Duration(in days): 11
From: Kathmandu
To: Kathmandu
See more ideas for: Nepal
Explore the Himalayan nation of Nepal by trekking through the Kathmandu Valley under the shadow of the famous mountains through the tiny villages dotted along the trail. Visit the bustling cities of Bhaktapur and Kathmandu, before ending your trip with a visit to Chitwan National Park to try and spot tigers and rhinos in the wild.
This fantastic introduction to the country, with a beautiful trek and 2 day visit to a national park is a great way to get under the skin of Nepal.
On arrival you will be met at Kathmandu Airport and transferred to the Hotel Nirvana Garden where you will stay for 2 nights.
The hotel is within walking distance of the Royal Palace and other highlights of Kathmandu but sits in its own tranquil garden where flowers, lush vegetation and a waterfall take you away from the bustle of the city.
Today an English speaking guide will show you around the highlights of Kathmandu, from the cobbled centre of Kathmandu Durbar Square, where the nations Kings were crowned and worshipped to the famous Freak Street, the 60s hippie hang-out where travellers came to meet from all over Asia. The Swayambhunath Stupa, sat upon its conical hill is one of the most revered shrines in the country, where Buddha’s birthday and Tibetan New Year are both celebrated with gusto.
From Kathmandu you’ll be driven to Bhaktapur, the traffic free city with some of the finest architecture in Nepal. In the 15th Century, Bhaktapur was the most powerful of the Kathmandu Valley Kingdoms and has retained its medieval feel with local farmers and craftsmen still coming to sell their produce and goods along the old trade route between Tibet and India.
After breakfast in your hotel you’ll be driven to Sundarijal which will take around 1 hour. From here you will begin your trek to Chisopani, taking along 4 hours along the unpaved trail though the Shivpuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve. Through forests of oaks and rhododendrons you’ll come across the village of Mulkharka before reaching Chisopani where you’ll stay overnight in a basic tea house.
Today you’ll continue your trek, past the northern mountain views to Chauki Bhajang, which will take around 3 hours. From here you’ll carry on for another 3 hours to Nagarkot, which has some of the most impressive views of the Himalayas, stretching from Dhoulagiri in the west all the way past Everest to Kanchanjunga, showing off the majesty and beauty of the mountains. In Nagarkot you’ll spend the night at the Hotel Country Villa.
Climbing to the Nagarkot Tower in the early morning will give you excellent view of Mount Everest and the surrounding Kathmandu Valley, before descending through the mountain villages for around 6 hours towards Dhulikhel. Treading the unexplored trails of the area is an exhilarating experience, especially exploring the temples at Dhulikhel. Tonight you’ll spend the night at the Hotel Himalayan Horizons.
After breakfast you’ll walk to the Namo Buddha, situated on a hill above Panauti, which will take around 5 hours to reach. Here you can enjoy the impressive Buddha, the ancient slabs of stone and a stupa with the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha before trekking downhill for 3 more hours to reach the Panauti Bazaar. Here stands the Indreshwor Mahadev, which authorities believe is an original structure that has stood since 1294, which would make it the oldest temple Nepal. This evening you will stay overnight in your Panauti Homestay.
After lunch in Panauti you’ll be driven to Bhaktapur in around 30 minutes and taken to see the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Enter through the Golden Gate and you’ll find the square is a hive of activity, full of locals and tourists alike. The 55 Window Palace is the focal point of the square and what many people come to admire, as well as numerous other shrines and idols around the area. Spend the night at Bhadgaun Guest House.
Once breakfast is over, drive south to Chitwan National Park, which will take 6-7 hours. The drive through the lush valleys and farmland is pleasant and you’ll arrive at the Maruni Sanctuary Lodge for 2 nights, excited to explore the most famous national park in Nepal.
It’s a busy day in Chitwan today. After breakfast, you’re activities will include:
Try and spot some birds this morning like Black kites or maybe an Indian Hornbill before having lunch and driving back to Kathmandu for another night at the Hotel Nirvana Garden.
You have a free morning in Kathmandu before being transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
The peak time to visit Nepal is March to May, and September to November. Accommodation is likely to fill early during these months so advance booking is necessary - especially during the popular festivals!
Our itineraries are designed to give you an idea of what is possible; all trips can be tailor-made to suit your needs so please speak to your travel consultant for a personal quote.