Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
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.
Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu
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.
Day 3: Drive to Sundarijal & begin trek
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.
Day 4: Trek to Nagarkot
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.
Day 5: Trek to Dhulikhel
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.
Day 6: Trek to Panauti
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.
Day 7: Drive to Bhaktapur
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.
Day 8: Drive to Chitwan National Park
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.
Day 9: Day of activities at Maruni Sanctuary Resort
It’s a busy day in Chitwan today. After breakfast, you’re activities will include:
- Elephant Safari – Elephant is the safest and most convenient way to get round in the jungle and observe the wildlife. You’ll be taken deep into the jungle and grasslands to spot rhinos, gaur and a huge selection of birds.
- Canoeing trip – Float down the river in a dugout canoe to spot crocodiles and gharials along the river bank. You will also spot plenty of wildlife coming to the water’s edge to drink.
- Jungle walk – Walking through the jungle will give you a new perspective of your surroundings and allow you to appreciate the smaller attractions of the forest. You could spot rhinos, deer, wild boar and sloth bears on a jungle walk as they live is less disturbed areas of the park.
- Tharu culture dance – After your day of wildlife encounters enjoy an evening performance of Tharu Folk songs and dances, giving a huge insight into the culture of Chitwan.
Day 10: Birdwatching tour before driving to Kathmandu
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.
Day 11: Afternoon transfer to the airport
You have a free morning in Kathmandu before being transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
