Nepal Independent Short Break: Kathmandu Valley & Himalayas

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Your Short Break begins at your hotel at 8:30 am. Drive to the outskirts of Kathmandu to Sundarijal, where you’ll head out for your first hike. Start with a long flight of steps, then follow the water pipeline through subtropical forests, past rivers and waterfalls, to the entrance of Shivapuri National Park. Continue up more stairs to the sprawling Tamang village of Mulkharka, with traditional homes scattered throughout the patchwork of terraced agricultural fields. After a simple lunch at one of the wayside shops, you’ll head into the woods, where the shade will bring some welcome relief. If the weather is on your side, you'll get your first glimpse of the mountains. Eventually emerge out of the woods and make your way to your guesthouse in Chisapani for the night.

It’s a long walking day today through beautiful countryside from Chisapani to Nagarkot along the northern edge of the Kathmandu Valley. You’ll hike through Shivapuri National Park – over 300 species of birds, as well as rarely sighted Himalayan black bears, leopards and several species of deer, live in the pine, oak and rhododendron forests of the park. Follow wooded trails, dirt tracks and paths linking small, rural settlements as youmake your way uphill and downhill to Nagarkot. When you arrive at this hilltop town, enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the Himalayas.

Nagarkot is famous for its Himalayan sunrises, so pop up early and see what the hype is all about. After breakfast, hike downhill to the oldest temple in Nepal – Changu Narayan, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and revered by Nepali Hindus. Legend suggests a temple has been on this spot since AD325. After your visit, continue by public bus along a scenic route through terraced paddy fields, villages and pine forests to Bhaktapur, one of three ancient kingdoms that once divided the Kathmandu Valley. Explore the cobblestone streets of this 'city of devotees' on a leader-led walking tour and maybe try a delicious bowl of homemade yoghurt (a local specialty) before watching the comings and goings in ancient Durbar Square.

You have a free morning to explore Bhaktapur at your own pace before returning to Kathmandu. Maybe head over to see the towering Nyatapola Temple – the tallest pagoda-style temple in Nepal. Or follow the shop-lined alleyways to Potters’ Square – this is where Bhaktapur’s ceramic industry thrives and the square is full of potter’s wheels and clay pots drying in the sun. Your adventure comes to an end in Kathmandu at approximately 1 pm this afternoon. No accommodation is included tonight, but if you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent.