HIMALAYAN ESCAPE

9 DAYS – SCENIC AND CULTURAL NEPAL EXPERIENCED IN COMFORT

OVERVIEW

This itinerary is crafted specifically as a great wintertime visit to Nepal! Full of culture and amazing sights, we’ll stick to the warmer climate zones while still oriented for amazing views of the Himalaya.

Delightful lodging and great food are central to this tour, as are temples, palaces, and culturally rich moments.

Explore market streets and hidden alleys of Kathmandu on personally guided walking tours; sample traditional cuisine; enjoy free time to photograph temple and palaces; search for rhinos and tigers on a jungle safari; climb to Himalayan viewpoints on a day hike; & savor spectacular Himalayan sunsets.

We’ll travel by a combination of domestic flights and private van from Kathmandu to the adventure capital, Pokhara, then down to Chitwan National Park near the India border.

Hand picked lodging ensures sweet dreams each night.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Exploring hidden alleys in Kathmandu
  • Temples and Palaces of ancient Himalayan city-kingdoms
  • Himalayan view day hike
  • Jungle safari in search of rhinos and tigers
  • Culturally rich encounters

HIMALAYAN ESCAPE

9 DAYS – from $2,995 per person


DAY 1  Kathmandu |  Historic Boutique Lodging in Heart of Ancient City

Arrive Kathmandu. Welcome dinner and orientation.


DAY 2   Kathmandu |  Temples and Palaces of Ancient Kathmandu

Walking tour of hidden backstreets and iconic landmarks of Kathmandu. Explore the ancient city-kingdom of Patan and the iconic Swyambunath (Monkey Temple).


DAY 3  Pokhara |  Fly to Pokhara — Boating on Lake — Shopping

We’ll take a mid-day flight to Nepal’s adventure capital, Pokhara. Situated on the beautiful Fewa Lake and tucked up to the base of the Himalaya, Pokhara offers stunning views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare. Afternoon free to go boating on the lake, shopping or just exploring along the popular lakeside. Tranquil lodge in the countryside.


DAY 4  Pokhara |  Mountain-Top Resort with Stunning Himalayan Panorama

Morning optional paragliding or have morning to yourself to wander our country surroundings. In the afternoon we’ll drive to a nearby mountain-top for stunning Himalayan views and tonight’s lodge.


DAY 5  Gorkha |  Village Walk in the Lap of Mt. Manaslu

Start the day with breakfast on the terrace overlooking the Himalaya, followed by a small hike to the nearby local’s Shiva temple. This afternoon we’ll drive to Gorkha District where a quaint hill-top resort awaits us. Allow one of the locally-raised lodge staff to guide you on a stroll through their quiet village.


DAY 6  Chitwan National Park  |  Jungle-side lodge – Dugout Canoe Float

We’ll take a free morning to hike, explore the Gorkha temple and palace, or just soak up views from the patio. Early afternoon we take a couple hour drive along the scenic Trishuli River south towards the India border. Chitwan National Park is home to wildlife rich jungles, including tigers, rhinos, elephants, wild deer, wild boar, and numerous species of birds. Arrive in time for a gentle evening dugout canoe ride in search of crocodiles and birds. Drinks and dinner by the pool or the river. After dinner enjoy a Tharu cultural dance before retiring to your jungle-side cabin.


DAY 7  Chitwan National Park  |  Jungle Safari – Local village walk – At Leisure Time

Early morning you’ll have the opportunity to embark on a birding jungle walk before breakfast. Later in the day depart on a jeep safari in search of the jungle’s numerous mammals and bird species. Also options to ride an ox cart to the local village or take an afternoon at leisure.


DAY 8   Kathmandu |  Largest Stupa in Nepal

Morning flight to Kathmandu. Back in the capitol we’ll stay near the Tibetan refugee center of Bouddha. Rich in Tibetan heritage and vibrant in color and culture, this is home of the largest stupa in Nepal – the Bouddha Stupa. Circumambulate the Bouddha Stupa with locals and pilgrims from all over the world. This iconic symbol of Nepal is a must see and an incredible place to spend an afternoon wandering or shopping.


DAY 9   Departure  |  Ancient City-Kingdom of Bhaktapur

Start the day early with an option morning Mountain Flight along the Himalayan range past Mount Everest (*extra). if you have an afternoon or evening departure flight from Kathmandu, well have time to explore the ancient and beautiful city-kingdom of Bhaktapur. Have your camera ready for amazing palace and temple architecture from the 16th and 17th centuries. Transportation to the airport two hours before your outbound flight.

FROM 


2-3 people  $3,595  per person

4-5 people  $3,195  per person

6+ people  $2,995  per person 

3* boutique lodging. Upgrade to 4-5* lodging from $500 per person

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INCLUDED


  • Airport transfers
  • All in-country transportation
  • 8 nights delightful lodging
  • 3 meals per day
  • Domestic flights: Kathmandu – Pokhara; Chitwan – Kathmandu
  • Entrance fees for all listed sights
  • Personal Trip Leader and Cultural Liaison

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NOT INCLUDED


  • International airfare to / from Nepal
  • Nepal visa fee
  • Any drinks other than complimentary drinks
  • Snacks
  • Personal equipment
  • Trip insurance
  • Emergency evacuation if required
  • Other personal expenses
  • Tips for guides, staff, drivers, etc…

DEPARTURE DATES 2019-2020


Dec 6-14  |  Dec 13-21  | Feb 1-8 | Feb 8-15

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FLEXIBLE DEPARTURE DATES


Don’t see dates that work for you? Contact me to plan dates that fit your schedule.

BOUTIQUE LODGING

Stay & eat at these or similarly beautiful properties on this trip.