9 Nights - 10 Days
Kathmandu (3N), Annapurna Region Trek (1N), Pokhara (2N), Chitwan (2N), Dhulikhel (1N)
This tour takes you on a remarkable journey through Nepal's popular destinations. Starting in vibrant Kathmandu, explore ancient temples and bustling markets. Head to picturesque Pokhara region for stunning lakes and mountain views and amazing overnight treks. Visit Chitwan National Park for thrilling jungle safaris, encountering wildlife like tigers and rhinos. Experience Nepal's beauty, culture and wildlife on this unforgettable tour.
Wildlife
Cultural
Trekking
Mountain Retreat
Day 1 ARRIVE KATHMANDU
Day 2 IN KATHMANDU
Day 3 IN KATHMANDU
Day 4 KATHMANDU – POKHARA – OVERNIGHT TREK
Day 5 OVERNIGHT TREK – GHATE KOLA – POKHARA
Day 6 IN POKHARA
Day 7 POKHARA – BHARATPUR – CHITWAN
Day 8 IN CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK
Day 9 CHITWAN – KATHMANDU – DHULIKHEL
Day 10 DHULIKHEL – DEPART KATHMANDU
Meeting and assistance on arrival at Kathmandu International Airport
Platinum guests receive a VIP jet-bridge greeting at Kathmandu International airport. An Airport Representative will meet you at the Aerobridge, and fast track you through immigration and customs. A Platinum by Trans India representative will escort you to the hotel and will arrange for immediate check-in.
Check-in at Dwarika’s Hotel (Junior Suite)
Nestled amid the highest range of mountains in the world, Nepal is a popular travel destination in the Sub continent. Besides the view of the Mt. Everest, the country lures tourists with picturesque views, heritage sites, sacred shrines, trekking and other delights.
Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel (Junior Suite)
Early morning, transfer to Kathmandu Airport to board Everest flight (Window seat is guaranteed)
The Mountain flight gives the best opportunity to get the closest and the best view of Mount Everest (8,850m) and other mountains such as; Shisa Pangma (8,027m), Cho Oyu (8,188m) and Lhotse (8,516m). The flights are operated every morning from Kathmandu airport which fly at an average altitude of 6,500-7,000m. Circling Mount Amadabalm to enter the Khumbu valley, you will be almost five nautical miles from the highest peak in the world - Mt. Everest. This flight usually lasts for about an hour.
Breakfast at hotel
Later proceed for city tour of Kathmandu visiting Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square – The durbar square with its arrays of temples, courtyards, monuments and the ancient palaces of the former Nepali Royals is located in Basantapur in the heart of Kathmandu city, the country’s capital. Chief attractions here include Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace, the magnificent Taleju Temple towering more than 40 meters; Kumari Ghar, the residence of the Living Goddess, Kumari; the temple of Ashok Vinayak dedicated to lord Ganesh (elephant headed deity), and Kal Bhairav, the God of Wrath.
Afternoon excursion to Patan
Patan – this ancient city founded in the 03rd century is typically Nepalese and famous as the city of arts. Visit Durbar Square, Hiranya Varna Mahavira, Krishna Mandir, Min Nath Temple, the Ashoka Stupa and Tibetan Refugee camp where handicrafts are manufactured.
This evening, meeting a renowned Sherpa who has led several expeditions to Mount Everest
"Why did you want to climb Mount Everest?" "Because it's there" - George Mallory The world’s highest mountain has never failed to allure adventurous souls since Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s first successful ascent in 1953. With around 400-600 people making it to the summit of Everest each year, today climbing Mountain Everest is a pinnacle of ones mountaineering career.
Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel (Junior Suite)
Breakfast at hotel
Morning sightseeing tour of Kopan monastery, Boudhnath and Swayambhunath
Kopan – Located on a hilltop, Kopan Monastery was founded by Lama Yeshe, who died in 1984, leading to a search for his reincarnation. The search led to young Spanish boy, Osel Torres who was declared to be the reincarnated lama, these series of events inspired Bernardo Bertolucci to direct popular film – Little Buddha. Visitors are welcome to explore the monastery and every year several people come here to study Buddhist psychology and philosophy.
Boudhnath – This colossal Buddhist Stupa was built by King Mana Deva for his sins and is one of the biggest in the world. Swayambhunath – over 2,000 years old, this is one of the world's oldest Buddhist Chaityas. It is situated 05km west of Kathmandu and is a pilgrimage centre for Buddhists and Hindus alike.
Afternoon join a workshop for Thangka painting with a Buddhist Monk
Thangkas are stunning Buddhist scroll paintings; they are highly colorful, intricately painted, and include borders and curtains of rich hand-dyed silks. These historic and irreplaceable paintings are used as tools of teaching and meditation and are extremely important cultural heritage objects in Buddhism. The master artist will guide you with the basics and will let you create a masterpiece based on your vision. The orientation by master depends on the queries you have; questions are welcome. They will help you to understand the ideas for drawing paintings and will describe the story behind it.
Traditional 16 course Nepalese Dinner at Krishnarpan Restaurant
The Krishnarpan restaurant located at the Dwarikas hotel in Kathmandu, is perhaps the world’s most famous Nepalese cuisine restaurant. Dining here is a culinary journey through the finest of Nepalese flavors, Krishnarpan is a slow dining experience reminiscent of the ritual feasts enjoyed by the Kathmandu Valley's Newari community. Meals range from six to twenty two courses and are prepared using the freshest vegetables from the Dwarika's own farms. The courses are offered on traditional brass and earthenware, and served by hostesses representing Nepal's diverse ethnic communities.
Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel (Junior Suite)
Breakfast at hotel
Morning transfer to Kathmandu Airport to board flight for Pokhara
Platinum guests are booked in Business class on Domestic flights where available. On sectors with Economy class seating only, Platinum guests are booked in front row seats with extra leg room with an enhanced luggage allowance.
Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will be given safety instructions for the trek and then you will proceed by road with guide and porter to Kande, your trek start point.
Trek to Australian Camp at 2100m from where you will have sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range closely (approximately 02 hour walk). Spend some time at the Australian Camp, enjoy the view and later walk for another 01 hour on the ridgeline to arrive at Dhampus Lodge (Standard Room).
From the lodge, there are sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range.
After lunch at the lodge there will be an optional walk through the old village of Dhampus.
The smallest of the mountain lodge, Dhampus boasts panoramic views of the entire Annapurna range. The lodge lacks in scale but it makes up for it’s oversized views. On a clear day, the Phedi and Mardi Valleys are spread out before you, along with Annapurna 1,2,3,4 and South, and the closest and most impressive of the range, Machapuchare —Fishtail Mountain.
Nearby activities include guided nature walks where you’ll discover the flora and fauna of the uplands, from thick bamboo forests to conifer glades and fields of rhododendron; a range of trekking and hiking programs in the nearby valleys; farming demonstrations on tiered hillsides, or a visit to little Dhampus village—famous as a stopover for hikers en route to high altitude climbs.
Overnight at Dhampus Lodge (Standard Room)
Breakfast at lodge
After an early breakfast, depart along the ridge and descend through the wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley floor (approximately 1.5 hour trek)
Later transfer by vehicle to Pokhara (approximately 30 minutes)
Upon arrival at boating point in Khapaudi, transfer by boat to Pavilions Himalayas Lakeview (Royal Lake View Tented Villa) – duration of boat transfer is approximately 45 minutes
Rest of the day at leisure
Overnight at Pavilions Himalayas Lakeview (Royal Lake View Tented Villa)
Start your morning with a yoga class led by expert yoga master
OR
Venture to the organic farm to learn traditional farming practices
Breakfast at hotel
Morning embark on a scenic 20-minute hike through the picturesque paddy fields, crossing the Fusre Khola River. Learn how to build a stone pathway across the river and continue your journey to a local hospitality school At the school, team up with aspiring chefs and participate in a cooking class by preparing a local Nepali lunch. Enjoy this culinary creation in the company of the students. The school is a project of Right4Children managed by GATE College.
After savouring the flavours of your lunch, embark on a 35-minute car ride to Matepani Ghumba, an important religious and cultural heritage site in Pokhara. This splendid Buddhist monastery, situated atop a forested hill, will transport you to a timeless realm. Immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere, surrounded by the chanting of Lamas, colossal guardian images of the Buddha, and intricately carved columns and friezes.
If hunger beckons, take a moment to visit one of the local Tibetan restaurants and treat yourself to the famous Tibetan dumplings.
On your return to the resort; you can indulge in array of facilities; whether it's refreshing dip in the pool, a soothing sauna session, a rejuvenating yoga practice, or a pampering spa treatment.
Overnight at Pavilions Himalayas Lakeview (Royal Lake View Tented Villa)
Breakfast at hotel
Morning transfer by boat to Pokhara (approximately 45 minute boat ride) to board flight for Bharatpur
Platinum guests are booked in Business class on Domestic flights where available. On sectors with Economy class seating only, Platinum guests are booked in front row seats with extra leg room with an enhanced luggage allowance.
On arrival in Bharatpur, transfer by road to Chitwan (approximately 01 hour drive)
Check-in at Taj Meghauli Serai (Meghauli Room National Park View)
The wild, waving elephant grass and towering Sal trees of Chitwan National Park hide a wealth of wildlife in their midst. From the king of the jungle, the Bengal tiger, to the endangered greater one-horned rhino, the clouded leopard and many more, this lush forest is an absolute joy to explore.
In the afternoon, get introduced to the forest by taking walking safari with a naturalist
A walking safari is a wonderful way to get closer with nature. Be it the nature trails offered in the buffer zone of the park or a leisurely nature walk, it is an opportunity to get acquainted with the smaller creatures. Butterflies, dung beetles scurrying about and multitudes of wildflowers are a few of the many delights best discovered on foot. The walking adventure is for everyone and requires average level of fitness and depending on your interest, you may cover a distance of five to ten kilometres. A typical walking safari will be a cross section of dense jungle, grassland and a waterbody. This allows guests an opportunity to see animals and birds from various habitats.
This evening, dine in the main restaurant
OR
Opt for special Riverside Dinner
An elevated deck with a vantage view of the river below and the forest beyond is a most enjoyable alfresco dining spot. Sit down to a traditional ‘Sekuwa’ barbeque dinner on candle lit tables to the gentle lapping sounds of the water. Vegetables fresh from the lodge’s organic kitchen gardens are mildly spiced and grilled. Often on a moonlit night, an odd rhino or a herd of deer can be seen coming down for a drink.
Overnight at Taj Meghauli Serai (Rapti Villa with Rapti River View)
Morning safari at Chitwan starts shortly after sunrise
The dense jungles of Chitwan have large stretches of Sal trees with a closed canopy. A safari drive through these patches, with trees towering above and reams of sunlight breaking through the thick canopy is an enchanting experience. Seated in a specially designed safari vehicle, you will drive around the jungle, accompanied by a trained naturalist and an experienced tracker from the local community. The one horned Rhinoceros is the star of Chitwan and are usually spotted in open woods and grasslands. Along with mammals, the forest has 56 species of reptiles and amphibians, the most commonly spotted ones being the monitor lizards and pythons. The Gharial crocodiles are highly endangered and the park authorities run a breeding centre for these unusual looking creatures that can be visited while out on a safari drive.
Return to your lodge for afternoon of relaxation
This afternoon, take a canoe safari in expert company of your naturalist While safari drives and walking safaris let guests see the larger and smaller animals respectively. A canoe ride is an excellent way to enjoy the unique eco system around the rivers and floodplains. Mugger crocodiles and Gharials basking on banks, storks, ducks, kingfishers along with otters, turtles and if lucky, even a fishing cat, are some of the creatures to watch out for. The comfortable wooden oar boats glide noiselessly, maneuvered by expert oarsmen while naturalist explain the world around the water.
Overnight at Taj Meghauli Serai (Rapti Villa with Rapti River View)
Breakfast at hotel
Morning transfer to Bharatpur Airport (01 hour drive) to board flight for Kathmandu
Platinum guests are booked in Business class on Domestic flights where available. On sectors with Economy class seating only, Platinum guests are booked in front row seats with extra leg room with an enhanced luggage allowance.
On arrival, proceed to visit Bhaktapur Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon), also known as city of devotees.
Bhaktapur is the home of medieval art and architecture. This place was founded in the 09th century and is shaped like a conch shell. The city is at the height of 4,600 ft. above sea level. In Bhadgaon, you will visit the Durbar Square with the Palace of 55 windows built by King Bhupatindra Malla. The famous five-storied Nyatapol temple on the terraces of which stands a pair of figures - two goddesses, two strong men, two elephants, two lions and two griffins is the tallest temple in the valley and was also built by King Bhupatindra Malla. It is one of the best examples of Pagoda styled temples.
Afternoon transfer to your resort in Dhulikhel and check-in at Dwarika’s Dhulikhel (Executive Suite with Attached Terrace)
Overnight at Dwarika’s Dhulikhel Resort (Executive Suite with Attached Terrace)
Breakfast at hotel
Morning at leisure
Afternoon transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for your flight home
Platinum guests receive a VIP departure assistance at Kathmandu International airport with a friendly meet and greet host who provides luggage assistance, expedited security check and immigration.