Classic Nepal

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Arrive in Kathmandu, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. The evening is free to explore the streets of Kathmandu, a legendary destination heralded for its mix of ancient architecture and modern development, and rich artistic and cultural heritage. Crowded markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life, and the narrow streets are home to holy men, monks, bicycles, incense, goats and sacred cows. Tonight, you might like to join your leader for an optional dinner at one of Kathmandu's fine Nepali restaurants.

Weather-permitting, you'll have the option to take a Mount Everest scenic flight this morning. Soar over Sagamartha National Park through a crescendo of the highest peaks in the world, getting up close to mighty Mount Everest. After breakfast, you'll explore Kathmandu, visiting Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here you'll see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. Then, move to Bodhnath Stupa, one of the most significant Buddhist shrines in the world, where you can observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. After lunch, you'll head to Durbar Square, which sits at the front of the old royal palace – it's a chance to admire the beautiful temples and browse the stalls of merchant's wares. The evening is yours to explore the city as you wish.

Today, you’ll fly to Pokhara – if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the spectacular Himalayan mountain chain to the north. When you arrive, take a scenic boat ride across the lake of Phewa Tal – the second-largest lake in Nepal. You can stretch your legs and check out the two-tiered, pagoda-style Taal Barahi temple on an island in the middle of the lake, or simply admire the views from the boat. Enjoy a free evening, perhaps asking your leader for their favourite lakeside restaurant to visit for dinner.

If you're an early riser, you might like to wake up early and enjoy the sunrise from Sarangkot Hill. Take in vistas that span the Annapurnas to the famous fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare and back to Pokhara. After sunrise, return to the hotel for breakfast, then set out to the fascinating International Mountain Museum to learn the amazing tales of past climbing expeditions – some ending in triumph, some ending in tragedy. After a morning of exploring, head to a local Tibetan refugee camp for lunch. You'll hear stories of their journey from Tibet to Nepal, learn about local life and watch a traditional cooking demonstration to find out how to make delicious momo (steamed dumplings). Of course, you'll sit down for a group lunch and tuck into the fruits of your labour.

Today you'll travel to Bandipur by private vehicle. This traditional Nepalese town is a natural treasure and one of the country's hidden gems. Bandipur was once an essential stop for traders travelling to Tibet, and the town's single main street is still lined with buildings that housed a wide variety of merchants. Many of the buildings have been converted now, but their historic architecture remains. You might like to stretch your legs after the drive with a wander around town, soaking up the ambiance of this peaceful rural location. Your leader will have some great recommendations for dinner tonight.

Enjoy a day of free time to explore Bandipur further. Maybe you’d like to hike in the surrounding hills through tribal villages and hilltop shrines that once doubled as fortresses. Be sure to bring your camera – Bandipur is saddled on a high ridge above Dumre, making for an exceptional Himalayan panorama. Or, you may prefer to visit the town's temples or relax with a coffee and a spectacular view.

After breakfast this morning, drive to Chitwan National Park. After arriving and settling in, you'll be introduced to the camp staff and resident naturalists, who'll discuss the activities for the upcoming days. In the early evening, the local Tharu dance troupe may perform a cultural program. Later, enjoy dinner as a group and then the evening will be all yours – maybe relax in the bar and discuss the day's animal sightings or listen to the stirrings of the jungle at night.