Magical Nepal

Days 1 to 3. Kathmandu [B (Day 3 only)]

Depart London for Kathmandu. On arrival the next day, you will be met and transferred to the unique Dwarika's Hotel for two nights. Enjoy a half day Kathmandu city tour on Day 3.

Kathmandu is the capital of the Himalayan Mountain Kingdom of Nepal. Although the wildlife enthusiast will usually only stop here en-route to the national parks and rural areas, the Kathmandu valley has some wonderful and unique sights for those visitors with a little more time on their hands. Kathmandu city centre itself is a wonderful complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th Centuries, and it has been protected as a UNESCO World Heritage sight. Just outside the city is the hilltop Buddhist temple complex of Swayambunath, which offers fabulous views of the snow-covered mountains surrounding the city on clear days. Nearby the royal cities of Bhaktapur and Patan also have wonderful historic centres filled with palaces and temples. The forested slopes of Phulchowki also offer some good birdwatching, walking and photographic opportunities of some of Nepal's highest peaks. To do the royal cities of the Kathmandu Valley justice visitors should allow at least a day's sightseeing and for those who like to wander and browse, two days is even better.

Days 4 to 6. Pokhara [B, L, D]

Transfer to the airport for a 30-minute flight to Pokhara, the rural capital of western Nepal. You spend your time here at Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge situated on a hilltop ridge with panoramic views of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail Mountain) and three of the world's 8,000 metre peaks, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu. The lodge has nineteen elegant rooms each arranged around the hilltop in thirteen hand-cut stone bungalows.

If Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal, Pokhara, 200 kilometres to the west, is its centre of nature and adventure activities such as trekking and rafting. Pokhara is an enchanting city of remarkable natural beauty, nestled in a tranquil valley, on the shores of Lake Phewa. Rising behind it are the magnificent Himalayan Peaks, dominated by the fish-tailed summit of Machhapuchhre at 6,977 metres. At an elevation lower than Kathmandu, it has a much more tropical feel, reflected by the lush green forests and beautiful diversity of flowers which prosper here. Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the land of the Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. There are many different treks and walks in the area to suit all abilities.

Days 7 to 9. Chitwan National Park [B, L, D]

Today you take the scenic five hour drive through the foothills of Nepal and the southern terai region to Royal Chitwan National Park.

The lodge is in the heart of Chitwan National Park on the banks of the Rapti River.

Royal Chitwan National Park is located in the lowlands of southern central Nepal on the border with India, 160 kilometres from Kathmandu. The park comprises 976 square kilometres of sal and riverine jungle, a magnificent environment which contains a greater variety of wildlife than any other area of Nepal. Over 480 species of birds have been recorded here, as well as many mammals, reptiles and numerous insects. Mammals include the endangered Indian Rhinoceros, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac, Chital, Rhesus, and Hanuman Monkeys, whilst reptiles include Marsh Mugger, and Gharial Crocodiles. Activities here include wildlife-viewing from Elephant back, jungle walks, birdwatching, game drives and river safaris. Chitwan is roughly five to six hours by road from Kathmandu.

Days 10 & 11. Kathmandu [B, L, D]

After early morning wildlife-viewing, fly back to Kathmandu and Dwarika's Hotel for a further two nights. On Day 11 enjoy a leisurely lunch at the exclusive Shivapuri Heights Cottage just north of the city - an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu. Explore Shivapuri Monastery, or walk in the Shivapuri Reserve.

Day 12. Homeward [B]

This morning transfer to Kathmandu airport for your return flight to London, arriving early evening.