Nepal Adventure

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. If you arrive early today, why not explore Kathmandu – an incredible mixture of legend and modern development with a rich artistic and cultural heritage. Narrow lanes lead to small squares and courtyards where ornately carved balconies overlook shrines and temples. Buzzing markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life, where stalls and small hole-in-the-wall shops sell everything from bangles to Buddhas to beetroot. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After, why not get to know your new travel buddies over a plate of momo – Nepal’s answer to dumplings.

This morning, take a walking heritage tour of Kathmandu’s old bazaars – Hanuman Dhoka and Durbar Square. The labyrinth of backstreets and alleys leading from one bazaar, or ‘chowk’, to another is a true highlight of the city. Visit one of the holiest Hindu temples in the world – Pashupatinath – and let your leader bring the fascinating story behind this temple to life. Nearby is the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal. Follow the pilgrims' circle around the stupa, spinning the prayer wheels and if you like, take the opportunity to offer your prayers to Lord Buddha by lighting a traditional butter lamp at the main entryway. There may be the option for lunch at a rooftop restaurant with an enticing view over the stupa, followed by free time this afternoon to continue exploring Kathmandu at your own pace. (B)

Journey further afield from chaotic Kathmandu to the medieval town of Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur preserves the old-world charm of the Kathmandu Valley. Its timeless craftsmanship is evident in its temples and squares, and its people are still fiercely devoted to the ways of life and faith passed on from their ancestors. Enjoy an afternoon walking tour of the town, including the temples of Taumadhi Tole and Durbar Square, then spend the rest of the time exploring on your own. Tonight, you’ll stay in Bhaktapur. (B)

Head to the fringes of the Kathmandu Valley, stopping at the ancient town of Panauti before reaching Khopasi. From here, you can stretch your legs on a 1-hour hike through the thick forest or continue by 4WD to the hill-top village of Balthali. A world away from the ‘Coca-Cola’ hub of Thamel, this peaceful community nestled within a setting of verdant hills and lush rice paddies remains largely undiscovered. Soak up the tranquil ambience as you relax in your accommodation for the night, with its commanding views of villages and farms and the mighty Himalayas rising on the horizon. (B)

Pack a daypack ready for your hike today, while your main luggage is transported to your next destination – Namobuddha. Make your way off-road, cutting through the vast terraced fields, followed by a sharp descent. Continue along the trail bridge, where you’ll meet a steep, uphill winding track through open pastures and onto the dirt track that leads to Panauti. Pass a few villages, briefly entering a dense forest, then prepare to be wowed by the revered Buddhist pilgrimage site of Namobuddha. Visit the stupa and impressive Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery before settling into your accommodation for the night. (B)

After breakfast, leave Namobuddha and follow Kathmandu Road to the Trisuli River – the launching place for your two-day rafting experience. Meet the crew who will run through the safety briefing and prepare you for the adventure. Trisuli River is an ideal introduction for first-time rafters, with reasonably calm waters and only minor rapids – meaning you can relax and really enjoy the ride! Soak up the scenery (and the splashes) as you traverse impressive gorges and beautiful valleys. Depending on the water conditions, you’ll be on the river for approximately 4 hours, with a stop for lunch. Tonight, you’ll stay in a permanent tented camp on the riverside and enjoy a group dinner. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, continue your rafting adventure and drift along clear Himalayan white water, occasionally battling the rapids (and maybe your fellow rafters). Your rafting experience will finish around lunch. Say goodbye to your crew and put on your safari hat as the group drives down to the lowlands and onto Chitwan National Park. UNESCO declared this park a World Heritage site in 1984, and it offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Asia. Look out for rhinos, deer, monkeys, beers and a wide array of birdlife here, including the infamous Nepalese wild chicken. Your accommodation here is a real treat – built in traditional Tharu village style, you’ll be surrounded by nature and the exotic sounds of the jungle. (B/L/D)

Today is all about exploring Chitwan National Park and discovering the wildlife that lies within. After breakfast, hop aboard a jeep and take a 4-hour safari drive through the park – if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of one of the Shere Khan-esque Bengal tigers that call the park home. After your safari, you’ll float down the Rapti River in a dugout canoe, keeping an eye out for the great Indian rhino as well as deer, exotic bird life and the marsh mugger crocodiles that inhabit the riverbanks. A birdwatching walk through the forest and across the grasslands is also a great way to connect to the land. Later, you’ll attend a cultural performance before heading to your jungle resort for dinner. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, this morning is free to explore the jungle or go birdwatching. This afternoon, take a transfer to Kathmandu. When you arrive, you can join a walk through the backstreets and the vibrant local markets of the city to Ashan Bazar and Indra Chowk near Kathmandu Durbar Square. See the old royal palace and numerous beautiful temples nearby, and browse the stalls of merchant's wares. Hunt for the perfect souvenir (Tibetan prayer flags, Thanka paintings, singing bowls and pashmina shawls are popular) and perfect your bargaining skills. Tonight, maybe grab your group for a farewell feast of momo (dumplings) to celebrate an incredible trip. (B)

Your trip ends after breakfast today, and you can leave any time after checkout. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent. (B)