Nepal: Spiritual Rebirth in an Ancient Land

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Day 1
Kathmandu (1,400m)

Arrive at Kathmandu and, if time permits, visit Kathmandu Durbar (“Palace”) Square. The former centre of royal power in Nepal, the sqaure contains a “museum” of historic temples and home to the Kumari Devi, the living goddess of the city who can regularly be seen from the Kumari Ghar next door. Shop for intricate glass beads at the Pote Bazaar in Indrachowk before touring the vibrant bazaars of Ason by rickshaw as you “travel like a local” through the side streets and alleys of Kathmandu.

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Day 2
Kathmandu (1,400m)

Soar to the top of the world on an Everest flight, as you take off from Kathmandu airport for an exhilarating ride through snow-capped peaks and glaciers and an unparalleled view of the world’s highest peak. Back on earth, visit the iconic Boudhanath Stupa – one of the world’s largest – and see local devotees in prayer before lighted butter lamps. Learn more about Buddhist Thangka painting at a Thangka Shop before witnessing the traditional Arati Puja ritual at Pashupatinath – the most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal.

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Day 3
Kathmandu (1,400m) – Patan (2,300m) – Kiritipur (1,524m) – Kathmandu (1,400m)

Meet a heritage expert in Patan, who will show you around the majestic Patan Durbar Square as he briefs you about heritage restoration efforts following the 2015 Nepal Earthquake. Make momos for lunch at a cooking class before meeting the city’s master craftsmen, who draw on millennia-old techniques to make traditional handicrafts. Explore the ancient city of Kiritupur – a vibrant university town and the cradle of Newari culture. Tonight, enjoy a spectacular cultural and traditional show and learn more about the culture of Nepal’s different ethnic groups.

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Day 4
Kathmandu (1,400m) – Pokhara (1,400m)

Fly into bewitching Pokhara and visit the International Mountain Museum, which tells the story of Nepal’s mountains and the mountaineers who have climbed them. Hear Everest summiteers share stories about their harrowing journeys to the summit. After lunch, spend the day at leisure at the banks of the charming Phewa Lake. Transfer to your hotel, where you can visit the property’s very own organic farm and pluck fresh, seasonable fruits and vegetables for your dinner. Retire early in preparation for tomorrow’s hike.

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Day 5
Pokhara (1,400m)

Set off on the scenic Peace Stupa Hike from the dam at the end of Phewa Lake. Climb the forested Raniban Hill and make pilgrimage to the lovely Shanti Stupa (Peace Stupa), where you can enjoy a breath-taking view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. After lunch at a restaurant on the shore of Phewa Lake, sail to the sacred Barahi Temple – a key religious site – where you can watch devotees pray to the goddess Barahi.

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Day 6
Pokhara (1,400m) – Bharatpur (208m) – Chitwan National Park (224m)

Fly to Bharatpur and transfer to your luxury safari resort at Chitwan National Park, a former hunting lodge popular among British and Nepalese aristocrats. Enjoy a guided walk around the lodge followed by an evening slide show and wildlife presentation before dinner.

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Day 7
Chitwan National Park (224m)

Embark on a safari in one of Asia’s finest national parks. Set off on a 4×4 excursion or a safari walk through the jungle or crouch behind machans (blinds) and photograph the park’s rich wildlife unseen by the animals. Experienced naturalists will share more about the park’s biodiversity and help you spot rhinos, monkeys, deer and if you are lucky, tigers and leopards. End your day with a relaxing sundowner as you watch the sun set across the wilderness.

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Day 8
Bharatpur (224m) – Kathmandu (1,400m) – Bhaktapur (1,350m) – Dhulikhel (1,550m)

Fly back to Kathmandu and head back in time to Bhaktapur, a city untouched by modern urban planning with its brick-paved roads and pretty red-brick houses. Admire the grandeur of the Malla dynasty at Bhaktapur Durbar Square and meet a friendly potter eager to share his craft at Bhaktapur Pottery Square. Then visit Dhulikhel, an important trade centre with stunning views of sunrise and sunset over the Himalayas. Walk the narrow, cobbled streets of the beautiful Old Town and appreciate the intricate Newari craftsmanship of the houses and temples before retiring to your local resort.

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Day 9
Dhulikhel (1,550m)

After a breakfast walk around the hotel, reconnect with your inner being as you make use of the hotel’s comprehensive range of wellness treatments. Practice yoga and meditation against the backdrop of rolling green hills and the mighty Himalayas and have a short consultation with your very own Ayurdevic doctor. Engage in artistic therapy as you learn the art of pottery and practice art and painting to guide your soul towards inner peace.

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Day 10
Dhulikhel (1,550m) – Kathmandu (1,400m)

Bid a fond namaste to Nepal as you transfer to Kathmandu International Airport. Time permitting, head into the bazaars to buy some traditional snacks and handicrafts to take home before heading to the airport.