, chicken or mutton and served with a ginger, chilli and tomato sauce. There’s even an optional flight to view mount Everest for those who are keen. Overnight Kathmandu.

• Travelling And Local Customs - 4
  

  Journey Along Scenic Local Roads And Through Spectacular Mountain Scenery To Chitwan. En Route Ask Your Local Specialist Guide About Typical Nepali Customs And Learn Some Handy Local Phrases. ‘Namaste’ Is Used To Say Hello And Goodbye Whilst Palms Are Placed Together In A Prayer Like Gesture As A Greeting.

• An Elephant Safari - 4
  

  Situated At The Foot Of The Himalayas And Set In Lush Sub-Tropical Lowlands, Chitwan National Park Is A Treasure Trove Of Wildlife. After Lunch Join Your Guide And Tour Guide For A Short Briefing And An Introduction To The Park. The Daily Programme May Vary And Is Dependent On Local Conditions Such As Weather And Recent Animal Sightings. Remember Khaki Coloured Clothing Is Best For The Safari Trips As Brighter Colours Stand Out, Reducing Your Chances Of Spotting Animals. Time For An Introduction To The Mightiest 4x4, The Elephant. He Or She Will Be Your Companion And Sturdy Transport For A Thrilling Safari Ride. In Your Lofty Seat You Are High Above The Ground And Able To See The Animals Who Take Refuge In The Tall Grass. As You Sway Through The Jungle Terrain Look Out For Grazing Bison, Deer, Monkeys And Wild Boar. You Will Probably Need The Sharp Eyes Of The Local Specialist Guide To Seek Out The Rarer Leopard. If Luck Is On Your Side You May Even Catch A Glimpse Of That Most Elusive Creature, The Royal Bengal Tiger. Overnight Chitwan.

• Jungle Trails, Jeeps and Canoes - 5
  

  An early start today for a morning nature walk. You don’t want to miss the potentially beautiful sunrise over the forest. In the first light of day, the mist rises and Chitwan begins to wake. Before long, you will hear a whole jungle choir of birdlife singing a dawn chorus. Spend time with the highly skilled elephant trainers and learn more about the fascinating animals in their care. Take a crash course and train to be a ‘mahout’; you never know when those skills may come in handy again! This afternoon leave the land for water and board a traditional dugout canoe for a river safari. As you drift along listen to ‘tales of the riverbank’ from your local specialist guide. Look out for Indian otter, grey headed and Himalayas fish eagles and Gharial crocodile. Watch out for rare one-horned rhino, they may be grazing close to the river bank. Jeeps will be waiting to take you on a safari ride back through the park. Keep your camera ready for the big cats and look out for sloth bear, Indian wild dogs, and wild elephants.

• Traditional Dance And Campfire Suppers - 5
  

  This Evening Farmers From The Nearby Villages Will Entertain You With A Display Of Traditional Tharu Stick Dancing; Don’t Hold Back If You Want To Join In. Share Stories Of Wildlife And Adventure With Your Tour Guide And Travelling Companions As You Dine Around The Campfire. Overnight Chitwan.

• Walks And Wildlife - 6
  

  Join An Included Nature Walk And Elephant Safari. As You Follow Tracks And Trails Your Local Specialist Guide Will Point Out Many Species Of Birdlife. Look Out For Giant Hornbill, Osprey, Tit Babbler, River Lapwing And Emerald Dove. You May Prefer To Just Relax In The Surroundings Of Your Resort; Why Not Enjoy The Views From Your Veranda Or Catch 40 Winks In A Shady Hammock. The Choice Is Yours.

• Village Life - 6
  

  Visit A Nearby Village For A Taste Of Country Life, See Typical Thatched Homes And Meet A Family. Sip Hot Chang, A Tea Made From Barley, Practice Your Nepalese And Share Stories Of Home With The Locals. Overnight Chitwan.

• A Journey To The Himalayas - 7
  

  After A Final Nature Walk Or Safari It Is Time To Say A Fond Farewell To The Elephants, Their Trainers And All The Staff Who Have Made Your Stay At Chitwan So Memorable. Travel North West To The Snow-Clad Mountains And Snow-Fed Lakes Of Pokhara. As The City Draws Nearer Look Out For The First Glimpses Of Majestic Soaring Peaks. There Is Probably No Other Place In The World Where The Magnificent Himalayas Can Be Admired From Such A Close Distance. Overnight Pokhara.

• A Day In The Pokhara Valley - 8
  

  Wake Early For What Hopes To Be A Spectacular Sunrise Over The Annapurna Mountain Range. The Early Morning Reflection Of High White Peaks In The Mirror-Like Water Of Lake Phewa Is A Photographers Dream. Take A Relaxing Boat Ride Across The Lake Before Visiting The Old City Of Pokhara. Wander The Streets And Take In The Sights And Sounds as you Browse The Bustling Stalls At The Market. Barter With Local Women For Silver Jewellery And Colourful Handicrafts, All Made In The Villages Close By. Relax With A Chilled Glass Of Lassi, A Refreshing Mix Of Yoghurt And Fruit, And Enjoy The Perfect Scenery And Laid Back Charm Of This Himalayan Gem. Overnight Pokhara.

• Return To The City - 9
  

  Return By Air To Kathmandu. Explore The Narrow Streets And Shade From The Sun Under The Eaves Of Pagodas. Inhale The Smells From Steaming Street Stalls And Shop Till You Drop At Handicraft Stalls Selling Cashmere Shawls, Kaftans And Copper Ware. Ask Your Local Specialist Guide For Directions To Mahaguthi, An Ethical Craft Shop Which Supports Mountain Villages. Join Your Tour Guide And Local Specialist Guide For A Farewell Dinner. Sample Traditional Dishes And Watch Stories Unfold As The Performers Tell Dramatic Tales Of Folklore Through The Language Of Dance. Overnight Kathmandu.

• Travelling - 10
  

  Return To The Uk, Arriving The Same Day.

Accommodation

• Hotel Himalaya, Kathmandu (3.5-Star) - 3 Nights (Days 2, 3, & 9)
• Machan Paradise, Chitwan (3-Star) - 3 Nights
• Pokhara Grande Hotel, Pokhara (3.5-Star) - 2 Nights

• Flights are scheduled services of
• Flights depart at 12:00 am and return at 11:00 am

Includes

Not Included