Classic Nepal

Trip Type: Explorer
Nepal | 11 Days | 1 - 12 People
Starts From:

NZD 2,988.00 /Person

* Sale Price Available

Journey into Nepal's heart and experience this enchanting region's colourful sights and culture. Mingle with local villagers and craftspeople, visi...

Classic Nepal

Journey into Nepal's heart and experience this enchanting region's colourful sights and culture. Mingle with local villagers and craftspeople, visit temples and sacred Buddhist sites, travel the cobbled streets of tiny mountain towns and search for unique wildlife. From the whirlwind of Kathmandu to the lush jungle of Chitwan National Park – with plenty of delightful hidden gems in between – you’ll take an unforgettable tour of Nepal, brimming with culture, history and natural beauty.

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Arrive in Kathmandu and take your complimentary airport transfer to the hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. The evening is free to explore the streets of Kathmandu, whose mixture of ancient architecture and modern development, and rich artistic and cultural heritage means it remains the legendary destination it has been for decades. Crowded markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life, and the narrow streets are home to holy men, monks, bicycles, incense, goats, and sacred cows. You may like to join your leader and group for an optional dinner at one of Kathmandu's fine Nepali restaurants.

Weather permitting, you'll have the option to take a Mount Everest scenic flight this morning. This experience will take you over Sagamartha National Park through a crescendo of the highest peaks in the world, getting up close to Mount Everest. After breakfast, you'll explore Kathmandu, visiting Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here you'll see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. You'll also visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the most significant Buddhist shrines in the world, where you can observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. After lunch, it's time to explore Swayambhunath Temple (the Monkey Temple). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one of the city's most famous temples and fascinatingly reflects Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. From here, you'll head to Durbar Square, which sits at the front of the old royal palace. You'll get a chance to admire the beautiful temples and browse the stalls of merchant's wares. The evening is yours to explore the city as you wish.

Today you'll leave your hotel early and hit the road to Pokhara in a private vehicle. Time to relax after you arrive. If you wish, you can stroll around and take in the views of the lake (Phewa Tal), which is the second largest in Nepal. If you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of the spectacular Himalayan Mountain chain to the north. When you arrive, take a scenic boat ride across the lake of Phewa Tal – the second largest lake in Nepal.You can stretch your legs and check out Taal Barahi temple in the middle of the lake or simply admire the views from the boat. Visit the Peace Pagoda for excellent views of the mountains including the Annapurnas, the famous fishtail peak of Machhapuchhare and a glimpse back across to Pokhara. Then, head to the International Mountain Museum, which is full of fascinating tales and exploits from climbing expeditions of the past – some ending in triumph and others in tragedy. Enjoy a free evening, perhaps asking your leader for their favourite lakeside restaurant to visit for dinner.

If you're an early riser, you'll have the option to wake up early and enjoy the sunrise over Sarangkot Hill this morning. Then, after breakfast and some time at leisure,you'll head to a local Tibetan Refugee Camp for lunch. You'll hear stories of their journey from Tibet to Nepal, learn about local life and take part in a traditional cooking demonstration to find out how to make delicious momos (steamed dumplings). Of course, you'll sit down for a group lunch and tuck into the fruits of your labour.

Today you'll travel to Bandipur by private vehicle. This traditional Nepalese town is a natural treasure and one of the country's hidden gems. Bandipur was once an essential stop for traders travelling to Tibet, and the town's single main street is still lined with buildings that once housed a wide variety of merchants. Many of the buildings have been converted now, but their architecture remains. Enjoy a peaceful stay in this charming, rural location.

Enjoy a day of free time to explore Bandipur further. The surrounding hills are ideal for hiking along trails that will take you through tribal villages and hilltop shrines that once doubled as fortresses. Bandipur is saddled on a high ridge above Dumre, making for an exceptional view of the Himalayan panorama. You may prefer to visit the town's temples or relax with a coffee and a spectacular view.

After breakfast, you'll drive to Chitwan National Park. After arriving and settling in, you'll be introduced to the camp staff and resident naturalists, who'll discuss the activities for the upcoming days. In the early evening, the local Tharu dance troupe may perform a cultural program. You'll enjoy dinner as a group and then the evening will be all yours – maybe relax in the bar and discuss the day's animal sightings or listen to the stirrings of the jungle at night.

Embark on an early-morning jeep safari in search of the great Indian rhino, deer and exotic birdlife or joining one of the other activities available to explore the park (the safari will either happen on day 7 or Day 8, depending on the hotel staff's schedule). After breakfast, you’ll leave the lodge and go on a dugout canoe adventure on the Rapti River. This is an exciting trip with chances to catch a glimpse of marsh mugger crocodiles and various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. A program will be organised for the rest of the day and may include further excursions by jeep or a visit to one of the nearby villages.

If you’re an avid wildlife lover, an optional early-morning birdwatching safari is available today – a worthwhile addition to your trip. After breakfast, drive along the Trisuli River to Bhaktapur and enjoy a stop along the riverbank for lunch. Bhaktapur was once the capital of Nepal and the Great Malla Kingdom during the 15th century. Its rich heritage, inspiring temples and artisanal history played a big part in Bhaktapur being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy an evening of exploration on your own, soak up the lovely atmosphere in one of the local cafes, or simply relax in your hotel.

Spend the morning exploring Bhaktapur's famous temples, starting at Durbar Square, which is said to be the most beautiful piece of art in Nepal. Durbar Square is home to the majestic Lion Gate and Golden Gate.  You 'll also visit the Yakcheswor Mahadev Temple- a replica of Pashupatinath Temple in Bhaktapur. In the afternoon, drive to Kathmandu. The evening is yours to spend as you wish – your group may like to head out for an optional final dinner as your Nepal adventure comes to an end.

Your trip officially comes to an end after breakfast today. If you would like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.

Meals
10 Breakfast(s), 3 Lunch(s), 2 Dinner(s)

Transport
Private vehicle

Accommodation
Hotel (5 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights), Lodge (2 nights)

Included Activities
  • Kathmandu - Pashupatinath Temple
  • Kathmandu - Boudhanath Stupa and Monastery visit
  • Kathmandu - Durbar Square
  • Kathmandu - Swayambhunath Temple
  • Pokhara - Phewa Tal Lake boat trip
  • Pokhara - Tibetan community visit with momo lunch
  • Pokhara - Sunrise from Sarangkot Hill
  • Pokhara - International Mountain Museum
  • Bandipur Day Trip
  • Village Tour, Sunset view & Tipical Tharu Stick Dance(Cultural Show Around 30 Minute)
  • Canoe Ride & Jeep Safari at The Chitwan National Park
  • Chitwan NP - Bird watching tour
  • Bhaktapur - Leader-led walking tour
  • Beginning and ending in Kathmandu, there's more than enough time to discover the Nepali capital's staggeringly rich cultural and artistic heritage.
  • Take a jeep safari with a local guide in Chitwan National Park – a beauty brimming with exotic wildlife – and you may be lucky enough to spot rhinos or elusive leopards and tigers.
  • Visit a Tibetan refugee camp and get to know the community before taking on a cooking demonstration to learn how to create traditional momos (steamed dumplings).
  • Discover world-class mountain scenery and explore the hill-perched Buddhist Peace Pagoda of laid-back Pokhara.
  • This is the perfect trip for those who want a cultural insight into Nepal without strenuous trekking, with plenty of inclusions, free time and comfortable accommodation in each destination.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Sagarmatha Next. Donations help them remove waste responsibly and turn rubbish into art in the Everest region.
  • This trip does not go to high altitudes, so if this was keeping you back from visiting Nepal in the past, this trip is for you. While on a map you aren't travelling particularly far, the reality of road travel in Nepal is that things always take longer than you expect. Some roads will be bumpy, dusty or even unexpectedly blocked requiring reroutes and plenty of patience. Hotels in some destinations may vary in standard and facilities, and hot water may occasionally be limited. There will be times when the location of our accommodation will mean it is practical to eat at the hotel restaurant rather than heading out for optional meals. While there will be opportunities to spot many different kinds of wildlife, sightings cannot be guaranteed. You will see tour operators offering elephant riding activities and many tourists taking part in them during your time in Chitwan. Intrepid Travel has a strong elephant welfare policy and as such we discourage travellers from riding elephants in Nepal or anywhere around the world. Please refer to the 'Responsible Travel' section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.

Departing

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Availability

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Price: NZD 3,695.00

Price: NZD 3,560.00

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Price: NZD 3,425.00

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NZD 3,145.00 NZD 2,988.00

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NZD 3,240.00 NZD 3,078.00

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NZD 3,390.00 NZD 3,220.00

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NZD 3,260.00 NZD 3,097.00

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NZD 3,260.00 NZD 3,097.00

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NZD 3,390.00 NZD 3,220.00

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NZD 3,390.00 NZD 3,220.00

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NZD 3,520.00 NZD 3,344.00

Price:
NZD 3,520.00 NZD 3,344.00

Price:
NZD 3,520.00 NZD 3,344.00

Price:
NZD 3,390.00 NZD 3,220.00

Price: NZD 3,260.00

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NZD 3,590.00 NZD 3,410.00

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NZD 3,260.00 NZD 3,097.00

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NZD 3,145.00 NZD 2,988.00

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NZD 3,270.00 NZD 3,106.00

Price: NZD 3,760.00

Price:
NZD 3,520.00 NZD 3,344.00

Price:
NZD 3,390.00 NZD 3,220.00

Price:
NZD 3,520.00 NZD 3,344.00

Price:
NZD 3,425.00 NZD 3,254.00

Price:
NZD 3,520.00 NZD 3,344.00

Price:
NZD 3,390.00 NZD 3,220.00
Provided by
Intrepid Travel
Reference Code:
HNKA
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
Kathmandu, Nepal
Trip Finishes:
Kathmandu, Nepal
Countries Visited:
Nepal
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Destination Details
Nepal | 11 Days | 1 - 12 People

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