Highlights:

• Medieval Bhaktapur - renowned for it's old world charm, centuries old, finely crafted temples and squares

• See the historic citadel of Nuwakot - a truly superb fortified town of palaces and temples of historic significance

• You'll love the amazingly serene, hand-picked accommodation on this trip!

• Bandipur: visit the traffic-free bazaar, sip tea, nibble snacks, and soak in the village life

• Stay at the Mountain Lodge, walk to tranquil "Gurung" villages and meet the locals

• Explore Pokhara, nestled in a scenic location, enjoy the ambient cafes, visit the World Peace Pagoda and Gurkha museum

• Visit one of the holiest Hindu temples in the world - Pashupatinath. Learn about the cycle of birth and death and the story behind the Hindu Holy Men and witness one of many cremations along the banks of Bagmati river and on the sanctimonious grounds of the temple.

• Exciting Kathmandu: We take an exciting ride on cycle rickshaws through the eclectic tourist hub, famed for its ancient temples, market squares, Living Goddess and its myths, and the 'Hippie' haven of Freak Street.

 

Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to Bhaktapur

Welcome to Nepal! You will be met at the airport and transported to the hotel.

We make our way through the chaotic, modern Kathmandu to the medieval town of Bhaktapur - the magnificently preserved charming, old Kathmandu - renowned for it's old world charm, centuries old craftsmanship (evident in temples and squares), and it’s people fiercely devoted to the ancestral ways of life and faith. A truly spellbinding transformation on the very first day - welcome to the allures of Nepal! 
Time permitting, we’ll take a guided walk around the town later in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Heritage Hotel / Hotel Bhadgaon

Meals: Welcome dinner (A spread of traditional ‘Newari’ cuisine – of the original ethnic community of Kathmandu valley ‘Newar’ who are known to have the best and the most elaborate of the cuisines in Nepal).

 

Day 2 Bhaktapur to Nuwakot

Today we’ll be visited by an accomplished Yoga ‘Guru’ in our hotel for an energizing and revitalizing session of yoga, meditation and sound healing to get you into the Nepal groove after your long flights. When in Rome…!
Before leaving town today we explore Bhaktapur on a guided walk around the city (if not done in Day 1).

We then head out of the Kathmandu valley, taking a scenic road via Shivapuri National Park, where passing an army check-post at Gurje Bhanjyang… suddenly the views of the Langtang range of the Himalayas open up. The road twists and turns through verdant hills and terraced farmlands, providing for a soothing vista. We reach an expansive valley bed, and eventually emerge on to the main road in the Langtang region and the Tibetan border at Gangate. In Bidur we wind our way uphill to the much-forgotten historic citadel of Nuwakot - a truly superb fortified town of palaces and temples of historic significance. Above Nuwakot, one finds the inspirationally restored The Famous Farm with its wonderful location and river-valley views.

We take an interesting afternoon walking tour of the village.

Accommodation: The Famous Farm, Nuwakot.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

 

Day 3  Nuwakot

After a 'farmhouse breakfast' on the sunny terrace of The Farm, we take a stroll to the Nuwakot Bazaar - a centre-piece of the Nepalese story, embellished by the rich history behind the 18th century fortress and Royal palace; of the shaping of far-flung tribes and of trans-Himalayan races into a unified kingdom. With our cultural and historical awareness heightened, we return to The Famous Farm for lunch.

The remainder of the day can be whiled away with a hike either around the surrounding area, to the viewpoint, to the villages, or by simply lapping up the luxury of rest and relaxation amidst the rural setting and ambience infused with tradition at The Famous Farm.
We will also stop by a local school for hearing and speech impaired students – to play with them, and bring a smile to their faces.

Accommodation: The Famous Farm, Nuwakot.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 4 Nuwakot To Bandipur

We head back down the main road, following the Trisuli river on to the highway link to Kathmandu. Another scenic drive takes us into the village of Bandipur (4 hours approx.) – with its eagle’s nest location, its provincial architecture, it’s interesting walks, and a warm welcome at The Old Inn.
Simply enjoy the laneways and village paths of this enchanting small town. Find a quiet place to sit in the central, traffic-free bazaar, sip tea, nibble snacks, and be a part of village life as children, watched by parents, race each other and play in the village square near sunset. Take an afternoon stroll around the Bandipur environs as the village comes to life and to observe the typical laidback lifestyle of the village.

Accommodation: The Old Inn, Bandipur.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 5 Bandipur To Mountain Lodge

Today we trek for about 3-4 hours through stretches of forest and small settlements to a tranquil village located on top of the hill mirroring the authenticity of a prominent indigenous community of 'Gurung'. We will have an interesting afternoon interacting with the people that live in this region. (This is a medium level hike, taking our time, walking with guides at your own pace). 
You will love tonight’s accommodation. Sitting isolated on a hilltop, with scattered pockets of small settlements, towering Himalayas on the horizon, and a verdant rolling chain of hills ahead, The Mountain Lodge is an ideal setting to detach from the modern world and simply indulge in all things nature.
Accommodation: The Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 6 Mountain Lodge

Today we can be as active or inactive as we like!
This morning you may like to do another hike to explore the surrounding Gurung villages:  We head towards the village of Oakhle, before continuing to Kalleri & Lhaknbari, ending at the village of Kamalbari and then back to our base for lunch. (This is a relatively easy hike). Meandering through these villages, we encounter traditional houses, witness local agrarian life, and experience the warm hospitality of the villagers. If we are lucky we might be invited into their homes for a cup of ‘chiya’ (tea) or a glass of locally brewed ‘raksi’ (millet or rice wine).

Afternoon is free for leisure and most importantly, to soak up those breathtaking views.

Accommodation: The Mountain Lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 7 To Pokhara

A scenic drive takes us to Pokhara (4 hours approx.).
Pokhara is famed for those jaw-dropping, picture-postcard panoramas. The backdrop of stunning Himalayan peaks, the most picturesque of them being Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), and the still waters of Phewa Lake adorn the beauty of this pretty town, also recognized as the adventure hub of Nepal, with the surrounding hills being the breeding grounds of the famed ‘Gurkha’ soldiers.

In Pokhara we visit the impressive International Mountain Museum - one of its kind in the world, established to showcase the records of the successful ascents of 8000m+ peaks, geographic flora and fauna, and human activities in the range.
Next up is the Gurkha Memorial Museum which commemorates the life and times of the bravest and fiercest warriors of the world. Gurkha soldiers first joined the British Army in 1815 and later went into the Indian Army after it’s independence in 1947. The displays include hundreds of photos of the many battles they fought, and information on life as a soldier.
Pokhara's lakeside district offers a nice selection of restaurants with ambience - you'll have time and space tonight to dine wherever you choose.
Accommodation: Fish-tail Lodge 

Meals: Breakfast

 

Day 8 Exploring Pokhara

We start the day with a wonderful boatride on Phewa lake.

We then leave the lake to hike up to the hilltop vantage point of the World Peace Pagoda, reached through lush forest and abundant bird life. Located at an altitude of 1100m, the white pagoda is 115 feet tall and 344 feet in diameter and was built as a symbol of peace by a Japanese Buddhist organization. The area commands a sweeping view of Pokhara valley, the lake and a panoramic view of snowy mountains on a clear day.

A short drive brings us back to Pokhara, stopping on the way at the Tibetan Camp. For those who are not claustrophobic, you can also visit Gupteswor cave just across the road from Devi’s Fall - the much-venerated cave contains a huge stalagmite worshipped as a Shiva lingam. Further reaches of the cave involve clambering through a tunnel behind the shrine, emerging in a damp cavern adjacent to the thundering waters of Devi’s Fall.

The afternoon will be at leisure for self-exploration around the lakeside or just simply rest and relax in the ambient lakeside cafes or indulge in recreation of your choice at the Fish-tail Lodge.

Accommodation: Fish-tail Lodge 

Meals: Breakfast

 

Day 9 Day Fly to Kathmandu then to Pharping

Morning flight back to Kathmandu.

We visit one of the holiest temples for Hindus in the world - Pashupatinath. Our guide will take us on a spiritual journey with an engrossing explanation about the Hindu religion, the cycle of birth and death and the story behind the Sadhus - Hindu Holy Men, who renounce their hedonistic social life to devote their life to Shiva (Hindu God of Destruction) to whom the temple is dedicated. Witness one of many cremations along the banks of Bagmati river and on the sanctimonious grounds of the temple.

A short distance away is the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal - Boudhanath. Follow the pilgrims circumambulating the stupa and spinning the prayer wheels. Offer prayers to Lord Buddha, lighting a traditional butter lamp at the main entry way to the stupa.

After lunch at a rooftop restaurant commanding an enticing view of the stupa, we head to the southwest corner of the Kathmandu Valley close to Pharping. Here there is a Buddhist Monastery Guesthouse in a serene location alongside Neydo Tashi Choeling Monastery which provides a holistic stay amidst the rural setting and insightful spiritual aura of the monastery.
Evenings and mornings are the times for prayers and holy chants at the monastery. We will partake in those sessions with the monks.
We will have an opportunity to partake in a guided meditation with an introduction to Buddhism headed by a residential Monk.

Accommodation: Neydo Monastery.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

 

Day 10 Explore Pharping and Patan

After breakfast we visit the sacred Asura cave. Regarded as the second Buddha, Guru Padmasambhava attained the Mahamudra level of realization through his practice in this cave. For this reason, the ‘Vajrayana’ Buddhism practitioners consider this site as holy as Bodhgaya in Varanasi (India), where Buddha made his first sermon.

Then to Patan - although these days it is part of the sprawl of urban Kathmandu, it has a history of it’s own as the centre of Sanskrit learning, it’s Sanskrit name being Lalitpur (City of Living Arts). Like Bhaktapur, Patan is best explored on foot, though most things are found around the Durbar Square. 

Accommodation: Hotel Shanker or Hotel Manaslu 

Meals: Breakfast

 

Day 11 Kathmandu

Much of the day is at leisure to explore the vibrant local markets.
In the late afternoon/ evening, we embark on an exciting ride to take in the 'real' Kathmandu - Rickshaw Night Explorer (2-3 hours approx)! We start our interesting ride on cycle rickshaw, a.k.a. ‘street helicopters’, through the eclectic tourist hub of Thamel to Kathmandu Durbar Square. This old side of the city is famed for its many ancient temples, market squares, Living Goddess and its myths, legends and stories, including (and not to be forgotten) the 'Hippie' haven of Freak Street.
We then wrap up our day with a walk through the bustling vegetable and spice markets of Asan – the oldest market square of Kathmandu and then head via the backstreets to Thamel where we’ll gather for our end-of-the-trip celebratory dinner.

We meet for celebration dinner. 

Accommodation: Hotel Shanker or Hotel Manaslu 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

 

Day 12 Kathmandu

What an incredible journey it has been on so many levels – unforgettable Himalayan vistas, sweet local people, vibrant markets, a fascinating culture and enough nature to have filled your soul for some time to come. After breakfast the tour is over- get ready to fly home with a bag full of exotic treasures, a head full of wonderful memories and a soul filled with gratitude!

Meals: Breakfast.