Day 1 - Beijing to Kathmandu (B)

Take our included international flights to Nepal

Hotel: Hotel Yak and Yeti

Day 2 - Kathmandu, Swayambhunath, Patan City and Museum (B)

The cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley is illustrated by seven groups of monuments and buildings which display the full range of historic and artistic achievements for which the Kathmandu Valley is world famous. Morning: We start with a guided tour of Kathmandu and continue to the Swayambhunath Stupa, the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible for many miles and from all sides of the valley. Historical records found on a stone inscription give evidence that the stupa was already an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination by the 5th century AD. There are many legends about the site, especially that of a miraculous lotus flower... Swayambhunath's worshippers include Hindus, Vajrayana Buddhists of northern Nepal and Tibet, and the Newari Buddhists of central and southern Nepal. Each morning before dawn, hundreds of pilgrims will ascend the 365 steps that lead up the hill. Afternoon: Patan is best known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly its tradition of arts and crafts, and we visit its Museum.

Hotel: Hotel Yak and Yeti

Day 3 - Bhaktapur City, Pashupatinath Temple and Bodnath Stupa (B)

Morning: Bhaktapur is in many ways the most medieval of the three major cities in the Kathmandu valley. Much of its glorious architecture dates from the end of the 17th century. Afternoon: Pashupatinath is one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations for all Hindus. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the trinity and the guardian deity of Nepal. The temple is one of the biggest temple complexes in Nepal. The houses ringing Bodnath Stupa comprise a huge bahal (average diameter 120 m (394 ft)). The stupa itself is a symbol of enlightenment. Each different shape represents one of the five elements, earth, water, fire, air and sphere, which are also the attributes of the five Buddhas. Brought together in the form of the stupa, their unity reflects in abstract fashion the structure of the universe itself.

Hotel: Hotel Yak and Yeti

Day 4 - Transfer to Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge (B,L,D)

This morning we take the short flight to Meghauly and travel to Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge by boat and landrover (approx 30 mins). On arrival a number of activities are available over the next couple of days, including elephant/landrover/boat safaris, nature walks, slide shows, lectures on elephant behaviour and care and special bird watching excursions.

Hotel: Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge

Day 5 - Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge (B,L,D)

Optional activities as above. Why not try an elephant Safari?

Hotel: Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge

Day 6 - Tiger Tops to Pokhara Lodge (B,L,D)

After breakfast and further activities we return to Meghauly for the 5 hour drive, stopping along the way, to Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge.

Hotel: Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge

Day 7 - Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge (B,L,D)

Here again there are a range of activities such as cultural hikes, bird hikes, scenic hikes, or just relax in the swimming pool.

Hotel: Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge

Day 8 - Return to Kathmandu (B)

We transfer to Pokhara airport for our flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival we are transferred to the hotel. Free time in Kathmandu. You might think to have booked a one hour flight over Mt Everest. These take place early every morning at a cost of approximately 1230RMB.

Hotel: Hotel Yak and Yeti

Day 9 - Included international return flight to Beijing